The Fallen Princess & The Fallen Angel

"I accept." I said as all the people erupted into applause. I was challenged by the rival princess of Venus. No one in a hundred years had dared to accept this kind of challenge cause the rival can ask anything in return if he/she wins. They could ask for your life too. Being the princess, once challenged I could not deny or else I would be risking my kingdom's freedom. It is better that I die than to see my Kingdom of Amourain becoming a slave to a ruthless king, evil queen and an absolutely pathetic and heartless princess.

You might be thinking that if I lose, they will make my kingdom a slave anyways. No, that's not true. The rule is they'll make them a slave only if I deny their challenge. Otherwise, if I lose, they can ask me to do anything for them and my beloved Amourain will be spared. Of course, it wouldn't be mine after the competition but yeah everybody would be kind of saved.

Why am I being such a pessimist? Well, that's because I know that the chances of winning are almost zero. All my brave guardsmen died in the battle last year we had with th Kingdom of Venus and we barely managed to escape. Now I know why they let us get away in the end. It's because they knew we had nothing left and this year they thought of the worse. The deadly challenge.

So, let me enlighten you with the challenge that almost ruined my life. The bet is that a magical lie detector will be put over the population of both the kingdoms and whichever kingdom gets the larger number of people against their princess or has something unsure about the people ruling them, that princess loses. This was only the first part. The second part of the challenge is more deadly. A battle will take place between the people who betrayed their kingdoms. In our case the people who were unsure about the rulers of Venus will fight from my side and the ones who betrayed me will fight from the other side. It would be a bloody war. Till they are fighting, the princesses would have to sneak and find the red flag and declare the battle closed. The princess who finds the flag first is the one who wins. Now, after the battle the losing side will all be killed except for the princess as she needs to pay the price and the winning side will be rewarded.
---
October 8- The Day Of Battle

We didn't need to do anything except for sitting in our rooms while the judges took the survey. I was positive that I won't be betrayed by my people. Never had I thought that I would have to face all this in the ansence of the king and the queen of Amourain that is my dad and my mom. Tears rolled down my cheeks, I missed them alot. There was no way to communicate with them and if I lost today what will happen to them? I had to be brave. Brave for my family and brave for Amourain.

"The result has come. Today, we all will know, we all will know." The judge made this announcement keeping a suspense in his voice.

My heart hammered against my chest. The suspense was killing me. The princess of Venus is evil and she should have less followers.

"And the winner is..." the judge paused for a moment, "princess of Amourain!"

I was relieved. Atleast, I had won the first half. I looked at Princess of Venus to see her expression. I was shocked. She remained neutral. No anger, no sadness, absolutely nothing. How? Well, my question was soon answered.

"The winner wins by one person." The judge announced.

That took away all my happiness. Now, it was the time to see who all were the people who betrayed me. I counted fourteen people going to the opponent's side which means I had fifteen on my side. I hope those fifteen fight well...
---
3 Hours Later

"This is cheating." I screamed at the top of my voice.

"Everything is fair in war." she said. Of course she skipped love, as she didn't even know the L of love. My players were drugged. It was all a big scandal. This was wrong. I was crying my eyes out as I screamed in fury. Now, it was the time for my rival to ask for a pay from me. I knew she would ask for my life or... I don't want to think to what range her evil thoughts can go.

"Princess of Venus, please step on the pedestal and make your demand while princess of Amourain has no option but to obey you." The judge stated.

I looked at the ground. I can give my life but I cannot see my people as slaves. Please God, help me. I closed my eyes for her evil decision.

"I demand," she spoke in a loud and clear voice, "her slavery."

What? My slavery? I looked at her, the shock cleary visible on my face.

"So, the winner has made her demand. Princess Erwin, now you are the new princess of Amourain." I couldn't hear a thing. I felt numb, broken, cheated.

"Guards." She ordered and I was being hauled up by two of her guardsmen and being dragged away. What was happening? I lost my kingdom, I lost my dignity, I am not a good princess...

I didn't resist. I deserved this. I deserved all of this. I failed my people. I was pushed roughly into the dungeons. My white gown was in tatters and tears dry on my cheek. I laid on the cold, dark floor thinking of the time people of Amourain had chosen my father as the king. How they had celebrated each and every festival with us like our own family. Now, I was away from my family but I knew they were safe. Princess of venus cannot hurt people of her new kingdom. Can she?

