Swan of Snowy Trails (Book 2 of Swan Trilogy)

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Downward Spiral

The next day, Tyler called me to his bedroom but I didn't attend his call.

Wala talaga ako sa mood na kausapin siya lalo na't nabaon pa rin sa isipan ko ang pinag-usapan nila at ang oras na paglisan nila na magkahawak-kamay.

I will shove those undesirable thoughts away as best as I could. I just have to keep focusing on my work.

I'm not jealous of Princess Marguerite. Sadyang pinanganak siya na Royal at ako ay lumaki sa ordinaryong pamilya. Wala akong dahilan para pagselosan at mainggit sa iba dahil lang mayroon sila na wala ako.

Sadyang ganyan lang talaga ang buhay, pero hindi ibig sabihin nito'y may pagkukulang na ko dahil magkaiba kaming dalawa. She's not the standard of a woman I want to be, it's the best version of myself I'm striving to achieve.

If I were to choose to have her family instead of mine just to become a princess, pipiliin ko pa rin ang magulang ko. Walang Royalty at yaman na makakapalit sa pagmamahal ko sa aking magulang.

They took care of me, from diapers to school uniforms, from tantrums to rebellious puberty, from struggles in college to my choices in adult life.

My father worked hard in a factory and still tries to cook for my mother and me. Mom doesn't rely on anyone but herself, she works to carry the same burden as Dad does and loves him and me dearly.

Kahit hindi sila royalty, my love for my family is better than a tiara.

Madaling makaakit si Princess Marguerite. Kahit si Zach ay sinubukan landiin siya sa ballroom but she has all of her eyes on Tyler, or to her eyes, it's Prince Tydeus Adler Valdemar Hanselion.

It doesn't mean I'm willing to give up my man to someone else. But if Tyler chooses to be with her, I wouldn't be surprise. Who wouldn't? She's perfect.

Sa gitna ng umagahan nila, ginawa ko lahat ng makakaya ko na iwasan tingnan si Tyler. Katabi niya si Princess Marguerite na nakikipagkwentuhan sa kanya, someone to keep him company.

All I can do is serve their breakfast.

"Maid! Will you pour me a juice?" Utos ni Princess Marguerite sabay inangat ang baso niya.

Nilapitan ko siya atsaka sinalin ang pitchel ng mango juice sa kanyang baso. As I do my duty, hindi ko maiwasan na marinig ang dalawa na nag-uusap.

"I enjoyed our talk last night." Rinig kong bulong ni Princess Marguerite kay Tyler.

"We just talked." I could feel his eyes looking at me.

"Hmm. I like the part where it's more than that."

Nang matapos kong isalin ang juice sa baso niya, tinalikuran ko na sila at bumalik sa pwesto ko.

Tyler is stiff in his seat. His jaw is clenched and he's not looking around at the table like he used to. Nakatingin lang siya sa kinakain niya sa plato.

Ininom ni Princess Marguerite ang juice niya bago siya may binulong sa tainga ni Tyler. He said a few words that I couldn't read as I watch him eat his waffles with strawberry and blueberries, scrambled eggs, bacon, and sausages.

His grey eyes lifts to gaze into mine. Nakatitig lang ako sa kanya nang magtama ang aming mga mata habang nakikipagdaldalan pa rin sa kanya si Princess Marguerite sa tabi niya.

Niyugyog ni Princess Marguerite ang balikat niya habang may binubulong ito sa kanyang tainga pero hindi pa rin natitinag ang kanyang titig sa akin.