I, Natalie Borisovna Petrova, came to this palace about ten years ago. Since then I've done my job very diligently and haven't given even the slightest chance of a mistake as that's how I am. I had so much fun experience throughout these years and not gonna lie but many a times it felt as a nightmare as well.
Now, if I recall well, I came here just to do my job and be a part of the royals. Yes. It was all professional. But then, I fell in love with the princess, like everyone here. She's a lovely person and even when with time she has changed a lot, her aura had never deteriorated. Each day here was like an adventure and magic to me. Never thought in my life that I could enjoy such a time. I'm thankful for everything even if it becomes my last day of work today.
Silence. All around. Natalie had never been this quiet in her life. It was so quiet around that her racing heartbeats could be heard. She was moving her eyes to have a good look of all, the place she has been the most at, accompanying the person who became inseparable to her. How would she now live without her when she has become so close to her. But most importantly what will she do now....looking for jobs again?
"You look lost.", suddenly Emmarian's voice, "I have been roaming here for a while already but you didn't even flinch. Did you see me coming?"
She turned to her. Emmarian, standing in her attire, the jacket, the gloves and the breeches, in her fencing whites. She looked upside down and held her hands in her hands, "It's a disaster." dismally, "Alas...how did things turn up like this?"
"Did it happen this fast that you forgot already?" Emmarien leaned closer, "I'll remind you then. You and Nathalie were arguing and when I joined in, she made an offer. If I fence and won, she'll agree with you."
"Wait. We weren't arguing. I was making a request there. And then...man what I'm gonna do! It seems like I initiated a war between the mother and the daughter."
"And that's what taking you're attention now, more than that your accomplice had a match in an hour. C'mon Nat, you can't be for real."
"Of course not. I remember. I mean I know it's important to you. One win and you'll be able to do what you wanted."
"What I wanted?"
"To go to school. But....if we see it's not that bad. You've grown up already. You will do well on your own."
"You thought I raised my voice because of that school trip." Natalie was still lost enough in her calamatic situation to listen mindfully to her. Emmarian sighed, "Interesting."
Two hours ago....
When Emmarian at first arrived at the spot after she heard the chaos outside, she stood their for a while witnessing Nathalie's new shade and she herself didn't understand well the reason behind her sudden outburst. Nathalie was the most important person to her and so was Nat. One precious was dissing the other. And today they both lost it. Never have ever Nathalie has been this outraged before and nor had ever Emmarian raised her voice to Nathalie. That 'Enough' was loud, but it didn't stop there.
She stormed through the stairs, going right in front of her and in that same distorted state of mind, she spoke to her, "How could even say this to her Nathalie? She's just asking for a freaking school. What's with your reaction at that? She's the one who's been here for me all this time and you're speaking so harshly to her, yelling at her in front of everyone. What's so wrong with me going out?"
After that, the reaction was as expected. Nothing from the other side. And of course, Emmarian undoubtedly regretted it the very next second. May be it was that last years' frustration of being held back, those lies, or it could have been really her protective side for Nat. She wasn't sure exactly to be. But whatever it was it totally took different turns. She didn't expected that coming from her next, after all. Nathalie agreed....agreed for her to be finally out. But all there was a one small condition now ~ win over a single fencing match, which already meant a yes because everyone there knew how well her skills already were.
"Seems like I came at the wrong time.", a soft voice pulling her back into the present, "Happy Birthday Emmarian!"
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"This is John, your majesty.", Frans speaking gesturing towards a tall man, "A young and aspiring athlete of our nation. He even trains others at his own institution. Young and talented gentleman, your majesty, is he suitable?"
Nathalie looked at the person he was beckoning at, who bowed to her, nodding with a faint smile on her face, "That was quick of you, Frans. Feel at your ease here, young man till the match time comes."
Both of them taking their leave headed to the door where she noticed them bowing again to someone else. When they left she saw the new face clear....it was her lovely young brother, Prince Willem, about two years younger than her. The smile broadened on her face and so did on his. He did the royal gesture showing courtesy, "My best wishes to you, your majesty. Long live the Queen!"
"Will! You're late this year. You should have come sooner by the daytime. It's been long since the daybreak."
"My apologies, Nath. The kids are growing fast. Even though they learn the etiquette, still childrens are childrens. I have just returned from the cemetery of mother and the his majesty after offering tribute. You're not yet to cathedral, are you?"
