12+ #12 - gemstone (December 08, 2020) Natalia lived a happy life. Everything was peaceful 'till a tragedy happened. Nothing could've prepared her for what's bound to happen. Secrets, betrayals, and suffering. ------------------------ "Natalia Rosemary Montgomery, the princess of the kingdom of Esmeralda. Is here to choose her husband." My father declared. My jaws dropped. "A HUSBAND?!" I thought to myself. I mean, I guess it would happen sooner or later. I glanced over to my mom, at the other far side of me. She looked over to me with a sly smile. I don't know how to think of it, is it an insult? ------------------------ "You three have to compete in tommorows tournament. And whoever will win, will be my daughter's husband to be." I scoffed and rolled my eyes subtly. "The three of you, head to your chambers to rest, and thank you again for-" A loud bang from the outside interrupted my father. "What was that?" "What's going on?" The people whispered to each other. BANG the door bursts open. ------------------------ I saw red eyes from the dust with some black silhouettes behind it. "Well, well, well. How come I wasn't invited, Krasis?" It sounded like a woman, she was talking to my father. "Who is she?" I whispered to my father. "Is this the little queen to be?" The bright red eyes turned to me. I saw some red particles emerging from her. She walked towards the middle of the room while the people parted and I saw this woman with bright red hair, wearing a long flowy red dress with hints of orange. "How dare you barge in here Ratna!" My mother shouted at her. She just scoffed at my mother. I let go of my father's grip and I walked quickly over to where Selegna and Fauna were. "Now where are you going child?" The woman said. Then a red orb appeared on her head.