Harmless Flames

Fall and rise

Effie

- When I saw Novak all I could think about was that he is such a brat. He was thrown in front of me like a sacrificial lamb, his forehead was covered in sweat, his face was red with anger and his clothes were all simple and wrinkled. To be honest, I felt like a huge disrespect towards me as a Princess and towards my whole kingdom. No one talked about the wedding with me either, only one day my dad dressed me up, and put me in a ridiculously decorated carriage to go to meet my fiance. The carriage was made of white bones and all kind of colorful gems. The wheels were painted gold as well s the handles of the carriage door. It looked gorgeous but for me it resembled the last place where I'll ever be free. I didn't know much about marriage, only knew, that my parents were married and they hated each other. My father hated my eyes cause they were like my mom's and my mom hated profoundly my silky red hair, cause I inherited it from my dad. Only after a huge tantrum while I tored my first set of clothes and rolled in the mud, I was allowed to take Chelsea with me. I'll never forget my mom's expression while she ripped the hairbrush from the maid's hand and almost made me bold when she did my hair. She brushed it with full anger and just couldn't stop babbling about how irresponsible and childish I was. That I was bringing shame to my whole family and kingdom. I saw her eyes looking down on me in the reflection of the silver mirror in my room. Her face was distorted with disgust and disappointment while she made a bun on top of my head. She pulled me off of the fluffy, dusty pink chair and grabbed my shoulders. She leaned a bit down to stare directly into my eyes while her voice was as cold as ice.

- Listen to me Euphemia. If you dare to bring shame to...

- I won't ashame my kingdom mother! - I said fiercely but she slapped my face so badly that my ears rang. She shook me and shouted at me.

- DON'T INTERRUPT ME! AND I DON'T CARE ABOUT THE KINGDOM. IF YOU CAUSE TROUBLE AND HUMILIATE ME I'LL KILL YOU. - I nodded and found myself in the most expensive cage ever again.

That's why I was specifically pissed at Novak's appearance. His father delivered him like a mail. He didn't care about his son being a bit filthy and fighting him back. His father was affectionate in a way I've never seen mine to act. I was getting jealous. Jealous of the cold Estermond, of the green corridors and monster servants. Jealous of the boy in front of me who had everything I've ever wanted and yet he dared to oppose. And the cherry on top, when he saw my maid, he fall in love. I could see the purple haze falling on both of their eyes the moment their glances met. He didn't dare to approach Chelsea and she... My sweet Chelsea... She just stood next to me, looking at the brat who was supposed to be my groom. I could tell by the way her lips trembled, that she would change places with me if she could, without hesitation. I cleared my throat and they both turned their heads towards me. The king left the room long time ago leaving us alone to figure out our futures.

- You two are soul mates. - I said loud and clear and Chelsea immediately fell on her knees. She hung her glance down at the exquisite, white marble floor.

- My Princess, I'd never dare to lay my eyes on someone who belongs to you! - I saw Novak's fists clench when she was kneeling on the floor. Our eyes met, and I saw a change in that boy's attitude that made me realize why my father choose him as my groom. Novak pulled himself straight, his facial features hardened, his movements became elegant and his voice turned stoic and cold.

- Princess Effie, let's talk about this in a sophisticated matter. That's what they expect from us. - I just stared at him and couldn't hold my laughter back. The huge grey walls echoed my laughter back and my tears were falling. My cheeks hurt and my heart ached as I couldn't recall when was the last time I laughed this hard. When the cold breeze of the room started hurting my throat, I managed to stop laughing. With a not so lady-like momentum I kicked the green high heel off of my feet and laid down on the floor.

- Seriously... This is just like a theater play, and I'm not even the protagonist! - Novak walked to me and picked me up from the ground.

- What the hell do you think you are doing?! - I asked hitting his chest, but he didn't say a word. He just walked to the creme colored sofa in the left corner of the room and put me down on the comfy surface. Then, he lit the fire in the fireplace in front of me, walked back to Chelsea, helped her up and escorted her back to me. He gave a kiss on top of her hand before Novak walked to a huge black cabinet behind us and picked out a thick, emerald green and fluffy blanket. He covered both of us and sat on the colorful carpet at our feet, with his back to the fireplace. For a split second as the fire illuminated him from behind and his red eyes stared into our souls, I could see what kind of king he'll one day be, and I also knew, that I'm not the one for him. We were too alike. Two encaged phoenixes, each of us in our respective cage of responsibilities living in the shadows of our kingdoms. Novak broke the silence.

- Effie, we should work together. That's the only way we can get out of this trap.

- I agree. But we need to make it clear what do we want.

- Exactly. Please, ladies first. - I've nodded and held Chelsea's hand under the blanket. She was my first and only friend. My father killed hers and enslaved her after Chelsea's mom killed herself to follow her beloved husband. She was a kind hearted, soft, lovely and very smart girl. With amazing healing and ice magic but that only I knew.

- Chelsea, what do you want? - her eyes widened at me. I smiled and squeezed her hand.

- It's fine, it's only us here and Novak is a friend. - she looked at Novak whose glance longed for her attention. Chelsea spoke softly but straightforwardly.

- I felt something when I saw the prince. If my princess allows me, I'd like to find out what these feelings are. - I've nodded and looked at the smiling Novak. The strong king disappeared in front of us and he was replaced by a black golden retriever. I sighed and buried my face in my hands.

- If your highness was a werewolf I swear I'd be able to see your tail wagging. - I looked at him again and Novak blushed.

- What do you want Princess? - he asked and both of them looked at me expectantly. My answer even surprised me.

- I want my kingdom. I want to kill my father and fix his mistakes. - Chelsea's jaw dropped and Novak grinned.

- Only that? I thought you'll want something impossible! - I couldn't tell by the look in his eyes if he was being sarcastic or serious and that, sent a shiver down on my spine. "What did I do?"