"Good morning Princess Adele!" The bright and chipper voice of Emmatha woke me. This was normal for us, me never wanting to wake up and her being up before the rooster.

I remember the first time we met, all those years ago. Emmatha's parents had died of a terrible case of smallpox, so she had to go live with her grandmother, Cassandra. Cassy, as I had called her from a young age, was my personal maid at the time. Absolutely wonderful woman, if I do say so myself. The problem? When I was six she was well into her sixties, so I was pretty happy when she brought her seven-year old granddaughter as a play-mate for me. By the time Emmatha was twelve, she was doing most of the work, but Cassy didn't officially retire until a winter ago, when we were fifteen. 

"The Melee is today," Emmatha reminded me grimly, not that I needed the reminder. 

The Melee was a biannual fight in the coliseum. It was the only event that common-folk got to partake in, so long as they were a man over the age of eighteen. I had tried many times to convince my father, king Belinor of Lexia, to call off these ridiculous tournaments to no avail. Ever since my mum died; he has been obsessed with war. His most recent target? The Kingdom of Johnsburg. Of course, they support magic, something my father can't stand in the least.

"Have you convinced Jack not to participate yet?" I questioned of her elder brother whilst rising from bed.

"No," she sighed. "You know how men are, so full of pride. He's eighteen, finally old enough to compete. This has been his dream for years; I can't say anything to change his mind."

"Next thing we know he'll be begging to join the war," I grin. This was an impossible task, of course; my father only allowed nobles to join Lexia's knights.

"Yeah," she laughs. "Now, let's get you ready for the day. The king will want you present at the melee."

"Of course," I sigh. I would much rather be taking in my garden. The tree I planted for my late mother is the most beautiful in the fall.

About an hour later, I had ate breakfast, had a hot bath, and been clothed I. A lovely green and gold dress. I was ready for the Melee. At least physically, mentally was an entirely different tale. I tried not to let that side show.

All too soon I was heading down to the Melee arena while Emmatha stayed behind to do whatever it is that servants do. 

The coliseum was packed full of people talking merrily about the upcoming game and exchanging wages on who would win. I much prefer lounging around the castle, or tending to my garden, or even preparing to rule the kingdom when my father inevitably passes. Though I'm not sure how much longer I'll be crown princess for, I hear dad's thinking about tying the knot with Queen Cristine of Adema. They'll probably try to have a male heir to combine the throne of Lexia and Adema.

About a hundred men stood in the center of the arena. Some in full body armor, some didn't even have a weapon, but all of them were facing the royal dais. Standing proud, facing the competitors, was my father and Queen Cristine. I felt a small sneer distort my usually beautiful face. This woman was trying to replace my mother, why couldn't he see that?

I took my time getting to the throne area, dreading the start of this event. It wasn't a death fight, but not everyone makes it. The last time the Melee took place, only half of those who started survived till the end.

"Took your sweet time getting here, didn't you Adelaide?" My father questioned upon my arrival. 

"Sorry father," I hastened to reply.

"The competitors are getting anxious. It is about time we start," with that he rose from his throne to address the crowd. "People of Lexia," his voice boomed through the arena. "I want to thank you all for coming to the fiftieth biannual Melee!"

Cheers rang out from the crowd. I tried to look happy to be here.

"Before we begin," my father continued. "Queen Christine and I would like to make an announcement. In three weeks time the kingdoms of Lexis and Adema will be tied by the strongest bond of all. A bond of marriage!"

My usually pale face went a few shades paler at that. I was so shocked I barely heard the crowd's well wishes or the cannon fire that marked the start of the Melee. 

Maybe if he would have told me about their engagement before he told the entire kingdom I wouldn't be quite so mad. Sure, I don't like the Queen, but I deserve to be the first to know that my father was getting married! 

I sat there sulking, knowing my father wouldn't pay me any mind till his precious Melee was over with. The death count was up to three, oh, wait, four. Emmatha's brother was doing well though. I hope he wins.

The event dragged on and on, much to my chagrin. Eventually a winner, I believe it was Sir Zed was crowned. My father congratulated the young victor on his success, and us royals returned to the castle for lunch.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I demanded as we sat down at the table. 

"Whatever do you mean?" Avoiding my piercing green eyes that I got from my mother.

"You know exactly what I mean! You could have at least mentioned something! I'm your daughter, I should have known of your engagement before the entire kingdom!" I snapped. 

"Addy, please-" Queen Christine started. 

"Don't call me that!" My mother was the only one allowed to use that nickname on me.

"It was for the best Adelaide," my father tried to sooth me.

I felt all the pent up anger boiling to the surface, and I let out an almost in-human screech. Every window in the room blew out of its frame.