The Royal Maid and the Lost kingdom

CHAPTER ONE

The bang woke me up, I needed no one to tell me that I was not in the right kind of neighbourhood.

Only those who were not accepted in society and wanted to find a way to survive are here.

I sat up ready to start another shitty day in the slums of the Glorious beautiful kingdom of Sanctus, I laughed at myself for the sarcastic way in which I said it in my mind. I saw a few people turn their head toward me and after confirming that it was just another person who has its sanity on the edge, they went back to what they were doing before my interruption.

Now, this kingdom flourished under the reign of the king and it is said that he has two princes, yet I could not help but wonder if he knew that there are slums in which some of his people do suffer. I walked out of my shabby building and looked around.

Yes, I am that weird girl who was dropped at the door of an orphanage before she could even reach her first summer in the world. and since then it was obvious that I had a pretty exciting life ahead of me.

It's been over four summers that I have been living in the streets, I picked up some interesting occupations and skills along the way. It felt like forever since I left the sanctuary because the concept of lack of freedom scares me more than I care to admit.

"Watch it". I heard before I turned yet as always I reacted before my brain caught up, evading to the left of the alley I saw Erin smiling smugly at me. I resisted the urge to chase him and spank his cute little lovable face, the disadvantages of staying in an area where anyone can be the prey to anybody could not be undermined.

Most here are skilled in the little side profession they do before coming to the nearest alley to sleep for the night or the lowest part of the lower town to find the next target or meal for the day.

It is not a lady's dream to live in the street, there are a lot of wolves that can devour a lady's innocence should she give the chance for them to, having learned the hard way that nothing comes easy and having earned my place for now in the abandoned church in this alley I felt safe for now.

"Sorry". He screamed as he ran down the alley, I shook my head. Boys, am I right?

I became one of these people as soon as I became marriageable. I was expected to marry the Nun in charge of us who was like a mother in every sense of the word beloved and did her part. But apart from the fact that she thinks that I would be good to be the second wife of a regular man or the first wife of a baker or a farmer because even though the church may not accept such an act, those were the best option an orphan could get in the society.

Call me picky, but I know I do have selected standards that I must see for me to be able to say that this is the man who has captured me enough to want to get married. She died a summer after my 16th birthday and we all mourned her death, she tested us right and I could not have been happier to have grown under her. The new nun came after replacing her in a blink of an eye and everything changed for me, first, was she enforcing much more dramatic changes to our daily activities.

Also went as far as giving us vigorous punishments for unconscious mistakes made, then her telling me that if I do not give her a palatable answer before the evening runs to an end to my choice out of all the options presented to me then I would have to leave the orphanage. I knew I was stupid but I was angry and so fed up with her so I did the next best unreasonable thing, I packed. I could still remember the days like it was yesterday when I left.

I was beyond sad and yet excited to start something new and fresh in my life. I was a young adult after all and I should be able to make do with what I had and could control. I walked into my room or rather our room in the orphanage and started packing my luggage. I didn't have much.

The blanket that Sister Benedict, the previous nun told me that came with me when I was dropped at the doorstep of the orphanage was held in my hands. I stuffed it into a box given to me by one of the remaining caretakers there. I was praying that one of these people would offer me a home.

I was young, not clueless and I knew that there might be some unforeseen dangers after leaving this sanctuary. I packed the 3 clothes that I had that had been sent by the people who no longer have use for them and stood up.

"Alice, must you leave?". I saw one of the younger ones with whom I shared a room and asked me, I turned to her and gave her a half smile. she, after all, is younger than me to understand that I do not have much of a choice in the matter but I just have to comply.

"I must dearest". I responded solemnly as emotions tightened around my throat forcing me to let out a gasp.

"But you will come to pay us a visit would you not." She asked again as the remaining girls all looked at me. I shared a room with four other girls in the orphanage and they were as annoying as they were lovely.

The first girl I shared the room with was named Margaret. She was only six summer old, with curly blonde hair and big blue eyes. She was a quiet and shy child, and she always seemed lost in her own thoughts. She would spend most of her time playing with her dolls, or sitting by the window, watching the world outside.

The second girl was Charlotte. She was nine summers old and had a bubbly personality and never knows when to stay in her space. She had brown hair and brown eyes, and she was always the first to start a conversation. She would tell us stories of her life before she came to the orphanage, and she would always make us laugh.

