Shattered Reflection

Chapter Fourteen

Natalia's POV

It's been a week.

I haven't seen him once.

Loki hasn't come out of his room, not even to eat. The maids bring water back and forth, but that's it. He just sits in the dark, staring at the wall. I tried to talk to him, to apologize. But he won't even look at me, I left in tears that day. Damn this curse. Damn that witch that calls herself my mother.

I am currently in my room, looking out the window. Staring at the blue sky. I attempt to come up with a plot to regain who I once was, but to no avail. I hear a knock on the door.

"Enter." My voice is hallow, no emotion at all.

A maid enters and bows her head, "The queen requests your presence, your highness."

"I do not wish to see her." I say, not glancing in her direction.

"Please, your highness. It's urgent." I look over my shoulder at her, she doesn't look me in the eyes. If its so urgent, why didn't she come see me in the first place?

I sigh but follow her out into the halls. We come to the royal chambers, she bows as I walk in. My mother stands, clearly waiting for me.

"Why have you asked me here? You know I do not wish to see you," I spit.

She smirks, "But it's about your future."

"What?" I hiss, my eyes flashing gold.

"In three days, the competition for you betrothal will take place. Whoever wins this contest shall take the position of king when your father and I pass on." She explains, that detestable smirk still on her face.

"How dare you?" I ask, my voice dangerously low.

"Stephanie? Come in darling," A girl not much younger than I am steps into the room and bows her head, "This is Stephanie, she will be preparing you for the ceremony."

She smiles innocently, clearly my mother has not told her of my true identity, "Its an honor to meet you."

Damn that witch. I'd kill her here and now if this girl wasn't here. This is her protection. This assures I can't plot the queen's murder.

"Hello," I say and turn to the door, "I will be leaving if that's all."

"Oh! Reuka, dear? Don't be late, you know how rude it is for young girls to not show up to their parties?" My mother says, an evil tone under her voice. Its clear she's threatning me to not run away. I cannot, unfortunately, as I must ensure Loki's safety.

"I understand. Goodbye." I throw the doors open and walk out.

I hear the clicking of heels behind me and Stephanie matches my pace. I sigh, "Is there something you wish to talk about?"

She shakes her head, "No, thank you. Just wanted to spend some time with you."

I smile softly at her sincerness, "Well, thank you. I guess having somene to speak to would not be too terrible."

She giggles, "I'm glad to be of help."

We walk back to my room and tea and snacks have already been brought to my room. We sit on the plush chairs, sipping the warm drinks.

"How long have you been here?" I ask.

She sets her cup down, "Three years. I was summond here just after you fell gravely sick. I was running most of the kingdom's affairs while you were under strict bedrest and your parents stuck by your side. And I must say, I was relived to hear of your recovery. Your mother told me they spoke to doctors in Asgard and they found a cure."

That's how no one knows my sister died. My parents, most likely mother, kept her room under strict guard. No one was to enter except them. Clever, I must say.

"I see." I say and sip my drink.

"Yes, I do love this kingdom. The people are very kind and its a lovely place to live. I was glad to help keep order," She says, a faraway and distant look in her eyes. Its as if she's remembering something joyful.

I sip my drink, "How many competitors are attending?"

Stephanie snaps her fingers and a small scroll appears in her hands. She looks over it, "Officially, there are two-hundred, forty-six suitors. But the events are taking place as we speak, narrowing that vast number downwards. The final event, which you will attend, will have twelve contestants."

I sigh, "What happens during these events?"

"Well, the official sport of this kingdom is archery. So that is how the king will be chosen," She says and smiles at me. I fell my stomach churn, I feel sick.

I sigh, "Is that so?"

Stephane nods, "I know waiting that long will be difficult. It is a rather exciting event."

"Yes, excitement. That is what I feel." I say as I down more tea, the hot liquid almost burns my throat.

"I sense some sarcasm, princess. Perhaps you are not looking forward to the competition?" Stephane asks.

"You could say that, Stephane. I have... someone else... that I look too." I say.

"It's King Loki, isn't it?" She says  and I almost spit out my tea.

"E-Excuse me?" I cough.

"Your mother told me she believes you two are spending too much time together. I've seen you two talk together before, the way you look at him is like no other." She says, looking down.

"O-oh. Well, yes. You could say that. I do look at him like I see no other. But, do you have someone? That look on your face tells me yes." I say.

"Well, there is someone. But it cannot happen, I'm afraid." Stephane says with a sad smile.

"I feel that pain all too well." I say.

Stephanie looks up at me, "King Loki loved your sister very dearly."

"Yes. My sister..." I say and look away.

"I wish I knew love," Stephanie says and smiles into her cup.

"Is your love not returned?" I ask.

Stephanie blushes, "No. No, I'm not one special."

I raise an eyebrow, "Is that so? I think you would have a greater chance then you seem to think. Does this love have a name?"

Stephanie blushes brighter red, "Her name is Eca. She is a royal guard stationed here in the palace."

"Oooo. A forbidden romance within the walls..." I smirk.

"Please do not tease me your highness." Stephanie says and shrinks into her chair.

"Where is the fun in that?" I ask and smile teasingly.

"Well, what about you and King Loki? Why don't you go and marry him?" She says and laughs.

My smile fades, "Please leave."

She looks startled, "What?"

"Out. Now. Please." I can hear my voice crack. 

"Did I-"

"OUT!" I yell and I know my eyes flash. Stephanie rushes out of the room with a quick sorry. 

She closes the door and I collapse into my chair. I feel tears threaten to fall again.

I would marry him Stephanie. You don't know how much I want to. 

No one knows...

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QUICK NOTE

Oh jeez. I messed up bad. I know I haven't updated. I don't have an excuse, but I sincerely apologize. I read all the comments you all post. I almost cried. Everyone is so nice, supportive and flat out hilarious.  I WILL finish this story. I promise you all that. It just may (will) take time. 

Thank you to every single person who hit "read"

-Aura