Forbidden

-Chapter One: The Burning Kingdom-

Growing flames on the pile of hay were the brightest light, assisted by the torches and lanterns the Findarians held. The light helped lit up the middle of the public garden in the dead of night. Her red hair danced freely in the night's wind while her body was helplessly bound to the stake. The last tear rolled down her cheek as she fully accepted her fate. Suddenly determined, she shot her head up to lock eyes with King Oliver. Little to no fear could be seen in her eyes before she started laughing hysterically.

"LEAVE DEVIL! Set this lady's soul free from you!" The priest yelled as he thrust the bible into the air. The Prince of Findara, Ace, let a tear run down his cheek as he watched his loving friend perish; however, quickly wiped it away before anyone noticed. The witch's body was engulfed in the flames, the heat eating away her fair and freckled skin, but her laughter and toothy grin were burned into the minds of everyone watching.

"Bloody witches." King Oliver mumbled before turning away from the flames and placing his hand on Ace's shoulder. "Let's feast!" He cheered as if he felt accomplished. Ace felt sick. He usually did after the burnings. Watching all of his friends burn slowly as they either cry, scream, laugh, or plead their innocence. They never stood a chance in the end. Their fate was sealed the moment they were accused of having anything remotely related to 'the devil'.

To an outsider, they usually know one of three things... One: Findara is a beautiful, wealthy, and powerful kingdom that is not a force to be reckoned with. Two: Findara is a wicked place that puts up a façade that justifies their horrible actions. Three: They know about one and two, and to avoid the kingdom if they do not meet Findara's standards.

Findara is a tough place to describe. In the best possible way, Findara is a fool's paradise. The people of Findara are always draped in bold and sophisticated dresses or suits that are often accompanied by golden jewels or monocles. Then, depending on what level of the kingdom a passing traveler is on, they will notice their economic status. The wealthiest people reside on the third level, also known as, Blissful Garden. This particular bunch is of those who mainly come from old money and have ties to the founders of Findara. They spend their time walking around the castle, drinking tea, having pointless chats, or going to parties. People living comfortably on the second level, AKA Silver City, are of new money and run small businesses in the market. They're also often seen spending their time in their shops or walking around for leisure. The lowest level, AKA The Slums, are made of the servants, guards, and any other people who have worked in the castle, which resides at the top most level.

The streets were paved with black stone and every building was built from either dark oak, stone, or black stone as well. The gardens and lively plants covering Findara helped keep the kingdom from looking too depressing. Almost like how the festivals and tea parties were the plants that were enclosed by the dark, cold buildings that were the Findarians being ignorant to the injustice around them. Again, Findara is a fool's paradise. People followed blindly, thinking they are virtuous. They were raised by the old writings that said the devil walks amongst the people of earth. Through the fear of the devil, the Findarians try to cast out anything that slightly remotes to the devil himself.

Black cat? Gone. Quick mood swings? Gone. Left-handed? Gone. Sneezed three times in a row? Gone. It's been like this since the first ruler of Findara, King Fredrick. Back to when magic, love, and laughter was in the air. So where did it go? Rumour was that King Fredrick's wife cheated on him with a witch. Unfortunately, for King Fredrick the witch he killed placed a lifelong curse for every queen of Findara to cheat on him.

That's what began a lifelong era of vengeance. Any magic or love that was not 'normal' was outlawed and anyone going against that would be taken care of. Whether that be through an exorcism or the death penalty. King Fredrick at the time could not admit to the Findarians why he burned the two women. So, as the lifelong era of vengeance started, so did the era of superstition. King Fredrick covered up what had happened saying that the devil had been walking among the kingdom and the queen was too weak to fight him off. Findarians started to accuse each other of Satanism and witchcraft. Witches and wizards fled in fear of death. And those who loved differently were forced into hiding, only to live under the night's sky.