For Love or a Kingdom
Chapter Two
Xe got dressed in a black silk cape and under garment to disclose her royalty. she climbed down the decorative wooden ladder from her balcony then climbed the palace walls. There she was, among the hustle and bustle of the night life. She watched as young girls snuck out at night and for once, she was one of them. Free to do what she wants. Free to have an adventure without the casualties of the palace life. She felt like a different person. She explored the different shops and stands. she seen a food stand filled with scrumptious fruits and vegetables. While looking at it, she seen a little girl struggling to get an apple. The little girl had clothes of rag and dirty, messy, blond hair. Xe went over to her. " What are you trying to get?" "An apple," said the girl," I'm very hungry. My family is very poor and we haven't eaten in days. I just wanted something to eat. Xe felt sorry for the girl, and without a thought, she reached up and gave her the apple. The girl ran off thanking her. Xe turned to leave. Just then a man with a scruffy beard, bad teeth, and a fat figure grabbed her hand. " I hope your gona pay for that," said the man," makin' a livin' just don't come free around here." Xe was scared. " Pay? Well I didn't know." Xe was used to having things offered to her. she never paid for anything. She was royalty, but she forgot that she didn't look it that night. " You see, no one was here and well that little girl was hungry..." Quiet you fool! I don't care bout no girl and her needs. I's cares bout my money and want it now or someone's gona pay whether I have money or blood." He pulled out a huge, slightly rusty sword. Xe was terrified. All of the sudden a handsome man came out of no ware. He had brown silky hair. He was tall and muscular and had the most beautiful blue eyes Xe had ever seen. " Now fat Louis," said the man," is that a way to treat a lady?" " She ain't no lady. She's a thief. Just like all ya'll vermin's are. " Common. Now dose she look like a thief?" asked the man as he looked her up and down. " She was just helping a child." "Ha! You just have no respect for your elders. I try to make a living and ya'll ruin it." " Is that a reason to slice her to bits. Xe gulped. " Now, I can get your money. First you have to turn around and let go of her. Louis let go and the handsome man grabbed her hand and they started walking backwards. "Now count to twenty and when you turn back around your money will be there. " But.." " Start now." The fat man started counting. " One, Two, Three, Four, Five,...hold on..." He turned around to find the two running off laughing. " You stupid kid! You won't fool me like that again!" Xe and the man ran into an ally. "The name's Jayson. Jay for short." He held out his hand to shake Xe's. "My name's Xen...," she paused," Uh..just Xe. Thanks for saving me. I thought I was a goner." " Hey! It was my pleasure to rescue a beautiful lady like you. So what are you doing out so late?" asked Jayson." I don't know. Why are you?" asked Xe sarcastically staring into his eyes grinning. Jayson chuckled. " It's a habit I guess." he smiled. "Well me, I just like to get out at nights. Well actually, this is my first night out alone. But I think they're very peaceful. I have an unusual life back at home." " Me too," said Jayson," I'm like nocturnal. I love coming out at night just to explore and to whip up an adventure or two." So do I." "Speaking of. Let me take you somewhere where you can have a great adventure." said Jayson as he grabbed her hand. " Where?" asked Xe cautiously. " You'll see! " said Jay. Jayson and Xe walked through town till he led her to an abandoned rooftop. It was filled with bed pads and pillows. " Welcome to my home sweet home." said Jay. "This is where you live ?" asked Xe. "Yah." He sat back relaxing. "Why'd you bring me here?" asked Xe. " It's where I have most of my adventures. You said you'd like to have an adventure. Just don't bring anyone doen here, but look. It has a great view." He pulled back a curtain to show the roof top overlapping the whole city. Xe was impressed. She was amazed by him. How could someone like him have such a great life. "Wow! It's beautiful. I wish I had a view like this. This is nothing of what I got." she said. " Common. Your place isn't that bad is it?" " No," Xe looked at him," It's wonderful. It just gets so hard sometimes. That's why I'm here. I had to get out." " Wow. Seems rough. Hey at least you got it good. I'm up here all by myself all day and night." " Why? Don't you have a family?" asked Xe. " My mom passed ten years ago." Xe felt sorry. His life was better and at the same times worse than hers. He lost his family, but yet managed to live his life. He was free. Xe was thinking bout her and Auto and wondered what their life would be like. Married at a young age was something she never wanted to do. "Wow!" Jay interrupted her thoughts. " Look at that beautiful sunrise." "Sunrise?" shouted Xe. They ha been talking so long she didn't realize what time it was. She had to get home before anyone saw she was gone. "I have to get going. I...I have things to do and ...and...well. I've got to go." " Why?" asked Jay," don't you want to stay a little longer?" " Yah, but I can't. I just have to go." Xe didn't want to tell him who she really was. She had finally made a friend who could accept her for who she is and not a princesses. Jay helped her back to the end of town. "Bye. And again, thank you." Xe said as she rushed off to the palace. "Bye." said Jay as he watched her hurry off. Xe climbed back up to the ladder and sat on her balcony. "Wow!" she sighed.