As the imperial knights closed in, I pulled my hood closer to my face to hide. Wearing anything else would just draw more attention to my hair, so I avoid doing so unless absolutely essential.
The shopkeeper spoke to the little boy in my arms and said, "This boy stole from me and now this man is not letting me punish this boy for stealing."
The head of the knight turned to me and said, "Young man, I do not perceive any reason for your interference in this."
"Even though this child stole, he is still only a child, and he does not deserve such punishment for his hunger," I say, closing my fists.
The chief knight looked me in the eyes and asked, "So?" while laughing. "We let all who are hungry, steal? Is that what you saying? You are clearly still a young lad. "
He grinned as he made that comment.
All the commoners were staring at me, and I felt like I was in a bind, and things were not getting better. Meanwhile, Dark remained motionless, crossed his arms over his chest, and stood silently on the side. Did this man really intend not to help me in any way? Then I have to save myself.
"You cannot allow a child to go hungry."
The man scored at that.
"Young lad, you clearly have not seen the world otherwise you wouldn't stop a stealer".
I froze at that, he was right, the boy did steal, theft. I sighed as I rubbed my aching temples.
I turned towards the bread shop owner, "What is that you want?", "Sanction the boy or Compensation," the owner finally spoke after a perplexed scowl.
Even though the world and time in which I find myself are genuinely miserable, it is the royal family's responsibility to bring relief. That leaves me, the individual, responsible!
The poor me is crying, but why do I have to fix the trouble caused by the royal family? Who
I crossed my heart, as I called for Dark. He just stared at me. Excuse me? Why is he not coming?
I motioned for him to come.
He sighed, as he walked forward. I leaned back so I could whisper in his ear, "Give me some money".
At that moment his expression was so silly, that I was worried that he would walk off however he still took me the honour of giving me some money.
I gave the money to the man as I spoke, " Now that should do so". He scowled and half-laughed.
Hmm?? Why is he chuckling? I looked down to see 5£ in my hand. 5?
I closed my eyes to suppress my anger, this Dark guy was annoying me now.
"Are you trying to make fun of me?" In a fit of rage, the man yelled at me. I let out a sigh in response to the man's piercing screams, which the commander on the other hand found hilarious. To be honest, I have no idea what I am doing anymore.
We were surrounded by onlookers who were curious about what was about to happen. When I finally decided to do something to get out of this situation despite having a frecking guard, the man came closer and started hitting me. Why am I being beaten up? The royalty??
In my efforts to defend my head, I felt Dark charging towards me; but, before he could reach me, my hood came crashing down.
The man, the guard, and everyone else came to a complete halt as time stood still. The sunbeams illuminated the golden locks, a symbol of the esteemed royal family.
The commander's countenance became white, and he shook with terror as the onlookers bowed low.
Dark, at last served a purpose; he severed the man's hand before I could respond.
"The evildoer who had the gall to touch the crown prince, The sun of the empire will face the consequences of their actions. "
Was this necessary? My eyes widened in fright when all the blood splashed at my feet. Ah! Disgusting!
The man collapsed to the ground as the subjects of the empire knelt before me. I looked down and saw the commander kneeling at my feet.
I am astounded by the fact that I have such tremendous influence in this disintegrating empire, where the average citizen is basically irrelevant.
"Your Highness, please show mercy on this humble servant".
Regardless of how badly this man treated me, I still need to transform my image from that of an impartial prince into that of a saint! Standing by my side, Dark gave me the side eye; he appeared to know exactly what I was about to do.
"I will spare you but I hope this kind of thing does not happen again, if not you shall bear the consequences". For an unknown amount of time, the small child in my arms gazed at me, before getting up from my arms and kneeling in front of me. His tears stained my garments as I glanced at his tear-eyed face. Why was he crying?
I looked around to find the rest of the people also crying, the head of the area came running at my feet as he kneeled before me. Sobbing, I retreated a little, and he started to cry.
"YOUR ROYAL HIGHNESS YOU HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN US".
I understood at that moment, that these tears were of joy and salvation, I glanced at the boy who was crying hard. These people have suffered so much, that I patted the boy's head.
"I have not forgotten my subjects and nor will I ever". The head looked up with surprise at me before he smiled. Dark on the side just stared at me as if I was immortal.
"Worry not, when I shall be King, I shall remove your suffering". The people surrounding me cried harder, was there suffering so much? To be joyful at my words?
At last, Dark listened to me; he stepped forward and gave me the money pouch.
I handed over the entire pouch to the head. Dark's expression became unintelligible as he narrowed his eyes in response, and the head's pale complexion made him look as if he glimpsed a ghost.
"Your Royal Highness, how can we take this? Just knowing that you have not forgotten us is good enough". I shoved the pouch towards him, and he attempted to put it back in my hands.
"Keep it, feed the children and woman, worry not, I will find a solution". He bowed to my feet in an expression of profound gratitude. I was taken aback and attempted to help him stand.
"Don't kneel", I muttered as I saw the commander sneaking away from the crowd, I decided to ignore this man for now, what I came for did not even happen, I skimmed around for the male lead for no sign, what I came for didn't happen and something I didn't wanted to happen. I sighed. Thankfully, my reputation took a boost.