The king rode through the crowded streets of Winder , swaying gently in his luxurious carriage as his horses clopped elegantly along the cobbled road. The carriage was adorned with intricate gold filigree and red velvet drapes, the royal crest glistening in the light of the afternoon sun.
He sat tall in his seat, his posture regal and his expression serene, surveying the bustling scene with a measured gaze. Subjects bowed low as the carriage passed, their murmurs of admiration filling the air. Despite the heat of the day, the king appeared impervious to the elements, his white linen shirt crisp and immaculate, his long coat of burgundy silk hanging flawlessly from his broad shoulders. He was the very embodiment of majesty and power, and all who saw him were struck with a palpable sense of awe.
King Mark carriage rode pass the busy streets to the silent street rather the loud crowded streets, all he could hear was the sound of his carriage, the voice of the singing bird and the rhythm of the windy leaves. He open his carriage window to enjoy the fresh breeze, he sighed in comfort. King mark has ruled the kingdom for more than 3 decades maintaining the peace with other kingdoms alongside his Queen, 6 concubines and 6 children. 2 belonging to the Queen and the remaining 4 belonging to 4 concubines while the two other concubines look up onto the king for their own offspring.
His eyes caught a woman, she stumbled down the muddy, cobblestone street, her hair disheveled and her dress torn. In her arms, she held a trembling 7-year-old child, clutching her tightly for comfort and protection.
The woman's face was haggard and exhausted, with dark circles under her eyes betraying the long sleepless nights she had endured. She was clearly in a vulnerable and desperate state, and passersby would be forgiven for feeling a pang of sympathy for her plight. Despite her evident weakness, however, there was a fierce determination in her eyes, a stubborn refusal to surrender to the harsh realities of her circumstances that gave her an undeniable strength in the face of adversity.
"Stop the carriage" he commanded his coachman, who stopped the carriage without any question. He opened the carriage for his majesty, he stepped on the muddy road and walked toward the woman. "Woman, what is chasing you? are you in trouble? He asked her. She trembled in fear and looked at the king from head to toe, not many has the privilege to see the king face, just like her she had no idea who he was but his carrige made her recognize him, she bowed "Your majesty, I will be forever indebted to you if you take my child in as your servant, i know you have your people in your heart, save her" she said and kneel on the muddy floor, her seven years old girl looking helpless. The king didn't make a comment about what she said instead he asked "What about you? Will you be okay?" He asked considerately.
Only if i am seperated from her, that only when she can be safe, she hand over her to the King, he held the little girl hand "She goes by the name Rhefa" the woman said and ran as fast as she can, the little girl cried "Mama ! Mama! Mama!" She shouted, the street was silent her voice echo. The king stood there for a minute before he realized what going on "She just ran off" he muttered in disbelief. His coachman witness the whole scenario approached him "Should i go after her Your Majesty? He asked.
"No let keep moving, it getting late" he said and led the girl to the royal carriage.
The little girl sat opposite the King, she gazed at him, he was lost in his thoughts, he caught her staring at him, he smiled at her "You don't have to be afraid, you are safe" he assured him and she nod slightly.
They arrive at the gate of the palace, the couchman open the carriage door, the king alight followed by the scared little girl, her dull face lit up when she saw the palace, she was mesmerized by the beauty it beholds. A bald lowly vampire bowed "Welcome your majesty" he greated the king who nod slightly and hand over the little girl to him, take her to head maid, to clean her up and give her own small room in the servant quarters " he said and enter the palace.
The Butler was confused why his royal majesty had a child with him, he had just gone for a work around the town, "My King will never drink the blood of a child, when he has children of her ages" he wondered and looked at the little girl whose eyes wandered around.
The palace was a sprawling complex of grand halls, ornate gardens and countless chambers. Each chamber was delicately furnished with silken pillows, plush carpets and rich tapestries. The walls were adorned with gold leaf paint and intricate carvings. The palace was home to queen and the concubines, and each had her own private chamber, adorned with ornate furnishings to suit her tastes.
As Rhefa walked through the palace, she could hear the soft rustle of silken robes and the occasional whisper of voices. The aroma of incense filled the air, and the dim lighting added to the mysterious aura of the place. She caught glimpses of the concubines as they passed by, their movements graceful and fluid. the little girl wondered what their lives were like, living in this gilded cage, pampered and pitied all at once.
The palace exuded a sensual and decadent atmosphere, with every detail catering to the pleasures of its inhabitants. Despite its beauty and luxury, however, she could not shake the feeling that something dark lurked beneath the surface.
The head maid Margret was busy instructing the maids in the royal kitchen as dinner must be served to the royals soon.
"His majesty instructs you to take care of her" he dropped her in the kitchen and left to continue his duty. The kitchen maids stopped their work for a moment to catch a glimpse of the girl standing at the kitchen entrance, "Face your work" Maid Margret scolded them. Her words was their command, she was their head any form of disrespect towards her is death. Maid Margret rinse her hand "I will be right back" she said and face the girl "You follow me" Rhefa followed her blindly.