The third girl Sarah, ten summers old and had a serious and studious demeanour. She had dark hair and green eyes, and she was always the first to finish her chores. She would spend her free time reading books and studying, and she would always be willing to help us with our lessons.

We shared a small wardrobe where we kept our clothes and personal belongings. We would take turns keeping it clean and organized. We would also take turns sleeping by the window, as it was considered a privilege to have fresh air and natural light in the room.

Despite the simple and modest conditions, I felt a sense of camaraderie and safety with my roommates, and we would help and supported each other through the hardships of growing up in an orphanage. After all, I became their eldest sister the moment I reached marriageable age. It also made me look after them more as I made sure never to let any of them get into trouble and anytime I was not changed to protect them I found a way to take the blame for myself.

I care for every one of them in my way and all of them loved me as I loved them, I was abandoned and so were the majority of them. I became their family as they became mine, I looked up and I remembered this building and how everything was done.

The orphanage where I grew up was a grand and well-maintained building, made of solid stone and sturdy wooden beams. I could still remember the details: the structure was two stories tall, with a thatched roof that provided shelter from the weather, and the exterior of the building was whitewashed, giving it a clean and inviting appearance.

The main door of the orphanage was through a large wooden door that was garnished with iron hardware and lock, Inside, the building was divided into several large rooms, each serving a specific purpose. The main living quarters for us and the Nuns were on the upper floors, where we all slept in simple wooden beds that were lined up in rows. But the Nuns and the remaining caretaker who do not sleep in their own houses have their separate rooms in the quarters.

I remembered feeling like I should have had mine when I grew up, it took me a while to know the main reason why I could no longer see the older ones who came here before me after some time. Some got married with the choices of either the Head Nun or the caretakers. I even heard a rumour that some of the caretakers were trying to trick the children into getting married to their sons, but they were caught and dismissed.

And no matter how much I tried I never remembered anything from my childhood, I was told by the Nun that I had a fever so terrible that it must have affected me because I was still a child then.

Our beds were covered in thick woollen blankets and had straw-filled mattresses, which we were taught to change regularly to ensure our hygiene. Rooms were well-lit by small windows that were covered with oiled paper to let in natural light. The walls were beautified with religious paintings and tapestries, which provided a weird sense of comfort to us. The lower floor of the orphanage was home to the kitchens and the dining hall.

The kitchens were large and well-equipped with a fireplace for cooking, a wooden table for preparing food, and a variety of pots, pans, and utensils. Every one of us was taught how to use all those utensils and how to act like a proper lady in society. The food always was basic but nutritious, consisting of bread, porridge, vegetables, and sometimes meat if we are lucky or if the kingdom is in festive periods.

The dining hall was a large room with a long wooden table that could seat all the children at once. The children would sit on wooden benches and eat in silence under the watchful eye of the caretakers.

The orphanage also had a small infirmary where medical attention was given to us and one of the Nuns as our nurse, which was annoying because we can't even fake sickness to get out of work scheduled for us for the day, off to the infirmary she goes with Sister Anna to help educate us if she did catch you faking it.

The room was equipped with a simple wooden bed, a small table for instruments, and a cabinet for medicines, and after the earful, we will be punished by having double our workload assigned. The caretakers of the orphanage were trained to provide basic care for us by the church and if Sister Anna was not duty they do know how to treat us, such as treating cuts and bruises.

A small school room was also provided where we were taught reading, writing, singing and how to play an instrument.

We were also taught skills such as sewing, knitting, and basic carpentry, cooking which was my favourite as I would eat quite a lot more than usual. The school room was equipped with wooden desks, chairs, and a blackboard. The caretakers also had the task of providing us with basic education, as they believed that this was crucial for our success in life. How does education help with baking and knitting, I would never know.

I remember that I loved taking a walk in the small garden near the house and the courtyard facing the building where the children love to play. The garden was a peaceful and secluded area, with a variety of flowers, herbs, and vegetables that provided me with a quiet place to just breathe in and relax. I knew I was different because I never loved the idea of knitting and not doing something extraordinary with my life.

Although this place is a pleasant environment for anybody to relax in, I still feel like I am missing something, maybe I just want to know what's outside of this space and what real life feels like.

