"Panem et circenses"
I was dressed in royal colours, again.
I looked at my deep red with gold and silver, dress and took a deep breath. My dress was beautiful. It's remarkable how three people in two days made this masterpiece.
It was a long dress all from satin. Underskirts were some puffy things, that made her look bigger, but outside colours bleed from one to another.
Red was the dominant colour. I used to love it, but now it reminded me of blood. Blood of that innocent soldier, who died just because he touched me. His blood was dark on a white floor and went from one shade to another.
I shook my head and looked at the mirror again.
My dark hair was in a big ponytail that uncovered my neck and strapless dress uncovered my collarbone. I was almost white, but Olivia, Alicia and Mauricia convinced me that is a good thing.
I looked more royally, and more like a lady.
I hated being so pale but when you don't get out that is the only colour you can get.
"Okay. Let's go." I nodded at my reflection and tried to smile.
I looked like someone killed the dog and put it in front of me. A mix of fear, anxiety and a little part excitement.
This whole day was dedicated to Prince. He can do whatever he wants, however, he wants and to take whatever he wants.
Frome early morning I could hear maids, battlers and too many people in hallways.
In the previous two days, the whole aristocracy came in the castle. They all wanted to see a coronation. Will Prince succeeded and how will he look.
I from another side just wanted to know, how tattoos will look. When you have to do that, get something permanent on your skin, you want it to look good.
I wondered how that all will go. Mrs Gren didn't tell me anything.
Something I knew, something Prince told me before, but all in all I didn't know much.
I knew that Queen wanted me to stand next to her, trough all that process, and I felt anxiety when I thought about that. I need to walk through all that people, while they are watching me, gossiping me, judging me.
If that wasn't enough, King told that Prince will be my entourage. No, more correctly. I will be his.
So another reason for gossips. Great.
I stepped out of the closet and looked around myself.
It was early. Around 11 a.m. The wild thing starts at midday.
I had one hour.
"Miss. Just to add a little more." Alicia came carrying more perfume.
I nodded, and she sprayed it all around me.
Then she showed wrists, and I gave it to her.
"Okay. That will be enough." She nodded, and I somehow forced myself on the smile.
I'm so nervous. I looked outside.
The snow covered every part of the city and from early morning guards cleaned up. There were big piles of snow, hidden behind buildings and little parts of the castle.
I was sure I saw Prince at one point, but when I looked again, he wasn't there. I was confused.
I heard nothing from him a day when he helped me to dance. That ended up pretty well. We danced almost to the sunrise.
I was tired like a dog but I could dance with him. It was worth it like Mrs Gren said.
I didn't see a point of practising that much but I didn't ask. I knew nothing about tradition in this castle and I followed rules.
Actually, these whole two days were so preoccupied that they had to add an extra level of makeup under my eyes. I was tired like no one.
I slept maybe four hours, and that is it.
I looked at the clock on the table. That was a little simple clock in a gold holder and it showed few different times. Top right was ours.
11:18
I had too much time.
I wanted to sit on the bed, maybe to close eyes for that time. I wanted little period if half sleeping just to get rest, but no.
I heard door knocking.
I opened doors and saw Prince in a beautiful deep red uniform. The colour was exactly like mine. Or more correctly my dress was exactly like his.
He had all that things in the right pocket and had his sword on the left side. He had white gloves, and I remembered I was supposed to wear some. I didn't want to.
"Do you want to walk?" I blurted.
I wanted to get out of this room. I can't take all that chatting about a coronation, about people, things, dresses, makeup, and not what.
I was sick of that.
Ne nodded, and I smiled.
Finally to get out of this room.
I wanted to walk like I always walk but my big heels stopped. I had to walk extra carefully in them.
I could fall in a second.
Prince gave me a hand I took it. With another, I took a hand full of silk, materials, skirts and God knows what and somehow get out.
"Such elegance," Prince said, and I looked at him. For a moment I thought he will remain silent, but no.
I let that material to fall like a river.
"Shut up. I was awake since 6 a.m. I'm not in the mood." I looked at the hallway and, thank God, it was empty.
"Where you want to go?" He said once I made my fight with heels.
