The Red Princess

Part 29

Natalia stormed through the corridors of the large castle, and took a sword.

With the naked sword in her hand, she made it to the stables, and got on her horse.

The soldiers tried to stop her, but all failed to keep up with her.

She arrived at the centre bazaar, where all the announcements were made. And getting off her horse, she got on the tall marble.

"People of Romania!! I, Princess Natalia, seek your help " she shouted.

People started gathering around her, muttering among each other.

"Our lives are yours, proud princess. Command us" a man bowed and said.

"My people, I ask you.. Being the first born, am I not the rightful heir to the throne? " she asked in anger.

"You are dear princess" the majority yell.

"Even after my father stole my right, I didn't oppose it, for the happiness of King and kingdom. But tell me my people, shouldn't I be allowed to at least have the right to choose my husband? Instead of being a bait for foreign policy? " she asked.

"Its your birth right, dear princess" one man said.

"You are a woman, you should do as said" another spoke.

"You are fearless and bold, you should be responsible for your life choices" another said.

Mixed opinions came from people.

"So, I.. Princess of Romania, daughter of King Nicholas the fifth, ask you, am I worthy, to fight for my rights? To oppose this custom, to fight against my father for forcing me, and against my husband for making me part of a game after winning my heart? " she asked.

"Yes" a strong voice said, Natalia turned to see, and found King Anthony walking in her direction. Everyone bowed in respect.

"You are worthy of everything you said and more, my Queen" he bowed himself in front of her.

"Queen? " she asked.

"People of Romania, Princess Natalia has wed my heir under the light of the moon. And that makes her my Queen. " he announced, then looked at her, "Its on your command, my Queen. Your say. Command, and I way war on Romania. Command and Prince Loki is dead. Command and you are the Queen of as many lands as you wish to be. Just command, my fearless Queen. And the world shall be yours" he said proudly.

Natalia took a deep breath, "Then I shall, my King. Since my dear husband wishes to continue with the tourney, I.. " she looked at Anthony, "Queen of Ironica, and rightful heiress  to Romania, wish to fight against Prince Loki in the tourney to free myself from his clutches and anyone who dare wishes for my hand".

Steven arrived and joined the crowd. Natalia looked at him, her heart ached. He looked at her apologetically.

"And I ask, my dear husband, whether he would follow me, or go against me" she asked.

Steven stepped forward, "I follow you, my Queen" he said, bowing down, "Your wish is my command".

Natalia smiled, and then everyone chanted, "live long, Queen Natalia"

Natalia got back on her horse, and left, leaving everyone staring at him.

Steven got back to his tower, and to his surprise, Natalia was waiting for him there.

"Happy? We are not cheaters anymore. " she said angry.

"Natalia, I am sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you" he said.

"But you did Steven, you did. I am yours, I love you, and I chose you. No one gives you the right to fight against Loki to satisfy your male ego, and die in the consequences. It's not that I don't trust you, but.. " she sighed.

Steven got on his knees, "I am so sorry for hurting you my princess, I love you, and I won't ever do that to you again, I promise " he said.

Natalia sat down and cupped his face, "I love you too, and I don't want you to get hurt, or fight for me. You already own my heart, soul and body Steven, I am all yours. You have won me already, you don't have to win me from others, you have stolen me, from my own self. "

Steve pulled her into a deep hug, "I am sorry Natalia"

"I forgive you, nothing is greater then our love" she said, "and now, you have to prepare me for the fight. Master! ".

"Sure thing " he replied.

________

Loki was fuming in his chambers.

"He took her away, and now... She is so clever, so clever. She won't let him face me. She is coming herself. Because she knows, she knows I would destroy her beloved husband. But I cannot harm her.. " he pushed a table and all contents fell on the ground.

"Now what would I do? " he looked at the mirror, "I cannot hurt you my precious princess " he touched the mirror, "I cannot harm your delicacy. But what shall I do then? "

He walked around the room, tensed, until something occurred to him.

"I have to destroy him before I face you in the field my darling. " he smirked, "and you won't be able to fight when you mourn your beloved husband. I will win and you will be mine forever"

He laughed and laughed at the possible consequences.

______

Maria was tensed, her son's was going to be denied the throne, considered Nicholas's fear of king Anthony and Natalia rebellion.

"I have to do something to save my son's right" she thought, "I cannot let Natalia get away with this".

She decide to do what was right in her son's favor, and walked out of her room.

"Aahh, welcome, my Queen" Loki smirked as she entered his room, "how may I help you? " he asked.

"I want them destroyed. All of them. Take Natalia, I don't care, but she has no right over my son's throne".

"Your wish is my command, beloved Queen" he smiled.

Maria smiled with him.

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OmG. So many problems ahead for Natalia. What would happen now? Would Loki succeed? Do give your reviews.