A Love Buried in Time

PROLOGUE

They say a father's love is endless. It is quiet and steady in ways people rarely notice. I used to wonder if that love was real or just a story told to heal broken hearts.

I watched a father kneel to tie his daughter’s shoelace with gentle hands. Nearby, another laughed as he lifted his child into a cart, looking like he didn't have a single care in the world.

But one moment stayed with me.

A man stood at the counter in worn clothes, looking completely exhausted. He held his very last coin.

He hesitated for a second, staring at the coin as if he couldn't afford to let it go.

Then his daughter asked for bread.

He didn't think twice. He gave the coin without a hint of regret. As he handed her the bread, his tired face softened. In that moment, it seemed like he had given her the entire world, and that was enough for him.

I felt a sharp ache in my chest as I watched them. I never knew what it felt like to be loved like that.

They say a father's love never ends. If that is true, I wonder where mine went.

"Father..." I said when I saw my father walking confidently with his knights.

His presence alone commanded silence, respect and fear. The kind of fear that made people lower their heads, that made servants freeze mid-step.

My hands gently held the sides of my dress as I lowered my head, making sure every movement was graceful, every detail is correct. I made sure there was nothing he could criticize, nothing he could look down on. I always did my best para maging perpektong anak niya.

I greeted him with a smile just like a noble lady should.

I hope that he would turn, even just slightly, enough to acknowledge me. Enough to prove that I still existed in his world.

But he didn't.

Kahit lingon hindi niya ako pinansin, na para bang hangin ang anak niya.

My fingers curled tightly against the fabric of my dress, nails digging into my palms as if the pain could ground me. As if it could stop the quiet breaking inside my chest.

I always longed for my father's love.

Ever since I was born, hindi ko naramdaman ang pagiging ama niya.

I never experienced what it felt like to be held by him, even just for a moment. It was as if, from the very beginning, there was already a distance between us.

I grew up used to his cold stares. He made it clear that he despised me.

Kahit masakit, naiintindihan ko 'yon, because my mother died when she gave birth to me. I heard it all the time from the servants. Their whispers, thinking I wasn't listening.

"Kung hindi lang siya pinanganak, buhay pa sana ang Duchess!"

"Isang sumpa ang batang 'yan!"

"Malas sa pamilya, ang sama pa ng ugali!"

"Sa tuwing nakikita ko siya, naaalala ko kung paano namatay ang Duchess..."

I heard those words over and over again as I grew up, until I slowly started believing them too.

I think that's why father hates me. I'm the reason he lost the person he loved the most.

I heard the servants hold back their laughter. Tumingin ako sa kanila at tinaasan ng kilay. They immediately turned pale as I walked toward them. Napatingin ako sa bucket ng mop na may maduming tubig sa gilid. I didn't hesitate to pick it up at binuhos ko 'yon sa kanila.

Hindi nila ako kinikilala. They only serve me because they have to, not because they want to. I know that. I can feel it in the way they look at me ever since i was a child.

"My lady!" they screamed.

"Is that how servants are taught to behave in my presence?" I looked at them with a cold stare. Ramdam ko ang inis nila sa'kin.

"We're not scared of you just because you're a duke's daughter!" one of the maids said, her voice shaking but loud enough to break the silence.

Dorothy or whoever she was stepped back at me. But it was obvious she was afraid.

The audacity of this maid. She should know her place! She's just a servant, yet she dares raise her voice at me like we stand on equal ground. Ang kapal ng mukha niya! kung umasta, akala mo kung sino. She was nothing more than dirt beneath my nails.

"A servant like you shouldn't even be raising her voice at me. Know your place."

"Tapang-tapangan ka lang. Lagi kang umaasta na parang mas mataas ka sa lahat, na parang kaya mong tapakan ang kahit sino rito!

palibhasa lumaking walang nanay, hindi pa mahal ng ama-!

" I didn't hesitate. I slapped her hard.

The sound echoed through the hallway, and she fell to the ground, stunned.

I could feel my anger boiling, but it still wasn't enough.

"Take her to the punishment chamber." I ordered coldly. The knights immediately stepped forward to drag her away.

"Cut her tongue."

"Wait! My Lady! Maawa ka!" Dorothy screamed, struggling against their grip. Nakita ko ang iba pang mga maids na natulala sa takot. Takot na baka sila ang susunod.

I looked at her softening my expression, as if I was considering mercy. I saw the little hope in her eyes.

Then I smiled softly.

"Oh," Maarte kong sambit. I tilt my head as I casually looked down at my precious nails. "I almost forgot her little minions."

My gaze shifted to the others.

"Take them as well."

I smirked as I watched them get dragged away by the knights. Tama lang 'yan sa kanila, they deserve it. They act like that because the Duke, my father does not acknowledge me, and I guess my actions and behavior from the past only gave them more reason to look down on me.

