The Unloved Princess

Chapter 3

Athena’s POVs:

Screaming and rumbling of doors is what I wake up to the later dawn. Great, what now I think to myself turning to my right, I see Nikolaus is gone. He must have slipped out sometime through the night to head back to his chambers. I’m pleased he did so he wouldn’t get in trouble due to him being discovered in my room. Standing up from my old bed I’m still tender from the beating and assault Ezra did to me the day before, I grasp a gray clean cloth walking over to my tub of water and wipe my face with the chilly water causing a sigh come out of my swollen lips. Continuing to wash my collar, arms, legs and everything else, getting myself as fresh as possible as I scrummage through the insufficient of dresses I own and get my favorite gown. It’s no we’re to being new, but it’s my number one. Honestly, nothing I have is new, but I’m used to it and not troubled by little things anymore. Anyway it’s a long, baby blue puffy dress with black flowers falling to the bottom of the gown with a v neckline. The edges are a little tarnished with soil, but that’s normal for my clothes. After I placed the clothing on, I notice my hair tie and push my golden brown hair up in a careless bun. Looking through my dirty mirror I see unhappy, drained green eyes and just stare for a few minutes, wishing I had a better way of life with a knight and shining armor that will whisk me away from this bitter, vicious world. I wish I was cared for like a princess should be or at least have a family that cares for me the way they're supposed to, but one could only fantasize.

Hearing loud screaming again and again, it draws me out of my head when I hear Nikolaus yelling out in agony. Running out of my little room to look at what is going on, my eyes shoot up when I see Nikolaus on the floor of the corridor, all battered up. He has an inflamed eye, busted lip, blood coming from his mouth, and they twisted his arm in the incorrect direction and no other than Ezra and my father are the villains at control. I shriek and rush to him what is wrong with you people I shouted while running my palm over Nikolaus face. He’s still breathing, thank goodness I say to myself.

What is wrong with me, you demand? Ezra says, fuming in rage, causing me to glance up at him.

Your f*****g boy toy tried to beat me up last night, if you don’t remember. Now I’m paying him back.

Fear in shown in my eyes and Ezra and my dad both can see it.

King Royce, my father, yells for an escort and orders them to take Nikolaus to the dungeons and prepare for his hanging in the late afternoon. Nikolaus has not only struck my son, but he has also broken the kingdom rule that the Queen, and I’ve made.

My eyes go wide, and I plead my father. Father, he is not my boy toy I’m sorry I expressed to him. I was just so lonely and desired a friend, please don’t discipline him for my doing. Please, king, don’t slaughter him. I’ll do anything!

Suddenly, the Queen my mom shows up and slaps me across the face hard you w***e we have told you the rules, and you broke them do not disrespect your King again.

She again moves to land another blow on my face, but the King stops her mid-swing, and she turns to face him with a frustrated expression in her eyes, why are you interrupting me dear?

Honey, I have an excellent idea and little Athena is suitable for it. My mother's eyes have a twinkle in them. I guess she knows what he is talking about. Oh! Yes, dear, she will be excellent for him.

Standing there confused, looking between the two fearing what this plan is and what they are referring to. King Royce turns to me and says,

The kingdom has gotten a warning message from Dragon King Asher requesting a royal virgin bride or misery would break fast in the kingdom, and I will not deliver my precious Calia to a savage man dragon like that, but I have no trouble sending him the likes of you. My skin crawls with shivers King Asher is known to be the most inhuman man in the land he’s even worse than my father and mother of all the stories I’ve heard of him no one has ever come back alive, and he can execute you with his bare hands. King Royce continues saying, and I will let your precious friend he empathizes go, but he will be banded from my kingdom forever. Do we have a deal, Athena, he expresses?

Yes Sir, but first let Nikolaus go.

Deal my father speaks and orders the patrols to take him to the edge of the forest with a loot of food and water and leave him there.

Yes Sir, the guard says and drags my best and only friend out of the castle.

Whispering so alone I can hear, I love you Nikolaus and I pray we meet again.

Now down to business, my fathers says in a harsh voice, forcing me freeze on the spot and peer at him.

Go make yourself tidied up, go to your sister's chamber, and she will help you become fit for King Asher he will be here before nightfall so hurry and don’t be late when you are done come to my office.

Do I make myself clear, Athena?

Ye… Yes Sir, I try saying while stuttering.

Good go Now he screeches.