She shook her head, "I have been there right in the early morning. My husband was there too after all...."
"Of course. I didn't mean to start that. Today's a big day already. How's Emmarian? And where is she? I shouldn't be more late to wish her. Right?"
"Absolutely. She's probably in her room." She paused, "I mean. Today's something else is also about to happen. There's a fencing match too."
"I see. A show besides celebration. That's really a nice idea from you. Emmarian adores fencing too, after all."
"No. It's not a show. It's actually a match of Emmarian, like a challenge rather."
"Pardon? Challenge....what challenge?"
"You'll soon get to know....let's head outside first. It's almost time"
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Spark. It was indeed something there. And she did saw that, right there in her eyes.
'Since it has never happened....it's meagre a hypothesis of mine, your majesty, based on my observation. We have seen the shortage but it is very likely to happen. Since her mood, more technically the mood hormones are a major driving factor, it won't be wrong to say that the adrenaline can play role too. If her emotions are much overwhelming, there might be a lot of production leading to a situation of hemorrhage or may be the cell can burst. Though it's a good thing she doesn't get overhyped or aggressive something. Otherwise, it can be even more life threatening.'
She remembers. And this had never happened nor she would let it happen. But....that red spark. Now when Emmarian shows even less emotions. When she don't even speak her thoughts much like before. But, today, it was clearly visible. She was mad. Mad at her for someone else.
And there was no second thought, once she noticed that. It was life threatening.The words of the doctor resurfaced in a jiffy in her mind, getting her agreed to them at the spot. The sudden shock probably vanished her anger. It was the best decision for she won't be ever be able to handle it alone. Will she find someone like Dr. Haartsen.... was not even sure. But, of course, she'll not miss a chance and so after considering a while, she put that challenge proposal. There was no way, Emmarian could lose for there was nothing she has seen her not being good at and fencing was not something she just learnt for fun. But, still she would seize even the last straw on earth to do what's best for her.
But, this had never happened. No matter how her thoughts changed for her with time, she was never mad at her. But, today it happened for a third person. This had started to worry her already, a third person. And may be this was the reason for her sudden outburst too, when she herself had never lost her composure. Jealousy. But, such feelings should never trap her. It was she at fault this time, she knows. She couldn't be bitter about the person because of whom she could feel at ease. It's just that, now it feels she is nothing more but meagre a royal face. She is no longer a daughter, a wife and nor a mother. But, for that sake even, she has to hold longer and so may be it's time she shouldn't be doing it alone for more long.
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"What on earth!" Raged but a soothing voice, "How can Aunt Nathalie be like that? What's wrong with going to a school. Even Sophie and Liam go to the public school. I'll be even attending the university now.", her long brown lively hair fanning as she sat next to Emmarian, "It's actually pathetic that you have to compete for that. I always thought it was you who didn't want to attend schools."
"Well, that's true.", murmurs.
"You said what?", she looked at her. This was Princess Susanne, the eldest daughter of Prince Willem. She was 2 years older than her.
"I meant it's not a big deal. It's just a fencing match. You're making it sound like a battle, Sanne."
"You sound so carefree about it. Then..." whispering to her, "why is Natalie sitting like that. She hasn't spoken a word besides a hello since. Is she alright?"
Emmarian turned back to notice her who was still in the same position like before. She smirked turning back to Susanne, "Well....Nat's just worried that I won't be enjoying school and so I shouldn't go." Natalie's face turned swiftly in her direction, "She's probably planning to keep me with herself."
Susanne looked doubtful, "Really? Why. It's nothing like that. School will be an amazing place. Emmarian would enjoy it and did I tell you? I just returned from a school trip. Some of the things you can only enjoy in school. It was such a time in Paris. And for curriculum I can bet Emmarian will steal the show at once...."
"What did you say?" Emmarien asked, "Where did you go?"
"Paris."
"Sister Emmarian!", echoed a voice in the room startling all. Before Emmarian could turn her head back and see anything, tiny arms wrapped around her, enough to tell herjust that instance who it was. Emmarian stood up taking the kid in her lap, "Princess Sophie! What a pleasant surprise..."
"Many many happy returns of the day to you, Sister. Happy birthday!", Sophie beamed.
"A very happy birthday Emmarian!", a manly voice followed it and entered a tall young looking guy with an another small figure hiding behind, "She left my hand and ran to you. That's how excited she was."