"Somewhere out. I'm sick of this." I waved around us and looked at him.
"Terrace then." He took me to a few stairs that lead to the third floor and I walked like a lady.
Back straight, the heel of the stair, fingers on, slowly, without a sound.
Heels shouldn't make a noise. Mrs Gren said once.
And they didn't.
When we get on the third floor, my look went on that room where I talked with Amelia and Travis.
I remembered their kisses, how they hug each other like they can't get close enough to each other. Like they need to feel accepted. Like they are one person.
I looked at rug not wanting to remember all of that and I counted my steps.
"Why did you forbid me to get in there?" I showed with my finger at Glass room and then at him.
"I don't like persons in there. That was always my hiding spot when we would play."
"Whoa whoa. What did you play? I did not know that." I looked at him trying to be serious.
"Don't make a fool of yourself. Of course, I played. When I run from my classes." He added.
"Okay. Prince is a fugitive." I said turning around myself.
There wasn't anyone, but that made me smile.
"Yea right. I did not want to learn. That is it. It's not interesting to learn about writers all day. You get bored. I don't care for half of that, but my teacher made me learn songs and verses. I still don't know why." He looked at the floor, but then he opened one door.
In front of us was a terrace, but it was all in the glass. It wasn't cold it had chairs, a table and a little bar.
It was a beautiful mix inside and out. I instantly liked it.
"This is beautiful," I said looking outside.
The show is falling so slow that it almost doesn't fall. You see, a little show flakes and in next moment it's gone. Everything outside was white but you could see a little green from a labyrinth.
"I know. I like coming here." He said.
"Is there anything you don't like?" I asked and looked at him.
He was standing next to the big window with his hands on the back and looked at me.
"Yes. I think I don't like spoiled brats." He answered.
"Oh. Is that mean you hate half of top-class or just me?" I had to ask.
Like it would be, he can pick a Queen after this.
"I already told you. I care much more for power and wars from the bedroom." He said, and I remembered that.
We were walking down the hallway, I think.
"Oh yes. So no Queen. No proposal?" I looked at him.
"No," he came closer " and no." He took off his gloves and put them in the pocket.
"Thier hearts will be broken," I said acting to be shaken off. "So cruel," I said waving in front of me.
"Oh spare me. They don't care." He looked outside like I did and silence came on us.
We watched outside, how someone walk on snow, how some soldiers are getting ready.
No pressure just nice silence.
"So will that hurt?" I said finally. I wanted to ask him the day.
"Like hell." He said and turned.
"I think there will be four tattoo Masters to do that. After all, they need to tattoo two hands. I mean it takes a long time. You will get bored."
I don't think I can get bored with his handsome body.
I could watch that hands for days.
"Yes, probably," I said and looked outside again.
"Probably?" He repeated, and I looked at him. His eyebrows were so tight that almost connected.
"I will watch you in pain." I lied. "Can it get better?" I said shrugging shoulders.
"Seeing me naked." He pointed.
I rolled my eyes.
"I will give that honour to a whole castle," I said and rolled my eyes again.
"As you wish." He turned to windows again, and I looked at the chair.
This heal is killing. I can't stand.
"I hate heels," I said after two minutes and sat on the chair.
"Are you sure you can sit?" He narrowed his eyes and looked at me.
"I don't know. They said nothing. Why?" I narrowed my eyes too and looked at him.
"It's forbidden for me. Something about ironing, crumple. No problem." He looked at me.
"Then I can't too." I wanted to get up, but my feet didn't want to hold me.
"I think I can't," I said looking at him.
"Why?" He asked.
"You try to walk in these shoes." I showed my black shoe, with a red button and 12-millimetre heels.
"At least they look good." He pointed to helping me to get up.
After that dancing night, I get used to his touch. It was warm, strong and somehow protecting.
I liked when he would touch me.
I didn't think about anything else when that would happen, which probably meant that I can say some stupid things.
I don't have a filter at that moment.
He helped me to get up, and I turned around.
"How it looks? Is it bad?" I said trying to see my back.
"I see nothing." He said, and I turned.
"Thank goodness. Prince can be such a pain in the ass." I said, and I rolled my eyes.
