Narrative Twist: The Lady or The Tiger

A Pinch of Hope

By: Evelyn Mazariego

Princess's Point of View:  

If only our secret love wasn’t discovered everything would’ve been fine.  I wouldn’t be in this stupid chair, staring down at my lover whom was to die or get married by another women.  If only I wasn’t a princess, then I would’ve been able to be with him.

As I directed him to the right, my heart started aching.  I didn’t want my lover to die, but I didn’t want him to marry someone else.  

I couldn’t do it, I couldn’t watch him marry off and be happy with another woman whom wasn’t me.  He paused right outside the door, his face pale like a ghost.  Turning to me, he  gestured towards the door as if asking for my approval again.  I nodded my head no, and pointed to the other door on the left.  Guilt ran through me, I hated myself for it.  His eyebrows scrunched up in confusion, but he followed the direction in which I was pointing in.

This simple gesture, one that would kill him, made the crowd gasp.  I stood abruptly and yelled three words that could save his life, “Behind the curtains!”  My father looked at me with a strong gaze.  All attention was focused on me, which was planned.  My lover didn’t understand, and so he continued walking.  

“He’s choosing!” A bystander in the crowd roared.  Everyone’s heads turned forward, looking solely at the “criminal”.  His hand trembled as he opened the door, he knew not of what awaited him.  

His grip tightened on the door handle, and he pulled it open.  This signaled the men to open it all the way, which they did.  I watched in horror as the big cat jumped on top of him.   The crowd yelled, some covered their eyes.  He had just enough strength to push the tiger off of him, and get up.

I watched as my lover ran for his life, his face filled with terror.  He ran towards the curtain, and pushed it to the side.  This revealed a shining bright sword which he grabbed quickly, his hand fumbling to get a grip.   The beast caught up to him.

His reflexes were quick, and he swung the sword at the beast.  The animal backed off, and whimpered in pain.  My love stood up quickly and killed the poor tiger.  Tears spilled out of my eyes, in joy that he didn’t die.  

I had no time to waste, picking up my dress with my hands so that it wouldn't ruin, I made my way down to the arena where he still stood.  I went through the tunnels, when I only needed one more to go I heard church bells.  I blocked the sound of the bells ringing in my ears, focusing only on the noise of my heels hitting the cold sandy dirt.  It’s not possible…  

I ran through the last tunnel, hopeful he’d still be there alone.  I stepped out into the arena.  I stared up ahead in despair.  The world was spinning, everything was happening so quickly.  My lover was with the lady who had once stood behind the door, the door I told him not to choose.  One second he grabs her hand, the next he kisses her, and then the crowd cheers.  Had he forgotten about me? I stopped disheartened, staring at the whole scene unravel in front of my eyes.  

I couldn't take it, I got up and marched towards the newly wedded couple.  Except my confidence shrank as I got closer.  I stood in front of the lady, she bowed.  

“Princess,” she whispered.

How dare she mock me?  I imagined her standing behind the door waiting for her new

husband, my lover.  My face reddened in anger, in jealousy.  I nodded my head stiffly.

“Come with me.” I said to my lover, now her husband.

“Yes Madam.” He said as if nothing had just happened.  Once we had gotten to a private area, underneath a tunnel, I took a deep breathe trying to mask my hurt.

“Why did you marry her?” I wouldn’t let myself cry, not in front of him.  

“You led me to the tiger, you wanted me to die,” he paused, the silence was deafening.  “how does that show you love me?   

“I gave you a sword!  I didn't want you to die, but I’d rather have that then you marry her!”  I gestured to the beautiful women standing in the center of the arena.  The truth had finally come out.

“You’re just selfish, and I want to be with someone that isn’t!  Your father would never let me marry you anyway.  It’s a lost hope.”  His words stung like lemon on a fresh wound.

“That’s not true.” I whispered, trying to reassure myself.

“Yes, it is true.  You’re a wonderful princess, but you’re just not the one for me.” I could see in his eyes he didn’t even believe his words, at least not yet.  

“I loved you, but now I have another one to love.  I can only love one, and I’m choosing her.”  He said weakly, and walked back towards his bride.  I stood there in agony.  My one first love left me for another woman.  I could hear my heart shatter into a million pieces.

*Two Months Later*

They were a happy couple, my previous lover and his wife, the first two weeks they were all the people could talk about.  I didn’t care, I never wanted to hear anything about them.  I haven’t found anyone as good looking, charming, and sweet as him yet.  Nor will I ever, he was perfect.  News had spread that that they were expecting a child, a baby boy.  

When I had found out about this child I was filled with regret, and despair.  Since then, two weeks ago, I have learned to forget about him and that deceiving lady.  Although there was still a piece of me trying to hold onto the love I’d once felt for him, I tried to ignore the nagging feelings of being alone.  

My father regretted his actions, seeing his daughter in agony was not better than seeing his daughter happy.  There was nothing to do anymore, what’s done was done.

I was happy for him, not so much his wife.   He was happy and that’s all that matters.  Days in the kingdom have been better, I’ve learned to help out more, and try to be positive.

I’m just going to have to live on with the fact that he has someone else.  One day I’ll find the one, I’ll remember the feeling to be loved again.  For now I am happy.