Tightrope

CHAPTER 5

Tightrope

ㅤ”THE stance that you’re doing isn’t right! I told you to relax your muscles or you might restrain your own movements, Prince Lucas!” the chief knight scolded him, her voice was deep and strict to the point that Lucas can’t help it but to tense and sweat drop, “fix your stance! That’s not how I taught you!”

‘Ah, fuck.’ Who would have thought that today’s training would be hellish? He certainly did not see this coming. The infuriation that seethed through his trainer’s voice as she watched his every moves felt like she’s trying to burn him alive. Not to mention that he’s standing in the middle of the training ground, under the menacing heat wave, feeling his sweat drip down his body, influencing his patience.

Lucas was in the middle of training with the chief knight-slash-his trainer, Reina Lyte – who also happens to be Jonas’ mother and the greatest female knight within Vintress kingdom. Since he was unable to attend his training last week when he decided to meet with Merlin, the chief knight decided to give him some special lesson, which he had been struggling to pass! It just seem like the marchioness had some problem with him skipping training for the sake of resolving an old mystery that Vintress kingdom isn’t even involved with.

Though, Lucas would admit his selfishness for choosing to satiate his personal desire instead of consulting his trainer beforehand. He should have done that. He was just unable to think of that before. Anyway, this is a matter from the past and he’s already here, trying to make amends with the lessons he chose to skip last week.

“Prince Lucas, focus!” the chief knight shouted once again, raising his guards up, alarming him, and bringing him back to reality, “you just skipped training last week yet you already seemed to forget what I taught you.”

“I’m sorry,” was what he muttered.

No, Lucas did not forget. Why would he if out of all subjects he must pass and trainings he must complete, swordsmanship is his favorite? It is just that, the chief knight appears to be extremely dangerous and terrifying today that it applies pressure on him. If her infuriation is not the root cause of this unforeseen disaster, then Lucas would have thought that it was like he was running out of time and he must master swordsmanship as soon as possible.

He took a quick glance over chief knight Lyte and her son, Jonas, who sat beside the chief knight with an unamused and terrified face – presumably because Jonas is sympathizing with him but can’t do a thing since he’s also under his mother’s grasp right now.

It was then when he internally heaved a sigh. Well anyway, there’s no use in complaining. All Lucas could do right now is to complete this training right now, so that he could resign for the rest of the afternoon and study all by himself by the evening so that he could advance through his lessons.

Lucas wiped the dripping sweat from his forehead and his hand made its way to his white training shirt, unbuttoning the first two buttons so that his body could savor some fresh air amidst the fiery heat.

“Do it again!” Chief knight Reina shouted which made him nod slightly and do the stance he was taught last week.

Lucas cleared his throat and replied, “yes!”

Seconds turned into minutes and minutes turned into hours; Lucas training was yet to end because the chief knight wanted him to correct his stance in order to deal with enemies in a more appropriate way, dealing with damage while preserving some of his energy. To be honest, Lucas really feels like he was being prepared for something entirely big and unexpected, but he chose to ignore whatever gut feeling had been bothering him in order to focus on his training.

“Prince Lucas, if you continue dragging your legs, you’d be knocked out by an enemy in no time!” the chief knight added.

This comment made Lucas hiss and he shook his head out of frustration. He doesn’t get the extra challenge. What he knows is that – his previous trainings were never this difficult.

As he fixed his stance and relaxed his muscles, Lucas prepared himself to plunge an attack onto one of the mannequins until a voice stopped him from doing so.

”Prinsipe Lucas, ipinapatawag po kayo ng mahal na hari sa opisina niya,” balita sa kanya ng isa sa mga kasambahay.

Namamanghang pinagmasdan ni Lucas ang kasambahay. Kunot ang noo at bahagyang nakapilig ang ulo dala ng hindi inaasahang balita. Ang nakakatuwa pa, nabitin si Lucas sa pag-atake sa isa sa mga maniking nasa harap niya at para siyang ewan na nakatayo’t nakamasid sa kasambahay. Iyong braso niya, nasa ere at muntik niyang mabitawan ang kahoy na espada na siyang hawak-hawak niya. Ang stance niya, bitin at medyo walang poise dala ng adrenaline rush.

‘Huh? All of a sudden?’ He asked in confusion.

Nang mapagtanto niya kung ano ang posiblent itsura niya ngayon, mabilis pa sa ala singko siyang tumikhim at umayos ng tayo!

“I’m sorry,” was what he initially blurted out before he put his sword down and averted his gaze to the mannequin that he was unable to destroy, “anyway, did my father say why was he calling me in his office?”

“Hindi po. Sinabi niya lang na importante,” sagot nito.

