Thread: Make It or Break It (Itachi | celestine)

Serenity was not quite a woman, yet not quite just a girl. The sole child of the king, she was one of the most cherished treasures of the kingdom - at least in regards to royalty. She was left with gardens and dresses of beauty and jewels that could easily feed some of the smaller kingdoms for a year. She was given all that she asked for and much of what she didn't even think to ask. When she'd expressed curiosity about archery after having seen an arrow, the king immediately put out a call for the best archers in the kingdom to tutor his daughter. When she expresses an interest in flowers, herbs, and plants, the king called put forth another call for those well versed in nature. It was no secret that her father doted on her, the only living memory of his late wife... But it was she whom he hid from the eye of his subjects just as he hid the rulings of the kingdom and its peasants away from her. She knew all that she wanted about music, flowers, archery, gems, and many other things... But something that she'd never be taught - whilst living under her father's thumb - was the poverty of the people and what the state of affairs was. In fact, the young princess might never have found out if not for her curiosity. She'd been carefully moving through the castle, neatly avoiding her advisers, and in search of her father. One of the things that she'd never been shown or exposed to was what he did. Of course, she'd never really understood why. He'd practically placed in something of a garden filled with all the beauty and joy in life that a person could take and confined her there in locking away the other parts that she wanted to know about - all she knew about the kingdom was its border, its geography, and that it was happy and filled with wealth and bountiful food from several good harvests. Of course, this was a lie. Hearing her father's commanding voice, she gave a soft and contented smile, pleased to know she was near him. She couldn't yet make out his words, though. As she got closer, she gradually heard more and more... And grew confused. Y-Your Majesty! Please, we beg you to be lenient! she heard a man calling out. We can no longer feed even our children! Well that certainly didn't make sense, Serenity though. Everyone had food! Were they from a neighboring country? She moved even closer. Enough! she heard her father's booming voice. You will continue to pay the taxes required of you! There is no reason for me to believe that you are starving! We take only two-thirds of your yearly harvest - the remaining one-third should be more than enough! But Your Majesty, there are too many of us now! So many of us have begun growing ill from hunger that-- I said enough! her father cut the man off. He returned to the royal we - We will not change any of our conditions at this time, but you are welcome to petition again next week. Her eyes wide, Serenity backed away from the place she heard the voices coming from and fled down the hall, back to her room. This... This required a lot of thinking. It was only an hour later that she made her decision She needed to see this all for herself instead of relying on others. Aware that her father would be in the audience chamber for several hours still, she called for one of her maids. The maid was a friend - someone that would never spill her secrets. Working quickly, they were able to pack Serenity a bag. It was filled with precious gems and jewelry. Serenity changed into a tunic and breeches, carefully packing her dress... She knew it wasn't something she'd be able to use or wear amongst the commoners simply from the grain of the cloth, but she still wanted to keep it. It was one of her favorites. They got two days' worth of trail rations, a pouch of the kingdom's currency, and a bow with a matching arrow-filled quiver. Serenity was a gentle girl, but she, too, could be strong... Or so she hoped. Having been sheltered all her life, she knew she'd need help. Won't you come with me? she asked her maid. The girl shook her head. I shall explain to your father what you intend to do, her maid answered with a smile. The consequences would be dire... Which was something the maid knew, if not the princess. If the maid went as well, then others would suffer immensely. It was better for her to take the punishment she deserved... Besides, this was for the greater good. If the princess saw what was happening, perhaps she could convince her father to stop it... Serenity left a letter with the girl, explaining what she planned to do and why. She hoped it would stay her father's anger, but there was only so much she could do.... But as it was, there was only so much she could do. They acquired a speedy horse from the stable boy - one that was guaranteed to return to its home because of the markings on the bridle for no one was bold enough to steal a horse of the king.