Secret of The Black Diamond

Chapter One

(Regina's POV)

"Pardon me, Princess Regina," speaks the soft voice of my maid, Laura, "your father requests a word with you."

"I shall be there in a moments time." I respond, brushing my curly, light brown hair which extends down to my stomach.

"I will let him know." Answers Laura, closing the door as she leaves.

The day is extremely warm in Spain, as it usually is this time of year. Looking out the large window in my bedchamber, I watch the graceful waves crash upon the sand. Palm trees sway due to the little bursts of breeze which come their way. The suns rays illuminate the world into a bright and adventurous place. Smiling gently as my mind begins to daydream, I look over at myself in the mirror. Is that truly me? Or does the mirror deceive?

After smoothing out the wrinkles of my dress with the palms of my hands, I open my bedchamber door. Butlers and maids acknowledge me as I walk past, I return a kind smile to each. Finally reaching the large, polished wooden door, I knock before twisting the doorknob. My father, King Alexander, sits in his massive bear skinned chair facing the roaring fireplace.

"Come my child," he speaks at last which causes me to jump slightly, "we have matters to discuss."

Straightening my back and holding my head up high, I proceed to walk towards where he resides. Once I now stand before him, his eyes leave the crackling fire to look into my own.

"You are growing everyday," he states, standing from his chair, "everyday you are growing into a strong, beautiful, and independent woman."

"I suppose." I respond shrugging my shoulders, which by the look on my fathers face, he does not approve of.

"But," he starts which catches my attention, "adventurous and courageous are your main characteristics."

"Wonder who I obtained those from." I jest, smiling up at him.

My eyes now shift themselves from my father to the two sword hilts which stick up from behind the left side of the chair. Father catches my gaze and follows it, chuckling once he sees where my eyes focus.

"Are you aware of your mother's whereabouts?" Asks father with a slight smirk.

"Out in the town buying some last minute supplies before Prince Nicholas' arrival tomorrow." I pronounce, raising an eyebrow with a slight smile.

"Grab your sword," he speaks suddenly rushing over to obtain his own, "let's see how well you do."

We square off in the middle of his study, giving threatening stares to one another. I draw my sword from it's holder before engaging in our duel.

"Now about Prince Nicholas' arrival," begins my father, clashing his sword against mine, but I beat parry his, "he will be arriving at our docks tomorrow, and I want you to make a good impression."

Using a compound attack, I catch my father slightly off guard. "I predict talking of my sword usage would not be the most pleasant of subjects."

"Your mother would have your head if she ever learned about our little lessons." Father laughs, now pulling off a well balanced compound-riposte. "Not to mention my own on a silver platter!"

Not able to control my sudden outburst of laughter, I drop my sword and walk over to hug my father. He embraces me tightly, placing a kiss on my forehead.

"I gave him my blessing." My father speaks suddenly, causing me to pull away from him.

"You gave your blessing to a man you, or more importantly, I have not even met yet?" I ask, narrowing my eyes at him. "What if he is some kind of crazed power seeker?"

"Then you will be able to make the right choice when and if he proposes." Father says, smiling down at me pridefully.

Marriage? I'm only twenty, and not completely sure what I think on the subject. Must every Queen require a King?

"Of course, make the difficult duties my responsibility." I tease, wrinkling my nose before letting out a small laugh.

"From what I have been told, he is an excellent war general for Morocco, a wise and gracious Prince, and a true gentleman." My father speaks as if that would keep me from ridiculing his fast decision. "I am sure he'll be a wonderful man, and quite possibly a wonderful husband. Just give him time."

"Do I have a say in the matter?" Asks I, not expecting an answer in my favor.

"No." My father replies, walking back over to his chair. "My bones are growing weaker and my hair lighter, some decisions must be made quickly."

"I understand." Says I, placing my sword back in its holder.

The study door suddenly bursts open revealing my mother who looks slightly distressed.

"There you are!" Shouts my mother, walking over to me as I quickly drop the sword holder on the ground behind me.

"Good afternoon, Mother." I say, straightening my back to stand tall.

My mother, Queen Violet, is much stricter than my father. She expects me to be this gracious and poised princess and daughter, but that's not how I usually act. I'm more of a free robin, not a caged canary.

"Why are you not in your bedchamber allowing your gown to be altered?" She asks fiercely, staring deep into my eyes.

"I completely forgot," I say, backing away towards the open door, "I apologize and shall attend to that immediately."

Hurrying back to my bedchamber, I enter the room to see three of the maids waiting for me. I apologize and allow them to get to work on my gown.

•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•

The gown alterations take up most of the evening, leaving me exhausted. I stare in admiration at the light blue gown with gold colored flower patterns in the mirror. The sleeves are tight on my arms, allowing little or no movement available. The corset makes my ribs feel as if they are almost able to touch.

"What a beautiful young lady you've become." Laura states, giving me a gentle hug.

"Thank you, Laura." I say, smiling passionately at her.

"Now, you will need all your energy tomorrow upon meeting the Prince." She says, helping me undress out of the gown and into my nightdress.

"Indeed. Sleep well, Laura." I say, crawling under the covers as Laura blows out the candle on my beside table.

"Sleep well, Miss." She responds, closing my bedchamber door behind her.

In a short amount of time, I'm out like the flame of the candle.