Chapter 51: Part 1 - Conflicts!

(A/N - The much awaited Chapter 51 starts!!!)

Recap -

Marina gets to know about Nathan and Admiranda's marriage, at the same time, she realizes her own feelings for Nathan.

(At present)

[Mystic Falls, Palace,Alves ]

Next day, Marina refused to go out of her room. She laid out on her bed cuddled with her favourite friend - Brialle. She felt physically and emotionally exhausted, even though all she had done was lay down on a bed.

After much insistence and pressure Marina told Alicia all that had happened. Alicia went from happy to sad to angry to insane. All of it in a fraction of ten minutes.

"I am going to kill her. Princess or not, no one talks to my friends like that. She messed with the wrong people," Alicia said, grabbing her bow and arrow.

"Woah, slown down, royal huntress. You are not going anywhere," Marina replied, standing in front of Alicia.

"I-I just thought it was all a mere rumor."

"Rumor? About what?" Marina asked, dragging Alicia to sit on the bed.

"About their marriage," Alicia replied, sadly.

"It's okay, Alicia. I'm sure many women get their heart broken, have unrequited love. Just add me to that list too," Marina said with her best fake smile, but Alicia could see through it.

"*Knock, Knock*"

"Come in," Marina answered.

A servant came in with a letter. On further enquiry, it turned out to be a letter from Nathan. Marina find the servant and took the letter.

Dear Princess,
I know I haven't been at my best behavior since past few days. But everything has been happening so quickly that I barely got time to understand it. I want to tell you something, I know it's a bit sudden. But, I guess it would be better if you get to know about it from me than someone else. A carriage would take you in the evening to me. Hopefully you will come.

Your friend,
Nathan.

"He wants to tell me about his marriage with Princess Admiranda," Marina said, her eyes devoid of emotions.

"He asked me to meet him in the evening."

"So are you going?"

"Maybe."

"I think you should meet Prince Nathaniel and show that you are in affected by his decisions."

Except, I am. Marina thought to herself.

"Okay," Marina replied, about to lay down on the bed.

"What are you doing?"

"I am about to take a nap," Marina answered with a frown marring her face.

"No. We have to get you ready decide your dress, hairstyle, hearings. Choose other accessories and a bit of touch up here and there," Alicia said, pacing up and down in the room.

"What-Why?"

"We will show Prince Nathaniel what he is going to miss by marrying Princess Snow White," Alicia replied, chuckling evilly.

Marina visibly swallowed and was about to protest. But, then decided against it. Her mother always told her that confidence comes from within, but a perfect attire can do wonders in a confidence crisis. Sighing, Marina agreed to Alicia's crazy plan.

(In the evening)

Marina looked at herself in the mirror. She had to admit Alicia had done a great job. Marina was wearing a sleeveless princess scoop neck long white gown with a beautiful golden belt. Her hair was made into a neatly braided bun with a floral Tiara (given by her mother) that highlighted her bangs and blue eyes.

"But what about my sword and Brialle?" Marina asked Alicia, who was busy putting on dangling pearl earrings on Marina.

"I will stay here with Brialle and as for your sword, I have a spare dagger that I can strap up on your thigh. In dire consequences you can use it," Alicia replied, pulling out the dagger.

After putting on the dagger, Alicia doing final checking for the sixth time, Marina was finally allowed to go.

As Marina sat in the carriage she wondered if she was doing the right thing. Her pulse quickened and hands began to get sweaty as the carriage stopped in front of a beautiful mansion. Taking a deep breath and fixing her tiara Marina got up and descended from the carriage.

The carriage drove away as soon as Marina stepped out. She came face to face with a smiling Nathan. He was wearing a black trouser and lose weight tunic. His brown hair was tousled on one side. But, what struck Marina more were his eyes. The ever glowing worm emerald eyes looked worn out.

As Marina came closer she realised Nathan had a bit of dark circles. Worry build inside her as she wondered if Nathan had trouble sleeping.

"Done checking me out?" Nathan asked the blue eyed princess as they stood in front of each other, face to face, staring into each other's eyes.

"No, I-I wasn't checking you out," Marina replied, betrayed by her flushed cheeks.

Here, goes the remnants of my dignity. Marina's inner voice replied sarcastically.

"I have to admit you look great. If it's you you can sign in any dress outfit because you are just so naturally beautiful," Nathan complimented Marina while looking in her ocean blue eyes.

Round two: Blushing is in a competition with tomato and... Blushing wins. Marina's inner voice, remarked.

Marina suppressed the urge to roll her eyes at herself and instead replied to Nathan.

"Thank you. You don't look bad yourself."

"I know, I am Prince Nathaniel, afterall," Nathan replied with a smirk.

"Conceited much?" Marina asked with her one eyebrow arched up while holding her arms across her chest.

"Simply stating the truth."

"Well then you are delusional," Marina replied, rolling her eyes.

"Oh..." Nathan said as he stepped closer to Marina.

"But, weren't you're the one who said I was beautiful and sexy," Nathan whispered into Marina's ears, referring to the day she drugged complimented him.

Round three: Blushing is the new body heater, more effective than fire. Marina's inner voice remarked.

Marina looked down, even though they were back to teasing each other. Marina felt conflicted, she wanted to talk to Nathan more, but she wanted it to end and go back too.

Being in love is just so frustrating and confusing. Marina thought to herself.

"Let's go inside--"

Nathan's words were cut off by Princess Admiranda's appearance from the nearby trees.

"Here, Nathan. Thanks for lending me your court," Princess Admiranda said smiling cheekily to the Prince. while holding Nathan's coat.

"Oh Princess Marina, I didn't know Nathan had invited you here too or I wouldn't have disturbed you two out here," the tribal princess remarked.

"N-No, it's okay. You two go inside and continue your talk. I have to go back to Brialle, I can't leave him alone," Marina said hurridely as she started running, tracing her route back to the palace.

"Marina wait!!" Nathan called out.

But Marina didn't wait. She couldn't wait any longer. She was foolish to think Nathan had invited her only, obviously Princess Admiranda had to tag along. Right now her whole body ached as tears ran down her cheeks. What was she thinking getting all dressed up and showing up?

Marina shook her head violently and continued to run when she stumbled due to a pebble. She was about to fall down, when two strong arms enveloped her, holding her a hostage in his embrace. Nathan stood panting with worry written over his face as the Prince and Princess stared at each other.

Marina immediately steadied herself, scrambling out of Nathan's embrace.

"What were you thinking running away into the forest, that too at night all alone like this," Nathan asked as his face contorted into anger.

"Why does it matter to you, what I do, where I go?" Marina asked, her eyes downcaste.

"Because I am your husband and it is my duty to protect--" Nathan's words were cut off by a humorless laugh from Marina.

"Duty? Responsibility? That's all I am to you... I know we had a no-choice marriage, but weren't you the one who freaking slipped this ring onto my finger in front of everyone," Marina said, lifting her ring finger up to show it to the Prince.

"I know you are a really nice person, N-Prince Nathaniel. You think it's your duty to protect others. But, I was far much better without your protection, your Alves."
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First of all, thanks to all those who are still reading my book😅

So, what do you think of this chapter? We got a Maran moment!!

This chapter 51 is divided into three parts. Next part is going to turn your world upside down😉

All those interested in poetry, must check out my good friend flowerofpomona 's poetry book "Splinter". It's amazing guys.❤️

Till the next update, keep shining ;)

- Love Addy :)