2.
974 Words
´Mind your own bussines’ yelled the heavily armed man while holding the boy by the arm ‘he needs to be disciplined or he will never know his place.’
I know I should’ve stayed quiet like everyone else. No one messes with the royal guards, they have the full support of the King for keeping order and peace around the palace and they have no problem using that power. They do many things but maintaining peace is not one of them. On the contrary, they spread fear and chaos and terrorise the people.
They feel almighty and the captains act as if they were the King himself.
I’ve seen a patrol trashing a market stand because one didn’t like the look the seller gave him or cutting a girls hair off in front of a big crowd because she turned a guard down. And after that they made the bypassers insult her or their fate would be the same.
I know I should’ve stayed quiet but I just couldn’t see those monsters beating up that little kid. Not for apparently bumping into them by accident.
´Please, he’s just a kid. Forgive me my interruption sir but I’m sure he didn’t do it on purpose and he won’t make the same mistake again.’ I tried to sound as calm and humble as possible.
I turned to the leader of this team ‘My lord, it’s such a beautiful day and I’m sure he was too impressed by the many medaillons on your jacket. If he breaks something he won’t be able to do his job properly and the family he serves may be in trouble.’
´What family do you belong to boy?’ The guard asked sturdy.
´T-t-the h-house of-‘ started the boy but got interrupted by the sudden shake on his arm by another guard.
´Speak!´
‘The boy belongs to house of lord Emerald. You can tell by the emblem on his robes. Am I correct young man?’ A rather handsome man appeared and said this words wich made their eyes open wide and stop everything they were doing. The man was tall and had eyes and lips that made it impossible not to stare. His bright hair matched the color of his skin perfectly. And those muscles... You could tell by judging his clothes that he was wealthy. The fabric accented all the right places.
´Now my friends, why don’t we talk about this inside while everyone gets back to their normal lives and keep the economy flowing?’ the man said.
Surprisingly the captain agreed. You could tell by the look on his face that he was embarrased and angry but he ordered the other men to leave us be and without another glimp he went inside.
As soon as they were out of sight the boy fell on his knees. I lowered myself to his level and raised his head so I could look him in the eye.
I learned that his name was Olly and he was just 9 years old. As if they pierced my heart with a sword I fell heartbroken.
So young.. so young and already a life of slavery. He will never feel be able to love who he wants, stand or go where he wants, never see the world, never make his own choices,... I can’t help but feel the sorrow.
Olly left and I rushed to get everything else on my shopping list. I prayed to the gods that my delay would go unnoticed, but ever since I was captured during a raid on my village my luck took a sad turn. The big, heavy basket on my back made every step more and more painful but I can’t risk another visit to the red room so I quicken my pace.
The red room is the room where we get punished, red because of all the blood that flows there.
Out of breath I finally reached the kitchen of the house. Luckily, everyone is too busy preparing dinner to notice that I’ve been gone a few minutes too long. Suddenly Dalia stormed into the room.
´Five, have you bought enough fruits this time?´
´ Yes master, I’ve got everything on your list and counted everything myself to make sure everything you ordered was in the basket.’
´ Good, now there has been a change of plans. I was told a few minutes ago that the prince will make a stop here before going to the festival and joining the king. We have to make sure he feels welcomed and I don’t want to see anyone making a mistake. Is that clear?!’
While speaking those last words she turned to me and patted me on the back. Like thousands little needles were pierced in my flesh. ‘Or you all know the consequences. Now make sure we can serve double portions of everything. If there is nothing left for you slaves no whining, now hurry up and back to work, NOW!’
Hours seem to pass but finally almost everything is ready. Most of the plates have been set on the table and todays cleaning duty is mine and Sara's, or number four.
Finally some peace, everyone except me and Sara were left in the kitchen. We start making everything spotless. When almost everything is done one of the lovers opens the door and yells ´Girls, change into your festival clothes, quickly! The prince has arrived early and master Legas wants us to be present while they eat. Come on! Skirts, tops, hoods and veils on. Hurry, the master isn’t in a very good mood today. He f****d Lila twice allready, Mia had to give a show and still... You both know what that means. Hurry!´
Oh yes, sadly we both know what that means.
- Writer