The courtyard was a large open area where the children could run and play, and it was also where the well was located. The well provided fresh water for the cooking and cleaning for all of us, and it was also the source of water for the bathrooms. I've read stories of orphanages that have dirty bathrooms and I had nightmares of them for a while. The Nuns and the caretakers made sure that we were able to clean up after ourselves.

The bathrooms were located in the basement of the building, and they were simple, they consisted of several wooden stalls with a hole in the ground for a toilet, and a large wooden tub for washing. The water for the bathrooms was taken from the well, and it was heated over a fire in the kitchen on days when the weather was too freezing to use the water the way it was.

We always would take turns using the bathrooms, and the caretakers would check at different times to make sure that the bathrooms were kept clean.

The caretakers were of two types, some were kind and attentive, providing us with food, clothing, education, and care while some are like the devil incarnate sent to tournament humans. There once was one of the caretakers called Madam Evil by the children, yes I gave her the name when I saw her spanking Mary, the baby amount us. She was only 2 at the time and she made the silly mistake of stepping in the rooms with mud on her shoe.

The orphanage was run by the church, and it was one of the few options available for abandoned or orphaned children during that period, it's either that or well thrown to the street to survive. Even though after 16 summers have passed, it's either you get married or back to the street which you should have been thrown to when you were young. The building was not luxurious by any means, but it was clean, well-maintained, and provided us with a warm bed and food that we needed to survive and grow.

In addition to the necessities, the caretakers during the festive period make us do some form of entertainment and activities. They mostly go with storytelling sessions, and tag which we use to drag some of our favourites to join us.

The Nuns made sure that we were provided religious teachings and would arrange for us to attend mass with the rest of the community, those were the rare few times that we were allowed to step outside of the environment of the orphanage.

Sister Benedict, the head nun then always said to us anytime we were to go to mass that this was to instil moral values and a sense of community among us. The orphanage was self-sufficient to some extent, we learned basic farming and gardening skills, to be able to maintain the garden and courtyard. The Nuns were strict about discipline, and any misbehaviour was met with punishment. The children were expected to be well-behaved and respectful of the rules and regulations of the orphanage.

"Alice, are you alright?" Jolted back to the present to notice that Erin is back and directly standing in front of me.

"How long was I lost in my thoughts?" I questioned pulling my face into a thinking mode, tilting my head to look at the stubborn yet adorable boy I could call my brother yet not.

"Enough for me to go to the baker to get Mother's request for the day's bread". He responded, instantly I smelt the cool aroma of what he held in his hands.

"Ohhh yummy, that looks like delicacy Erin". I exploded, and even though I was delighted I was also a bit wary, why would his mother tell him to go get bread?

"Well, Momma told me not to touch them and get back soon. So I have to go but come around later, Momma told me to pass the message across that you should come to visit her". He told me with his cute gray eyes. Not giving me a chance to give him a proper response to the message he left me there.

I shook my head, I laughed, he was always light on his feet and even though I should not consider him as a child, he just clocked 15 summers, and last I checked I should be approaching my 22nd birthday remembrance very soon.

Erin is a boy with striking grey eyes that stand out against his fair skin. He has a lean build, and his hair is a dark brown colour that falls just above his shoulders. As a peasant, Erin's family is struggling to make ends meet, and this is reflected in his clothing. Erin's attire is simple and practical, made of rough, homespun fabrics that have been well-worn and mended multiple times.

He wears a linen shirt that is stained from hard work, and the cuffs and collar have been repaired multiple times. The shirt is tucked into a pair of breeches that are made of a thick, durable woollen fabric. The breeches are held up by a simple leather belt, and they have patches on the knee and seat areas. On his feet, he wears sturdy leather boots that have seen better days, the soles are thick and well-worn, and the laces are frayed at the ends.

He also wears a woollen vest that keeps him warm during the colder months, the vest is a dark brown colour and it has a few holes in it. He protects himself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat that is made of rough straw, the hat has a leather band around it.

As funny as he looks sometimes with his dressing he always was hard working. Erin carries a small knife on his belt, which he uses for various tasks, such as cutting rope or hunting small game.

That knife of his has a simple wooden handle and a well-worn blade. He also carries a small leather pouch that contains a few tools, such as a flint and steel for making fire, a needle, and thread for mending his clothes. He loves going out to hunt and sometimes spend time exploring the forest around the kingdom.

