PROLOGUE
ARESIA
The festive week of Maydead.
1588.
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The sun beat down mercilessly on the dusty street, as a group of children gathered around an old woman. They hurled stones at her, laughing and jeering, while the old woman cried out in pain that sounded like a howl making the children burst into laughter. The elderly residents of the village watched from their windows, but none wanted to intervene.
"Throw the stones at her, stone her"
The children kept throwing stones at the old woman , they were laughing and having fun at the behest of the Old Woman pain. while the children were committing such an atrocity. The Elderly ones did nothing to stop them.
The village was small, nestled in the shadow of a great mountain. The houses were made of stone, their roofs thatched with straw. A small square sat in the center of the village, surrounded by a few shops and a well. It was the week of Maydead, A festival used to celebrate and pray for the dead. Every one from far and near come to the great Maydead Mountain to pray for dead. That week is one of the few times, the village sees tremendous revenue and many people had come from far and wide to celebrate. But even amidst the joy and revelry, the children's cruelty towards the old woman felt out of place.
The elders stood by, watching but doing nothing to stop the abuse. Some even seemed to enjoy the spectacle, as if it were some kind of entertainment. Atia could not understand their indifference. Amidst the crowd of onlookers, a lone woman stepped forward. She was dressed in a style unfamiliar to the villagers, her clothes adorned with intricate embroidery and beads. Her hair was swept up in an elaborate braid and she carried herself with an air of authority.
"Stop this!" she cried, her voice echoing across the square. "This Old woman has done nothing to deserve such treatment!"
But a merchant, observing from the crowd, shook his head. "She doesn't understand," he said, in a low voice. "Those children are nobles, and she would do well to mind her own business."
Two guards who were staying close to the children suddenly step forward as if to attack the woman.
A buxom lady in a dirty apron suddenly drags the Woman aside " Dear Madam, leave them alone, don't you see their clothes, they are nobles, one among them is the child of a very high ranking noble, that is who the guards are protecting, just leave them alone for your sake"
The Woman sighed pitifully.
The merchant's words seemed to strike a chord with the onlookers, and they began to murmur among themselves. Atia felt a sinking feeling in her stomach, as the children continued to torment the old woman. No one was willing to stand up for her, for fear of angering the nobles.
The old woman looked up at Atia, her eyes pleading. She seemed to know that Atia was the only one who might be willing to help her. Atia's heart was torn, but she knew what she had to do.
Atia's clothes were little more than rags, and her hair was matted and unkempt. Her face was smudged with dirt, and her eyes were red from crying. As she stepped forward, she could feel her legs shaking beneath her. The children who in contrast were dressed in luxurious clothes and looked very healthy looked at her with scorn, their eyes filled with unknown contempt. But Atia steeled herself, and stood tall.
"Leave her alone," she said, her voice shaking but strong. "It is not right to treat anyone this way, noble or not."
The children's laughter was like a slap in the face, and Atia felt her heart sink. She had thought that someone might listen to her, might understand her plea. But instead, she was met with scorn and mockery.
The guards stepped forward, their faces stern. "This is not your business, girl," one of them said, his voice cold and threatening. "You would do well to mind your own affairs."
But Atia was not to be deterred. She stood her ground, her eyes blazing with determination. "I will n...n...ot stand..d.d by and watch as this wo...man is ...m...mistreated," she said, her voice shaking.
The second guard suddenly pushed Atia. The guard's push sent Atia sprawling to the ground, landing in a heap next to the old woman. As she scrambled to her feet, she saw the guard's boot coming towards her. But before it could connect, another figure stepped between them. It was a pretty girl , A young girl of about 9 years old she was dressed in an elegant pink silk dress that shimmered under the sunlight. Her dark hair was braided in intricate patterns, adorned with flowers and a pink ribbon . She had a natural grace about her, her movements fluid and effortless. Her face was lovely, with delicate features and bright, intelligent eyes. She was a picture of loveliness, exuding an aura of beauty and innocence.
"Leave her alone," the girl said, her voice strong and clear. "You have no right to treat anyone this way, noble or not."
The guard looked taken aback, but he quickly recovered. "But you told us to ...but.... I am very sorry, My Lady " The guard quickly apologized.
Atia breathed a sigh of relief as she admired the girl whom had saved her .
As Atia lay on the ground, writhing in pain, the girl's expression shifted. Gone was the brave, determined girl who had stood up for her. In her place was someone else entirely, someone whose smile was cruel and calculating.
"That was fun," the girl said, her voice cold and devoid of emotion. " It made me feel like a heroine, but too bad I am enjoying the peasants and animals put to their place. I told my mother I didn't want to come to this stupid place and this lowly animal dares stand up to me" said the girl as she coldly glared at Atia .
Atia felt a wave of terror wash over her. This girl was not just mean - she was dangerous, what She did earlier was an act. What a psycho. And now, she had her full attention on Atia.
As the other children began to pick up stones, ready to throw them at Atia, a new voice rang out. "Stop this at once!"
It was a boy, a young noble, who had come running up to them. His face was flushed with anger, and his eyes were blazing. "How dare you treat someone this way," he said, his voice trembling with emotion. "I will not stand for it!"
The children looked at him, uncertain. But the mean girl's smile only grew wider. "Oh, and who are you to tell us what to do?" she asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
"What , don't you recognize me? I am the crown Prince... how dare you!" The young Prince yelled at the mean girl.
The Crown Prince bodyguards and personal attendants caught up to him catching for breath.
The Mean girl suddenly realized her mistake as She casted her face down in shame...
