The Fight for The Princess’ Hand

The Fifth Chapter

I sat with a bored expression. The first trial- which had no eliminations- was tea time. I would sit down with each contender for tea, and conversate while Sir Edmund stood guard in the corner of the room. Each person was as boring as the last, giving mundane and very 'proper' conversations, if not awkward. The highlights were King Malakai and Prince Liam.

I remember King Malakai telling me funny and hilarious stories, making me laugh and also asking me interesting riddles, asking my opinion on philosophies and laws of the kingdom, while Prince Liam had merely asked my interests on what we’d do for our wedding and such. Prince Liam had me frustrated, yet I only laughed at his arrogance and scoffed at his implications that we’d be married at all. Some of the others did the same, yet there was a sincere feel of pure love to Prince Liam, which did give me some… some feelings, though not consuming. More like feelings of a good friendship, if we were to be married.

All good feelings left when Veronica entered the room. Her intense gaze made my heart race as I sat up, tensing up, and looked at Sir Edmund with a raised brow, “You can leave now.”

He looked at me with slight confusion as Veronica gave me a raised brow, “But your majesty-”

“She’s no threat, Sir Edmund. And she’s the last one.” I looked the queen up and down with disdain, “So leave.”

Sir Edmund sighed exasperatingly before leaving, slamming the door behind him. Veronica’s hair was up in a bun, her black, frilly and lacy undershirt- one that men usually wore underneath their shirts, but black, was held by a black black corset atop of the undershirt, with black leather pants that ended at her ankles, while her feet gracefully walked across the floor with black heels. Her heels were the only thing proper about her attire. She smirked at me, her lips dark red as ever, and instead of sitting across from me, she sat next to me.

I scooted over, smoothing my dress with nervousness. I wore a beige dress, accentuated with pink. It ended at the elbows, and wasn’t as poofy as my other dresses. It was only tea, after all. Half of my hair was done in a bun, the rest cascading down- my signature look, really. I looked at her with a serious gaze, “The fact you’re still here surprises me.”

“Oh, does it, princess? I thought you would’ve been elated.” She sarcastically retorted, and I rolled my eyes.

“Why would I be pleased with someone of the likes of you? A charlatan who likes women?”

“Because you’ve only experienced what it is to be courted by a man.” She giggled in amusement, her hand going to tuck a stray hair behind my ear. I tensed, not being able to look away from her intense, dark brown-eyed gaze. “I can show you what it is to be loved by a woman, you know.”

I reddened, and huffed before pulling away and grasping a teacup, “Aren’t we supposed to be having tea?”

“I suppose.” Veronica laughed, and I frowned in annoyance as she spoke. “Two sugarcubes, please.”

“Alright.” I served her accordingly, ignoring the fact she was supposed to serve me, putting some creamer as well before handing it to her with her stirring spoon. I served myself as well, and I leaned back and scooted slightly further away from Veronica. “So how has your day been?”

“It’s a lot better now that I get to talk to you, you know.” She smiled, and I sheepishly giggled.

“I suppose you’re right. I am marvelous after all.” I sarcastically said.

“Yes, you are.” She sipped her tea, and bit her lip as she pulled away from her teacup. “I have a question for you.”

“Then ask.” I sharply spoke, avoiding her eyes.

“Have you ever been kissed, Princess Arethina?”

I nearly spat out my tea, scoffing as I looked at her with a raised brow. “Excuse me?”

“I believe you heard me.” She giggled at my reaction. “So have you?”

“Not really.” I looked away again, somewhat embarrassed. I can remember talking to my handmaiden, Charlotte, about this. She would chastise me for being curious about kisses and how it worked between men and women.

"No cute servant boys that made you fluster?"

"Of course not. With my father? As if I could ever meet a servant boy."

"So when you marry - how do you know whether or not it is a true connection?"

"Through words, of course. What else?" I rebuttled.

"Ah. Well, I am a woman of many words-"

"Then use them." I pointedly said. I was exasperated with her. "Tell me about yourself."

"What would you like to know of me?"

"Anything at all, honestly."

"I dabble in writing, from time to time."

My interest officially peaked. Was she actually a writer? "Is that so?"

"Yes, I write poetry sometimes."

"Oh?" I loved poetry. She seemed too brash to be a poet, in my opinion. "Then read me something."

"I- Heh, I didn't bring any poems with me-" Veronica's cheeks seemed to slightly fluster.

"A real poet doesn't need anything but themselves." I coyly commented.

"Fine then." Veronica chuckled, "You're a stubborn one."

"Always have been." I replied.

"The wonders of the world are not unknown to me. No limits." I rolled my eyes, focusing on the tea. "In all my endeavors, I've never developed roots."

Typical-

"Yet in the presence of such beauty, I find myself a flightless bird."

I paused, looking up from my drink.

She held my hardened gaze, never wavering as she spoke. "As of now, you're the only wonder I know of. In your presence, my wings wilt, and I embrace the loss." I held my breath as she drew near. She glanced at my lips. "I am forever bound."

