The Rajah entered through the entrance door, he saw Tala mumbling to herself and smiled. "What's wrong?" Rajah Basi asked when he saw her with a distorted expression.
"Datu Achis back out, I need to revise my plans." She said, frowning her lips, thinking of the setback of this. They were supposed to get deployed two days from today yet...
"Is that so? Why do you need him anyway? You can just tell me what you want." He moves to her side and smiles at her as he caresses her face.
"You can't," Tala brushes off his hand and drifts her attention somewhere else.
"Why?"
"Can you kill my father? You can't, right?" Rajah Basi had shut his mouth before smiling again at her.
"For you, I can do anything." That's right, he can do anything for her as she was willing to accept him. Not like Pita, with who he can't be together. Tala can give him what he needs and what he wants.
Tala redirected back her gaze on him, she had decided to be with the Rajah because Lapil became too aloof, and strange, distanced, and unpredictable. Also, right at this period, she had to be victorious in everything, a mistake couldn't be assessed. And the person who can give her sure triumph was the man in front of her.
It's not like she loves the Rajah, she just needs him. And she knew the truth, it's not like the Rajah loves her too, she's just his substitute. She's not stupid not to know about the real identity of Rajah Basi, she wasn't disgusted upon knowing he was a broken sleeve, she had fun becoming his substitute.
Her mother was an ambitious woman, she was not treated as a daughter but as a tool for her success. However, before her mother could rise from her status, she was killed. Although Maki had cared for her, she could feel the wall he built up between them. Especially the day when umbo was found dead. Her father… Does she have to mention Datu Pita?
In this time and world, none have shown her warmth or love, or just being nice to her. That's why she never thought that being loved was a delightful sentiment. As Rajah Basi pampered her like no one ever did, when he held her tenderly, whispering his words of love even though they are fake, the lie that they are playing was not that… bad. It's temporary but something has filled the gap in her heart.
"I know you can't..." She whispered in her breath and the Rajah just kissed her lips as a response.
"I will for your love… I will… " He said to her lovingly, they locked each other's eyes and before they knew it, they got into the fire.
Achis was at the tavern where Yanarym had always stayed. Laying on the bed where they always sleep together, he started reminiscing. Everything was nice, in the morning, she would wake up in his arms. In the noon, he would haunt for lunch in regards to what she was craving for. In the afternoon, he would watch and teach her swords. At night, if she was in the mood, they would make love, if not, they would just talk about anything until she fell asleep. Then, just like what he did when he wakes up every morning, he would stare at her slumbering face until he was drawn to sleep.
Those times, he was content with things about them but sometimes, he yearned for more. And now, she left him completely with nothing. He doesn't know where to look for her. He's currently a man without life, he can't even eat or do things like he usually does.
He thinks that he somehow understands why Datu Pita had grieved so much upon losing both his daughter and wife because he was undergoing the same torment. Or maybe Datu Pita might have felt much worse.
That was one of the reasons why he couldn't continue killing him. After all, Datu Pita is still the father of the woman he loves. Also, there's no point in proceeding to it since the person of his reason for assassinating Datu had run away on her own.
"Yanar..." He closed his eyes as he whispered the name he always wanted to call. "I'll be good to you, please come back..." He gasped for air as he felt the breezy wind touch his skin. No warm-delicate body to transfer the heat onto him.
He was used to this before, being alone. When did everything become so lonely and cold?
Tears escaped from his eyes as he smiled remembering her smiles at him. "I will be good, I promise… Yanar. This slave will be obedient from now on." He held the pillows where she lay and smelled the scent that she left, wishing for the warmth of her body to envelop his skin once more...
Family having a normal dinner together at one table. Maki was together with them but he felt left out. Datu Pita was re-telling stories back when Yanarym was just a baby, Hara Kaliya joins in too while flexing her son to the Bai.
Of course, the young ones couldn't interrupt the adults who were talking. Yanarym doesn't care, as usual, she was busy chewing the feast that was set on the table without a care in the world. Lapil was backing up his mother pleasantly and pleasing Datu upon the discussion.
Then, Hara paused for a moment she smiled at Yanarym, "Yanar, remember we talked about postponing your marriage with Lapil right?" Everyone halted their movement with this sudden statement.
Yanarym had a hard time swallowing the food in her mouth and looked at Hara. Why is she mentioning this now?
"Y-yes Dada, why?" Yanarym asked.
"I was thinking that it would be nice to become family with you and your Baba.. Datu Pita is growing old, you need to start your own family while you are young."