✓ | REBIRTH OF THE REBEL [Book Two]

CHAPTER 29

[ C H A P T E R 29 ]

LATISHA VALENTINE

Everyone has been busy since the winter ended. Sa dami ng nangyari, hindi ko na mabilang kung ilang beses nagpapahinga ang mga tao sa mansion simula nang makauwi kami. Series of conflicts has been brewing, not just internally but also the state of Edinburgh. Halos buong taglamig marami ang nasawi at nawalan.

At pinakamatindi ay hindi pa ito tapos. It is the beginning of something a lot of people have been preparing, but not entirely all are prepared. Wala naman talagang makakapaghanda sa mga mangyayari, maliban na lang kung nasaksihan na nila ito.

It may be an advantage for me since I know what would happen once Lamperouge lost the election and whoever will replace his leadership is the first step to an Imperial War, but I can't help feeling anxious.

The future is laiden, an inevitable course that propels our lives into a series of obstacles and survival. Kahit anong paghahanda ko, alam kong may posibilidad na may mangyayaring hindi kasama sa plano. I already ran through the entire possibilities of what could happen, who are involved, and the deployment of troops.

I know everything, but I am never at ease, because I know, even if I do my best to limit the casualties, this preordained future will still ruin us.

Iniisip ko na lamang na kailangan itong mangyari, sa umpisa pa lang, alam na ng lahat kung sino ang kalaban. It was the rebel who's name is the black cat. It was me, and this time, it is still me.

"Mommy?"

Binababa ko ang hawak na tsaa nang marinig namin ang maliit na boses ni Annika. Dahan-dahan at mukhang nahihiya siyang lumabas sa closet area. She was playing with the lining of her dress as she slyly looked at us.

"She's embarrassed," Nethys interrupted a moment of silence that took the scene the moment Annika Marbella Reidensteigh went out wearing her birthday gown.

"Bakit kasi ganyan ka makatingin," saad ni Erwan sa katabi sabay siko kay Nethys ng mahina. "Malamang nahihiya 'yan sa titig mong mukha mo siyang pi-pritohin sa kalan na may mainit na tubig."

Nethys only groaned his response.

I couldn't help but smile as Annika's gaze met mine. She dazzled in a sky blue gown, intricately embroidered with delicate butterflies. Azure wings adorned the back, accompanied by a small tiara. Her hair, elegantly styled in a bun, held together with clips and ribbons.

I extended my arms eagerly, an inviting gesture for her to approach. With unwavering confidence, she traversed the space, and in an instant, I enveloped her petite frame.

"You're absolutely stunning, my love," I murmured tenderly into her ear. The warmth of our embrace lingered, and as it dissipated, my fingers delicately rearranged the stray strands of her hair, revealing a beaming smile.

"Happy birthday, Annika Marbella," I continued, the words resonating with a blend of pride and affection. "I hope you enjoy your day, darling."

"Seeing you happy already completes my day, Mommy," she said in her little, cute voice. At five, her fluency has remarkably improved, a testament to her diligent lessons.

"Happy Birthday to the current youngest lady of Reidensteigh, Annika. Ito na ang huling beses mong nag-ce-celebrate ng birthday na ikaw pa mag-isa, next year may mga iyak na ng mga kapatid mo," Erwan cheerfully remarked as he approached the child.

My heart suddenly felt a sting with what Erwan said. The realization that next year's celebration would be shared with siblings brought a poignant twinge, a subtle shift in the dynamics of her birthdays. It might bring joy for the Duchy to have tons of Reidensteigh running in the corridors, it aches my heart to think that might not happen in the near future.