Chapter 4

"By the power of the highest empery rank given by the Highness king Arthur of Sicily bestowing upon his son Ezekiel Titus Cuerido and his Wife Princess Equija Ivanovich of Roma the blessing of marriage, legally and faithfully bonded in witness of two family's people and with the royal thrones I now declare you husband and wife. "

I sighed. I can't back down anymore. I can't. I'm already here. My brother's free and probably in the Philippines with mom now, and it's good. I can sacrifice all of them.

Yeah, even my own freedom.

Ezekiel looked at me

He lifted the veil and I continued to examine his face. He looks like a Playboy, a heartthrob in a university campus who can make women cry in a blink. Prince Ezekiel.

I will never forget the first time I saw him at the traditional tournament I joined to free my MOTHER. He's more handsome in person. And he's my ..husband now.

"Equija .." He said staring at me. His silver eyes, a very rare eye color, it looks like it could see through my soul.

"I've waited so long to see you again."

No.

Its impossible.

This man is in love with Equija!

He didn't marry me .. No, he didn't marry my cousin Equija because of a family deal. I can see it to his eyes, there's a deep emotion in there!

This is harder than I thought

He will be hurt by what I will do!

I don't have intention of staying by his side, I just need their family to bond with us. After Maurico receives their family seal as a symbol of partnership till death even if Ezekiel and I separate that's or part of tradition here, that the couple even if not legally bonded, the families will remain connected. And I planned to ruin this marriage to escape here.

But heck! The innocent man who's not aware I'm not Equija is in love with my cousin!

You don't have a choice Thalia!

"You know well why this marriage happened right? Its platonic. Let's get over with."

He was surprised, I saw pain and shock in his eyes, then before he could mutter a word, I kiss him deep in the lips As a seal.

The people cheer, within the ceremony hall and even outside the castle.

Its now legal.

Erine POV

"What the hell Ezekiel Titus, just what the hell!"

I couldn’t help but belittle him. I found him in the armory with someone, they're making out!

"Fuck off slave! I'm pissed! Pack your things and leave!"

Suddenly scared, she ran away , she's pretty and with good body but damn ezekiel for scorching her a maid?!

"What?" He said. He got up from the chair he had been sitting on.

"So this is what I get to see after coming back from the Philippines to see you? Wow. Just wow!"

He smiled nonchalantly.

"How's Baxter?"

He seems to be moving away from the conversation.

"Fine. How's your wife?"

I saw unreadable emotions in his face, before he became serious again

"Probably in the garden. Ask her yourself."

He walked away but I chased him.

"Is it true your marriage failing?"

He just kept walking until he was completely gone.

Its been a year, I thought .. He'll be the happiest man marrying his first love.

I went to see Equija. In the garden

She's planting gold roses in pot, those are genetically modified roses maybe made by my cousin Eros.

"Equija." She turned to look at me.

"Erine! What a surprise! You're back!"

She's genuinely happy to see me. We became close the first months of her stay as Ezekiel's wife.

"kamusta ka na?."

After she hugged me she looked at me in astonishment.

"What? I can't understand you Erine." She laugh.

I forgot that I was in Greece and not in the Philippines.

"Oh I'm sorry, I said I'm happy to see you."

She beamed. "Me too! How's Philippines? Tell me!"

She seems so excited, we went to the bench and sat there, I covered the events of my life since I came home to the Philippines to follow Baxter.

"I'm happy for you and Baxter."

"How about you and my brother?"

He was suddenly stunned.

"You're not in good terms." It was a statement not a question. I clearly saw it with my two eyes.

"Erine I told you, this marriage in the first place is platonic, its a marriage by responsibility not binding enough."

I stared at her.

"MAHAL KA NIYA. MAHAL na MAhaL “

Equija stared at me emotionless as if digesting what I said.

But I know she won't. She can't understand me.

"I'm sorry erine. I didn't get that."

I held her hand

"You don't have to. I wish you and my brother health, and for your marriage to bloom. Like these beautiful flowers full of life Equija."