The Fight for The Princess’ Hand

The Seventh Chapter

I waited patiently, hearing far mutters and frustrated groans. No doubt everybody was frustrated by the maze’s turns and twirls. Everything was dark- and I was annoyed not being able to see anything.

The rules for this trial was simple: The first person out of the maze gains victory. And the one who 'rescued' the princess would be invaluable, having been saved from elimination despite how fast they get out of the maze. The one in last would be eliminated, though were still invited to stay and watch the spectacles of the rest of the tournament.

At least if I could see, I’d be able to distract myself with counting roses or some obscure item like that… but again, I was blindfolded. I wondered about what Veronica had said- I mean, yes I was compelled for her company. But that didn’t mean I should marry her, right? I wasn’t sure- my duty to marry the champion, to marry a man who could make our kingdom an heir was conflicting with my heart’s attraction towards Veronica. Then there was Nike - I needed her help. Later on today, I would have to sneak out again and see if I could find her.

I wondered if-

I squealed as hands took me by my waist and as I was hoisted over someone’s shoulder.

“Ah! Excuse you!” I scoffed, wriggling as I was manhandled- and I could feel their body. Of course, it was a man. “I am a princess, and I will be treated as such!-”

“Oh, please.” A voice grumbled, and I swear I felt anger build up deep in my chest.

I practically growled, and hit their back fiercely. That didn’t do much, but I gathered my scream would alert the other contenders to come find me. “I AM A PRINCESS! TREAT ME AS SUCH OR YOU WILL BE NO KING TO ME!!”

I heard scrambling nearby at once, and I heard the man underneath me practically gasp. “You’re a fiend, princess! How could you?”

“Well, you weren’t handling me properly- Ow!” I was thrown on my behind, and I winced in annoyance. I heard grunting, and… wood clashing? Oh, I forgot they were given wooden swords to fight with for me.

“You snooze, you lose, boys!” A woman’s voice rang out just as I was picked up bridal style. I frowned in confusion before I realized-

“Veronica?” I asked, astonished.

“Happy to see me, princess?”

I scoffed, feigning nonchalance. “Oh please. I would’ve been fine with any other contestant, really.”

“I’m sure you would have.” Her voice stated sarcastically, and I huffed.

“You know-”

“Shh.” She suddenly shushed me, and I froze as she had stopped running with me. Why was I scared? Because I was bloody blinded! “Come out and fight! I can hear your breathing, prince!”

“It’s actually King, Queen Veronica.” Was that Malakai? Cyrus?

“Oh, Malakai.” She sweetly said as she set me down onto my feet. “You are no king to me.”

I could hear Malakai chuckle, his voice low. “Your jests are amusing, Veronica. But it won’t get you far.”

“Let’s see then.” She sarcastically retorted. They seemed like they could be close acquaintances if they wanted.

I heard grunts from the both of them as I stood by, and I backed away slowly. I didn’t want to accidentally be bopped on the nose, after all. Besides, my outfit was far too precious. I wore a pink and white dress, and my hair was no doubt getting ruffled from its braids in all this.

I turned at the sound of footsteps, and groaned as I was picked up again over someone’s shoulder. They must’ve really rushed at me because my midsection had been… hurt a little.

“Was that really necessary?” I groaned aloud.

“Oh, sorry Arethina. I was trying to be quick.” Prince Liam- it was his voice.

“It’s Princess Arethina, Liam.” I chided.

He slowed down his running, turning around and back forward. I groaned, the motions making me sick. “Well. Then it’s Prince Liam, Arethina.”

“Fine, fine. It’s fair enough.” I sighed in defeat. He placed me on my feet, gingerly holding my hand as he lead me through the maze. Him holding my hand… it made me blush. We weren’t really allowed to hold hands, but I liked the feeling though it didn't spread the same fire as it had with Veronica. I liked holding hands with others.

“What was that?” He asked. Had I spoken aloud?

“Bloody hell.” I cursed, my cheeks reddening faster. I feigned innocence, “I’m sorry- what did I say?”

“Arethina Flora! Have you been touched?” Prince Liam asked in front of me, no doubt shocked at the news. Was he mocking me now?

“Have you?” I countered. Princes were known to be rebellious scoundrels, of course. I never heard a lot about Liam, though.

