The Red Princess

Part 25

The fight went on.

T'Challa was fierce, he knocked out Loki time and again, but Loki wasn't the one to give up. And when Loki fell again, this time he grabbed a handful of dust and threw it on T'Challa. His eyes were full of dust and he coughed. Loki took the advantage and kicked him in the gut. The audience gasped. Loki twisted his arm, and his leg, T'Challa landed on the ground. Loki pushed T'Challa's face into the ground, and his face dug into more sand, till he finally gave up.

And with his un just ways, Loki triumphed. He removed his helm, and smirked at Natalia, as the crowd cheered for him. King Nicholas smiled too, but looked nervously at King Anthony, who gave a nod.

Natalia's stomach twisted. This wasn't good. Loki didn't win with the right ways, and he would face Steven now. That would be horrible. Because Steven won't do anything wrong and Loki will.

Anthony put a hand on hers and squeezed, blinking in affirmation when she looked at him.

"Prince Loki has won the first round" King Nicholas announced, "The second round is between Prince Erik and the heir of Ironica. It would commence after a short break".

The crowd cheered and clapped, and then as the King stood up, everyone followed and started departing when he walked out.

Natalia was escorted back to the grand room, where the feast was held. Everyone helped themselves on the rich cakes, and pastries.

She didn't feel the urge to eat anything, feeling nauseated and dizzy. She was too worried for Steven and their future.

Anthony came to her with a flagon of wine.

"Beautiful and extremely talented women like you shouldn't let worry get in their way" he said.

"I'm sorry, I am not feeling like to drink anything " she said.

"Do you believe in him? " he asked.

"More then myself " she replied

"Then you need not worry, sweet princess. True love, always triumphs " he said.

Natalia smiled, and took the wine, though she didn't drink it.

"You.. Your love didn't triumph " she said nervously as they walked.

"It did, sweet princess. But death got in our way. And she was always ill, I fell in love with her when death was inevitable. Its not my love that failed. My love remains the winner. Even after I lost her, she lives in my heart" he replied.

Natalia smiled, she didn't believe such love could exist before she met Steven. But now she did. She would do the same for Steven and he would do it for her.

"You should give another chance to life. I am sure she would want you to be happy " Natalia said.

"I am happy. Sweet princess. I have you both to make me happy. And I am sure. In a year's time, you both would provide me with a little toy and to be happier" he said.

Natalia blushed. Her head filled with the dreams of her life with Steven. The thought of kids. She would have many kids with him. Brave and cute and very innocent yet fierce like their father. She would raise them with love and freedom.

"Come back, sweet princess. The future dreams can wait. " Anthony said.

She blushed and walked away. And as she stopped by to eat a cake, Loki blocked her way.

"I am just one step away from victory" he said, reaching his hand forward to touch her, but she backed away.

"Keep dreaming Loki, you won't get me in this life, nor any other" she replied.

"I will, beautiful princess. I will win you by hook or crook" he said.

"Well then, I will escape your clutches. By hook or crook" she raised one eyebrow.

"Your attitude make me fall deep for you, Natalia" he said.

"Then keep falling, and hit the ground fast" she said and turned to leave.

She needed to see Steven, before the fight began. She needed to kiss him, and give him all if her lady luck. She needed to feel him.

Stepping out of the hall, she stormed towards the champions tent, and without hesitation, entered his.

"Natalia? You shouldn't be here right now" he said, cupping her face.

"I just couldn't resist Steven. I love you" she said with tears in her eyes.

"I love you too" he said. She tiptoed to hug him, and he lifted her up, supporting her hips.

"Don't fall in Loki's trap. I am sure you would win from Prince Erik. " she said.

"With your luck and prayers, I don't doubt my victory" he said.

"I love you Steven" she said again, as she backed off to look into his eyes.

"I love you more" he said. She crushed his lips with hers, giving him a long peck, then gently sucking on his lower lip before parting away.

The bells rang, announcing the return of the audience and king.

"Time to go" he said.

She nodded, and placed quick desperate kisses on his forehead, eyes, cheeks and lips. He kissed her neck and then her hands.

"Our love would triumph " he said.

"Yes, it will" she said with tears in her eyes.

She helped him put of his helm, and handed his sword and shield to him.

When the second bell rang, she walked out of the tent, and rushed back to the stage, taking her seat beside King Anthony.

Loki had joined the stage too. He sat opposite Prince Phil. And as Natalia returned he looked at her with suspicious eyes. Her pants and sweats making him doubt her whereabouts.

"Stay calm" Anthony whispered to her.

She nodded. Anthony held her hand for support, and he had her other hand on her belly, due to the uneasy feeling.

"Please welcome, Prince Erik of Magnesia to compete with The Heir of Ironica" King Nicholas announced.

And Erik walked in. With his knight suit on, sword in hand, and shield in other. He looked gallant. And for a moment Natalia feared.

But as Steven walked in, every girl in the audience gasped. Even Queen Maria. For he looked royal, and magnificent.

"Let the fight begin" the king announced. And Natalia took in a deep breath.

*******
Loki is doing all sorts of wrong and King Nicholas has turned a blind eye.
Natalia is so scared.
Do give your reviews.