He smiled but said.
"I see you did not change your language." I nodded and smiled.
"I don't want." I inclined and looked at him.
"See? I have some manners." Mean smile was on the face and I looked him under the eyelashes.
I can pretend to be good.
"We should go. We start at ten."
I looked again outside and nodded.
"Okay."
Is it bad from me that I didn't want to go? I would like to stay here a little more, but I can't.
He has his coronation.
He can't be late.
****
I'm too nervous. I looked at my hands now covered with white gloves above the elbow and then at my dress.
King and Queen were in front of us.
Queen in beautiful dark gold dress, with big dark red slip behind. It covered her beautiful. She was beautiful in person but this just stands out her natural beauty. King was in deep red uniform, little alike like Prince's but he had dark red ribbon on top of it. He had a crown in dark hair and Queen did too. Hers was a thin chain around her head full of some stones while King's was a beautiful big crown. I asked myself how he can carry it. It looked heavy.
I looked at Prince. He wasn't looking around. His look was on a big rug under our feet. He had none crown. He was just in his uniform, his medals shone on a light while his left hand was folded in an elbow. My hand was missing there.
His dark hair was longer, and it fell on his face covering him.
I pushed him a little. He wasn't that arrogant prince like he was always. He looked imagined like he doesn't know where he is. Like he lost that arrogance.
He lifted his head. Eyebrow too. He moved ahead and get through hair with another hand.
"Yes?" He said quietly.
"Are you okay?" I whispered that frighten of king in front of me could hear us.
He just waved away and then he nodded.
"Prepare. It's begging." He said a little louder, and I looked up.
Trumpets played. Behind them was a piano and then violins. It sounded so peaceful and cherish. Like everything was on its place like you now is what needs to be happening.
I blinked a few times and took Prince under the arm. He was straight like the arrow and I looked up.
I own him this.
I took a deep breath, and I heard someone.
"Their Royal Highness King and Queen." They slowly moved like they are sliding above the floor.
They moved together like they are one person. They were one person, actually. They ruled together, they are together, and they will be.
"His Royal Highness The Prince." He ambled and followed their step.
"Miss Dianna." That voice said, and I froze for a second.
That is me. He said that like I'm in the same level as a prince, king and queen. Like I'm the future queen. Which is funny.
As told myself, I will end up dead?
I exhaled slowly and followed every word Mrs Gren said.
I think she would be proud of me.
I didn't flinch for a second. Looked like a statue. My movements were perfect, breathing, holding, everything.
King helped Queen to sit in a big iron throne full of dark red roses. She took black rose when she sat and gave it to King. He took it put on the chest and smiled for a second.
He really loves him. That is not just acting. They really love each other.
She smiled too and King sat on other bigger throne next to hers. Instantly he took her hand and played with her ring. Red Rubin shines in thousands of colours.
I looked at Prince. There was just one throne. For him for sure.
We stopped in the first row and there was one chair, next to Marissa and I smiled. She smiled too and nodded.
Prince let go of my hand and helped me to sit.
In a few big steps he was in his throne and everybody sat on their chairs.
He looked around scanning the whole room.
Why is doing that? Everything is safe. There is no reason to do that. Maybe he is just nervous. Soliders checked this room.
King stood up and said.
"Today we gathered up here to celebrate one of our traditions. Today my son, your Prince, is getting his legal right on the throne. Today, on this day, November seventh on his twenty-fourth birthday, a day when our beautiful queen gave us Crown Prince, we are celebrating his legal right. In that honour, I'm giving him something very special. I'm giving him his roots, his family, his ancestors. From now on, and till death he will carry them on his skin, reminding them of braveness, joy, and strength. Let our spirit be with him through battles and remember," he turned to him and prince look up. "You always have a family behind everything."
King salute him and Prince stood up.
They came close to each other touching each other right hand, taking ring finger and then touching their chests.
I felt someone giving me something. I looked down and saw Marissa's hand holding a tissue.
I wanted to ask for what but then I felt my tears. I was crying. I didn't even realise that.
King's speech reminded me of everything I left in my city. Everything I take care, everything that is behind me, like he said, everything I need. Everything I should appreciate.
