The call of the roosters signifies another night has passed. I stretched myself and let out a huge yawn then lifted my feet off the bed. Another series of rooster call erupted outside as I slid open the windows of our house. I then head to the table beside my bed and stared at the bracelets Zula gave me.

It took me a while just staring at it. The symbol of me being his slave or his personal confidante as my father puts it. But how can I be his confidante when I haven’t seen him for 240 full moons now, that’s if my count was still even correct. I think I lost count already.

It has been a while. So many things have changed. I, for once, have changed. I grew taller but slimmer than other males. I have been figuring out how to gain weight and meat to be at par with them but to no avail. Though I pride myself for being agile.

But one thing didn’t change - my undeniable attraction towards the same sex. I am constantly battling it. Not that it’s a crime but to serve his royal highness, I must rid myself and thoughts of impurities and dishonesty.

I took a deep breath and cuffed the bracelets he gave me. For the years he was not around, I have been true to his bidding. I have learned my ways. I learned to hunt animals for meat and cook them. As much as I dreaded it, I learned the ways of a warrior, though my smaller limbs are not helping, I did manage.

I learned the history of the Sultanate and other Empires. I learned to read and write. I learned to record events on a scroll. I learned the ways of a merchant. I learned to harvest plants to weave them to the finest cloths and linens.

I learned the ways of the babaylans. They taught me how to produce oils – for wounds, bath and procreation. I learned the proper ways of worshipping Anitus.

All of these, done for His Royal Highness whose return is unknown.

Taking the clay jar, I headed to the river upstream far from the opening of the sea. From which, I know that the water is fresh. And sometimes when I look upon my reflection, I wonder how the prince looks like now. Is he slim like me? Or is he bulky? But seeing his father, I think that the latter is the most reasonable choice.

The path to the palace from the river is mossy which my feet love. And I could close my eyes feeling it beneath my feet, while the sound of the brook behind and the call of the birds engulf me in reverie. It’s always like this in the morning. Peace at its finest.

I decided to stay in the river for the day. I figured that the royal court wouldn’t need me today just like any other day. I have tended to all the Prince Zula’s belongings including his room which, I make sure always in pristine conditions, in case he returns.

Taking the spear, I hid from the rocks, I head out to the waters and caught some fish, placed it on above the flames and my lunch was ready.

I am not allowed to talk to other people unless it is necessary. Sometimes, I envy the other villagers-the Timawas especially. They are free to do whatever they want. And because of my role, I could feel that the townspeople are intentionally avoiding me. I miss the shared laughter of my childhood. All the small talks and snickering with the children. I miss them all.

But our bloodline dictates otherwise. So, I learned to separate myself and save myself from suffering. This place is a haven, a sanctuary for my solitude.

A loud horn woke me up. The dimming surroundings was a sign that I had fallen asleep. Too long. Just as I was wiping the sleep from my eyes, I heard another loud horn followed by the sound of gongs. I immediately stood. All the villager knew what this could mean. A banquet is held for an important guest. It could be a highly acclaimed scholar, a merchant, or a Datu from another Kedatuan.

I washed my face and poured some water on the dying cinders of the fire I made earlier. I stood there admiring how the darkness engulfs the sky. I offered my praise to the Anitus and turned my head towards the direction of the palace. I could see that they have made a huge fire for the visitor.

He must be very important.

Just then I realized. My heart raced as my feet frantically ran over the mossy terrain with my Pudong clasped against my chest. There’s no mistaking it, they have lit the huge fire pit. And it only means one thing. The prince has arrived.

As I approached the palace. I could feel the alacrity of the people from the way they move around the palace. I almost tripped when I ran over an Alipin who was obviously in haste for the preparation.

I muttered my courtesies though it wasn’t necessary. I made my way to the Royal Court. I could see Datu Sanday laughing on his throne with my father in his usual place at the Datu’s feet.

“Cheers to the safe arrival of my son, Zula!” The Datu said as he lifted his golden cup. The room erupted with cheers and much fervor.

Just then the Datu noticed me. “Noan! You’re finally here. We have been looking for you.”

And his words made the crowd hushed in silence as they dispersed making a clearing for the person in the center of the Court.

And there’s no mistaking it. With his long lashes and thick brows, his sun-kissed skin. And those eyes. Those eyes that bore a hole through me have become fiercer and unyielding.

He trudged his way towards me, slowly, with his eyes not leaving mine. He was five steps away when I remembered my manners. I dropped and paid my courtesy as respectful as I could.

I could feel him towering over me. It was unnerving. It feels like I couldn’t breathe. All the things that I have learned could now be put to a test. Now that he’s here.

“Rise, Noan.” I heard him say. And so much has changed. His voice had changed. They’ve become more like the Datu’s. He’s become a suitable Datu.

I resumed on my kneeled position and saw him sitting one knee on the floor. His pudong, signifies the battles he won. He’s got a few scars and tattoos.

“Look at me.” He said to which I followed dutifully. He held me there for a while. And the feeling of wanting to be drowned in his eyes came back like a splash of cold water in the morning, waking up something in my core that was in deep slumber.

He took his pudong and put it on my head to my surprise. “Forgive me if I have taken too long. From now on, I’m in your care.”