The Red Princess

Part 22

Natalia was informed that Prince Logan had regained consciousness. She rushed out of her chambers, running all the way from the corridors into his room.

"Howlett! " she said, panting.

Logan smiled at her, still weak, but recovering, "Natalia" he held his hand out for her, and she quickly reached for it, grabbing it, and sitting beside him.

"Leave us alone" he told everyone in the room. They nodded, and left without a word.

"Oh Howlett! I am so sorry, because of me you had to.. " Natalia spoke with tears in her eyes, but he silenced her.

"Shsh! It's not your fault, its Loki's and needs to be punished" he said.

"Logan I.. Father is holding a tourney, I am a prize now, I don't even have the right to choose among the suitors" she cried.

"So I heard" he said, "What do you want Natalia? " he asked genuinely.

"I want Loki punished. " she said, and looked away.

"Its Steven, isn't it? " he asked, "the one who took your heart".

She looked at him, guilt struck, but nodded.

"It's okay Natalia, love just happens. He is the perfect match for you. I would back off from the tourney. I won't take part and insult our long friendship " he said.

"But... Logan... If you didn't then.. They would and I.. " she sobbed again, if he backs off, she would have to marry one of the rest, out of which Loki was the worst option.

"I'll testify against Loki, that would get him out of the tourney too. Beyond that, I cannot help you. I cannot fight and win your hand when I know your heart belongs to someone else" he said.

She kissed his hand, "You are a great man Logan, you'll find your true love soon" she said.

"I wish I did. But my first love would always be you Natalia" he said.

She smiled amidst the tears.

"I'll call for the king now, and be done with Loki fast. Take care Natalia. I wish you get your happiness" he said.

She nodded, and then walked away, proud that at least she has a real friend.

______

Logan testified against Loki, yet King Nicholas didn't punish him. He was still allowed to take part in the tourney based on his immense love for Natalia.

Natalia was sick to the stomach on this declaration. If Loki won indeed, she would rather suicide then wed him.

Logan was offended by King Nicholas's behavior, he promised to wage war on him. At which all the other suitors promised to help and side with King Nicholas.

As Logan departed. And the tourney neared, the king arranged a great feast at the palace in celebration of the arrival of all suitors.

Natalia was forced to dress up beautifully. She wore a long yellow dress, flowing on her hips, tight on her curves, without sleeves, barring a lot of her chest. Her hair pulled up from front, tied in a high bun, with few curled strands on her face.

As if being in the hall wasn't enough. She was compelled to dance with all the suitors too. All of them giving her lustful eyes.

Loki being the first to dance, kept smiling evilly at her, as he twirled her, and caught her waist tightly.  She didn't look into his eyes, or start a conversation, trying to avoid him best.

King T'Challa was next, she didn't look much at him, but he kept staring at her cleavage, and as he turned her, he even traced her shoulders down to her hands, making her leave before he was finished.

Prince Erik was too devoted to the dance, he paid more attention to the steps then her body. Although he did touch her way more then any of the previous, it didn't feel cheap and was only a part of dance.

"You are quite a dancer" he told her.

"I've had a lot of practice " she replied with a gentle smile. He bowed in front of her like a gentleman, and escorted her to King Anthony.

King Anthony was... Different.

"May I have this dance? Sweet princess " he asked, handing his hand out for her.

"Would you still force me if I refuse? " she asked bitterly.

"I would rather slash my throat then force a pretty lady" he said with a smirk, "however, I might feel a bit offended if you refuse me, when you danced with all others".

Annoyed, Natalia gave him her hand, and he took her to the dance floor. As he took her waist, it was gentle, not at all like the previous four. Even his gaze wasn't lusty or creepy.

"You can look into my eyes, women tell me they are hypnotizing and very intense" he said.

"Why didn't you marry those women instead? " she asked, looking directly into his eyes.

"Well, a man seeks what he seeks. Anyways, may I know the reason of your bitterness sweet princess? " he asked.

"Well, to be honest. No! I don't want to share my thoughts with either of you" she replied.

"Do you know? I have a thing for angry women, who go red and are in flames all the time " he said.

"Thanks for the information, your grace. I will keep in mind to be all calm in front of you" she said with a fake smile.

"Ah! I wish... I wish... You are too good to loose, my sweet, salty princess" he said.

They kept dancing, longer then any of the rest, and she could see Loki and T'Challa fuming.

"Men have always been jealous of me. The best kingdom, looks, wealth, they just cannot match me" he said. She ignored.

"And now my kingdom would have the most beautiful, intelligent, and angry queen " he said with a smirk.

"So sure? You really think you would be the one to win? " she asked.

"Of course. Be sure Princess Natalia. You would be the queen of Ironica. I am certain of that" he said.

"All the best, hope your delusions are faithful" she said, and walked away.

Anthony smirked and watched her go, "Queen Natalia of Ironica. Beauty on flames. " he said and smiled. 

******
I know you guys hate me for no Steven.
He will be back soon.
How was the chapter? What's up with Anthony? Do give your reviews.