Erin's clothing is not only functional but also a reflection of his family's economic situation, as they can't afford new clothes, so they have to make do with what they have. Despite this, Erin takes pride in his appearance. He always kept saying he was a grown man now after he got to 13 summers. I missed the little cute baby boy who always followed me around and smiled all the time. He hardly waits to talk anymore and he is always clean and well-groomed.

He washes his clothes regularly and he mends them as soon as they get damaged. He understands the importance of taking care of what he has and the value of hard work. I still am marvelled as to why he and his parents have not isolated me after all these while even when almost all the people in the lower part of the kingdom have done that. And we are in the slums, isolating someone in the slums, only weirdos can achieve that and I do guess that term is my middle name.

I smiled as I walked down the street and decided to go visit Erin's parent later when the sun goes down. Dusted myself to the best of my abilities, apart from been so lucky that I am living in a very interesting neighbourhood I also have one of the most unusual look for a girl from this kingdom. Maybe my vibrant red hair, yes not brown not deep brown and most definitely not brunette but red in blood red.

It flows down to my waist with it being long and beautiful, I also am a small girl or rather I do have a face of an innocent girl which frankly do not help in these streets. I learnt my lesson in a very broad manner when I took to the streets after been chased out of the orphanage, I do miss the children sometimes and also do constantly wonder exactly when it is that I would get to see them again.

Stepping out of the street and walking into the market, I smiled because even my best dressed would still show and make me differ from them, those who grew up in the street have a way of without saying been known to the citizen of the kingdom.

More like when someone from the lower town goes to the upper part of the kingdom to work or deliver. Sticking out like a sore thumb will be what will make others to take notice of you, and being me I have a unique feature that makes it noticeable to get exactly what it was that I am. Spending more than 5 summers out here and after a few adventures of my name spreading wild for all to hear how could they not know who Alice is.

A beautiful girl who looks innocent till suddenly your purses full of coins are no longer seen, extremely proud of how I am able to always avoid being caught as I proud myself to be one of the best out there.

Today I am dressed in a green clothing which by seeing it you would clearly know that it has seen better days and yet as I do not have any clothing that is new nor do I have the resources to get new fabrics, I have to make do with what I have and flaunt it as well.

I walked through the streets, trying to blend in with the crowd. I was dressed in a faded green dress made of a cheap material that I had received from Erin's mother. Despite being almost 22 summers, I still looked like a young girl with my gentle and meek appearance. But, I knew that this appearance could be deceiving as I had been through a lot and had been living on the streets for a while.

The dress hung loosely on my frame, the material rough against my skin. It had probably been washed countless times, causing it to lose its colour and texture. I knew that I looked different from the other people on the streets, who were dressed in cleaner and nicer clothes. But, I tried not to let it affect me and instead, I focused on trying to survive.

My vibrant red hair was the only thing that stood out about my appearance. It was a stark contrast to the dull colours of my dress and the grime on my skin. But, it was also a reminder of who I was and that I was still alive. I kept my head down, trying to avoid the judgmental glances of the people around me.

I knew that people could be cruel, and that they would judge me based on my appearance.

But, I also knew that I couldn't let their opinions define me. I had to keep going, keep surviving, and find a way to make a better life for myself. As I walked through the streets, I couldn't help but think about my past. Growing up in the orphanage, I had always dreamed of leaving and finding a family that would love and care for me. But, the reality of life on the streets was harsh and unforgiving. I had to fend for myself and make difficult choices just to survive.

I never lost hope. I knew that there had to be more to life than this. I would often dream of finding a kind-hearted person who would take me in and give me a chance at a better life. But, as the years went by, my dreams started to feel more and more like illusions.

I couldn't help but feel a sense of hopelessness as I walked through the streets, but I didn't give up. I knew that I had to keep going and never lose faith in myself. I may have lost my family and my home, but I still had my strength and my determination. And with that, I would find a way to make a better life for myself, no matter how hard it may be.

CHAPTER TWO

Erin's mother is a sweet lady who always provide shelter for me and do offer to feed me occasionally, although I do not fancy myself taking all the time without giving back and I also knew that she needed a lot of herbs for her illness, I do try my best to get as much as I can to help them out.