"My lady, It is time to prepare for the ball," my personal maid said. I had almost forgotten about it, the birthday celebration of Princess Cayena.

"Prepare what I have to wear," I said calmly. "You know what I like, right?"

I didn't look at her, my eyes still fixed on my reflection.

"Yes, my lady." I watched as she left, the room falling into silence.

But suddenly, I heard a voice.

There it was again.

That voice.

"Destroy everything."

"Don't forget... this is your chance."

"She'll be there... shining, adored by everyone."

"And you?"

"Still in her shadow."

I leaned closer to the mirror, meeting my own gaze. A slow smile curved on my lips.

Right. This is where it starts.

I entered the ball wearing a dark red gown with black accents. It was a mermaid-style dress that hugged my figure perfectly, revealing my back as I moved. I looked like the devil herself stepping into the hall.

My makeup was dark as usual.

The moment I stepped in, I could already feel the shift in the atmosphere.

Whispers followed immediately.

"That's the daughter of Duke Cesare, Right?"

"Yeah, the audacity, may mukha pa talaga siyang maihaharap sa lahat ng mga pinaggagawa niya sa prinsesa."

"She indeed looks like the devil herself."

Sanay na ako sa mga ganito. They only whisper when they think I can't hear them. None of them ever have the courage to say it to my face. Walang kwenta naman ang mga pinagsasabi.

I looked around and smiled when I saw him. As usual, he stood out without even trying.

The Captain of the Imperial Knights. The Empire's pride. And a powerful mage as well.

No wonder... kaya ako nahulog sa kanya. Nasa kanya na lahat ng hinahanap ko sa isang lalaki.

He's handsome, loyal, and genuinely kind-hearted. 'Yung tipong hindi mo kailangang magduda sa kanya, kasi alam mong sincere lahat ng ginagawa niya. Mapapangiti ka na lang kapag kasama mo siya, na parang kahit gaano kabigat ang mundo, biglang gumagaan kapag nandiyan siya.

My smile suddenly disappeared the moment I saw Cayena approaching him with a radiant smile on her face.

I saw his face slowly turning red as if he had forgotten how to breathe properly in her presence.

"Your Highness, Princess Cayena, happy birthday," Caspian said respectfully, dahan dahan niyang kinuha ang palad nito at marahang hinalikan.

Cayena let out a soft, pleased laugh, her eyes glimmering with amusement as she withdrew her hand with practiced elegance.

"Thank you, Lord Caspian," she replied warmly, her voice sweet yet effortlessly poised. "I'm honored that you remembered."

"Such a perfect match..."

"They look like they stepped out of a storybook,"

"Bagay na bagay!"

I grit my teeth. I hate this feeling.

Bakit parang sa kanya na lang umiikot ang lahat? The attention, the admiration, even the way the nobles looked at her like she was something divine. Parang kahit anong gawin ko, she always shines brighter without even trying.

Na sa kanya na lahat... bakit pati si Caspian nakuha niya rin?

"Ang sakit, hindi ba?"

I froze.

The voice didn't feel like it came from outside anymore. It was inside me.

"They all look at her... they all choose her. And you just stand there, watching." The evil voice laughed.

I swallowed hard, nagdilim ang paningin ko.

"Hindi ka ba napapagod?" it continued, almost gently. "Why endure it? Why keep pretending?"

My fingers twitched at my side.

Right... my plan.

"That's it... remember."

I walked towards them, holding a glass of wine, with a smile on my face.

"Hey, princess."

I saw Caspian's face look displeased when he saw me. Hinarangan ni Caspian si Cayena para 'di ako makalapit sa kanya. It lowkey hurts me.

"Lady Quentin," Caspian said, halatang naiinis at may pagdududa sa tono niya.

I kept my composure, still smiling, the wine lightly swirling in my hand.

"Don't worry, Caspian. I only wanted to talk to Her Highness alone, if it's okay with you, princess." tiningnan ko si Cayena, waiting for her to agree.

"Of course, Lady Rassia," Cayena said.

She turned slightly to Caspian, her expression still soft but more decisive now.

"Caspian... it's fine," she added quietly.

Caspian didn't move at first. His jaw tightened, eyes still fixed on me like he was trying to read through every intention I had. Para bang ayaw niya akong iwan mag-isa kasama siya.

"Your Highness..." he said, low and controlled, like he was holding something back.

But Cayena only gave him a small, reassuring smile.

"I'll be fine," she said simply.

"Five minutes," he said coldly, his gaze sharp as it lingered on me for a second longer, at iniwan niya na kaming dalawa.

I stayed still for a moment after Caspian left, watching his figure disappear into the distance. Then I turned back to Cayena, holding the glass of wine a little more carefully now.