After hours of hungry stomach and body ache, I fell asleep. God is always there for people who have no one on there side. Some angel will come and help me. I believed in it.....
---

"Hey wake up!" I felt a stick poking my upper arm.

"Mom let me sleep." I mumbled when I felt the hard floor. I had forgotten, I was no more a princess. My mouth was dry and my shoulder, my back, everything hurt.

The guard threw a plate of stale food at me and slammed the dungeon door shut. I wonder what more will happen with me today. Reluctantly, I ate the dog bread and drank the water. I realised how thirsty I was. I felt very unhygeinic in this dark place. I was a prisoner. The worse was yet to come. But, I would be called out for any pathetic work they will want to give me and soon I'll get to see the warm sun. I drifted into my thoughts of seeing the light when I get out of this dungeon. It made me feel happy. I wondered what will happen when my parents return...

I had nothing to do except for wait and sleep. I was tired of this. They should either call me or atleast I want to see someone living. I couldn't even see the birds here. And I wanted to take a bath at least.

You're not a princess anymore.

Yeah right. I needed my conscience to remind me that every second.

"Having fun, are we?" I heard the most hated, high pitched voice.

The dungeon door opened and the new Princess of Amourain entered.

"I know you must be thinking why I did that. I'll tell you. 'Cause I wanted to see you in pain."

"But why?" I blurted out.

I mentally slapped myself for sounding so helpless. But the truth was I was helpless.

She gave an evil laugh which made the hair on the back of my neck rise.

"Don't worry, we have a lot of time to talk. But now, I am going for the ceremony conducted by the people of Amourain themselves celebrating the victory if their new princess. And yeah, i would be punishing those who betrayed me and honour the ones who stood by my side."

"No one's with you." I muttered, not loud enough for her to hear.

"Did you say something, Holly?"

She knew my name? How did she?

I shook my head and was left alone again.

After 5424 hours

Okay I might have exaggerated the number but hey, it was like I had been trapped for I don't know how much time here... I felt suffocated. I needed to go out. I walked to the dungeon door and spoke sweetly, hoping that the guys guarding the door might melt at my sweet voice, "Is anyone here? I need to go to the bathroom?"

After few seconds, no reply. How rude? I groaned and kicked the door. I heard an annoying grunt. So, they did hear me. After few minutes I heard a click and I saw a tall frame checking me out shamelessly.

"Come here slave."

"Don't talk to me like that." I couldn't stop myself. I was still an ex-princess for God's sakes. But, I infuriated him.

He came very close to me in three strides and spoke in my ear, "You wanted to go to the bathroom, didn't you?"

Yes, I wanted to.

"So, you have to do a favour. Why don't you-"

"Hey Dylan, stop flirting and get that chick out. I want to go and have lunch."

That saved me. I owe you guard two.

After returning from the bathroom and changing into the most uncomfortable clothes ever (better than my tattered gown though), I sat on the cold floor. Then, to my horror I heard a moan. A sad, painful voice. I stood up in a defensive position.

"Who's there?" I spoke, scared.

"Uhh." Somebody moaned again.

I started walking slowly towards the voice when I saw that someone. The person was covered in blood and he had his hands clutching his own shoulders.

"I didn't do it. It wasn't my fault." He groaned.

What? Was he a new prisoner?

I had to help him.

After ten minutes, he finally noticed me. I made him sit upright. I had some water and I had washed his blood off and he said it relieved his pain and I felt glad that I could do something for him. The red haired guy was really hot. I couldn't stop checking him out. But, something about him was different. Correction: Everything about him was different. He had an angelic beauty in him. And...oh God Holly stop, you're starting to drool over him.

"How did you get in here? Are you also a slave?" I asked nervously.

"Slave? What's a slave?"

What? Was he mad or something? How coukd he not know what a slave was.

"Leave it. Umm... How did you get here? Your condition was pretty bad."

That seemed to catch him off guard.

He abruptly stood up and I joined him with instinct. This guy really made me nervous. He ran his hands through his hair, frustrated.

"I don't know. I just didn't do it. But I was thrown out of heaven."

Heaven? Is heaven real? Of course he looked like an angel but he couldn't be kidding. How could he praise about himself? All these thoughts were too confusing.

As if he heard my thoughts, he replied, "I am a fallen angel, Holly."

How...did he know my name?

"I got to know everything about you as soon as you cleaned my wounds."

