worthy.

one.

CHAPTER I.
your knight in shining armour.

                   BASTIAN. The city soon to be ruled by our cold hearted brute of a prince. A nation covered in greenery in every nook and cranny, buildings and houses with the exterior that seemed out of a fairy tale. Flowers blooming in every season, all from gorgeous bright vermillion roses, to calming white daisies. It's buildings tall and intricate, and would sparkle in the sunlight. Making them look enchanted by a fairy godmother. But within the beautiful flora and fauna, hid the people that were not what you would expect.

The ladies mostly looking for easy money. As the 'gentleman' some willing to provide while some were just a simple con. The elderly may have been the only decent people in the city, well majority anyway. While the children, are either treated with tender love and care. Or are tossed out on the streets with harsh words being yelled at them. Usually including the word 'bastard' and 'ungrateful'.

From beyond the city borders, the city seems as a paradise to outsiders with its tall beautiful buildings, and its magnificent gardens. But, the flora was simply meant to hide the malice underneath.

The storm clouds cleared, rain drops setting atop the leaves of many plants as the salesman and woman set up for another day. Setting up their shops as they rewrite there blackboard signs with similar words such as:

NOBILITY SPECIALTY!

PRODUCE APPROVED BY THE KING!

DRESSES AND SUITS FIT FOR ROYALS!

All written in white chalk. Stalls stacking their fruits and veggies, boutiques setting up their newest designs as restaurants write down today's menu. As people started filling up the streets in the early morning light. As a certain town beauty walks along her usual path. Picking up the best fruits, eyeing the newest gowns and wondering what to have for brunch. As many men wondered on how to claim that belle as their own. Even some of the women eyed her, to be wanted that way.

Tia was a lovely women, kind and polite to those around her. She was considered a jewel amongst the towns gossipers. That whoever was lucky to capture her heart might truly be the most fortunate of man. Some even imagined Tia being the next queen! Even though it seemed ridiculous it wasn't completely outrageous, she had all the qualities of a royal. You couldn't help but imagine her in a princess gown. The elegant fabric swaying as she danced across a ballroom.

You admired her, she had it good. A good life from what you could tell. She would even come and visit you after her daily errands. You waited for your daily encounter with what you would consider your 'friend'. You were currently between two stores. A bakery and cafe. Owned by the same women. A lovely elder women known as Stormy. You thought of her as your own grandmother. She took you and your younger brother in, off the dirty streets. Allowing you to stay without any conditions, however you offered to help out around both the cafe and bakery.

Today, you handled the cafe while Stormy managed the bakery. Serving all customers even if some were rather... crude. Some of the men eyeing you up and down even with their dates behind them!

"Good morning (Y/N)!" a familiar voice said. You smiled at your one and only friend.

"Good morning Tia, your usual?" She smiled as she nodded. As you packed a croissant into a simple paper bag and a cup of chamomile.

"How's Stormy? Is she well?" Tia asked as she pulled out her coin purse.

"As right as rain." You returned the smile, writing her a receipt. You handed her the pastry and took the payment. As much as you liked her visits, you were tired. You send her off with a smile and apology for the small exchange.

You went into the back to restock the small display of pastries to find that you had one more batch of croissants and cherry tarts. And almost completely out of ingredients. You put up the 'out for lunch' sign on the counter as you took off the white frilly apron. Taking some money from the 'tips' jar in the back. As you stepped out of the cafe and walked towards the bakery.

"Hey, uh... Stormy I'm heading to the market for some ingredients, need anything here?" You asked as Stormy stepped out from the back.

"Ah yes dear, let me write you a list in a moment" She said already scribbling down a list.

"Here you go, be safe alright? And try to avoid that shady merchant from last time, I don't want him robbing you with his charm." You nod as you walked out the door. Making your way towards the market.

"Um...excuse me, do... do you h-have any food?" Three children begged with a tin can filled with coins and a couple bucks. One of the three stood before you, hands cupped in front of him. Your heart ached in sympathy. Children this young shouldn't be out on the streets... You spared them enough for a full meal for all three of them.

"I wish I could help more..." You patted the children's matted hair before returning on your way.

Walking in a slight daze as memories fogged your vision. Thinking back to the days before Stormy ever found you. The poor children resembling you not so long ago. You were cold, dirty, hungry, a dirty street rat. Left on the street to fend for two people. At the right ol' age of fourteen, with a nine year old brother to defend & take care of in this cruel city.

The orphanage wasn't a choice, they treated the children crueler then the streets did! Working the children to the bone, starving them when on bad behaviour. You'd rather be tossed out on the street! So thats exactly what you did. Your brother, Arthur, was everything you had left. You had to protect him. No matter the cost.

Insulted for trying to survive. Ridiculed for wanting a normal childhood. To have a roof over your head and dinner on the table. All you ever wanted. But ended up having to steal bread rolls and fruits to avoid death.

Hey, thief! thief!

Insolent child!

Where are your parents?!

You stupid street rat!

Ungrateful mutt!

You were a mistake!

You stupid thief!

Get away peasant!

Ew you rat!

Stupid mutt!

Get a job peasant!

Adults screaming at a poor child! The insults were the same, at least could have been a bit creative about it. It was the same treatment everyday, you begging for food, water, anything at all. Only to be turned away and refused.

Your thoughts focused on your horrific childhood, as you mindlessly crossed a street with a haze over your eyes. Your feet carrying you across the street, the sounds of concerned passerby's muffled to a silent mumble.

AS THE SOUND OF GALLOPING GREW LOUDER...

1181 word count.
edited: 14 APRIL 2021