“Of course I have.” His voice dropped an octave. I could feel him step closer, and I stood my ground with furrowed brows as I looked up to his height. I was blinded, but that didn’t mean I didn’t know where he stood at. “I have to admit, I’m quite a bit jealous it wasn’t me who's held you first.”

“Jealous? But you're grasping my hand now.” I asked, somewhat confused. He had never seemed to take me seriously- I didn’t know he… actually liked me. I thought he courted me just because, well, it’d benefit his kingdom.

“I always thought you were a bit childish, but… you’re so beautiful, Arethina.” His hand came to my cheek, and I swallowed. I had never seen suitors as someone to kiss, someone to hold me... “Sometimes I’d forget you’re also just a woman instead of the princess. A woman that longs to be held…” His other hand snaked to my lower back, making my stomach flutter in nervousness. I liked the way his firm hand held me- it was true. “That longs to be kissed.”

I swallowed, feeling him get closer. To be kissed in public- why, if someone saw… the scandalousness of it all made me heat up everywhere. My breath hitched as I felt his face literally an inch away.

He pressed his lips against my cheek, gentle and cautious- as if I’d break. I let out a small gasp of surprise, my body tingling since I couldn’t see- and all my other senses were somehow heightened. Prince Liam suddenly kissed my jaw, and I gasped as his teeth nibbled softly at the skin there. I pulled away quickly, gasping as an ache beckoned in between my legs.

I could feel him lean in, and I shook my head, “Someone will see.”

“Oh. Oh right. I forgot that royal women must be very-”

“Virtuous.” I nodded, my fingers gingerly holding my cheek where he had placed his lips. “We should finish this up now, don’t you think?”

“Yes. Yes, of course.” His thumb pressed against my bottom lip, and I tensed. “I’ll be waiting until our lips meet.”

“That sounds- Ah!” He picked me up, bridal style, and started running. My head was empty- I didn’t understand.

How could I like touches from both men and women? How could I crave both man and woman? Maybe it was simply the scandal of the almost-public display.

“We’re almost there. We’re almost there, Arethina-”

Something shoved into us. I fell to the floor, and yelped as my body hit the grass roughly. I rolled, groaning as I got onto my hands and knees. It was oddly silent, and I moved my head around- blindly looking around on instinct, “Liam? Hello?”

I felt a hand grip my forearm, dragging me upwards and leading me somewhere. I frowned, “Hello? Who are you? Hello?”

There was no response. I scoffed in annoyance. Within a minute of being lead somewhere, I heard cheers erupt. I gasped as the blindfold was ripped off of me, and my eyes closed at the harshness of the light. I blinked, adjusting to the daylight again.

I looked around, seeing some royal guests and handmaidens. I turned to see Prince Dmitri beside me, his face almost stoic except for his lips with a slight smile. I sighed, “Prince Dmitri. It was you.”

“Sorry for being so quiet, Princess. I was afraid for others to hear you and me conversing- they are vicious, you know.” His lips smirked, and I smiled fakely. Nobility around us spoke loudly as my father clapped loudly in reaction. In this moment, nobody could hear us while we spoke, and nobody seemed to pay mind since they were busy celebrating his victory.

“I know.”

He suddenly leaned in to whisper in my ear, “I saw you and Liam, you know.”

I looked at him with wide eyes, then composed myself. “And?”

“I don’t mind.” Dmitri genuinely smiled, and I wondered what his intentions were. He whispered, “He’s more of my flavor, truth be told.”

“I… I don’t understand.” I frowned.

“I usually fancy men- But after that little scene, I think I’m starting to fancy you as well.” He whispered in my ear, his breath hitting my skin with a tingling sensation. I could feel the nobility's eyes on the two of us. "I like the idea of a bashful maiden like yourself."

Charlotte came rushing to me, gasping. “My grace, you’re hurt.”

I looked down, seeing scrapes on my arms. I barely could manage an expression as she attended to my cuts… I had held Veronica's hand, then was kissed on the cheek by Liam, then flustered by Dmitri. Why was I letting these things happen? What was wrong with me?

We all stood aside, my handmaidens scurrying to help comb through my hair and tidy my dress. Charlotte spoke up first, "Your seat awaits you beside your father-"

"Just a moment." I urged. I wanted to await the rest of the contestants.

I looked around, realizing two were already here. King Malakai, who when I glanced at him - winked, and Prince Liam, who merely smirked when my eyes fell upon him. Queen Veronica was nowhere to be seen - I could feel my breath in my throat. I looked towards the maze, eagerly waiting the contestants arrival.