Erin's mother was suffering from a chronic illness that required her to take a variety of herbs to manage her symptoms. The herbs were not easy to come by, as they were rare and often grew in remote and hard-to-reach areas. Erin's mother had to rely on the help of local healers and herbalists to gather the necessary herbs for her treatment.

The illness had a significant impact on Erin's mother's health, causing her to experience chronic pain, fatigue and difficulty breathing.

Erin's mother was also very particular about the quality of the herbs she used, as she knew that using sub-par herbs would not effectively manage her condition. She was always willing to pay a premium for high-quality herbs, as she knew that it was the only way to ensure that her treatment was effective.

Erin and his family had to sacrifice a lot to help her mother find the herbs she needed, spending most of the family's savings on it. But, the love for their mother made them do whatever it takes to see her healthy and happy.

Even though they had little they still went out of their way to care for me and that meant something. Which was why anytime I had the chance to repay them back by maybe finding some of those herbs on the road after having dropped from a cart is being given to them.

I walked to the street and almost like an animal instinct when stared down by a prey, they all took notice of me then clearly started protecting and searching themselves to see if there was anything missing, I gave them my usual smirk before walking past them also trying to get the latest news of what might be happening in the kingdom.

I saw some ladies dressed in decent clothing and from the way they walked, it's easy to know that they do serve one of the noble families in the kingdom as they and few who are wealthy enough could afford to give their maid well-paid allowances to ensure them to take care of themselves.

They stopped in front of a small woman who sells apple, she is one of the few who has a quick temperament and never likes the likes of me or people who are categorized as street persons to stay or near anything hers at all.

"Have you heard the latest circling the town misses". The woman said engaging the ladies, I stood opposite and the fact that less carriages pass through these part of the town makes it very easy to hear what others were saying from the other side.

"Is it about the princes returning?" One of the ladies replied her with a bright smile on her face also having a lovely brunette on her head, it matched her so well I was almost tempted to ask how she had not enticed one of the noble sons to ask for her hand in marriage.

"Yes, I heard about that too, they said that the princes are returning to the kingdom. Yet I am curious as to why they are back". Her friend answered, she also was beautiful yet lacked a bit of what her friend has.

And also her hair was blonde which was combed and bounded as fitting for a maid. She also looked to the woman as they looked through the fruits on the stall. I rolled my eye because I could just guess that they were the type who all had the Cinderella dream.

"Perhaps they are called back to find a bride for them." The woman responded to them, I could swear I saw her eye sparkle as she said those. I heard a gasp and looked to see that the brunette covered her mouth with her palms.

"Could that be the case? are the princes here to find a bride?" She questioned the woman.

"Those are the rumours going all around, do not both of you serve the missus of noble families? Should you not know about these matters more than an old woman who sells apple on the side of the road." The woman answered and also asked one of her own questions in return.

I nearly laughed out, of course that would be the situation. Even though the lower part of the town house people who works as labour for the day to day running of things in the kingdom they also are not very purvey to every information that could exist and the best way to get your information is to ask some of the maids who are working for noble families. And I also have heard from another once that those noble ladies do send their maids to go get information out for them.

Looking at these, it is obvious that both of them are feeling each other trying to get the information they needed, funny how they are completing one another information.

"True, yet that does not mean my mistress tells me what is going on." The brunette answered, from her response it is easy to know that these would not be the first time she would have done these. Beauty with brains is rare to see, I smiled to myself looking around for things that would catch my eye and also for something to eat.

I remembered the smell of fresh bread that I smelt from Erin this morning and just like that my stomach just had to remind me that I ate almost next to nothing last night and even had to run to shield myself because the royal guards were doing the routine of patrolling in these part of town.

I looked at the ladies again to see that they already have bought some apples and are ready to leave. I walked behind them and my legs slipped as I bumped into them.

"My apologies." I said as I turned to look at them, they looked beautiful and clean. I saw the blonde mouth turned down and her eye taking in my appearance.

"You are excused, let's go before our mistresses asked why we were late." She responded with a look at me that said you are too dirty. I ignored it and then turned to see that they had left, I bought my hands to my mouth and bit into the apple. It was juicy.

I walked around taking things into my sack that I do carry around, I also remembered that my stack of food in my corner in the church is almost done, and it was time for us to make the donation to the ones who runs the spot so we will be able to live there for a while longer.

