The Red Princess

Part 26

Natalia's heart was in her throat. She was so scared, she couldn't breathe properly. Her hand held onto her pendant, moving it to and fro on her chain, her other hand held her stomach, which was in knots.

Steven faced Erik, they both charged at each other. Though Natalia was confident about Steven, Erik's marvelous performance frightened her. She gasped as Steven was hit hard, but he sustained the blow, stabilizing himself on his firm feet.

He was strong, very strong, and more determined then any of them. Cause he fought for love.

Natalia bit on her lip, her breaths uneven. And Anthony held her wrist, pulling her arm to him.

"Close your eyes" he whispered, "Don't see, you fear would be bad for his confidence".

She looked at him, and decided he was right. But she just couldn't just close her eyes and wait for it. Her condition was getting worse. Until Steven hit Erik so hard, he fell on the ground and was unable to get back to his feet.

"The heir of Ironica triumphs" a man announced.

Natalia sighed in relief. And Anthony pat her hand gently.

"Very well " Said King Nicholas, "We have our two final contenders. Prince Loki and The Heir of Ironica would compete for the Princess's hand tomorrow. May the best man win".

Natalia laughed inside. Her father didn't even care what his name was, what he looked like, how he was. Only the fact that he was the heir of Ironica mattered. And that broke her heart. How could her own father be so heartless towards her. A lone tear escaped her eye. She thanked God for Steven's victory, and then left the premises.

______

That night was a full moon's night. It was beautiful, clear, and bright. Natalia stared out of her window, and only one thought occupied her mind.

The moon in the sky didn't interest her. She wanted to be with the moon of her life, her Steven.

Ignoring every hurdle, every tension, she stormed out of her room.

"Where is the heir of Ironica staying? " she asked a common soldier.

"In the high tower, my princess" he replied obediently.

She nodded and then walked towards the high tower.

She put on a hood and carefully entered the high tower, taking a basket to fake her purpose of entrance.

Certain guards stopped her outside the corridor.

"I have brought fruits for the heir of Ironica" she said faking a voice.

They checked her basket, then let her in.

Natalia entered the corridor, and headed straight to the stairs, that led to the highest room. She took to the steps and then took a deep breath, before knocking on the door.

"Whose this? " he asked in a different voice, and she blushed.

"Your dear princess" she replied.

In a matter of seconds, the door opened and she was staring at the moon she had in her life. The one that brightened her life more then the moon in the sky brightened earth.

Her jaw dropped as she stared at him. He was wearing a very thing white shirt, open completely on the front, his chest and abs bare for her to see. She gasped and looked into his eyes innocently.

Steven pulled her in, grabbing her waist, and closed the door shut. She removed her hood, and put the basket aside, and he forgot to breathe too.

She was in a simple white gown, and the moon light fell directly on her face, lightening it up. Her emerald eyes glowed, her red hair shone, her skin glistened. She looked like a fairy descended from heavens.

Steven took a few deep breaths, and Natalia blushed, her heartbeat raced, her breaths already uneven.

Steven took a step closer to her, and lifted her head up with his finger under her chin.

"Do you even know how beautiful you are, Natalia? " he asked.

Natalia lowered her eyes. His gaze penetrated her soul. Steven traced her lower lip with his thumb. His eyes glued to her lips, his desires running wild.

"Natalia? " he spoke again.

"Yes? " she said, her eyes closed, her voice deep.

His fingers traced to her neck, and he lowered his head, his lips touched her skin, and she moaned lightly. He kissed and sucked gently on her delicate skin, making her wince.

He moved back, and she didn't like it. Although his touch aroused every nerve in her body. But she loved that. She loved the effects he had on her. She loved the adrenaline rush, she got whenever he touched her, looked at her, kissed her.

His departure made her open her eyes, and she saw him standing by his trunk.

"Steven? What are you? " she tried to speak but he silenced her with his finger on her lips. Her body was on fire again, and she immediately stopped doing whatever she was, even breathing.

"Come with me" he said, he walked her to the window, with his fingers gently wrapped around her wrist.

"Princess Natalia" he said, sitting on his knee, "Will you.. Marry me? " he asked, holding a ring up.

Natalia's heart skipped several beats, and then she took his hand and gestured for him to rise. He got on his feet, standing tall over her.

"I will" she said, looking into his eyes, holding his hands, "and I would want to do it now".

"Now? " he asked confused.

"Yes, now" she replied, tiptoeing, her lips brushed his, their eyes glued to each other.

"I cannot be anyone else's Steven" she said against his lips, "God forbid, if you by any chance, failed. I would die, then marry Loki. So, claim me before that. Make me yours. Mark me yours. So that if I have to die. I die as your bride".

He cupped her face into his hands, and moved her just a little to have a proper look at her.

"Then I promise you Natalia, I would win, by hook or by crook. Because I won't let my bride die" he said.

She smiled, and he crushed his lips on her, they kissed in the moonlight, their fingers intertwining, as he slid the ring onto her finger.

*****
I guess skipping details of the fight was wise. What say? I wanted to add romanogers love scenes rather then boring fight scene. Anyways, how was the chapter? What do you think would happen now? Do give your reviews.