Again, he answered my thoughts. Was he really...

"I have this ability till I change into complete human."

He was not a complete human? How?

He smirked and I looked away.
---

"I can help you get out from here." Nathaniel offered me his help.

"H-how?" I stuttered. I could not believe that he was an angel and was willing to help me.

"I owe you." He simply stated.

He stared at me intensely. I had to control my feelings for him or he'll know that I find him the most handsome person on this Earth. Uh oh. I saw him smirk again which means...oh my god I was blushing.

He started heading towards the door.

"Wh-where are you going?" I asked, not believing that he was leaving me. I actually liked his company. Alot.

He didn't answer and then he was gone. Just like that. Like poof. Was it a dream? No, it couldn't be. His blood was...not there? Oh no. Tears started streaming down my eyes. In these few hours itself, I was having some hope to live and he... just left.

"Nathan?" I whispered.

No answer. My heart ached. Then, I heard footsteps.

"The Princess wants to see you in ten minutes." Dylan said. "Get ready slave."

Slave. I was just a mere slave.

After he was gone, I lost hope that I would see Nathan again. He was an angel, why will he help an ordinary human like me?

"Don't. Ever. Think. That." I heard Nathan's deep voice. I quickly looked up. There he was, charming as ever, no matter in how much pain he would be.

"But babe, you lessened my pain alot. I am alot better, now. I didn't know humans too have angels in them." I melted at his words.

I couldn't stop my strong emotions at that moment and without thinking anything I just ran and wrapped my arms around his neck and hugging him tight. He instantly responded and lifted me up and held me closer.

"You scared me, Nathan." I whispered afraid that I would lose him again and buried my face in the crook of his neck.

I took care not to hurt him by touching on his back, where his wings were present once. He trusted me by telling everything about him.

"Let's go." He whispered.

I looked at him questioningly.

"We need to get out of here."

He held my hand and told me to close my eyes.

"Now my dear Holly, you can open those beautiful eyes of yours."

We were no longer in the dungeon. Instead, we were in a garden and it was dark right now.

"Where are we?" I muttered, feeling fascinated by him.

"Away from all those bad people."

How could he trust me so much? I hugged him again.

"Thank you. Thank you so much."

"I have informed your parents about you and they'll be here soon." he said.

He was awesome. He was a true gentleman.

"Now, where will we go?" I asked him worried. I was depending too much on him. I didn't want to be a burden to him.

"My house."

Of course, everything I thought was impossible, Nathan made it possible. He held out his hand and I wasted no time in interlocking it within mine.

We walked for 15-20 minutes and then I heard the barking of dogs. I was scared. I had never liked dogs. I shifted close to Nathan and he sensed my fear. "What are they?" he asked.

"Something I am scared of."

"Don't worry." I refused to walk where the dogs were. Nathan, being the caring guy he was, surprised me by picking me up bridal style.

"Nathan, you don't need to, y-you're hurt."

"Shh. My dear princess, I am all right."

I blushed and wrapped my arms lovingly around him.

On our way home, we saw a group of people standing near his house and staring at us. I sensed Nathan became uncomfortable but he quickly covered his emotions up.

We reached his home and it was very neatly kept, small and cozy.

"Nathan, the dogs are gone now. You can-"

"It's my pleasure picking you up. I'll prefer to stay like this forever." He winked at me.

He was making me blush again and again. I felt embarassed.

We then reached his room, and he kept me lightly on the bed. He then started rummaging through his closet searching for something. After few minutes, he gave me his shirt to wear and it was really comfortable and had his scent. I loved it. I don't know how he got a home and everything but then he was an angel. Anything was possible. He switched off the lights when I sat on his bed. Where was he going to sleep? He was hurt and I won't let him sleep anywhere but on the bed. It was then I asked, "Is there a couch I could sleep on?"

"We're sleeping on the bed." He stated.

"B-but-" I stuttered hopelessly. I felt him come behind me and gave a yelp of surprise when he kissed my neck.

"Sweet dreams princess." He whispered and made me lie down. He snuggled closer to me. I sighed and fell asleep.
---

I opened my eyes only to find sweet Nathan's hand around my waist and his breath falling over my neck making me shiver and the butterflies in my stomach go crazy. I tried to wiggle out from his grip when I saw him frowing while sleeping. I smiled as he held me tighter.

"Nathan." I whispered.