Lucas tilted his head in confusion, his eyebrows knitted, and his forehead creased. Bakit naman kaya siya ipinapatawag ng ama? Mayroon ba itong naengkwentrong isyu na kailangan ang opinyon niya? May pag-uusapan ba silang nakaligtaan niya? To be honest, Lucas was not sure.

Moreover, he took a quick glance over his teacher and man, he was not kidding when he took a few steps back to avert his gaze away from her! She looked scary! The chief knight, Marchioness Lyte made a displeased expression, her eyebrows knitted, her teeth gritted, and Lucas thought he heard her let out a ‘tsk’ sound! With her arms crossed and dignified pose, Lucas felt so small... and he never felt this way before unless he’s facing the chief knight!

Lucas was known for his pride, guts, and courage – but all of these traits would take a one hundred eighty turn whenever he has to face the marchioness.

Though, she’s usually motherly... her temper is out of the ordinary, as well. Even Jonas can attest to that.

“It’s here,” he heard her mutter.

Lucas immediately looked at her from the corner of her eyes, she still kept her agitated expression but not until the chief knight closed her eyes to collect her composure back. Even Jonas, who sat beside his mother, had a surprised and confused look painted on his face. He certainly does not get what happens right now too, was what Lucas thought.

“Prince Lucas,” Marchioness Lyte called him.

Lucas’ body instantly tensed and his grip on his wooden sword tightened. He also gulped before he uttered a response, “yes?”

“Attend to your father but make sure to bear in mind every single thing that you’ve learned from today’s training... especially on the next few days. We’ll continue the lesson next time,” she said.

‘Huh?’ Alright, what was that all about? Lucas did not catch what was happening, instead; he was left dumbfounded as the chief knight began to walk away. Jonas, on the other hand, attempted to follow his mother until the marchioness told him to tend to Lucas as his aid. He... just doesn’t get what’s up.

Unti-unting nilingon ni Lucas ang kasambahay na nakatayo pa rin sa gilid ng training ground, nakayuko’t hinihintay ang sasabihin niya bago siya nagbaba ng tingin sa lupa’t napaisip.

Hindi rin nito alam kung bakit siya ipinapatawag ng ama kaya walang kwenta kung magtatanong ulit siya. Anyway...

“Tell Father that I’ll be there as soon as I’ve prepared,” Lucas soon tells the maid before he heaves a sigh. He face palms until his hand grips on his stray bangs that covered his forehead. Ah, he just can’t stop wondering what could be the reason behind this abrupt meeting.

He can’t remember skipping that old, boring, and unenthusiastic teacher even though he badly wanted to fool around. He didn’t even miss a goddamn class with his etiquette teacher even though the temptation was too strong! Is he about to get reprimanded?

The maid then nods. “Sige po, mahal na prinsipe.”

As soon as the maid left him and Jonas in the training ground, with several knights in training who cleaned the equipment he used during the training, Jonas walked up to him with a quite amusing face. The male looked as dumb and confused as him.

“Prinsipe Lucas, sinabi ba ng kasambahay kung ba’t ka raw ipinapatawag ng mahal na hari?” pag-uusisa nito.

Marahas siyang umiling at ginulo ang sariling buhok. “Hindi. May nagsumbong ba sa ‘kin? Wala pa naman akong ginawang kabulastugan ngayon.”

“No, more like, you don’t really do anything.” Napakamot ng pisngi si Jonas bago ipinilig ang ulo. “Ah. Baka tungkol sa nalalapit na coming-of-age ceremony ng anak ni Duke Heirson kaya ka ipinapatawag.”

“Huh? At ano namang gagawin ko ro’n? Isa pa, sa’n mo ‘yan nalaman? Wala akong natanggap na imbitasyon.”

“Palagay ko e magpapadala pa lamang sila ng imbitasyon sa susunod na linggo. Bali-balita lang talaga ‘tong sinabi ko sa ‘yo, mahal na prinsipe.”

“Huh. Gano’n.” Pag-iisipan niya kung pupunta ba siya. Hm, pero magandang oportunidad din iyon para mapalawig ang impluwensya niya na siyang kailangan niya sa araw na siya na ang maging hari ng kaharian ng Vintress.

Nagkibit balikat si Lucas. “Baka gusto ng mahal na hari na ikaw ang pumunta bilang representative ng royal family?”

He doesn’t have a problem with that. It is just that, Lucas does not think that his father would even bother to call him to his office only to discuss that possible invitation from Duke Heirson. If anything, his father could have waited until dinner to converse with him in regards to the matter and the details, to be honest.

“I doubt. Mamaya ko malalaman kung ba’t ako ipinapatawag. Hm, sabihin mo sa mga kasambahay na maghanda ng pampaligo ko, Jonas. Magpapahinga lang ako,” utos niya rito bago niya ito tinalikuran at bago siya nagtungo sa kwarto para makapagpahinga.