"Tom!", Sussane also stood up and gave him a peck on cheeks, "You're finally here!"
"Not my fault." He hugged Emmarian as well, "Father suddenly had to go for some urgent project. So, it's just we three and mother who came. Where you sulking..." to the concealing body behind him, "Come forward, Liam."
The five year old slowly came in the front, "Happy birthday...."
"Thank you, your highness." Emmarien smiled at him being quite familiar with his shy nature.
"By the way, what's with this fencing today?", confused, "While I was coming here, Frans asked me to call you downstairs for the same. I'm more puzzled seeing you like this now."
Sussane laughed from side, "It's complicated. I'll explain but I'm myself not much known either. You see. Cause....you have not even notice her yet.", beckoning at the couch behind and that's when he noticed, "Ms. Petrova?"
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"So all this ostentation just for not sending her to school. I don't get your possessiveness over her. Isn't it just a school?", Willem talking to Nathalie, sitting ready in the front seat to match beside her.
Nathalie was in her normal calm composure, "If you want to put that way, you can. I don't feel like explaining my reasons again. She's that precious to me. But....you must first tell me where Elisabeth is. You both came tohether, didn't you?"
Listening to that his eyes quickly searched the crowd around, but couldn't trace his wife. He gave a soft giggle, "I guess she's still in the bedroom. I'll just go and bring her. Excuse me."
He left the hall leaving her alone when she noticed Emmarian coming. Their eyes met but she quickly withdrew, looking at a different direction. It's been already quite a time since she took the decision but somewhere this all feels really strange, more childish to say. Somewhere it feels scary to actually let her go from her side after all these years but....somewhere it even seems like some kind of fate destined to happen. She always use to think if one day will come when she had to see this happen but was is suppose to happen this way? This might be her chance, a gamble. If she wins, it's time to let her go and if not out of a blue, she still needs her protection.
"How are you Nath?", the familiar voice took her attention, Astrid, her youngest sister.
"You're late, Astrid."
She slided next to her, "My apologies. Some work popped up at the critical moment. And Hans has to go away in the end."
"You came alone?"
"Yes. Just the kids joined. Did you meet the three?"
She nodded, "I saw 'em on their way to Emmarian."
Astrid laughed, "They might be in rush. You know how much Sophie fantasies Emmarian. She couldn't wait another second. But I'm planning to meet her after the match. Congratulating her for both her birthday and victory at once."
Nathalie looked at her, "You're that sure?"
"Of what? Her victory?", she chuckled, "Oh c'mon, had that child ever upset you with her performance. There's no second doubt about it. Plus, she has even defeated me, the one with exceptional skills of her time. She'll keep my pride.", smiling broadly at her.
Nathalie at that moment looked at Emmarian, this time just she, noticing how her aura actually was capable of attracting attention. It was indeed true that she had never disappointed her, even today.
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The room had dim lighting, the things around indicating the person there has just arrived. The lady in the room was sitting at her dressing table, caressing a diary, old but neat, with the year 1993 visible. It belonged to her but the memory it held was of someone else's.
'Did you like it? I saw you like writing.", spoke a youngman, his clothing giving smell of a noble, "This will compliment your great skills."
'It's beautiful and thoughtful', replied the much younger version of the lady, 'I will use it to jolt down my memories in."
"Really? So....will I be part of those memories?", she nodded flusteredly, "Bravo. I sometimes wondered how it's like reading about yourself in your old days. But, I can't do with this writing stuff everyday. Hope you won't mind read about me from your part.", he giggled.
"We can read it together as we grow older.", said she looking in his eyes to which he responded with a smile.
She indeed wanted to spend her days with him and grow along side by side, see that face everyday. But that face disappeared like some curse from her eyes and that was today, in that ominous night when he returned lifeless. His face, that smile, all unrecognizable, all burnt.
A drop of tear fall down on the diary and she mumbled, 'Edward....' Her mind has never forgotten that face neither the one she loved nor the one she saw that night. It's been years but every time she couldn't stop herself from weeping, regretting and blaming. KNOCK KNOCK....
"Honey!", it was Wilem, "Why are you still here? And that too....", switching on the lights, "...in this dark. Her majesty was looking for you."
He came close to her where she sat quietly. At the feel of his hand on her shoulder, she spoke up, "I don't feel like coming down. You can tell that to her majesty."
"Are you feeling unwell? Do you want me to call..."
