The Red Princess

Part 23

The day of the tourney, had finally arrived. The whole town had come to watch, the stadium set, with high banners of all the princes and kings, people sporting flags of the one they supported.

Natalia sat on the high stage on the left side of the king. She wore a beautiful crimson and gold dress. Her hair loose on her back, with a small braid on her head, like a tiara, keeping hair away from her eyes. A small crown adorned her head. Her lips red, her eyes dark, her cheeks flushed, both in anger, and sorrow.

Her dress was full sleeves and high neck, very little of her neck skin exposed. The tourney was being held in bright day light, and despite the shades, the princess needed to be properly covered to prevent the heat from reaching her gentle skin.

"Ladies and Gentleman " The king rose from his seat, and everyone cheered, "I, King Nicholas of Romania, welcome you all the tourney for the princess's hand. May the best one win" he announced.

Everyone cheered and clapped, even little prince Phil. But Natalia couldn't even force a smile. Her mind was stuck with Steven.

She had no idea where he was, and what happened to his family. Lilian was send to inquire and she returned with the news that they all had fled. But Natalia didn't trust her so much. They didn't fled. She thought. They were forced to leave. Or perhaps were imprisoned. What did she know of her father's cruelty. If he could let Loki compete even after Logan's truth, then she knew him to be capable of worse. She wished Wanda was safe and far. Hopefully Sergeant Barnes took her away. He wasn't around either. So.. That must be it. But it could be worse. She knew what happens to the daughter's and wives of men who committed treason. And Steven was accused of it. Natalia got goose bumps on thinking of the worst fate for Wanda and Mrs. Rogers. If only someone could tell her the truth.

"I welcome the gallant Prince Erik of Magnesia" she heard her father say, and watched as Prince Erik entered the field, dressed as a knight. His height went so well with the suit of armor. He definitely looked handsome. But then Natalia recalled how Steven looked, and her eyes filled with tears and she smiled. He was the one who looked the bravest and strongest, the most determined of her soldiers. And she looked so tiny beside him. She recalled how protective he was of her and she was so young and so self absorbed to notice it then.

"Prince Loki of Asgard" her father announced next, she missed on the long speech, her father gave on his qualities . But of course, he must have missed on the best quality of his. His evil mind. She looked around, and found King Thor and his Queen Jane sitting on the other stage. So they had arrived too? No, one told Natalia. And she didn't even care. Loki's brother must be as cruel. She thought.

"King T'Challa of Wakanda" he announced. Natalia didn't even care to listen and look at him. She knew he would be a good competitor. But she hated him. She knew he lusted after her the worst. His gaze was creepier then Loki's. No, Loki's gaze wasn't creepy. He was just obsessed and thought of her as his.

And then it was time for the supposed best. She knew her father well, he wanted power. First, Logan was the priority because his kingdom was richer and now.. Ironica was the richest kingdom in the English world. So far, Ironica lost no battles, had no droughts or hungers, and had the biggest mines of minerals and diamonds. With rivers of its own and large to fields. It didn't even need any support or imports. It had everything to run a kingdom. King Anthony proud of his heritage, and his genius mind being the reason of further establishments.

"And now, behold, especially women with weak hearts. For now its time for the most handsome, the gallant, the brave, the genius, the kind hearted and the noble... King of.... " but King Nicholas was interrupted by a cough.

Natalia turned to face the noise, and King Anthony walked in, standing by her side. She stood up to, in courtesy, as did the Queen.

"Pardon.. Fellow King" he said.

"King Anthony,.. You.. Aren't ready? And... I don't understand.. " King Nicholas was confused as ever.

Natalia too, got curious. What games was destiny holding further?

"The announcement is perfect my fellow king, I appreciate that but.. There is slight alteration.. " King Anthony said.

In the field, Erik, Loki and T'Challa exchanged looks too.

"If you grant me the honor" King Anthony stepped closer to Nicholas and King Nicholas moved back, with a nod.

"People of Romania. After the introductions of the three competitors, I am here to announce the fourth. " he said, "Behold, for the bravest, the smartest, the one with the kindest heart, and brightest smile, innocence his virtue, and strength his might. I present to you... The heir of Ironica" he finished.

And Natalia steppes forward to see. A man in a knight's suit, head covered in a helm, walked into the field, and bowed in front of the Kings. Natalia's heart skipped a beat. Though a far, the structure still looked familiar.

"King Anthony? I do not understand " King Nicholas said, "you cannot have someone else compete for you. Its against the rules "

"My fellow king" Anthony spoke, patting Nicholas's shoulder, "My heir isn't competing for me, but for himself. I intend to wed him to Princess Natalia" he said with a smirk glancing at Natalia, "I am, quite older for such a young flower. And I have no desires to marry after the love of my life left this world. I have chosen my heir, and I am here to find a bride for him. I hope you have understand ".

King Nicholas wanted Ironica not the man who ruled it. He smiled and nodded. He didn't even dare to ask the name or wished to see the knight's face.

"Now, if you grant permission, I would like Princess Natalia to wish the suitors luck. May the best man win" King Anthony said.

King Nicholas smiled, and nodded.

Natalia was escorted to the field, and presented with rose flowers. She kissed a flower, and handed it to the suitors standing in line. First Erik, she didn't even look up at him and walked past. Then Loki, she gave an angry look and spat at the flower instead of kissing, mumbling curses, without anyone noticing. To T'Challa she handed the rose quickly and moved away.

And then she came face to face with the knight. The heir of Ironica. She kissed the rose gently, and as she presented it to him, he bowed in front of her, and as he looked up, she looked directly into his deep blue eyes, that had a little green in them. Her heart skipped several beats.

He took the rose, their fingers brushed, and she recognized the touch immediately. Only his fingers could send these sparks down her spine.

"Thank you, my dear princess" he said, although the voice was altered, the words said it.

"Steven" she mouthed, before Anthony grabbed her wrist and pulled, silencing her and pulling her put of her trance.

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I don't know what to say. I want long reviews. I love Tony and well.. Stony.. And romanogers and... Start giving reviews already.