I took a tissue and removed my tears. No. I need to look cold.
I looked up and saw prince removing his uniform. He took off the jacket and slowly he unbuttoned shirt. He took off cufflinks and put them on the throne. He removed the shirt, and I stared frozen.
I heard a few deep breaths, and I had to smile a little. Yes, the prince is hot.
Too weak to say hot. His musculus hands will be covered with tattoos for the rest of his life; if he can make it. His royal reminder that he is worthy.
For a second I met his eyes. They were melted ice breaks. They looked a little unfocused and little scared as it seemed.
He nodded at something that King told him and made his way down.
He got of the little podium in three steps, and he sat in a black chair and four men showed up.
They were carrying something black with cables behind. Two of them for every hand.
I covered my mouth. I can't look at this.
I really can't. But my look didn't want to remove from his.
I saw a big smile on his face when the first needle touched his skin. He closed eyes for a second and smiled even wider.
He looked crazy. He put his hands in fists and his muscles showed even bigger. He looked like he wanted that. Like he needed that pain. Like that is feeding his power.
Not killing people, but feeling pain.
That is what he needs.
I closed the eyes. I can't watch this. His torture and his smile. He enjoyed that. But my curiosity was bigger than my weak stomach. I needed to look.
I opened eyes again and meet his gaze, again. I could see a little green in them. I guess that happens when you look in those glass balls for too long. When you meet them so good you see every difference.
His smile didn't get off his face.
The whole time he was smiling like he got a most beautiful girl on the world.
****
We sat there for four hours. We could get out if we wanted, and a few of them get but I didn't want. I stood in my place looking at his face, and his hands.
After a first hour, his wrist was covered in tattoos and hands were red. He didn't move.
The second hour he had tattoos little before elbows and he squeezed hands even more. Not a single move.
The third hour they worked on his biceps. They moved a needle under his skin like some magic. Like they need to do that before some deadline. If they don't do that they will be dead. I looked at King. He was sitting on the edge of the throne. He was bitting his lower lip.
I looked back at the prince. He was talking something. I tried to read from lips but I couldn't.
It looked like he is practising something.
He is preparing for something.
Fourth-hour machines stopped and loud noise made in the room. Everyone was on his feet clapping and cheering.
Prince really made it. He really did that. He didn't even move. He let none noise. He sat staring for four hours, hands-on hand support letting them do their job.
His skin was too red. I wondered how much that hurt. How is he dealing with that?
He stood up made a circle around and then cheered.
He was happy. He made his way to the throne.
I cheered with everybody. I was surprised how he succeeded to take that much pain. How he can take that.
Every noise stopped. I turned around and realised that everybody is frozen. Prince did that again.
I looked at him and his eyes were green.
"I did that little rabbit." He said and smiled.
I said nothing.
Second, later people were moving again.
He has all control.
I blinked a few times and looked up.
King stood up.
"Cheer to your future King." He said and clapped loudly.
I looked at Queen. She was crying too. She was just like me. She couldn't believe how he made it.
It was his secret.
****
Everybody wanted to congratulate Prince.
I stood in the corner looking from shadows.
I didn't hear Queen's coming.
"Why don't you congratulate?" She asked, and I looked at her.
"He hates me," I said and looked at front.
"He doesn't hate you. He is not capable of that." She nodded in his direction and said.
"Go."
"I don't think he will like it. Later, maybe," I said and looked at her.
"This was scary."
"Yes, it was. I just wanted everything to be over." She said nothing else, and I looked at a crowd. They were a little wild.
I hated them.
I stood there in shadows all that time just wanting to get out. I will be in my room, but nothing will be over. I have to change into another dress, to be at the ball, and the biggest test of all. The dance.
You need to pray too many goods to succeed in that. Prince was mixing all dances and all you could do is to follow him, not with dance steps but with a walk. That was the strategy of mine. I walked while he did some pretty complicated things.
"All is in practice," Ha said, and I rolled eyes.
"Yeah. Years and years of practice. Not one night."
"We will see."
I blinked a few times and looked around.
Okay, this is over. I can go to my room.