I was practically hyperventilating. I snapped my eyes away, willing myself to break out of her spell. "Those are a heavy words for someone you hardly know."

"As if men have never done anything of the same measure to someone they hardly know."

I scooted away, "I would've told a man the same thing."

"I'm sure you would have." Her voice dripped with irony.

I gave her a sharp glare, but softened my gaze when remembering her words. "Your poetry was..." I gulped, biting my lip. "It was remarkable. You have a gifted tongue."

Veronica stiffened, causing me to look at her in confusion. I looked away, trying to dismiss the matter. Did I say something wrong?

“I'll show how gifted my tongue is.” She spoke gently, and I met her eyes. Butterflies entered my stomach and chest as she leaned in, and I sharply inhaled. A kiss? A real kiss? “I’ll kiss you if that’s what you want. For practice.” Her nose brushed against mine. I swallowed, closing my eyes in preparation. Just for practice, I told myself. “But only if you ask.”

My eyes flashed open, and I was hit with heat in my cheeks. I couldn’t ask for a kiss, not from her. But I wanted one. I shakily spoke, “Just for practice?”

“I promise. No strings attached, okay, princess?”

I closed my eyes, not being able to look her in the eyes. Not while I asked… I knew Veronica would gloat about it. But I was desperately curious about what a kiss was like. “Please kiss me. For practice, Queen Veronica.”

“Of course, Princess.” She closed the distance between us.

Just like that, I was rendered useless. Her lips were so soft, and moved against mine gently. I was unsure how to move back…

Veronica moved away from me, an amused smile on her face. She could tell I was really inexperienced by the looks of it. “Just copy my movements, okay?”

“Okay.” She leaned back in, kissing me with more fierce passion. I mimicked her movements, and the more we kissed, the more my body seemed to ignite on fire. My breath was cut short, and I pulled away with a gasp when my core ached. Sort of like last night when I touched myself, but worse.

Veronica furrowed her brows, “What’s wrong?”

“I… Something ached. Down-Down there.” I looked down at my dress, confused. Veronica smirked, and I glared at her. “What?”

“I’m glad I do that to you.”

“Is that really a good thing? It.. makes me frustrated.” I closed my thighs, squirming. Veronica’s hand pushed me down as her palm firmly pressed against my collarbone. She was on top of me, both of us laying down on my luxurious lounging sofa, as she nestled her waist between my legs.

It soothed the fire pooling in between my legs as she leaned in, enrapturing my lips with hers as she unknowingly rubbed her pelvis against my wet core. I moaned, and Veronica groaned at the sound as she kissed me deeper. Her tongue rubbed against mine, and I gasped at the feeling- I could feel myself slick now, and I naturally grinded up against her. This was all going so fast, and yet, not fast enough. I wanted more.

Veronica pulled away, her eyes darker with lust.

I looked down at her lips, pulling her closer as I grasped her neck for another kiss, and then my eyes shot open.

I was in bed.

It had been a dream. How could it be a dream? Was it because of the tea party days prior? It had been a boring couple of days since I had met Veronica- I had done the tea meeting with the contenders two dawns ago.

Except she had never kissed me. After I said those words about her being gifted with her tongue, she went quiet for a moment before she asked me what other literature I was interested in. After a minute of discussing more, Sir Edmund informed me our time was up. She left, but not before giving me a lingering glance, her face showing amusement.

How could I dream of her? I warily moved my sheets, gasping at the way the air hit coldly against my wet s*x. I laid back against my bed, looking to see that the light from outside shined blue through my window. It was still too early… and from the look of my pocket watch on my bedside dresser, I had four hours before the handmaidens would come rushing in to get me ready.

My hand snaked its way between my legs, working steadfast as my other hand squeezed my breast. I thought of Veronica… her lips, her body. I wanted her. How could I want someone so badly? Let alone a woman?

I hit my climax in real life, whimpering as I came down from that exertion. I panted, regaining my breath… then anger filled me. This witch had me under her spell. She had me desperate for her. Well, we’d see about that, now won’t we? I'd have her under my spell instead.

I got out of bed, storming out of my room only to still. It was too early, and if anyone were to catch me… God. I crept down the hall and across to the other side of the castle. Everyone, even the maids, were still asleep. I knew exactly what room she was in and I felt the butterflies consume my chest as I stood in front of her door. I felt stupid now that I was here. What on earth was I doing?

I knocked on the door as I thought of the possibility of the dream coming true. The knock echoed throughout the silent castle, and the slickness returned as I thought of her face again.

Veronica opened the door, her tired face turning into one of surprise as she saw me there. “Princess? It’s too early for tea."

I swallowed, absorbing the glory of her curly and messy hair cascading down her shoulders. She gave me a raised brow, suddenly leaning against the door with a smirk at my disheveled appearance.

I cleared my throat, regaining my composure. "Fancy a walk in the garden?"