Pamina's POV
It was today. Today, I would be the day I turned seven and before the whole of Underland, crowned the Red Princess. I bit my lip nervously as I smoothed down the stunning red and white silk dress Uncle Tarrant had made especially for me. Chess had transformed into a young boy to help twist some sparkling jewels into my hair. Paws just wouldn't do.
'Nervous?' he asked conversationally.
'Would you be?' I countered, smoothing non-existent creases in my dress. I'm sure the dress looked pretty on me and Chess was creating a masterpiece with my hair but I was too deep in my thoughts to look.
'Yes, definitely. But you have nothing to worry about. You will be safe no matter how the people react.' Cheshire promised as he finally handed me a small vanity mirror.
'You're my best friend, you know that don't you?' I replied, not looking at myself just yet. This was more important. He pressed a smile of a kiss to my forehead.
'Yes, I know. Now take a look at your stunning self.' He said proudly, guiding the mirror up to my face. I gasped. I looked like a Princess which I was, of course, but never have I been as beautiful as I was now. I hardly recognized myself.
'Oh, thank you, Chess!' I squealed, hugging him tightly as he evaporated us to the hiding place behind the curtain.
I could hear the bustling excitement, the lively chatter of people and the delicate footfalls that came with dancing. Would I be dancing tonight? I turned to Chess to ask when I would be announced to see that he had become a cat again, putting a paw to his lips, motioning me to be silently. I closed my mouth obediently and listened, peeking through a small rip that he had made with his sharp claws.
'People, hear me! You must be wondering what is the occasion for such a celebration… I will tell you but first… I ask for your trust. I ask you to trust the Queen you chose because what I am about to reveal is shocking to say the least.' Mother addressed the people in her powerful yet kind Queenly voice. It was the voice that projected fairness and peace. I hoped to have a voice like hers some day.
'We are here to celebrate the birthday and coronation of a Princess of Underland. I am to crown a new Red Princess to be the heir to the Red throne.' Mother proclaimed loudly. Uncle Tarrant squeezed Alice's hand, looking half excited and half nervous. Alice squeezed back, looking on edge herself.
There were loud gasps and murmuring among the people as they peered up at their benevolent White Queen. Were they wondering who had royal blood? Were they afraid that I would be like the last Red Princess? I didn't know. I couldn't see into the mind of the people but I could guess. It made me anxious.
'She is born of royal blood. The only daughter of the Red King Raevir Hightopp and the Red Queen Iracebeth of Crims. She is my niece and therefore she is eligible to be an heir.' Mother stated formally. What was she thinking? Was she worrying about the same things I was? I owe her more than that. I must be the confident strong Princess the people deserved.
The people went into outrage. Some of them angry, some surprised and some with small hesitant smiles on their panicked features. Was I to be hated already? When they have not even seen me? I straightened my back and shook the discouraging thoughts from my mind. This was my time. I am going to make Mother proud. I'm going to make everyone proud to call me Red Princess.
'She has suffered at the hands of her mother as you all have.' Mother said loudly, indignant with their response. 'She is kind-hearted and wise and brave. I would not have chosen another tyrant to sit upon any throne of Underland.' Mother said, anger in her voice. The people quailed and bowed their heads, yielding to their Queen.
Mother turned to me then, pride shining fiercely in her eyes as she held a hand out to me, I took a deep breath and let her lead me out. The people once again gasped and I think someone fainted. I heard my both my parents names along with words like 'child', 'Father' and 'mad'. Did they know that already too? I forced my eyes to stay on Mother's gentle face. She looked beautiful as she smiled at me. Uncle Tarrant walked up to us, a step behind Mother.
'Kneel.' Mother said with a smile. I knelt. My heart was racing in my chest. My eyes were shifting from Mother to the delicate little tiara Uncle Tarrant was holding. It was perfect and lovely and he had made it just for me. I wanted to hug them both.
'I, the White Queen Mirana hereby crown you the new Red Princess. You shall be the heir to the Red throne until you are sixteen when you will become the Red Queen. May you rule wisely and justly.' Mother proclaimed, eyes gazing into mine as she took off my hat and settled the small silver crown onto my mess of red curls. It held the weight of my responsibility… but it was pretty.
'Rise.' Mother said, helping me to my feet with one pale hand. She turned me around to face the wide-eyed, gobsmacked faces of the people. My breath hitched in my throat. There were a lot of people. Why was I only noticing this now?
'I give you, the Red Princess Pamina Hightopp, the heir to the Red throne!' Mother shouted with power and pride. The people fell to their knees one by one, kneeling to me. Oh my goodness. Then there was clapping as they rose. It started with Mother and the people who already knew about me then followed slowly by the crowd. They didn't look as pleased. They looked angry… and scared.
'I want to say something.' I said aloud, just realizing that was what I wanted. I wanted them to like me. I wanted to reassure them.
'Go ahead.' Mother allowed with a teary smile. She stepped back, not far enough to make me feel alone but just distant enough to make it clear that I was going to address them as the Red Princess, not the White Queen's niece.
'People, you have every reason to dislike me. You have every reason to feel hate or anger or fear towards me. You have this reason because what my mother did was terrible and cruel. I am truly sorry for what has happened. Though I cannot change what has happened, cannot erase those memories, I will try my best to make the right decisions. I know some of you may not want me as your Princess because I am my mother's daughter and I cannot deny that.' I said, taking a shaky breath. This is my chance to tell them about me, show them how much I cared.
'But I am not my mother. I love this kingdom and even if I cannot fix the damage done, I can still make sure that I will rebuild the Red Kingdom with a ruling that is fair and just. I will not be my mother. I wish I could prove that. But my Daddy used to say that the best way to prove your worth was to try your hardest. That is what I will do.' I swore. The people were silent for the longest time then… a patch of people erupted in cheers followed by another and then another.
The air returned to my lungs and I gasped thankfully. Maybe they didn't hate me that bad… I hugged Mother and Uncle Tarrant and Alice. I was passed from person to person, everyone was wishing me a happy birthday. Then I was dancing and people were laughing at their carefree Princess. I felt loved. I felt at home.