Nightfall to Daybreak

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

The palace was packed with people—there were many handmaidens who were busy putting decorations across the throne room and there were men who carried chairs that were lined up. Yumuko ang lahat nang makita nila ang aking pagdating, I waved my hand in dismissal and they continued to work.

Tonight will be the grand coronation.

I looked at Vandersnatch who was busy talking to some of the men around. After he told me the truth that he was Enzo, I already gathered my Night Court members for a brief meeting to tell them of that truth. Of course, they were also surprised to find out that all this time, Enzo was Vandersnatch and Vandersnatch was Enzo. It was hard to believe, but it was the truth. I did not lose the man I love. He is alive and with me.

A portal appeared out of nowhere and from it, Margaux walked out. The portal closed and she smiled at me upon seeing me. The glow of her cryptic tattoo started to disappear as well, a sign that she is no longer using her magic. She is still wearing a hoodie robe that covered her pointed ears, as tonight will be the official announcement that magical creatures will be treated equally with fellow human beings. Discrimination against other races will not be tolerated.

"Where have you been?" Tanong ko sa kaniya.

"Oh, I decided to just take a stroll somewhere. Have a breath of fresh air." She smiled. "Aren't you supposed to be preparing already for tonight?"

"I just took a quick visit to see how everything is going." Sagot ko naman. Mula sa malayo ay nakita ko si Marshall na abala sa pag-utos sa mga tao. Ginamit din niya ang kaniyang mahika upang kontrolin ang hangin upang lumipad ang mga telang dekorasyon na pumalibot sa mga haligi ng silid na tila mga ahas. Lilith, who stayed hidden in Wendy's dress, also used her magic to create flowers across the room. Bigla kong naalala si Shinigami at nalungkot. We had his body preserved with Wynonah's magic and he is buried at the Nightingale Island.

Matapog ang ilang sandali ay nakita ko ang paglakad nina Arifureta na nakasuot din ng balabal na nagtatakip sa kaniyang matulis na tenga at Gideon palapit sa akin. Arifureta curtsied and Gideon bowed, "Empress Zendaya," panimula ni Gideon, "I've already secured the palace with my men." He reported.

"Good job, Gideon."

Though he remained expressionless, I sensed pride and joy that was emitted from his eyes because of my simple praise.

"I've also had my night creatures to stay hidden at the shadows, in case that something unexpected also happens, Empress Zendaya." She announced.

"Good job too, Arifureta. You both are very vital for the security of the palace."

Tumango silang dalawa. I dismissed them after and walked around again where I saw Genesis and Marayuka who seemed to be testing the foods that will be served tonight. "I prefer the chocolates."

"No, milk." Pagsuway naman ni Marayuka kay Genesis.

"Chocolates!" Lumabi pa si Genesis at saka siya tumingin sa akin, "what do you prefer, Zendaya?" Tinuro niya ang puti at ang kayumanggi na mga likido. "It's for our beverages."

"Let's just have both. What do you think, Van?"

Ngumiti si Vandersnatch at tumango.

"Both, it is."

Tumango naman sina Marayuka at Genesis. Iisipin talaga lahat ng mga tao sa paligid na bata talaga si Genesis dahil sa kaniyang pag-akto kanina. Nevertheless, she was cute.

A few minutes later, Marshall approached me. Mukhang tapos na siya sa pag-uutos sa mga tauhan sa paligid. "What is it?" I asked.

"General Marcos Maurellio and Raven Belmonto suddenly disappeared from their cells. It seems like somebody has helped them escape. I've already sent some men to pursue and search them around the kingdom." Aniya. Kumunot naman ang aking noo. Paano makakatakas ang dalawa sa kanilang kulungan? Bantay-sarado at mahigpit ang seguridad nila.

"Alright. I wonder where these two have gone. It's not like they can do anything, though. As the Royal Knights that used to be under General Marcos' command is already added to my force too, and the Church is already in shambles and chaos because of Pope Mateo's loss."

"I have my suspicions, though." Saad ni Marshall matapos ang ilang sandali. Lumapit siya sa akin at bumulong, "there is a traitor within. But don't let this bother you, I'll investigate this matter."

"Please do so." I smiled. Ramdam ko ang biglang pagbilis ng pintig ng aking puso dahil sa sinabi ni Marshall.

"Empress Zendaya, dumating na ang pinatahi mong kasuotan mo mamayang gabi." Sabi ng isang kasambahay sa akin. I nodded and left everyone in the room who were busy with their own business. Mula sa pintuan ay nakita ko si Diana, she smiled at me. I also thought that she betrayed me, but she only had to do what she had to do to survive. She also helped Scholar Jung and Doctor Helen in secretly supporting me by providing nightingale pins around the cities for people who supported my cause. Though it endangered her life, she told me that I was worth risking.

"Hello, Diana." I smiled.

"The dress is ready, Empress Zendaya." Masayang bungad nito sa akin. Tinuro niya ang kaniyang mga tauhan sa likod na may buhat na kasuotan.

"Thank you, Diana. Do you mind helping me prepare?"

"It'd be a great pleasure." She smiled.

Tumungo na kami sa aking kuwarto pagkatapos ang ilang sandali kung saan agad akong inayusan nina Diana at ng kaniyang mga tauhan. They curled my platinum-blonde hair and highlighted the features of my face with cosmetics. Pagkatapos ay tinulungan nila akong suotin ang bestidang ginawa ni Diana.

It was a black gown that sparked with golden sequins and glitters that formed the nightingale insignia. Its sleeves were long and transparent, with embroideries of flowers and cryptic symbols. It contrasted my fair skin and my white hair, and it also highlighted my slender body.

"This is beautiful." I smiled as I looked at my reflection at the vanity mirror. "You outdid yourself again, Diana."

"Well, this night will be a very historical moment for the kingdom, Empress Zendaya. I had to use all my resources to pull this off. I want you to be the best dressed empress of all time."

"And certainly, I look like it." I smiled. "I wonder what would be the look on Papa's face and Scholar Jung as well if they see me today."

"They certainly will look proud, Empress Zendaya." Diana replied, tumango naman ang kaniyang mga kasamahan. "I cannot wait to see the world that you're going to make."

"Me too." I smiled. A world where people no longer suffers, where there is fairness and peace, and orderliness. My ideal world where there is no exploitations and everyone is just happy. I cannot wait for it.