My Princess

One

Lucinda

The collar around my neck is agonizing. I can't use any of my powers. Its suffocating me as the clasp seals. Its seal binds my wings under my flesh, they burn to get out. My long hair is matted and tangled. How long has it been since I washed? Tight binds clasp my hands behind my back. I can't move. The air is thick and stale. I cannot breathe. I have to escape.

The collar jerks and pulls upward as my captor forces his gaze on my face. Even in the dim light, I can see who it is. Asher.

Panting I sit straight up in my bed, a hand on my throat. No collar. My wings gently unfurl around me. Soft gray feathers encircle me as I wrapped my arms around myself.

"Just a dream, right?" I whisper. Asher isn't even in the Demon realm. He is off at the patrols near the human realm.

Walking to my armory, I debate on what to wear when a knock sounded and Mira, my close companion whisped inside.

"My lady, Princess," she started. "we have to get you ready at once. Your father needs you in his study along with Asher."

I paused, He shouldn't be here. That dream....

"My lady-"

"I told you no formalities, Mira."

"I am nothing but a mere serving girl to the castle, yet you treat me as a friend. I am grateful for it all. Tell me Lucinda, what is bothering you? Normally, I have to wake you up."

I gestured her to sit at the chair and I explained my dream. Her eyes analyzing every word. When I am Queen I will appoint her my adviser.

"Its no dream." she whispered softly. "A vision. We both know why Asher wants you. Because of the power you have and the throne, and..."

"My father wants to breed me." I muttered darkly, finishing her sentence. "I need to get out of here."

"But, where? Princess, we will discuss this at another time. We have to get you ready. The red or the black dress?"

"Black. Do I have to wear that damning corset?"

Mira smiled softly as if she took amusement out of it, as she laced the corset to my body. Once I was in that death trap of an accessory, the dress was next. With that laced and tied, Mira added red lace to the hem, sleeves, and collar. When her back is turned I strap a small dagger to my thigh and an even smaller knife to my ankle.

I may not have my scythe or sword, but at least I can use these.

Mira acts like she doesn't see or know that I hid weapons under my skirt. She holds my crown and places it on my head. In the mirror I see who my father and his advisers want. The one who would be Queen. The one without a voice.

"One day this will all change. The people will get a ruler of one they deserve." Mira chirped, quoting one of my goals.

I laugh and take her arm, together we whisp into the hall before the throne room. Mira whispered that she can't enter with me but will remain here. Taking a relaxing deep breath, I brave a face and opened the door.

The smell of demon blood wafted into my nose, I scanned the room to see the source, and almost screamed.

On the ground lay my father, as much as I resented him, I still cared for him as family. Hitching up my skirt, I grabbed the dagger and scanned the room for whomever killed the king. A hand latched onto my throat, silencing any vocal scream.

I whipped around with my dagger to break free, and twisted into a fighting stance.

"Asher." I growled.

He snapped his fingers and shadow demons latched onto me, stopping my movements and brought me to my knees. He smiled the same sadistic smile that I saw in my dream. His ice cold hands forced my chin upwards. My eyes were opened wide in what I hoped to be fear.

"Do not growl at me, Lucinda." He snarled. "You are mine. Just a face for the public." he looked at the demons holding me still. "Bind her and put her in her room. Make sure she doesn't escape. And, Princess? I will know if you use your magic in Hell." He smirked and waltzed off into the darkness. 

The demons dragged me back into my room, literary dragged me back. When they flung me into my room, they turned and locked the door. I turned and grabbed my daggers and siphin, a small rod of metal fused with magic able to change into any weapon. My personal favorite. Mira whisped inside my room.

"Why are there so many guards?" she demanded, "Lucinda what happened?!"

"Asher," I whispered "he killed father. I saw the blood. There is a spell cast that I can't use my magic in Hell, maybe even in the Human world. I need to get out of here."

"He can't follow my magic, correct?"

"I honestly have no idea." I murmured.

"Let's find out." she grabbed my arm and whisped us out of my room to the bridge outside of the castle.

" Chi Sain Morto Lukka Portma." Mira chanted, opening a portal to the human world.

Shouts echo across the bridge, I whipped around drawing a small blade ready to fight. As the guards drew nearer Mira turned and pushed me through the portal.

"Mir-" I screamed as I watched my only friend be decapitated while the portal closed on itself.