I sighed, as it also came to my mind that Erin did say that I had to go see his mother and few things flashed through my mind trying to guess the main reason as to why she would say that apart from the fact that her herbs for her medicine is exhausted and she wants to give me the little she had to help her get more.

As a payment for her rescuing me before I always make sure to get more for her when she asked me to get her herbs, and I have a nagging feeling that even though she knew she was powerless because she is really in need of the medicine to take care of herself.

I suddenly stopped, I looked ahead and I saw this man standing a bit around 10 steps away. He looks really young and I think a bit older than me but that was not why I stopped, yes he was a beauty and I saw how the ladies all around are smiling at him and he too returned it, so he is a man who has prowess in that category.

I saw that he was on a neat but common dress and he does not look that rich yet what he had on his neck made me think twice and I could not help it as I glanced his way again.

I looked again at his neck and saw that what he had on his neck looked good enough to be sold for 50 copper coins, just thinking of the money made me smile and looked at him again. He does not look lost and even looked like he owned the place.

"He is a beauty." A lady whispered to herself while passing my side.

I felt my mouth shift to a smirk, yes he is a beauty who is about to lose one of his jewels. He probably won't miss it, judging from his standing, he looks like the son of a rich merchant. I quickly ate the rest of my apple, whipped my hands on my cloth. I walked to him and just said I sprinted my knee.

"Are you alright, miss." I heard someone's voice and it made a lady swoon. Just not this lady.

"I think I hurt my knee." I replied in a pitiful voice, I turned to see him looking at me worriedly.

"Would you like to go to the doctor?" He asked and I held his shoulder as I tried standing up.

"No thank you, kind sir but I feel a bit better now. Pardon me" I curtsied while I turned to leave. I felt someone grab my hand and I turned to see the man looking at me with amusement shining in his eyes.

"It has indeed been long since I had found someone willing to go to the blocks foolishly." He said as he chuckled.

"I beg your pardon". I inquired, yet my heart felt like something was wrong. Just like that I saw the royal guards coming our way. I started panicking because if he does not release me then I would land myself in trouble.

"Arrest her, she dares try to steal from me." He said softly and just like that I was arrested. Wait what just happened and who did I just try to rob?

CHAPTER THREE

I froze, I was not taken to the common prison down in the lower town, no I was thrown into the palace prison. Now I am very frightened, I have no idea what I could have done to be brought here and according to what I have heard before these places are where the notorious criminals in the kingdom are kept.

I only just wanted to steal jewellery and how did the royal guards even show up there and why exactly did he even ask them to arrest me, he could have just warned me and let me off.

I just hope he comes here to let me out soon, I have absolutely no idea what is going on right now and my head aches. I was led in through the entrance and brought to a cell there, I stood and gaped before I was pushed in a very polite way into the prison.

I was still in awe when my ear picked up the sound of gates being locked outside, now this place was very clean and not just that, I was the only one in here and they gave me my own chamber pot which was very funny.

Now I have been in the streets for a while and even though everyone tries to be master of their own craft there are sometimes where you just could not escape and I have had some of those days where I was caught and kept in prison.

The first time was very horrible because I had to stay awake all through, the smell also was terrible and caused me to feel nauseated and also vomiting my lungs out. I remembered hearing voices of ridicules and being laughed at. But ever since then I learnt to adapt like always and to be more careful as to avoid being sent to that horrible place.

Even though I have a feeling that the rumours regarding the palace prison might be false, this place looks really neat and I could just relax before I get to be released again. I felt a bit sad for Erin since I would not be able to go over to their home to help them with the herbs.

"Wake up." I heard as I stood from the bed provided here in the prison, I had no idea when I fell asleep but it was a deep one because I did not care about anyone trying to violate me in my sleep or who wants to steal my stuff.

"Awake yet?" I heard again, I turned to see a maid standing outside my cell and it was the brunette girl I met before in the market. I thought she was a noble's mistress maid, not that she would be working in the palace.

"Hmm hello?" I answered in a very humiliating way, I felt my face heat up and I knew I was blushing. I never noticed it in the market but she was a beauty herself.

The brunette was a young woman, probably in her early twenties. She had long, dark hair that flowed down her back in loose waves. Her eyes were a deep brown, and her skin was smooth and unblemished. She was dressed in a simple, plain dress, but it was clean and well-maintained.

