"Make way! Make way!"
You stumble forward, too upset and hungry to think of anything.
"Make way for Lady Jane Cathstone!"
You stumble along as tears course down your cheeks. Your mother finally died from pneumonia earlier this morning. However, it isn't this that upsets you. She left you an orphan, and an orphan with no home or money. You know all too well what happens to people like you on the cruel streets of Tanterbury City. They usually disappear -
*thud*
You are knocked to your feet. You look up to see a snarling man dressed in the gold and red livery of the royal family. On his shoulders he holds a pole. Along with 7 other servants of the Royal House, he carries the young Lady Jane Cathstone, hidden in her crimson litter.
"Out of our way, boy!"
You roll sideways, balling up as he kicks you viciously. You try to get up to get away but he kicks you again, pushing you over. Your body presses into the filth of the street.
"Stop that!"
You hear an absolutely divine voice call out, high and clear. A gorgeous face is looking out of the litter. It is a beautiful girl, her wavy blonde hair cascading to her shoulders.
"Come here, boy. I'm sorry for all of that."
Hesitantly you pull yourself to your feet. You approach the litter and peer up at the girl.
"What's your name, boy?"
"S-Simon, m'lady," you choke out.
"Simon, why don't you come on up in here? I'd love to chat with you."
"Oh no, ma'am. I couldn't do that! You were right kind to me, thank you. I'd better go!"
You shake your head, fearing what would happen to you.
"Simon!" her friendly smile turns icier. You can tell she isn't used to being objected to. Her face softens again. "I'd very much like to talk to you. Don't worry, these men won't harm you." She glares at the servants. "Come on up!"
She extends a lovely white hand. You take it and pull yourself into the litter. It is bedecked with cushions, and you take your seat across from Lady Jane.
"Lady, this isn't-"
"Please Simon, call me Jane," she says sweetly.
"J-Jane, I'm sorry, I know I'm filthy and stinky. I don't want to get your lovely litter all dirty."
"No, don't worry. These can get washed. Please, do tell me about yourself."
You find that you can't look into her blue eyes. She's absolutely divine in her light green dress, and her face even more gorgeous. You feel a blush take over your cheeks.
"What do you want to know m'lady, um, I mean Jane?" |