The Rise Of The Tigress

Natalis Convivium

I braced myself breathing in and out.

I couldn't believe this was really happening.

"Are you ready Emmy?" Leina asked.

We were currently at the large intricately designed mahogany double doors which concealed the ball room on its other side.

The herald was yet to announce our arrival as Liam, one of my personal guards had just gone in to inform him.

"Leina if you ask me that one more time I swear am going to abandon this."

Don't get me wrong. I loved my best friend but she could be a real worry wort at such crucial moments.
Instead of being my support, she was having a bigger anxiety attack than I.

She organized my dress ,hair and tiara repeatedly until I caught her hand.

"I'm as ready as I'll ever be,Lei. Calm down, everything will be fine," I reassured as I held her both her hands ,which were trembling, in mine.

"You're right Emmy. You're going to do wonderfully,that I know."

"I hope so.."

I was interrupted by the loud voice of the herald that rung in the room and past the thick doors.

"Her Royal Highness Princess Emerald Felicia Velhemton of the Kingdom of Galladoria has arrived!"

The towering doors were pulled open to reveal a room of noblemen and women bowing slightly and curtsying respectively.

I walked down the path I was meant for until before my father the King, who was currently my biggest enemy.

I curtsied and bowed simultaneously from there.

"You may rise." His heavy voice rang throughout the quiet room and I did so.

"We have all gathered on this auspicious day for the kingdom's one and only princess' Natalis Convivium.
May it really crown her childhood as she prepares for her next phase in life. May the ball begin!"

With that the party really came to life.... but it left me behind. I was still mulling over my father's words as I took my seat alongside the king and queen.

Crown my childhood my foot. I had always been told I had a free and wild spirit. Especially by the king.
How did he expect a marriage to be able to tame it.

Well at least if he got me married to some actually handsome and charming prince.

Oh, I must have forgotten to mention my fiance's background.

The Prince of war, His royal highness Prince Valerian Theidopolis of the Ravencrest Empire. He was rumoured to be a heartless bloodthirsty warrior.
He had never lost a war ever since he graced the battlefield. His enemies cowered just at the sight.

I was literally being married off to the devil himself.

Okay, my father wasn't as bad as I made it sound earlier. He is actually doing this for and I hate to say it....my own good and that of our kingdom.

"Emerald dear?!"

I startled as I returned to reality and met my parents' worried gazes.

"Are you okay? I have been calling for a while now." Mother said with worry laden in her soft voice.

"Yes, mother. I am fine. I was just taking in the room's beautiful decoration," I lied as my eyes flickered across the room.

Until then, I hadn't really taken in the designs and decor of the ballroom and was met with surprise.

The place literally knocked the breathe out of me.
In the vast expanse of the ballroom, the ornate and high ceiling was crowned with glittering chandeliers which cast a golden glow over the scene.

The polished marble floors reflected the light in a dazzling display, inviting the softest footsteps to glide across it's floors which they did.

The paired noblemen and women swayed happily to the tune of the melodious song that the band was playing while the ones not in the mood sat and chatted at the round tables draped in the finest linens and topped with crystal cases filled with fresh midnight blue flowers.

They felt really familiar.

Being a princess was so boring. Your own Natalis Convivium and all you had to was sit there and watch other people enjoy. It was literally my last day in the kingdom yet I still had to act all prim and proper.

At that moment, I noticed a very familiar figure walking towards us. Finally! I have been rescued!

"You're Majesties." He stated with a deep bow and jolly smile. Was this guy ever sad?

"Lionel, my boy. You may rise. You have really matured into quite the young man haven't you?"
The king laughed and the queen joined in.

I let my eyes scan him head to toe and back. Yes, my cousin had undergone quite a transformation. His chest was broader now, he was taller and my was he sight to the eye.

"Thank you, my king." He replied with respect I felt was odd around him. He has never been a calm one. I would know.

We grew up together but we're separated when I turned thirteen as it wasn't ladylike for a princess to be in the company of a male. Lionel was a year older than me and the reason I was so stubborn. He was the naughtiest person I knew and seeing him act all respectful kind of freaked me out.

I hope he hadn't abandoned me for maturity!

"Your Majesty,I am requesting for permission to have a dance with the princess."

"Hmm... It is supposed to be me having her first dance but that can come later. You two go ahead. Emerald?"

I acted immediately. I couldn't let him take it back.

"Yes father,"

I rose gracefully from my seat, my face expressionless and put my hand into Lionel's extended one as he led me towards the dance floor.

Immediately our backs were to my parents we burst with laughter. I hugged him fiercely and he returned it as our laughter subsided.

"I really missed you Lionel. I was left alone in this prison." I said and pushed him back a little and pouted cutely.

"Yeah, I had no choice and you know that. Although,it seems like it was all in vain. You're still a loud and stubborn girl."

I playfully punched him in the arm and he pretended to be in pain, rubbing the spot.

"And still a brute," I proudly said.
By now, everyone around us was staring at us.

"Oh, almost forgot," he said then put his hands on my narrow waist. He then continued, drawing me closer and swaying us to the melody if the music,"we're supposed to be dancing."

I laughed then placed my arms around his neck.

"Wow you are tall!"

"I've always been tall," he proudly said to which I rolled my eyes.

We continued to dance as I remembered all the fun we had as kids. Still can't believe I'm leaving it all behind.

Unknown POV
At a dark table in the corner of the lively ballroom, sat a man whose facial features were not able to be clearly seen .

I observed her delicate body as it moved in rhthym to the beautiful music that wove it's way through the room.

"Who is that she is dancing with?"
I asked my aide, Rayne ,as I lifted the champagne glass to my lips and took a sip.

"That is Duke Marcello's only son, Lionel Marcello, also her cousin."

"They appear to be very ......close."

************
Here come the drama. Or does it?
Who do you guys think the mysterious guy is?
Please tell me your thoughts in the comments.
Remember to vote too.
Love you a bunch and more ❤️❤️❤️