Behind the Mask

Prologue

Unknown pov

Smoke… There was smoke everywhere. People are screaming, trying to get out of the castle.  My mom and I entered a room with a hatch that leads to safety. “ GET IN MY SON!” My mother yells at me.

“ Not without you! Please, mother, I can’t do this without you! I am only 13!” I begged her as another flaming boulder hit the castle, making the ground shake in its wake. She pulled me in a tight hug.

“My son, after today, our people will look to you. They will need you to guide them. Today, my job is to make sure you and our people get out safe and fall with my kingdom.” She kissed the top of my head and hugged me tightly. “Please make us proud. Now run and don’t look back!” she pushed me in the escape hatch, which leads to a field where our people should be gathered.

I took one last look at my mother. She had tears coming out of her dark blue eyes, her dark brown hair was in a mess, and her favorite dress was ripped to shreds. “ I love you, my son.” she slams the hatch shut, bolts it, and throws a rug over the top of the hatch. As soon she does that, I heard the door my mother was in break into a thousand pieces.

“Are you Queen Ashly?!” one of the people asked in an authoritative voice. I heard my mother get up and face them.

“Yes, and what do you want?!”

“Where is your son?”

“ He is dead. I lost him, thanks to your boulders!” I heard a hard slap was given. I raimed quite because I did want anyone to know I was down here. I continued to listen.

“ Woman! So is your husband! I would like you to consider I have the power of life and death over you, and you are making the decision easy! We are here to give you this.” I heard a piece of paper being opened.

“ Is this kind of joke? I will never sign this! And don’t ever call me woman; it is your royal highness to the likes of you!”

“ Well, your royal pain in the ***, we could always burn that field your people are in,” he said as he laughs coldly. 

“No! Please don’t!”

“ Then you will sign it!”

“Fine!” … “ Here it is signed! Now you can tell that King and Queen they own everything!” I heard a sword unsheathe. I covered my ears and ran through the tunnel to the field where my people are, with tears in my ears.

“ Prince Leonardo!” one of my former maids said in excitement. She takes another look around, then gasps, and her face turns into a sad frown. “ Where are your parents?” 

I shook my head. “ They didn’t make it. Gather everyone up! We are no longer safe here!” I said in an authoritative voice.

“Yes, my prince!” She ran to tell the others. Just then, I saw a single rose fall from the dark sky, and it was painted gold. At that moment, I knew I would make that kingdom pay for what they did.  There is so long you can wear a mask before your true colors are revealed.