She walked into the prison cell with a tray of food in her hands. She had a kind and gentle demeanour, and her smile was warm and genuine. She approached me, who was sitting on the floor, and knelt down beside me.

"I've brought you some food," she said, as she placed the tray in front of me. The food looked and smelled delicious, and my stomach growled in response.

"Your lunch." She said again when she noticed I had not replied to her, her smile made me flutter for a moment which made my gaze drop down to her hands to see her carrying a tray with two bowls inside. She dropped them then turned around and left.

"Thank you," I said, as I reached for the bread and porridge.

"It's my pleasure," she said, with a smile.

As she stood up to leave, I couldn't help but notice the way she carried herself. She held her head high and her back straight, with a sense of grace and poise that was uncommon among the lower-class servants. I wondered who she was, and where she came from, but I knew I would probably never find out.

"Thank you again," I said, as she walked towards the door.

"You're welcome," she said, with one last smile before she left.

As the door closed behind her, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards her. Even in my circumstances, her small act of kindness had brightened my day and lifted my spirits.

I hurriedly reached out to the tray, I mean I was starving and I have only had one apple since the rising of the sun. I recollected that she said lunch so that means that it is noon already and just then the smell of the food entered my nostrils. I looked into the bowl to see porridge and without wasting any second I ate it all.

I remembered when I was still very green and had just been out of the orphanage, I wanted to find a decent woke so that I would be able to fit well into the society, I could remember it clearly after I finished packing and I had to go to the Stepmother's room which is what the children calls her when she is not around to hear. They had always loved the Cinderella story which to me seemed like a faraway wish of someone who was waiting for a man to rescue her.

"Alice, I heard and could clearly see that you do not wish to marry? Why might I ask child?". She asked me as soon as I sat down in her office.

"I just clocked 16 and I would like to make decisions for myself and not just try to sell myself out before having a taste of freedom mother." I responded looking directly into her eyes.

"Child, the world is not as you think, why would commitment scare you? Marriage does not limit your freedom." She advised me again.

"I know nothing but this orphanage and church, I know nothing except that which was taught to us, I want to make my own decisions and explore the world and besides must I be married to a man?" I responded.

She looked at me again and shook her head, then she adjusted her short glasses and stared down at the document on her desk.

"Are you standing on your decision?" She asked me again and I nodded.

"You have not seen the world my dear child, and I could only pray that you do not see the bad aspect of it." She said to me softly, I looked into her eyes and I saw pity, was it pitiful for her to think I could not handle myself.

"I will write to you when I settle down, Mother." I replied to her, she nodded and handed me a document.

And I knew that meant that I was no longer one of them in the orphanage. I stood up and with shaky feet walked myself out of the building.

I jolted back to now and saw a guard standing outside my cell. I needed to know how long I was to be kept here, I had been arrested before and before dinner I had been let off with a warning never to do that again more time than I could count. I felt that since this was the palace prison then maybe it was a bit different.

"Excuse me sir, how long am I to be kept here?" I asked gingerly, he looked at me and just left. Okay that was rude, curtesy demanded that he at least give me a respond.

I stayed in my cell and like it was nightfall, I also noticed that hardly any guards came down here, maybe because the majority would not try to escape since it is the palace prison after all.

And like that I spent two days here, I already am feeling scared and also frustrated, and as usual the brunette will always come to bring to me my meals which should I say were delicious and I was able to sleep well without being scared of anything happening.

I am living comfortably but like I said earlier it is still a prison and no matter what I should most definitely not even try to feel comfortable in a damn cell. I saw two guards who came in and stood in front of my cell. I guess it's time for my meal again.

I turned and looked at the position of my shadows and realised that it was not yet time for my meal and it remained two hours to the time now before my meal was meant to be delivered. I looked at the guards and opened my mouth to ask them but I shut it back up knowing that they would not dignify me with a response, I saw the brunette walk up and nodded to one of the guards.

The guard stepped up and unlocked my cell, I started feeling a sense of loss and I also felt happiness. I guess these emotions are clashing so much that it must have showed on my face because the brunette was looking at me with a raised eyebrow.