"Shall I be elated," interrupting, "on the occasion of mourning? I can't be a part of whatever show going on downstairs."
"Why. You're getting it all wrong. Have you forgotten? Today's Emmarian's birthday too and tonight even Christmas eve. It's been years already. Get ready and we'll go together."
"I don't understand. Her birthday was not celebrated that grandly earlier. Especially the day time was supposed to be for remembrance. What's the fuss about all now?"
"I know why are you saying all this. I know you're still blaming yourself. But have my love ever doubted? So, just forget it all. It was never your fault. We'll go downstairs now and meet everyone. You're missing a lot here alone, dear."
It was. She thought, it was indeed her fault. That she ever let that woman enter her life and takeaway her beloved.
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Downstairs, by this time, the match was already on its verge of start with each player at their position and Natalie at that of the referee. With a lot of courage, she took her steps to her majesty and was supposed to apologize but was handed this task instead, surprising her. Obviously it should have been Frans task and he looked equally stunned too. This made her think for a while if she was actually still blaming her or not. She entrusted her with the final decision, after all. Her face didn't tell much. It was back to its normal composed self. Emmarian also looked like she didn't care much and it was only she worrying. She looked at her, standing ready with her helmet and arms on. But, she was looking back too, confused, she found everyone was watching in her direction only.
"You're suppose to begin Ms. Petrova.", she heard Frans, "it's my third time calling already."
Abashed, she started, "Ready?", both fencers nodded, "Both of you will use Épée and so target would be the whole body. One point for each hit by just the tip of the Épée. It will be a fifteen minutes bout. The one scoring first will win.", beckoning her hands, "Princess Emmarian on my right, red and John on my left, blue."
And thus began the play. All eyes fixed on the ground, the same place where Emmarian has practiced for years. But, it didn't even being much longer and the red color buzzed, "First point goes to John.", declared Natalie and thus it continued again.
Is Emmarian losing? If it was asked a while ago and the reply was supposed to be in the positive. She should lose somehow at least. School wasn't something much of her fascination. After leaving alone for this long, she didn't feel like joining the crowd. Independence and that place were totally different things. But, something has changed now. Emmarian have to win. It can be a chance for her. And the game has begun totally fine for her. Sports isn't just physical but even psychological. Let the opponent be at ease to let them mistakes more later. The first three minutes passed like this with a slight inclination towards John.
One minute break. Natalie also knew Emmarian's strategy. So, she was calm too but for Nathalie the case was different. She could she her decision being right. By now Emmarian even studied her opponent. Frans has found someone exactly like him. Even the name sounds similar. But, he was a good one and she was being extra careful as the decision now mattered to her.
It was not that she was the goddess of the game. It's just that she was capable of learning, literally everything, thanks to her endless energy and photographic memory. For fencing the case was different for it was a thing of her very interest which meant even more enthusiasm towards it she has shown all these years. She was meant to be perfect in it.
Second break. The score was now overcome as planned, Emmarian leading. But, it wasn't that easy. The mood and emotions were different creating problems. And even Emmarian could feel something different. A sudden new fear of losing was gripping her. She was being super extra careful with her steps. It was not the way she had played before.
It was already the last segment and he was catching up. The match was reaching its climax. The three minutes were already over but no one had scored a fifteen yet. And so it continued, the back and forth whistling sound of the blade filling the air. Both of theirs swords missing the body from a margin. Red-blue, blue-red and so, until, "Matchpoint.", it was for Emmarian. One more point to go until it was again him scoring which meant it was really just one more point to go. No breaks now, 15 minutes past the last one.
People who didn't know were waiting for the winner and the one who knew were clapping hands. Natalie was now getting tensed. She had never seen Emmarian play like that. But, Nathalie still had that unreadable expressions.
But, for Emmarian the case was different. Obviously, by now she already figured it out, the actual cause of her slowing down. It was time to calm her nerves and get through it. The goal, a clear path and that's it. She was now ready to kill. Her movements now getting sharp, just to notice something different. She was still playing, but a sight captured in her eyes, behind him. It wasn't intentional, and without any effort it strike her hard. No one has seen the whole palace better than her and a totally new face hit her more as a series of images rushed through her mind. None of which having any memory of it. Just an old man, in decent cloting but this face staring closely at her was now nowhere to find. It was strange, his sudden disappearance. Her eyes searched for a while, and just in that sec she even forgot what she was doing.
BEEP.....
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