- XXXXX"No... Alice..... I don't want to die," The girl moaned, burying her head of golden curls into the her perfectly soft angelic hands. She was short of breath still, she must have run a long way from the palace. I wondered how far. A girl like her running, especially a girl of her status and in the clothing she was wearing. Although it was ripped and torn, it still must have been utterly difficult. She sobbed and sobbed, although trying to regain herself, however with little success. It seemed like it was the end of the world for her, which it possibly could be at this point. Who couldn't feel sorry this girl? She'd never had done anything to receive this torture, but her fate had been sealed though and there was absolutely nothing I could do about it. However, I could try to comfort her in whatever way I could although it wouldn't help much in the long run. I gently stroked her hair and quietly cooed,"There, there... All things shall be fine. You aren't going to die."
XXXXXOf course I knew that this was a lie and she probably knew as well. She wasn't as young as she used to be and could figure things out on her own. Seeing as she knew what was happening and to run to me, she obviously knew a lot more than she was supposed to. I wasn't even supposed to know, except for that I had accidentally overheard the king talking with his 'loyal' advisory. She just continued sobbing. The footsteps from the large boots of the guardsmen echoed throughout the palace, all in unison. Thump. Thump. Thump. The girl cringed and hung her arms even closer to herself. I cringed slightly as well. Who wouldn't be afraid of an armed guard who was going through the palace... searching... Searching for the person who ws standing in front of me. I was scared too. What was going to happen to me if they found me with her? Mist seemed to be seeping through the crack under the door to my small hut, like the ghosts of the dead waiting to collect and guide her soul to the next place. The footsteps didn't stop, but they didn't get any closer either.
XXXXX"Lady Iris, you need to run," I told the girl as I heard voices in the distance. Something about pitchforks and making sure to feed the bonfire for it needed to be nice and hot. The air was cold, there were clouds covering the full moon of this winter night. I could feel the rain in my bones. They obviously were trying to find her before that happened. How could a fire burn if the rain was falling to extinguish it? Knowing these people, they would just move it inside the palace somewhere. There was no way I was going to be able to protect this girl from her fate. I was too weak, nothing more than a maid. Maybe if she ran, just maybe she would be able to get away, although that was highly unlikely. Thunder clapped and I saw the flash of lightening through the closed silk curtains over the window. Iris once more cringed, as did I. It wasn't long after that the sound of the pelting rain on the roof top was heard and the footsteps getting louder and louder, getting closer and closer.
XXXXXIt took all my might to move away from comforting the sobbing girl. I hurried to the small trunk where all my clothing was stored and pulled out a plain brown cloak. I hurriedly draped it over her shoulders, tied it around her neck and pulled the hood up on her head, covering her face, those golden locks that I had come so accustomed to seeing and even styling when given the chance. I, however, had no time to waste thinking about these things. Still rushing I grabbed what little food I had left from my supper that had been interrupted when she barged in.. A loaf of bread and some salted pork, that was all I had left. I tied these in a handkerchief and tucked them into her arms. Once all was done, I opened the door and pushed her out into the rain that one could hardly even see through. I begged in my mind that she would start running and never be caught. That's all I could do... Hope. I had nothing better to do. I couldn't run with her, I didn't have the physical stamina. And I was just some maid... No use otherwise to her.
XXXXX I could see her petite figure start to run. A lightening bolt struck again, the thunder deafening in my eardrums and I knew I had been too late, I had been too slow. The light from that electrical release revealed a guard, dressed in all black, hood pulled over his face, but even from there I could tell that it was him... Him of all the guards... Why did it have to be him. I thought I saw a tear running down his cheek, although I would never be able to tell through the rain. As he caught the blonde hair girl she screamed and fought his grasp, trying to get away, but it was pointless. She was a goner. She tried with all her might that I had trouble with the get away, the hood falling from her head, her golden locks immediately becoming drenched but she still kept fighting the useless fight. A second and third guard appeared next to him, whom took the girl and dragged her off, fighting and screaming. He still stood there, rain pelting off the black cloak and he moved closer toward the hut and now, all I could wonder was 'What is going to happen next?'
- XXXXXI sighed as I stared out the window of the carriage as we moved along the cobble stone path towards the castle. I didn't know whether to be glad or sad at this point. I'd finally been taken off the streets of Whiteshade, however, I was just being thrown to the palace now, as a maid. I suppose the other children would have respected getting the job, the adults even more so, so why had I been the one to get caught. I suppose it was because I was an idiot and had been careless. I enjoyed my life out in the small town and I'd much rather be there than locked inside. I suppose at twenty-three years of age I should have gotten a job or something to try to support myself rather than doing what I'd been doing since my parents died when I was sixteen. Seven years of living on myself gone from living the luxury life to the life of poverty.
