Chapter 46: Chapter XXI Trampled-1

"Hola España. No hablo mucho español, así que lo siento. Voy a hablar igles," I racked my brain for the language, greeting the people and informing them of my terrible Spanish. I knew luckily how to do that much. "I am Princess Melanie of the United Kingdom, and for the past week I have been an audience to your wonderful culture. I am sure that this festival will only prove how amazing of a society you Spaniards have developed. I hope that you will allow me to witness your powerful tradition first-hand and that you all will enjoy it to the fullest. Thank you for the honour," I bowed gently, hearing the people cheer at my words. I felt giddy inside, knowing I didn't mess up as bad as I had expected. "Princesa," I turned to see the announcer and he smiled with a nod. He turned and indicated to a single chair placed on a lone platform that hung slightly over the arena. A Spanish throne? I won't lie, it was a little more than imitating. I couldn't hesitate, however, that might be a hit to me. I headed over towards the beautiful seat with my practices posture and sat as gently as possible. I knew it wasn't a true royal throne, but it still made me feel like I was in way over my head. I sat as elegantly as I could, my mind shifting back to all my old lessons. I spotted Ian standing near the entrance to the platform, looking over me. It made me feel a little bit less nervous. How many eyes were there on me? The announcer took the mike back and managed to get the crowd to calm down, which was amazing. He spoke to them, not like I could understand them. Right now I was far more concerned on the various cameras focused on me. No doubt this footage will reach my parents. I needed to look good. Eventually a countdown began, one I understood. I at least knew how to count to three in Spanish, and I almost chuckled at the thought. When they hit 'uno!' a loud shot went off and I heard screaming in the distance. It must be the runners starting, and I being to feel a little bit worried when the second shot went off. Not the bulls were released, and Alejandro was stuck in the middle of the stampede. I truly hoped he could evade them all and get here safely. I would feel bad if he got injured, because the only reason he's doing this is for me. The arena's crowd was anxious, cheering erupting as they spotted the first runners down the street. They were all sweaty and carried expressions you might see in a horror movie when the protagonist is running from the monster. They tumbled into the arena, movie to the sides to miss the bulls who were hot on their tails. The bulls stampeded inside, making furious noises as they entered an enclosure on the other side of the arena. My eyes searched desperately for the Spanish boy who had both irritated and amazed me in little over a week. I was concerned for him, and once my eyes trained on his form, I realized it was rightfully so. He came trotting in near the end of the sprint, laughing as he and another man jogged in by each other's hips. There was blood running down his arm, but he seemed too happy for words. He made a friend while running for his life. Of course that was the kind of thing that'll happen to him. I found myself growing angry but his enjoyment made me calm down. I could faintly hear everyone in the stadium, each living soul, cheering for him. He waved around, everyone clapping in response. This was their Prince. I felt envious seeing him like that. His entire country backed him up and he could converse with any of them freely. He was the perfect royal, not a single sneer or jab at him. It didn't matter how far behind he was or if he did get trampled, because he did his best and that was what everyone was putting in. I felt emotional, but so happy. This was a sight that I truly felt honoured to see. He got pats on the backs, his cheeks glued up as he treated everyone like a friend. There was no one out for his status, because here they were all equal. I chuckled at the sight, feeling the tears rise to my eyes. I stood up from the lone throne and headed to the end of the platform, looking over the balcony down at everyone. Some of them looked up at me and bowed, but I shot them large smiles in response. They looked a bit startled at my response before laughing. Alejandro looked up as well and gave me a thumbs-up. I chuckled at his actions, shaking my head. He truly was a silly man. Someone from the side-lines ran up to him, a large pole in his hand with a hook at the end. He handed the pole to Alejandro and I saw him assist with placing two pieces of the cloth on the pole. Then he singularly headed toward the platform, his sights stuck on me. I have him a gentle nod, one which he returned. He lifted up the large pole towards me, the hook reaching just a few centimetres below the edge of the balcony. I reached down and gathered the scarf and handkerchief into my hands. Everyone cheered, happy at the historical event that was taking place right before their eyes. I went back to sit on the throne, Alejandro getting lead to a medical team. I took the red scarf and wrapped it around my neck, just like I saw the audience wear it. The other handkerchief was a beautiful creation itself. It was a magnificent white fabric with red and yellow gemstones worked in around the side, something I can tell cost a pretty penny. In the corner with gold-induced text stood the words: A la Princesa Melanie, de España. Which, if I translated correctly, meant 'To Princess Melanie, from Spain.' It was stunning and I immediately felt grateful. They were doing so much for my sake and I was merely a guest in the country. I held no authority or any say here, yet they still treat me like royalty. It made me feel courageous. "Enjoying the show, Princess?" I turned to see Alejandro jog onto the platform, two workers behind him carrying up another throne. I smiled and stood up before heading over to him with a smile and a shake of my head. "Tu eres un idiota!" I scolded, trying not to seem happy while doing it. He didn't let my words get to him, however, and continued to send me the same smile that had touched me before. Even if his arm was covered in bandages and the blood was seeping through, he still seemed like he was on top of the world. "I am one, aren't I? Still that adrenaline rush, josh! I'll never find it anywhere else," he headed to my side and slumped into his seat, absolutely fatigued. "You are one mad chinchilla," if he had any liquid in his throat, he would've spit it out. He laughed like a maniac, clearly still on some sort of high after the run. I just shook my head with a sceptical look. "You are a weird chicken nugget," I whispered to myself with a roll of my eyes. "Chicken nugget?" "It's a Molly thing," After all the bulls were rounded up and all the runners were safely escorted out of the arena, a bullfighter stepped into the ring. I turned to Alejandro in question. "There's still bullfights going on?" he nodded. "Nowadays it's seen as a majestic sport," I looked back toward the area with confusion etched into my brows. Spotting how sparkly the bullfighter looked in his glitter-induced spandex, I almost scoffed. He looked ridiculous as he basically danced around with the bull, but I wouldn't dare say it aloud. I didn't know how I felt about bullfighting, but the people seemed to enjoy it. I should at least try. Then again, they enjoyed soccer. People were strange.