The Emperor's Woman

CHAPTER 1 : Into the City .

ARESIA

Maydead Village

10 years Later

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Atia's pale fingers slightly trembled as she carefully folded her few possessions into a small sack. Her cheeks flushed with excitement as she looked around her small cottage. Her bright blue eyes sparkled, and her full lips curved into a contented smile. Her gown was made of coarse, faded fabric, its once bright colors long since fade,it was old and worn, but she had mended it neatly and kept it clean. The cottage in which she lived was small and simple, its walls blackened by soot from the hearth. But even in this humble dwelling, Atia had kept her things neat and tidy.

As Atia checked her belongings one last time, Michael entered the cottage, his brow furrowed and his jaw set in a stubborn scowl.

"Hey Michael, are you done packing... we have to leave now, the capital is a day journey from her..."

" Honestly Atia, I don't see the reason why we should leave our life just because you want to see The Prince that doesn't even know you exist"

Atia's smile slowly disappeared as She sighed

" c'mon Michael, if you don't want to follow me, that's okay... we are not even biologically related but you have always been there for me all these years...I appreciate it and understand but more than anyone, you know I have to go to the capital, it has been my dream... and my destiny?"

" Destiny? How is going to the capital your destiny, there is nothing there for us, From nothing, we worked hard to build our life here, from lowly beggars, I am now a blacksmith and you are a dignified educated Lady...You really want to leave all this behind because of a Man that doesn't know you exist and what your imaginative ghost friend said all those years ago?"

" My imaginative ghost friend? I said an Old Woman.. "

Michael scoffed" Yes , An Old Woman that disappears"

Atia reached for a tattered shoe on her bed and throws it at Michael who dodged the shoe.

Michael laughed "For your information, I hate the idea of leaving but I have packed, I am waiting for you"

Atia shook her head and smiled as they both stepped outside into the fading sunlight. Atia locked the door behind them, taking one last look at the place that had been her refuge for so long.

As Atia and Michael were about to leave the compound, They noticed a crowd of villagers and their children approaching them. As they drew closer, Atia heard the familiar voice of her landlord and landlady.

"Farewell, Atia!" they said. "We wish you all the best in your new life." The Landlady handed her a small package, and Atia opened it to find a handmade quilt and a small pendant, both beautifully crafted. She was touched by their generosity and kindness.

As the villagers gathered around her, one of the villagers, a middle-aged woman, stepped forward and looked Atia in the eye. "We all love you so much, Atia," she said. "You came to our village as a beggar and an orphan, but you worked hard and studied to become a dignified and educated Lady. You've given so much to our children and our community. May you be blessed in your new life."

Another villager, a man of few words, simply nodded at Michael and said, "Take care of her. You are her brother, not of blood but of bond" His face was stern, but his eyes were kind.

Atia felt overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from the villagers and there was a time they all looked down at her and laughed at her for going to school in her rags. Atia smiled as She and Michael waved to the villagers and walked out of the small compound.

Atia and Michael walked along the dusty road, the sun slowly setting behind them. After a while, they reached an old wooden carriage that would take them to the capital. The carriage was already filled with other travelers, eager to start their journey. Atia and Michael climbed inside, finding a spot near the back. As the carriage began to move, Atia looked out at the landscape around them, wondering what the future might hold.

Michael, who had been silent for most of the journey, turned to Atia and asked, "Are you nervous?"

Atia nodded .

A girl who had been sitting and knitting beside Atia suddenly looked at Atia and smiled.

"So , you are going to the Capital, right , Oh, that's wonderful!" the girl exclaimed. "I'm so excited to be going to the capital too. I'm a bit nervous, but also thrilled to be getting out of this small village. I can't wait to get to the the capital "

She turned to Atia, her eyes shining. "So, what's your reason for heading to the capital? Are you going to work there too?"

Atia hesitated, not sure how much to reveal. She didn't want to lie, but she also didn't want to attract unwanted attention. "I have some.. uh.. yes , I am going to the capital to work.. urh.. my brother and I"

The girl was about Atia's age, with dark brown hair and a smattering of freckles across her nose. She had a gap-toothed smile and a round face, and she was wearing a faded blue gown that was torn at the arm. The girl's face was flushed with excitement, her eyes dancing as she talked about her plans for the future.

"I've always dreamed of going to the Palace," she told Atia. "I've heard it's the most beautiful place in the world, with glittering chandeliers and gilded halls. I'm going to be a maid there...and I'm going to work as hard as I can to make a good impression. I hope one day I can earn enough money to send some back to my family in the village."

Atia was struck by the girl's optimism and determination, despite the hardships she had likely faced. "You have such a wonderful spirit," she said. "I'm sure you'll do well in the Palace. What's your name?"

The girl smiled shyly. "It's Delia," she said. "What about you? What's your name?"

" My name is Atia, by the way... I am also going to the Palace to work too"

Delia grinned widely as she hugged Atia who laughed .

The wooden carriage was jolting and uncomfortable, and the road was full of potholes and ruts. The wheels bounced and rattled as they rolled over the rough surfaces. The sky was overcast, and a chill wind blew across the open fields they passed through. The travelers were grateful when the sun finally set, bringing a welcome end to the long day of travel.

But their relief was short-lived. The inn where they had planned to spend the night was crowded and full and next Inn was two towns away. The innkeeper offered them a patch of grass behind the inn where they could sleep for the night. The travelers spread out their cloaks and bedrolls on the damp, cold ground. It was a fitful night's sleep, disturbed by the sound of snoring from the other travelers and the chill wind that swept across the open field.

In the morning, they rose with stiff joints and chattering teeth. The innkeeper offered them some stale bread and a cup of water, and then it was time to set out again. They washed their faces in the cold stream that ran past the Inn and continued their journey.

The travelers' spirits lifted as they approached the great gates of the capital. The tall, stone walls seemed to rise up to the sky, and the shining city beyond them sparkled in the morning sun. The capital was a sight to behold, with its wide streets and tall buildings, its bustling markets and beautiful high houses. It was a place of opportunity and excitement, and the travelers felt their hearts lift as they passed through the gates.

They were finally here. The capital, with all its promise, lay before them. At last, their long journey was at an end.