XXXXXAs the carriage went over a rough spot on the path, I was taken out of my day dreaming and forced to look up again. In the carriage were several others. They were all most definitely younger than me. Of course I looked young for my age and of course they only wanted young people that would be working until the day they died. We really didn't have a choice once taken though. From the moment they'd captured us and put us in this carriage, our fate of working for the rest of our lives had been sealed. There was a couple of younger children, one of the women held a young child to her bosom, cradling it cooing. It made me sick to my stomach that they thought that they could go and just take people off the streets like they had, however, I suppose that's how they were able to keep everything in the palace and the village in such glorious condition.
XXXXX If I had only been more careful I wouldn't be in this mess... I suppose it was easy to tell those with homes from those without rather easy. I had been buying some meat from the market when it happened. I had been saving up money for so long to be able to buy just a small piece of meat to celebrate the anniversary of my parents' death my clothes torn and tattered, no shoes, my hair particularly full of dust that day for I had been out in the fields trying to sell small things such as herbs to the farmers for the wounds they received on their hands with their hard labor. That was an easy way to make money. I really thank my grandmother for her teaching me on how to make herbal remedies, knowing what herbs were poisonous and which ones weren't; how to use what herbs to make herbal remedies and so forth. It was helpful to the workers and they were willing to pay for it. Of course now the workers would soon be gone with the coming of winter and the snow and money would be all the more difficult to come by. Of course that didn't matter now....
XXXXX Anyways as I was at the market to get my meat the sound of horse hooves clobbered along the cobblestone path. I ignored them, thinking that I wouldn't be noticed, however, I was dead wrong. The hooves became louder and louder and then I heard the driver say, 'Whoa.' At that I thought maybe it was just passerby, maybe even someone delivering goods to the market. Never did I think that it would be those dreadful men from the palace who went around collecting homeless people off the streets and taking them to the castle so they would now have a job and home. Out of sight, out of mind as the saying went, and that's exactly what I was about to become. I heard the thumping of the mens' boots behind me and tensed up slightly. I knew that sound, it was all too familiar. I had spent all of my teenage years avoiding and running from that sound and was now no more than ten meters away from it. All I kept thinking was 'They are not here for me... They don't see me... I'll be fine. Again, dead wrong. Just as I was about to pay for my meat I felt a heavy hand rest on my delicate, slender shoulder and a hand flew up to my throat and spun around. It was then that I knew it was all over.
XXXXX "Ma'am, would you come with me?" The man grumbled under the think whiskers of his beard. All I could do was nod and let him gingerly lead me to the carriage. I felt the wind rustle around my faded blue, tattered, and patched up skirts as I walked, I kept my head down in shame. All of the people around stared, some in sympathy, others with disgust. There had been no way I could have run. I had almost no physical strength. I hadn't eaten in days, due to waiting for the special meal that I would have been having today. He gently nudged me into the carriage and shut the door with a slam behind me and my fate was sealed. I heard the men talk amongst themselves for a few moments before they climbed back onto the carriage and it started to move again. And that's the end of that story. I was caught, no longer to be free, a servant forever in the Castle of Maplehedge.
XXXXXSadly, I had been the last to be picked up. So there was now definitely no chance to escape. We wheeled past two huge iron gated and into luscious green gardens. So this was what royalty lived like... It was amazing how much of a difference between life inside and outside of the gates. I however didn't see any of the workers outside either... I supposed that they were getting ready to have or server supper seeing that it was about that time. We continued rolling until we reached the stone structure. It was all I could see out the window, it gave me some hint to it's side however I didn't get a chance to see much. They immediately herded us out of the carriage and into a small room inside. They handed all of the women simple wool clothing as well as the children and men. We were told that we had ten minutes to wash up, get dressed and be ready to work. I didn't even have the time to sigh as we were then herded into another room where we washed and got our clothes on. Some of the women tied their long tresses up into braids or buns, that really made me glad that I had gone and chopped mine off for the most part.