In fourth, came Prince Marcus, which disappointed me to some avail. He shot everyone a charming grin as they cheered, going as far as to approach one of the noble ladies and hand her a rose. He gave me a pointed look, raising a brow.

I scoffed, crossing my arms and focusing back on the maze.

My heart was beating fast in my chest, chewing on my bottom lip in anxious anticipation.

Vera silently spoke as she braided my hair back, "My lady, it's poor etiquette to do that."

"Right." I muttered, stopping it immediately as I gave her a sincere smile.

A round of applause had me turn back towards the maze, only to see King Cyrus coming through the entrance. He smiled, doing a royal bow as he smugly took in the praise from coming in fifth.

What was taking so long?

I smiled reassuringly at King Cyrus as he took his place beside the other contestants, trying not to show my worry. In a row, they all stood in the order they came in front of my father's throne. They spoke amongst themselves as their servants helped clean them up.

The crowd sat on bleachers, all muttering and chattering, the decorations colorful and bright.

My handmaidens and I were the only ones on the ground now, awaiting the rest of the contenders. My heart was practically in my throat and just when I couldn't bear to look anymore-

Everyone gasped and murmured in unison. My hand flew to my mouth in surprise as Queen Veronica walked out of the maze. Since I had been blindfolded, I had never gotten to see her or what she was dressed like.

My soul flooded with relief.

She wiped at her sweaty brow, practically heaving with exertion. Her curly hair was done up in a high ponytail, two strands cascading down to frame her face. It wasn't that she made it that was surprising, but the fact so much of her skin was exposed.

"Your Majesty!" Her handmaidens came running towards her, taking off their own coats to help cover her.

Her lace-up dress shirt had been ripped below her breasts, showing a very toned abdomen and ending where the black laced leather pants started, ending with black leather boots.

The Kings and Princes snickered and made remarks to themselves.

Soon after, Prince George emerged from behind her, looking spent and tired. He looked around, his shoulders sagging in defeat as he realized he had just lost. As if that mattered to me at the moment.

I was immediately compelled to walk towards her, picking up my skirts to make haste.

However, as I did so, I realized what I was doing. I was heading towards a woman?

I could hear murmurs as soon as I did so.

Veronica's lips smiled as she saw my action, her arms slightly reaching out before-

I walked past her, going towards George with a smile. He looked at me wide-eyed, surprised to see me walking towards him. After all, we had barely spoken at the tea meeting.

I reached for his cheek, caressing it softly as I smiled up at him. "Don't fret, Prince George. Perhaps our souls will be united in another life."

He beamed down at me, a blush spreading across his cheeks. "Perhaps so. I'm sorry to disappoint, Princess Arethina. However, I'll have great joy in seeing who will win your hand in the end."

I smiled, moving away from him and walking past a fuming Queen Veronica, who glared at me, towards my seat at the throne next to my father

My father stood as the nobility quieted down for him to speak. "My condolences, George. I am sure you would've made a remarkable King."

Prince George nodded in response, going over to his father and mother in their respective seats.

"Now, you've all done spectacular." Father gestured towards the others, who were now facing him and lined up in front of him - Veronica stood there with a coat to cover herself. I restrained myself from looking at her, scared to death of anymore people seeing my draw to her.

"In regard to those who have achieved the ultimate victory, King Malakai - as the first to arrive, you have earned the right to a private yet supervised dinner tonight with my dear daughter."

I sat up straight as he looked up at me with a smirk. I gave him a bashful smile, looking away quickly.

"And if you will, Prince Dmitri..." My father gestured towards us, signaling for him to apporoach.

Prince Dmitri remained stoic, stepping up to where we resided.

I stood, remaining passive as I pulled something out of the basket beside me.

"In return for whisking her to safety, she asks you receive her favor, a token of my daughter's affection. May you cherish it, as I hope you will her." My father said.

His hand held out to receive my handkerchief, embroidered with my initials and a lovely pattern of flowers.

"I am ever so grateful, my Princess." He gave me a sultry look as his fingers grasped mine, kissing the back of my palm.

"As am I, Prince Dmitri." I smiled, pulling away and glancing towards Veronica.

She c****d her head at me, giving me a scrutinizing look. I gulped.