"Come with me." She said as she turned and walked out, my legs felt a bit stiff for not having walked much these past days but I composed myself and followed her. I was feeling excited to finally be released but I would not lie because I am feeling a sense of loss because I was able to sleep comfortably and eat three square meals which was a miracle on its own.

If I were to be in the streets at most I would have to steal some fruits to eat or to go get some stale food from those who are kind hearted enough to give. Still I value my freedom, the very main reason why I left the orphanage.

"Take her and wash her up." Wait, what? I looked around and saw that we seemed to be in front of a big chamber and three other ladies were right in front of me looking at me with some weirded out eye. I wanted to speak but was not given the chance to before I was held and dragged into the bath chamber.

These ladies look thin but their strength does not match their body. I was scrubbed by the ladies and washed and peeled and cooked I think. I felt my body turning pink from being scrubbed raw, also my hair combed and all dirt removed from my body.

I am still confused, having no idea what exactly it is that is going on because what brought about all these is because I tried to steal a simple necklace from a commoner? I mean I loved the three meals for the past two days and now I'm being washed up.

Few hours later I was done, the ladies squeezed me into a clean dress and not only was it decent but it was also new, my hair was dried and packed to the back like the ones they had on their head. I saw one of them nod and stare down at me almost in awe, she reached her hand wanting to touch my hair but stopped.

I knew they were curious about what merchant I brought my hair product from to make my hair that vibrant red, they even made the water for my hair hotter with the aim of washing away whatever product I might have used on it but after two trials they let it be.

I was sent out of the room and I saw that brunette was waiting for me all along, her eyes also swept through me and she seemed a bit shocked before she regained her normal indifferent eye and a small smile and turned again, guess I am meant to follow her.

We walked through different turns and corners and we never slowed down for a few minutes, I could not help but be a bit grateful that I already ate before they started this little exhibition of theirs.

"Might I ask where we are going?" I threw the question in the air hoping one of them would at least give me a reply. Alas, that was wishful thinking and there was nothing I could do about it.

I kept shut, felt my face burned from the ignored attitude of them to me. After a while I stopped and I looked up to see a bright gold door, my chest made sure I felt it drumming because I knew that only one place would have that door and that was the entrance to the throne room.

I was feeling so terrified that the beauty of the door and the floor was at the back of my mind, my body felt tired all of a sudden and I was imagining the worst case scenario.

I opened my mouth to speak but the door opened and I was led inside, I have no idea how a single attempted jewellery theft would make me have an audience with the King. I was stopped and I kept my head lowered, already envisioning my head on a chopping block, an involuntary shudder washed through my body and only by sheer luck was I able to still remain standing.

"You are in the presence of the King and Queen." I heard a eunuch and I guess that was my cue as I curtsied to the best of my ability, I was not as fluid as I was before because it's been a while I forgot that part of me to embrace a new part.

"Rise child." I heard a feminine voice and I guess that was the queen.

"Why do you steal?" Another voice asked me but this one sounded stern and with authority, I knew that was the king and the question I had no way of knowing the right answer.

"To survive." I blurted out the first thing that came to my mouth, I stiffened in fear because of what I said.

"To survive? What happened to decent work." The Queen asked me.

"I was not able to get any as I was sent out of the orphanage after reaching 16 summers." I replied honestly, still keeping my head bowed.

"How old were you when you were sent to the orphanage." She asked me

"All my life your highness, I was not up to a summer when I was left at its doors." I responded

"So you have no relatives?" I heard the King ask. I heard a faint 'She looks so familiar'

"None, your majesty." I honestly reply

"Oh, I see. Would you love to work as a maid in the palace?" She asked me suddenly and I was sent into another round of shock. The past two days flashed through my mind, and I knew that leaving would mean that I have to go back to finding what next I am to steal so I could eat.

"Really?" I was shocked and felt my throat becoming tighter. I knew it was rude to ask for confirmation as to why the Queen of a kingdom would lie.

"Of course, child." She replied and I could hear the laughter in her voice.

"Then I would be honoured." I gave out my response because anything was better than being thrusted back into the streets.

"Then it is settled. Meredith, take her to the head maid and have her assign the necessary duties to her." The Queen said.

I was so happy, I raised my head to say a massive thank you to her, my mind went into a state of shock. I mean why does the person near the King have a resemblance to the one I tried to rob in the market? And if he is, why is he here?