XXXXX Once back into the original room, we were given our assignments. Most of the men got things such as garner or stablebuck, women cooks and maids, the children got small jobs like retrieving water from the well for the kitchen. I bit down hard on my tongue as I awaited my assignment and when I finally got it, I had to say that I was thoroughly surprised. "Well, the princess keeps complaining that she doesn't have enough maids so I suppose that we'll assign you to her. You can deliver her supper tonight," The assigner said and all the others stared. I felt the blood rush to my face as I was stared at. For some reason I found it embarrassing... Again, like cattle we were herded. I went along to the kitchens with the women that had been assigned cooking duties. For awhile I just stood anxiously waiting to know what to do next. However, soon the scent of food began to get to me and I found myself drooling at the fabulous scents of turkey, chicken, pork, bread, and so much more. As one of the women that I had come here with noticed that I was drooling slightly, she whispered to another woman and pointed. This caused me to wipe away the drool from my lips and try to regain myself. It was so stupid. I'd gone longer without food than this before, but really this was like hell...
XXXXX Luckily I was saved from any further embarrassment as another maid found me and told me that she would be showing me to the princess's quarters. I wondered how she had known, but she shoved a tray full of all those delicious scents into my arms and then picked up another in her own arms. So that's how she knew. She led me up what had to be hundreds of stairs until we reached a set of huge oaken doors. We entered and I started walking in, my soft torn shoes making no noise against the cold, hard floor. "You! Who are you and what are you doing?" A voice demanded from just to the side of me. I looked behind me, the woman I had come up with was gone, her tray left on the table just inside the door. I then turned to look at my accuser, thinking that this indeed was not going to turn out well. As I turned my head, I saw a girl, slightly shorter than myself, golden tresses falling down to her waist, slightly curled. Blue eyes glared at me, arms crossed over an elegant bodice, a part of one of the most glorious dresses I had ever seen. Slowly I bent over, setting the tray on the ground and attempting to back out of the room, only she was faster. The door behind me was now closed and this elegant young lady in front of it. "Who are you?" She demanded, her eyes cold. I gulped slightly before replying, "A-Alice... Alice Riley..."
- XXXXXLike Alice, many of the homeless peasants of the village of Whiteshade are picked up by the royal guard, taken to the palace and become workers there. This is how Whiteshade is known as one of the most pleasant towns. There is hardly any filth in the streets, except for the daily dust brought in from travelers and farmers. Some say that Dumont, the king, eve sends his workers out to clean the cobblestone roads at night, although there is no proof. Anyone who has tried to look has mysteriously disappeared. This story takes place during older times, times where minimal technology exists, farms are one of the main jobs and women hardly have a place in society unless they're born of the highest status. In times like these, it's much harder to predict every day life, like when someone is going to be beheaded or when the King may impregnate another mistress. Mysterious things happen that have no explanation. New sciences are being discovered and either shunned upon or thought of as pure genius. Those believed to be vampires, witches, or other things of pure evil are burned at the steak. All's fair in love and war, people say, but it so much more than that...
His Majesty James Ashford Dumont The king of Whiteshade. He is known for both his kindness and his malicious acts. Although a rather young king, he has already had a wife and a son. His previous wife died do to disease, which made him go to great lengths to improve all of the medical staff within the village. His son however is still alive and is only fourteen years younger than him. Not soon after, he married a princess of another village, Isabelle-Marie Hughes, whom had already had a child before their marriage and is about the same age as his son. James is known for punishing those who are believed to be vampires, witches, werewolves, and other things of the sort. He holds public executions which people are all allowed to attend and of course to make sure that people keep coming back, he holds little contests for those whom are accused, depending on what they're accused of. those whom are considered are given two doors, behind one of which is a tiger, who will eat the accused alive and the other door contains a woman, whom the accused will be married to immediately. Of course for those considered to be of something supernatural will automatically be burned at the stake, no questions asked. Overall the king has been liked by all of Whiteshade's citizens, despite his horrid acts and somewhat of a reputation of a womanizer, although the latter has yet to actually be proven, it's more just assumed because he is of the highest ranked status.
Her Majesty Isabella-Marie Hughes DumontWith blonde-hair, blue eyes, a full bust, wonder figure, and pale skin, Isabella-Marie is the splitting image of the woman every king would want as his wife and then some. She had always been that of royalty, her father being the king of a neighboring town and being the first daughter caused her to be extremely spoiled there and it is no different with her husband. James showers her with gifts of fine dresses and precious jewels. She has this bubbly personality that seems to make everyone like her, which just causes Dumont to prize this woman even more, well except if he's with a mistress that no one or rather, supposedly no one knows about. Even with knowing his reputation for being a womanizer, Isabella-Marie accepted his hand in marriage, just as long he allowed her daughter, who was ten at the time of their marriage, to live in the palace with them. James agreed and the two have been happily married since. No one knows exactly how Isabella-Marie became with the child that is her daughter, not shall she talk about it. Rumors are spread though that it is a thing of witchcraft for when inspected, she was proven a virgin and married in white. With that not proven, the king has yet to burn his wife at the stake for being suspected of witchcraft, and that is exactly why she keeps her secret so well hidden.
