The Queen's Crown

Prologue

A fiery pair of emerald eyes looked up at the man on the throne. They were like forest of green, burning under crimson fires.

He stared back, scrutinizing her with his deep blue eyes. The little girl's golden locks were in a mess. Her smooth face was covered with dirt. The purple dress she wore that once displayed her kingdom's wealth was now tattered, revealing the pale skin of Saxeus people. The people that brought her here personally.

The hall was dusky. Though there were a lot of people, no one dared to speak a word. Their eyes were filled with hostility. They turned up their noses and looked down on her like she was nothing but trash, just like her defeated kingdom.

The king raised his brows, "Is this the child?" his rough voice echoed in the dim throne room.

"Y..Yes, your majesty." A man answered.

"hmmmm........." He took a step down from the throne, "What is your name?"

He looked at the little girl. Her mouth didn't open for an answer. She seemed brave, but her trembling knees failed her.

The king took another step down, "Tell me. What. Is. Your. Name?"

This time, his voice was louder, and his tone angrier. Seeing that she made no signs to answer, he turned his back on her. He pulled a guard's sword and pointed it at the girl's neck. Blood streamed out from her pale skin.

She chuckled, still not tearing his eyes away from the man.

"Alicia. Alicia Saxus, the queen-heir of Saxeus Kingdom." Her voice was firm, and her next words took everyone by surprise.

"The kingdom who will soon take this country down."

She was in a mess. She had no weapon. She had no one in this room to help her out. Her own people had thrown her into the lion's den. But her words were filled with confidence, as if she was the winner and the king in front the fallen one.

Everyone expected her head to fly. For blood to spill again in this chilly room.

But nothing happened. Instead, the man broke in laughter. Everybody forced theirselves to laugh with him, except for the two boys standing on the side.

They had the same features as the king on the throne. But the smaller one had deeper cobalt eyes. A color he had inherited from the ruler himself.

The king raised his sword again, and pointed it at the boys' direction.

"Who will take this girl?"

The taller one raised his hands, "I'll take her. She seems fun to play with."

He gave a lopsided grin that sent shivers down Alicia's spine. He met her eyes, and he bit his lower lips.

Alicia trembled. Sweat formed all over her body. This was the famous first prince. The cruel young prince who takes pleasure in killing the weak.

"Well then. Jadren, you'll-----,"

"Can I take her, your majesty?" the smaller prince suddenly spoke.

Their father's forehead creased at him. "You're older brother wants it, Grey. Do you have a better use for her?"

The older prince gave a puzzled look at his younger brother. The boy named Grey has never spoke during hall meetings. He was known for his silence. Ever since the strange death of his mother, he had always kept to himself. The people in the court was taken aback when he suddenly spoke in public. To ask for a useless girl, at that.

"I heard she was personally trained by their generals. She'll make a good sparring partner." The younger prince answered. The whole kingdom knew he liked fighting.

The king was still unconvinced, "You have the head general's son. I heard you're even getting along with him."

"I can't beat him 'till death because he is your loyal subject's son, your majesty."

Alicia shivered. He just said that, with a dull expression. With a tone that couldn't care less. And with eyes that was obviously bored.

The older prince smiled, as if proud of his brother. "He can take her if he wants."

The king's mouth curved up, pleased with his younger son's answer.

Alicia stared at this royal family of three, wide eyed. Half of her confidence disappeared in just a few minutes. It was a terrifying sight. A father who takes pride in his son's cruelty. A pair of sons who doesn't care about blood being spilled. They weren't people, they were monsters.

She wanted to throw up. What was this people? What place has she gotten into?

She felt cold. Her lips were white as snow. She wanted to go. To run. To leave this room of monsters. But her feet had no more strength.

The king turned his attention back to the fallen princess. Hate, vengeance, and disgust filled Alicia's eyes as she forced herself to look at him.

"Alicia Saxeus, the fallen princess." He spoke, "You'll soon learn not to glare at victorious kings."