*

AS THE deafening silence engulfed the entirety of his father’s chamber, Lucas stood in front of king Alexander who was, apparently; busy reading documents which tackles the needs of their kingdom. Fortunately, there was no tension wafting on the air but Lucas feels his legs numbing from how long had he been standing on this place while Duke Louwes, who aided his father from his workload, kept on stealing glances over him as if questioning why hadn’t they spoken yet.

In the end, however, Lucas knew that they cannot stay this way and whatever concern his father has, they must dwell on it sooner before it’s too late.

“Your Majesty,” he called his father – apparently, he cannot address his father as ‘dad’ right now since he’s on the go as Vintress kingdom’s king and not the ordinary Alexander Sutcliffe he sees daily.

As soon as King Alexander heard his voice, the king raised his head and was surprised to see him standing. The male blinked before he removed his glasses and passed his remaining paperworks to Duke Louwes in order to get it sorted out.

“Kanina ka pa ba riyan, Lucas?” tanong nito.

Medyo. Kaso hindi niya iyon sasabihin dahil baka mahiya ito bigla sa kanya. Knowing that his father could be somewhat overly dramatic, Lucas chose to keep his mouth shut, instead; shake his head. Pinasadahan niya pa ng tingin si Duke Louwes para hindi ipaalam sa amang kanina pa siya nandito na siyang sinang-ayunan ng isa.

He’s just here to discuss an important matter and his curiosity is about to kill him for that.

Nagbigay galang muna si Lucas sa ama bago nagsalita, “ipinapatawag mo raw po ako.”

“Oh.” It seems like the realization just hit his father as he began to clear his table. “You’re right. Before that, sit right over here.”

Lucas’ gaze followed the seat his father gestured him to sit on. After he bowed his head slightly to express his gratitude, he slowly walked up to one of the seats in front of the king’s table before he settled down. But before he could relax, his father did not bother to beat around the bush and immediately asked him:

“How’s your research on the Izquierdo kingdom’s tragedy going? Have you gotten the answers you’ve been seeking for from Merlin?” King Alexander asked.

Lucas was taken aback by the abrupt question. In fact, his eyes widened slightly and his lips parted, unable to respond right away. Well, can he really be blamed for that when he thought that there was a bigger issue that they are supposed to discuss?

“I’m sorry, King Alexand—” before Lucas could finish his sentence, his father cut him off by raising a hand to stop him and heaved a sigh.

“Call me ‘dad’. The person in front of you isn’t the king, Lucas, rather; your father,” Alexander responded.

Lucas’ eyebrow twitched but he chose not to comment in regards to how he should address his father, instead; he cleared his throat to regain the composure he almost lost.

“Dad,” he trailed off, “I thought we’re supposed to discuss something more... urgent and important? A bigger issue that has to be resolved as soon as possible and you need my advise to test if I’m still fit to be king.”

His father seemed to be amused of his response, as if he was expecting such answer from Lucas, but the confusion remained dancing in his eyes. It can’t be helped. Thinking back, even the chief knight acted roughly at him earlier and this sudden meeting made things worse. Is he missing out? Is there something that he has to know?

“It is an urgent matter, Lucas.” The king let out a chuckle as he rested his back against the back rest of his swivel chair. “What can you say about the lost vampire princess of Izquierdo?”

Huh. Is he seriously just asking him about this? He must be doubtful but he really took a glance over Duke Louwes who only busied himself sorting out his father’s paperworks – from those that have been completed and unfinished, to those that must be sent and passed as soon as possible.

“She’s... okay,” Lucas trailed off in a small voice, “dad, are you serious? Tinawag mo lang ako para pag-usapan ang prinsesa ng Izquierdo?”

“And why not?”

Napapantastikuhan niyang pinagmasdan ang ama ngunit muli lamang itong tumawa. Iwinasiwas din nito ang kamay na tila ba sinasabing huwag bigyang tuon ang mga hindi importanteng bagay at sa halip, mag-focus sa pinag-uusapan nilang mag-ama.

“Iyon lang ba ang masasabi mo tungkol sa prinsesa? ‘Di mo ba siya nakikitang... kainte-interesante?” pag-uusisa pa nito.

Hindi magsisinungaling si Lucas kung hindi niya nakita ang biglaang pagtalim ng mga mata ng ama niya. Base sa iniaakto nito, para bang mayroon itong gustong malaman sa kanya at unti-unti nang bumabagsak ang tensyon sa mga balikat niya.

Kalaunan, napalunok si Lucas. “Pa’no siya magiging kainte-interesante e ‘di ko naman siya kilala?”

“Pero nagbasa ka ng tungkol sa kanya, ‘di ba? Imposibleng ‘di ka maging interesado sa kanya.” His father’s smile did not falter and the amusement kept on waltzing in his eyes. “Ilang buwan din ang ginugol mo para kilalanin si Prinsesa Selene.”