When I get but I saw no one. They all get lost, and I made my way to the second floor. Surprisingly I take stairs. Not long one just twenty stairs.
Still, that was progress.
I opened the room and three of my maids waited for me.
"Do I have time for the rest?" I asked.
"No, lady. We need to take that dress off, and you need to wear another. No time." Olivia said, and I exhaled.
Okay, let's go.
Two hours later I was in a different dress. This one is a little smaller, all from silk and lace. It looked like something you would wear in some exotic place, and it's here.
Still, I wear it.
It was all from black silk. You could see little black pearls on the bottom, and dark red part on my back. Actually, I didn't have back. It was opened all the way down the middle of my back.
I thought I will be cold, but I didn't.
It was comfortable.
I looked down at my hands, now with some jewellery and then at my dress.
Pointless. I will always be a little girl from the edge.
I exhaled and moved my dark hair. It was all around my head. I wanted to cover a little of my back, but it was pointless. Hair moved like it's running from my skin.
I gave up and removed on a wisp of my hair.
I stepped outside and foud the beautiful person on the world.
Prince is standing in front of me. I froze for a second looking at his smoking.
Damn. Prince is in black smoking with ribbon and shiny shoes. God, he is so hot.
I looked at his face and he is smiling.
"You look.." I tried to say, but I stopped myself.
No. I can't say.
"I know. Unbelievable hot, charming, hot, smoking hot, all that adjectives which describe a handsome person."
I rolled eyes on his comment and get out.
"How long I need to stay?" I asked and took his hand.
For a second it looked like he is in pain but his face became blank again.
"Oh sorry." I let his hand a little and he answered.
"I don't know. I need to stay until everybody is gone. But for you, I don't know. Till midnight I think."
He frowned and I nodded.
Okay. I can do that. I had breakfast with Queen in the morning, around nine.
Little sleep, not bad.
"And now the real question. How much I need to dance?"
"Three dances with me, one with King and if someone other asks you and your dances, he will be dead. All in all four."
I stopped and looked at him.
"You are real with that?" I can't believe.
He won't give me tonight. Tonight to be free. No.
"Real like my tattoos on my skin," Ha said, and I looked.
"How long I need to listen to that comparison? My tattoos this. My tattoos this." I rolled eyes and looked at the floor.
Great. I have four dances, midnight and I will go.
Peace of cake.
"Ready?" I heard him saying once we were in front of big wooden doors.
"Nope. But let's get over with it." I nodded and pushed doors a little.
"As you wish." He said, and I took a deep breath.
Here we go.
Doors opened, and I saw a big ballroom filled with people. They all looked at us. Girls looked at my dress, and prince, but I didn't look at anyone. I just wanted to get over with this.
We came to the King's and Queen's throne and I bowed. Prince nodded and lowered his head. He is done with that.
People separated when Prince and I made our way to the dancing place.
Prince made a few circles showing us. I tried to smile, but I was too nervous. I looked at him.
He looked like he is having fun. Like he enjoyed at this party. I just hope I won't miss this.
Once when he took my right hand and danced I asked.
"Why you didn't take someone else to dance with you? Every girl would like that." I looked over his shoulder at the crowd and found a few pissed looks.
I smiled into his suit and looked at him.
"This way is funnier." He answered and a big smile appeared on his face.
He was beautiful without them, but with that smile, that real smile, that smile from the heart, is what made him even prettier.
Something happened. I missed none note. I danced perfectly.
I bowed after the dance and said.
"Not that bad, after all." I smiled and turned. I need to have a drink.
I was on my way to the table when I heard someone.
"So forgettable." I turned and met Danniel's chocolate look.
"Danniel. Oh. So happy to see you. You missed me." I said smiling wildly.
"Yes yes. If I made the request would you do it for me?" Ha asked looking around.
"Yes sure," I said. Something is wrong, but still, that is Danniel. He is only one nice.
"Good. Met me outside in five minutes." He turned before I could say anything.
"Panem et circenses" Bread and circuses.
Hellooo...so what do you think?
Long expected coronation is here. What is happening with Danniel? What does he want?
Read comment and vote...
Lovr yaaa...