War Kings Beloved

"Eyes down," yelled the guard. "How dare you look at me!" Mia didn't realize she had looked up. The sound ahead had caught her by surprise. Looking down, she prayed he would have mercy. They were in the middle of the Winter festival. This festival happens one time a year at the beginning of the winter season. It's a time for all the wealthy people of the Dragon Kingdom to parade themselves around to show off their wealth in a bid to get the Kings attention and favor. The less wealthy celebrate a good farming season and good health. Crack! Mia screamed in pain as the whip hits her shoulders. The whip slices through her skin and she can feel blood running down her back. She drops to her knees, but is given no reprieve. There would be no mercy for her. The sound of a whip hitting flesh is sharp, loud. Causing everyone around her to shake in fear of being next. These guards practice so they are able to unleash the most pain. "Keep walking slave!" the guard says as he yanks her up and pushes her forward. Mia stumbles trying to keep her balance and get back in line with the other servants. They are on their way to the palace. A long line of servants are in front of Mia and it is so cold. Allowed to only wear a thin shift, Mia is certain she'll freeze before they get there. Every so often you can hear the sound of a whip hitting skin, cries of pain, and despair all around her. Mia stumbles again, praying she can keep up. She is bruised and bloody and starving. Her body thin. It has been days since she was able to sneak food. A measly crust of bread was her last bit of food. "Just keep going, Mia" said Cici. Cici was just a child at twelve years of age, but wise beyond her years. I suppose being beaten and starved daily make you grow up quicker. Walking beside Mia, Cici tried to help her keep going. Unable to help hold her up as their hands were bound, all she could do is talk to her. "I am, Cici. Keep your voice low!" whispered Mia. It was usually Mia who tried to protect Cici. She had taken her as her own since coming to this fourth master several months ago and has tried to keep her from harm. Taking the punishment when she could. Recently, the fourth master had taken to trying to break Mia, and the punishments have run from starvation to beatings and have been non-stop. It's been going on for months now. No matter what she does, he finds a reason to hurt her. Mia didn't know Cici had overheard her praying as they walked down the street. Praying the Gods would take her from this world. Hopefully, in death, there would be peace. "I'm ok, Cici. I promise." said Mia. Her voice held no emotion. Walking in a daze of pain. They were halfway to the palace. The streets were so crowded it was hard not to bump into each other. The guards did their best to keep us all in two lines, one on each side of the carriage. Always moving forward. Mia could feel the cold seeping into her bones and shivered uncontrollably. The road was made of stone that got very cold in the winter. She could feel the blisters on her bare feet. Part of her latest punishment from the fourth master. Forbidden any comforts including shoes, food, water, blankets, and a bed. He was an evil man. One of six counselors to the king, he believed he could do anything he wanted, and he did. He treated everyone poorly and took his anger out at the smallest slight. Older at almost 60, short and pudgy, with a rank smell that followed him. He was in the carriage Mia was following. Along with about 20 other servants. The carriage was pulled by 2 beautiful red horses. Going down streets lined with street vendors and musicians. "Please, God of Mercy, allow me to leave this place today," Mia murmered to herself." Honestly, she wasn't sure she could even make it to the palace. She was beyond exhausted. "Stop! Stop and lower yourselves before the Prince!" yelled a palace guard. He was at the corner street just ahead upon a horse. "Stop!" Everyone around her dropped to their knees, heads lowered. Except Mia. Her body felt frozen from the cold, and she was unable to make her body move. "Mia! please, lower yourself!" Cici begged. She was on her knees looking over at Mia. She didn't know how long she was just standing there before a guard was over her. "Drop to your knees, you worthless slave!" the guard said. He had his whip ready. When she didn't respond, he hit her in the side of the head with the metal grip of the whip. She dropped first to her knees so hard, then fell over to her side. Blood ran down her face. The fourth master stepped out of the carriage and looked down at her. Hate in his eyes. He bent over and grabbed her hair in his fist and yanked her head up to look at him. "You worthless slave! How dare you not lower yourself before a Prince!" bellowed the master. Mia was so dizzy, the world around her was spinning. "What are you doing?" came a question from above. No one had realized the Prince had noticed what was happening and had started over. The fourth master looked up, still holding Mias' hair in his fist. "My Prince! My apologies! This lowly servant dared to disobey and I was simply putting her in her place." Mia couldn't make out anything, her vision not working. The Prince was just a dark shadow above her. And really, she didn't care anymore. Let this end now, please! Let them strike her down for good! The Prince had a cold look on his as he stared at first the master and then the girl. He wasn't sure why he had come over, but something had pulled him in this direction. "Give her to me," he demanded. "M- my Lord? What do you mean?" the master asked. "She is nothing, just a servant". The Prince stared at the man. Lowering his voice " Give her to me." "You heard the Prince!" said the palace guard. He stepped down from his horse and reached for the girl. The master released his hold on her and she fell to the ground hard. Hands and feet bound, there wasn't much she could do to help. The palace guard reached for her and picked her up and over his shoulder. He started for his horse but the prince stopped him. "With me." was all he said and the guard looked at him. This guard had been with him a long time and knew better than to question him. "Yes, my lord" the guard said as he passed the woman to the Prince. The master just stared at the Prince, unsure why he was taking the servant girl. He was within his right to punish his servant any way he please. The Prince settled Mia in front of him on his horse and without a word or another look at her master, started to ride away. Mia didn't understand what was happening. She sat there as still as she could, afraid to move. She knew the reputation of the Prince of War. The Prince reached into his saddle bag and retrieved a knife. Mia watched as he cut the bindings on her hands and feet. As they started moving, she noticed the Prince had shifted his cloak to go around her for which she was so thankful. As she warmed up, sleepiness took her and she drifted off to sleep against the Princes' chest.