Instantaneously, the atmosphere had changed, from the bustling din to the silence of a cemetery. Everyone seemed not to be breathing; the suspense was too strong to be relieved of. The only audible sound was the creaking of the old, rusty wooden door, which seemed to be the gatekeeper of heaven or hell, the announcer of death or paradise.
The ‘contestant’ glanced around nervously, in hope to receive support on his decision. Yet this only brought upon more anxiety and reluctance, for to his left were confused and unsure citizens praying for the best to happen, to his right were people signalling for him to choose the left door, behind him were the king’s loyal servant, who sniggered and taunted at his uncertainty. But a glimpse of the princess in the front row of seats in front strengthened his resolved. He had to trust her and pick the right door; after all, they had loved each other and if he couldn’t trust her, who could? Mustering all his courage, he grabbed the door handle so tightly his hands bled and thrust open the inch-open door.
He peered into the space behind the door, but there was nothing there he could see, not even a shadow! Had this all been a prank? He stared at the princess’ face for answers, but all she gave was a go-ahead motion with her hands. He stepped into the darkness within gingerly, measuring footsteps of an inch before proceeding. Every step he took made him increasingly relieved; he soon became complacent and began running here and there carelessly. Just as he was about to dash out of the darkness and announce the good news to everybody, he stepped on something soft and smooth, like grass. Instantly, the ‘grass’ moved, and he lost his footing. Landing on his chin, he let out a ear-piercing scream of agony. All of a sudden, the red eyes of a bloodthirsty lion flashed in the darkness. Fear gripping the heart of the to-be-meal-gentleman, he got to his feet and ran out into the open arena at lightning speed in a burst of adrenaline, and swore at the top of his voice. As nobody could see whatever happened behind the door, confusion spread among the audience. The crowd started to exchange glances and mummer.
A hair-raising growl ripped through the air, silencing the arena. With no time to spare, the most gigantic lion ever seen charged out from the darkness beyond the door, and in an incredible leap, lunged for the man’s neck, the man stood rooted to the ground, frozen with fear. He stared at the princess with a look of contempt, and like a maniac, shouted at the top of his lungs.
‘HOW COULD YOU!” were probably the last words most of the audience would ever hear, for the grief and its ear-bursting anger within gave a serious blow to the minds. The audience was using their palms to shield their sight from the hideous sight of the victim being torn limp from limp. However, the sadistic king remained calmed and relaxed. He whispered into his daughter’s ears, “If you set this up for him, I am very proud and honored to have an intelligent and wise like you.” The princess gave an emotionless nod, which followed the announcement of the king’s leave. What the king didn’t notice, were the tears streaming down the cheeks of his dear, loyal daughter, who authorized power so wisely, whom he thought he had absolute control of.
‘Where is my dearest daughter, who wields her power and intelligence so masterly? I have yet to reward her for her genius! Getting rid of that flirt, thinking he can steal my beautiful daughter! Hah! What a joke!’ the king exclaimed in ecstasy. He took the liberty to visit his daughter personally. At the doorstep of the princess’ room, he noticed a piece of paper upon his feet. He picked it up and studied it carefully.
It read,
Dearest Father,
If you thought I set the trap for yesterday’s victim at the arena, you were right. I lied to my lovely supposed-to-be fiancé, causing his death. If you thought I was intelligent, you were right. I had planned this beforehand, fooling you in the end. If you thought I was wise, you were right. I understood that you would change after reading this letter. If you thought I knew you were proud and honored to have a daughter like me, you were wrong. All along, I knew you detested me since young for being a girl; I couldn’t continue your blue bloodiness.
Those were small mistakes in your life. The biggest mistake you ever made was thinking I belonged to you. Never ever in my life had I respected you. You and your barbaric acts disgust me. I always belonged in a peaceful world, a different world from yours. My heart and soul belonged to the bravest, most gentlemanly man in this country…
You murdered my heart, my soul, but I do not seek revenge or vengeance, for if I do so, I am not much better than you. And now, I shall return to the place and man I belong. In heaven.