"Your Highness..." nilapitan ko siya at hinawakan sa kamay.

"I know... it's a little late to say this," I started, my voice gentle, almost cautious. "But I just... I want to apologize."

Cayena looked at me quietly. Kitang kita ko ang pagdududa sa mga mata niya.

"Sa mga nagawa ko... for the things I said, the way I acted," I continued. "I know na hindi ako naging mabait sa iyo. And I'm not here to ask you to simply forget it."

"Ano nanaman ba 'to, Lady Rassia?" She said calmly. I know she's kind but she's not that ignorant.

"Your highness, I sincerely apologized." I start tearing up "I don't want things to be like this anymore."

Cayena studied me for a long moment, as if searching for any trace of dishonesty.

"Lady Rassia," she said slowly, "... you know that isn't easy."

"I know," I answered immediately. "I really do. I'm not asking you to trust me right away. I'm just asking you to consider it... one step at a time."

Silence settled between us.

Then, softer, I added, "Can we... be friends?"

Her eyes widened slightly, caught off guard.

"Friends?" she repeated, almost uncertain.

I gave a small nod, Cayena lowered her gaze for a moment, thinking. When she looked back up, there was something softer in her expression.

"I... don't know," she admitted honestly. "But I'm willing to try. If you truly mean what you're saying."

"I'm truly happy, Princess!"

I gently offered her the glass.

"As a sign of peace..." I said softly, almost like a reassurance, "please, accept this."

Cayena hesitated, but accepted it anyway.

A small, satisfied curve formed on my lips nang nainom na niya ang wine na inalok ko sakanya.

I still don't understand why Caspian would choose someone like her. Ang bilis niyang i-manipula! Don't worry caspian, the moment na mawalan ng hininga ang pinakamamahal mo, ako na ang papalit sa kanya. Sa akin naman ang attention mo!

"The princess has collapsed!" someone screamed.

"Cayena!" Caspian's voice broke through the chaos as he rushed to her, catching her before she could fall completely.

"What did you do?!" he shouted, his eyes snapping toward me, sharp, furious, almost unrecognizable in his rage.

"Call the healers!"

"Stand back!"

"Is she poisoned?!"

"I knew it! May masamang plano ang ingratang 'yan!"

Ramdam ko ang bawat titig sa'kin, na parang babalatan ako ng buhay. I could not help but laugh.

"Take her! arrest her!" Nang marinig ni caspian ang tawa ko, mas naramdaman ko ang galit niya.

The Imperial Knights stepped forward immediately, "Lady Rassia from the House Quentin," one of them said firmly, "you are to come with us."

Caspian didn't even look at me anymore. All his attention was on Cayena, holding her, calling her name, panic breaking through his usual control.

"Cayena...please, love..." he muttered, voice shaking with rage and fear. "Open your eyes!"

"Well done, Rassia." a voice whispered

I slowly smiled, nang makita ko ang balat ni Cayena na unti-unting naging kulay ube. A slow and unsettling curve of my lips that carried something no longer innocent. There was satisfaction in it, as if I was finally watching everything fall exactly into place.

"Your plan finally works," bulong ng maitim na boses sa isip ko, kasabay ng isang malamig na tawa na tila galing sa kung saan.

"They deserve it, Rassia."

"This is what they brought upon themselves."

"You’re just returning what was given to you."

Tama, they deserve it. If this is what it takes to make them feel even a fraction of what I went through… then so be it.

Let the chaos begin.

Nandito ako sa kulungan. Malamig ang selda, at ang mga sugat ko mula sa latigo ay kumikirot, tila ayaw maglaho.

Nanatiling mahinahon ang aking mukha, tila walang nababasag sa loob ko, ngunit tahimik pa ring dumadaloy ang aking mga luha. May parte pa rin sa akin na umaasa na puntahan ako rito ng aking ama, ngunit malabong mangyari iyon.

I heard footsteps echoing down the corridor.

And then I saw him.

The Crown Prince.

Vincenzo.

The man I betrayed.

He stood there in full armor, stained with dried and fresh blood, the metallic scent clinging to him even from where I stood. But I did not move. I did not react. I only looked at him as if he were nothing more than a passing shadow.

"You’re alive," he said at last.

"Was I supposed to be otherwise?" I tilted my head slightly.

His grip tightened on his sword and pointed it on me. "Why did you do it?"

"There is no reason," I said softly. "I just wanted to kill your beloved sister." I continued with a smile on my face. Even if my hands were trembling so badly, hinawakan ko ang espada niya at marahang na tinutok sa leeg ko.

He remained silent.

I stared into his eyes without blinking, unbothered by the weight of the words I had just spoken. Hindi lang galit ang meron sa kanyang mga mata. He was hurt.