“Dad, misteryoso kasi ang pagkawala niya. Wala akong ibang pakay no’ng magsimula akong mag-research tungkol sa kanya bukod sa malaman kung pa’no siya biglang nawala.”

“Oh. So you don’t plan on using that knowledge to help her?”

“What? Of course not!” That’s a ridiculous idea! Sino ba ang may gustong masangkot sa gulong naiwan ni Prinsesa Selene? Sigurado si Lucas na hindi siya dahil madadamay ang buong kaharian ng Vintress kung sakaling makialam silang mga Sutcliffe sa nanunuot pa ring gusot ng mga Griego! “I’ll only be throwing Vintress kingdom in its doom if I meddle with her unfinished business! Why are you even asking this, Dad?”

Sandaling namutawi ang katahimikan at kinuha rin iyong oportunidad ni Lucas para pagdugtu-dugtungin ang mga puzzle pieces mula sa sinabi ng ama. Sa totoo lang, ayaw niyang isipin na may plano itong hanapin ang nawawalang prinsesa. Wala naman kasing magandang maidudulot iyon lalo na sa kaharian nnila

By the end of the day, it’ll all boil down to the fact that there will be war and their people may suffer great loss just like how faithful followers of Griego family died in the hands of those whom they once trusted. He’s the crowned prince –

“You’re the sole heir of the throne, Lucas. Vintress kingdom’s beloved prince,” his father suddenly spoke which took him aback because he was just thinking about being the crowned prince – only that his thoughts are supposed to end by pondering about his responsibilities as royalty and the future leader of their land.

Lucas cannot help it but to stare intently at his father. “I’m well-aware, Dad. But may I ask why do you sound like you want me to engage in Princess Selene’s business. You’re not thinking about engaging into war, right? We’re not even related to the Griegos!”

“Now, now, calm down, Lucas.” His father heaved a sigh and put rested his cheek against his fingers. “I’m still asking you what can you say about Princess Selene and how far have you studied about the Izquierdo kingdom. Are you even aware of how it’s gradually crumbling into pieces? Soon revealing the true colors of the Demelza family?”

No. He does not want to talk about it. The frown on Lucas’ face was something that even the greatest painter of their kingdom would refuse to paint. He does not like what he is hearing from his father. Knowing what he subtly implies, Lucas lets out a trill before shaking his head.

“Dad, please say that we’re not meddling. Whatever dispute that the Griegos and Demelzas have, we’re never involving ourselves with it. Just think about our people and ponder about the feasible circumstances they may suffer!” he firmly responded.

The tension between them grew and the atmosphere began to feel heavy, even Duke Louwes, who should not even bother to care about the deafening silence walked up to the windows of his father’s office to open it for some fresh air. Nevertheless, Lucas stared at his father – stubborn about what he thinks is right.

“I know that you’re still wary of the Demelza family, Dad. I know that it could be because they killed your friend,” Lucas stated which made King Alexander’s eyebrow twitch. Clearly, the king was not amused of how he brought up an important person’s death, “but I do believe that they are administering the land quite well just by looking at how Izquierdo kingdom remained to flourish after the war.”

A hum escaped King Alexander’s lips and he stared at his son intently. It was as though through his eyes, he could not help it but to ask if he’s learned anything from studying the tragedy of Izquierdo kingdom or better yet – judging his decision by defending the Demelza family.

He knows, okay. Lucas knows that he may be wrong for choosing their side. It is just that, he does not want any complications within their land and he believes that no one can touch Vintress kingdom under his watch.

“But Griego family was slaughtered on that very night even though Izquierdo kingdom was on King Arthur’s watch,” King Alexander soon replied before he finally rested his cheek against his knuckles, “Lucas, what if by choosing their side, you’re already neglecting your people’s lives?”

Lucas’ eyes widened at the response.

However, despite his surprised reaction, his father only smiled. “I know that you’re not oblivious of what’s happening behind the curtains, Lucas. I’m also impressed that you’ve inherited your mother’s cautiousness—but sadly, Vintress kingdom itself isn’t really in a better spot considering that you’re about to marry Princess Luan of the Demelza family.”

“What do you mean?” he asked.

“Lucas, several years from now, you will be tying the knot with Princess Luan... and Vintress kingdom will suffer the same tragedy as soon as you’ve bounded yourself with her.”

Before Lucas could react, Duke Louwes walked beside his father’s chair and stood there before he cleared his throat. Lucas’ attention was snatched by the gesture, but it turns out that he only handed Lucas a folder of... something? Before he could open the folder and see what’s inside, his father chuckled once again.

“The Demelza family is already plotting a way to throw us out, Lucas. We’re already walking on tightrope, Lucas. If we won’t move yet... we’ll suffer the consequences. Our only salvation is Princess Selene.”