His Highness Edward-James DumontEdward, the royal prince, is indeed the brightest of all the royal jewels. His father's pride and and the talk of all the women in Whiteshade. His lovely blonde hair, shining sapphire eyes, and great politeness allow him to be the talk of the town, oh and all of his extraordinary trouble making feats. Despite his glowing personality, Edward just likes to go and have some fun, often getting drunk at upper class bars with his friends, but never had he even touched a woman in the wrong way for he has at least enough respect to be able to not even go near them.He does, after all, want a wife one day for when he takes over the throne. Sadly, this boy is going to be a troublesome one to find a wife for do to his semi-rebellious nature. Good in nature, loves parties and fun. Really, Edward is just a normal boy of eighteen, although having the highest status possible for a young man his age, well except for king, but he has yet to have to receive that rather tedious responsibility. He wants to become king, yet he never tries to learn anything about ruling from his loving and harsh father, due to his rather be out playing than wanting to be inside learning. The question now about this particular gem is, who is he going to marry, some say it will be his adoptive sister, Iris, some say he is smitten for another girl, however, this prince is smart enough to keep his yap shut.
Her Highness Iris-Bridgette Hughes DumontShy and quiet with bright blue eyes, pale, unblemished skin and long wavy blonde hair, Iris is an image of what all princess are expected to look like. Although royalty, Iris does not have an outgoing personality and is very much unlike her mother, she is a highly respected individual, although mainly though just because she is of such a high status. She isn't exactly perfect like her mother, not all sparkly and shining. She doesn't wear all the shining sparkly gems as she should, but just a simple golden cross around her neck that she received at birth and a pair of simple golden hoop earrings. Her clothing is usually just that of simplicity. Although high in society and seemingly with many friends, Iris is truly just lonely and wants someone that she can really talk to, that can relate to her, not all the bullshit that the comes with being a princess and in high society. She doesn't show this great loneliness and to hide this loneliness, she'll often seem just an extremely cold girl and will write her true feelings in a small leather bound diary that was given to her for her fifteenth birthday, she being one of the few at this time that can actually read and write, which makes the king claim that she is one of his greatest gems, just because she is able to use those skills to make him seem smarter.
Sir Jasper-Aaron Rutherford Born into high society, Jasper was raised by a chivalrous father, a very proud man, a knight. His mother was a lady in high society as well. Being raised by a knight, Jasper of course became a knight as well, following the great rules of Chivalry. He is by far one of the most polite men ever born, even by knight standards. His father often teased him about his being so polite saying that he was too soft to be a knight, however he has proven his father wrong time after time and has even become one of the king's favorite knights and has assigned the young man to the protection of his daughter. From his past, Jasper has a young lady in his heart that he truly wishes to marry, however it seems some possible matchmaking is in the works with him and the princess. Also, this mysterious girl disappeared from high society about seven years before. He, of course, not being of royalty makes this relationship between him and the blonde haired princess somewhat strange, however it seems that the king does not want to be marrying his daughter off to some other soon-to-be king and would much rather keep her close or at home, thus using Jasper to do this presents the perfect match. Although he would happy marrying any woman, this woman from his past is the only one that truly occupies his big and kind heart.
Alice-Rose Riley The lowest of low, the scum of all scum, Alice is a former street girl, living on the street, trying to live off of small weird jobs. She was picked up off of the streets by the King's royal guard whom picked her up off the streets. It was by the king's decree that all homeless shall be picked up off the streets and be taken to the palace to be given jobs, this is how he keeps the kingdom of Whiteshade so clean. Therefore, Alice is now a maid in the castle. An actual previous member of high society, this girl has dropped from some of the highest class to the lowest due to the death of her parents. Now she serves the princess whom she could have been friends with if she'd been kept in high society. In fact, she personally met many of the members of the royal family, including the king. She was best friends with Jasper, and may just be that special girl in the Knight's heart. Maybe she'll be able to make some contact with some of her old friends and maybe get back into high society, or perhaps this young woman enjoys being the lowest od the low instead of living the high life that she once had. She is quiet, but also a rebel. Alice cares for all of those close to her, which makes her a truly caring and really just an innocent soul.