The last thing I saw was his dark ruby eyes.

How ironic… that the only comfort I have left is dying by my husband’s hand.

The moment Rassia poisoned the princess, it ultimately triggered a war across the entire Erenhal Sartorias Empire.

That single act became the spark that broke everything loose.

Betrayal spread fast. Noble houses that once stood with the Imperial family and the Vacardi’s turned against them without hesitation.

Rassia had already been making schemes with the houses that wanted to strip the Vacardi’s of the throne. Everything was driven by jealousy, hatred, and a twisted sense of satisfaction that slowly consumed her.

She didn’t become evil in isolation. Rassia changed because of the people around her, the pressure, and the environment that kept pushing her further into darkness.

And in the end, her actions didn’t just ruin one family or one alliance, it caused the entire Sartorias Empire to fall into chaos, where every house eventually betrayed one another and war spread everywhere.

The villainess met a tragic end after being held accountable for all her sins against the kingdom. In the end, it was the Crown Prince himself who delivered her final punishment, ending her life as justice for the crimes she committed.

The wind brushed against my skin as I flipped the last page. Paulit-ulit kong binabasa ang last page na novel na binabasa ko.

"'Yon na 'yon?" I muttered, frowning. "Bitin." habang pinupunasan ang luha ko.

Inaamin ko naiiyak ako sa nangyari kay Cayena at Caspian, hindi nila 'yon deserve. Ramdam ko sa libro ang pagmamahalan nila. Nawala lang lahat 'yon bigla dahil sa baliw na Rassia na 'yon! may sira kasi sa utak! kainis!

"Kung ako 'yon..." I murmured, gripping the book tighter. "I would've done things differently."

Slow clapping echoed behind me.

"Well, well... ang drama naman."

My body stiffened.

Kahit hindi pa ako lumingon I already know who it was. Sa amoy palang ng sigarilyo.

"Mag-isa ka na naman dito?" one of them smirked, arms crossed.

Nagtago na nga ako rito sa rooftop ng school para maiwasan sila, kasi alam kong aabangan nila ako sa gate pero hindi pa rin nila ako tinantanan.

"Akala mo tahimik, higad pala." another one laughed.

I stood up, forcing myself to stay calm. "Anong kailangan n'yo?"

"Relax," one said, stepping closer. "We just wanna talk."

"Si Dewayne pa talaga ang nilalandi mo, huh?"

I knew it, dahil 'to kay dewayne.

"Walang namamagitan samin ni Dewayne."

"Kaya please," my grip on the book tightened. "Ayoko ng gulo."

Nanlaki ang mata ko nang hinablot ng babae yung libro.

"Akin na 'yan!" pilit kong kinukuha yung libro sa kamay ng isang babae pero dinuro ako bigla ni Cami, yung leader leaderan kuno nila.

"Tigilan n'yo-" nanlaki ang mata ko nang biglang hinablot ni Cami yung libro at binato sa rooftop.

Kinuha ko ang buong lakas ko at hindi ko napigilan na sampalin si Cami. Napaupo siya at napahawak sa pisnge niyang namumula.

"Look at you.. begging for his attention, while I don't even have to try."

"How pathetic, bitch" I added.

"Ay tangina! lumalaban ang babae!" dali dali akong hinawakan ng mga bitchesa niyang kasama. Tumayo si Cami na nanlilisik ang mata.

"You really wanna act tough in front of everyone, huh?" bigla siyang tumawa na parang nababaliw. "I'll show you what tough is."

Dinuro ako ulit ni Cami at nagtawanan sila. Tinutulak niya ako hanggang palapit na palit na 'ko sa edge ng rooftop.

Nang na sa edge na 'ko ng rooftop binitawan na nila ako. Hindi ako makaalis kasi pinapaligiran nila ako. Ano bang laban ko sa anim?

"Stop." I said coldly. Napatingin ako sa ibaba, napakataas ng building, for sure hindi ako makakauwing buhay pag nahulog ako.

"Akala mo kung sino ka," one sneered. "Akala mo kung sinong matalino, pa main character pa." dinuro ako ulit ni cami na may pang aasar sa mukha, amoy na amoy ko pa yung pinaghalong sigarilyo at bubblegum sa bunganga niya.

"I said stop-!"

Kasabay ng paglaki ng mata nila ang pag hulog ko. Everything slowed down.

I was falling.

Weird.

In a situation like this, I should be scared. I should be screaming, panicking, begging for it to stop. But instead, there was this strange silence inside me.

Finally.

Hanggang sa naramdaman ko na ang pagbagsak ko. At unti unti na ring dumilim ang lahat.

"...Rassia."

"...My lady?"

"...Lady Rassia, please wake up..."

My lady...