"Holly." He whispered back.

He was awake. His beautiful eyes watching me. How much I wish that I got to feel this every morning of my life.

"Me too." I blushed again.

He leaned forward but our beautiful moment was interrupted by a loud crashing sound from outside.

"What the fuck?" Nathan muttered angrily and sprinted out of the room immediately.

After freshening up, I put on my shoes and started to leave the room when I felt a presence behind me.

"You're back." I said in a loving voice.

Nathan kissed my hair from behind and I took his hands from waist and kissed them.

"New boyfriend eh?" A different voice spoke.

I spun around and was shocked and scared. When I was about to scream, the person clamped a hand on my mouth. When he was sure that I would not scream, he quickly closed the door and I looked at him in horror. It was Randal. My enemy from the rival kingdom who was friends with the Kingdom Venus. We had met during a war and that wasn't a pleasant meeting. At first I was attracted to him but when I got to know his intentions I kept my distance. But how did he know I was here? What did he want from me?

"Hey there." He smirked evilly.

"What are you doing here?" I blurted out.

"Missed me?"

"Shut up." I muttered, annoyed.

He made a tsking sound, "Why so rude my dear?" He touched my shoulder and I flinched.

"Got to meet your new boyfriend today. Forgot me?"

What was he talking about?

"You know I hate betrayals." He continued.

I made a quick step towards the door so that I can call Nathan when he held my wrist and roughly pushed me to the wall.

"No no baby girl. That boyfriend of yours isn't coming back to you."

"What do you want?" I cried out pushing him away from myself.

"I want you to hurt him," I gave him a confused look, "I want you to leave that fallen angel."

"But why? What has he done to you?"

He didn't answer. He just disappeared. Then, I heard a knock and quickly walked to open the door. It was Nathan. I instantly hugged him. I was on the verge of tears. Something was not right. We needed to get out of here.

"It was nothing dear. Why do you look so scared?" Nathan whispered caressing my cheek.

Before I could say anything, he kissed my forehead surprising me.

"What happened?" he asked.

"I-" I stopped speaking. I saw Randal giving me a threatening look and then he disappeared.

Why wasn't Nathan able to read my thoughts now?

"Oh God. Those demons.." he spoke angrily, "My power is gone for one day now. I could not even tell what is there in your mind." he stated, frustrated.

Unable to hold back anymore, I started crying.

"Holly..."

"Don't-don't..." I stuttered pathetically.

Nathan tried to come near me when I stopped him, "Don't come near m-me."

Nathan pulled me into a tight hug and ignored my futile attempts to get away.

"Soon I'll know. Don't worry."

And then the next thing which happened made me speechless. He kissed me. He kissed me on my lips tasting my tears along with the kiss.

I didn't respond at first but then my hands instantly went up around his neck and I kissed back. The feeling was amazing. He lifted me up and wherever his hands touched me, it left tingles on my skin. Suddenly, he pulled away. A look of pain on his face and then he was on the ground, clutching his stomach.

"Nathan!" I yelled. It hurt me to see him like this.

"Tsk tsk. Young love. But this fallen angel deserves worse than this." I heard Randal's voice.

"You did this to him? Why?" I cried.

"Because he's my enemy." He stated.

I saw Nathan's eyes open and he looked at me in pain.

"Please stop." I yelled not able to see him like that anymore.

"Look Nathaniel," Randal spoke ignoring me, "what your dear girlfriend is."

I looked at him confused.

"She's the reason, this is happening to you."

I looked at Nathan. Maybe Randal had stopped whatever he was doing as Nathan started to get up.

"Nathan-" I started.

"Why? Why did you-"

Randal's laugh cut him in mid-sentence and he touched Nathan's hand as if conveying something to him.

The look Nathan gave me was of grief, pain, and most of all betrayal.

"Get out!" Nathan screamed at me, small balls of fire erupting in his hands. He had told me about his ability to control fire. That made me feel scared of him but not from the person I loved. I had to tell him everything. I couldn't leave him like that.

"Nathan-" I started again.

"Now." He closed his eyes in anger, refusing to listen even a single word from me. I didn't get a chance to explain whatever was happening and all but then I was being dragged away from my only love, from the only person I had felt safe with, from my fallen angel by my enemy Randal. I am afraid what he will do to me now. And that my friends, was my incomplete love story of The Fallen Princess & The Fallen Angel.

THE END