Medieval/Olden times Addek. . . .

Princess and the Pauper

Once upon a time in a land far far away, an auction was in place at the city hall. The wealthy were to auction their desired peasant. A low class for them to keep.

"Father, it boggles me as to why we must need another thrall. Don't we have enough already?" I sigh, looking out the window of our carriage. Allowing the cool summer breeze to bounce at my hair.

It is a jumpy ride as the horses carry us along the dirt road to a nearby city, where we are to pawn our desired slave.

"I have already told you, dearest Addison. The more thrall, the more work gets done. I have waited a whole year for Marcel to come back to Mide."

Who is this Marcel fellow, you might ask.

Well, he is my father's well-liked slave ... hmmm ... mediator? dealer? frontman?

Perhaps, wholesaler ought to be the right word.

Marcel is my father's well-liked slave wholesaler.

He owns a vast selection of the most valued thralls in the entire Kingdom.

Oh goodness, that sounded awful!

Or so he claims he does.

He claims that his men are the strongest, his women are the fairest and his children - yes, there are child slaves - are the most obedient.

I am not too fond of this man and you must already know why. He is a deeply feared man but I outrank him - I am the Princess after all - so he does not frighten me. He is a swiping Roman since he sells cute little children.

How can he be so cruel? Why on earth would children need to be slaves? What can they do that an ealdor cannot?

If I could, I would have not agreed to run along to this trip. But since the thrall auction is a family affair as Mother says, I had no choice but.

I rolled my eyes and turned to my brother.

"Who knows, Addie," he shrugged, "Maybe you will find a slave that can help you clean your room."

I shoot a glare at him, my arms folded tightly around my chest. "I will have you know my room is in pristine condition. I most certainly do not wish a personal servant, Archer. Unlike you, I am perfectly capable of doing things myself, rather than forcing some poor person that was stolen from their families and sold away in cities like cows just so they could clean my room." I spat and my brother scowl at me.

"Shut it, Addison."

"No. It is the truth. Why is it -"

"Stop bickering the two of you." Mother scolded, "Your brother is correct. You are royalty. You are expected to act like one." she gazed down at me and raised a brow. She turned away quickly as if saying I ought to know better.

Which, I suppose, I ought to.

When the carriage rolls to a stop, I am first to exit.

Ugh, my parents can be so dubious at times.

I gaze out through the crowd of people - ordinary people - and watch as our guards push them aside.

When I become Duchess or Queen, my people shall be much gentle. And the word slave shall not exist in my castle.

As I smooth out my lavender silk gown, making sure I am as prim and proper, I hear Mother murmuring beside me. "Best behaviour, Addison."

"Yes, Mother." I smiled delightfully with shine and to my mother's dismay I turned to the side and greeted the crowd that had gathered to see us.

Mother scowled at me as I waved and smiled. She did say I ought to be on my best behaviour.

"Get off your high horse, Addison." Archer rolled his eyes, "You are always snooty when we go to the city."

"Only when Father is purchasing unnecessarily." I huffed.

"Addie, many of them do not know another life." he tried to convince me and I shake my head, adamant. He might as well be convincing the air because I am never to be convinced.

"Oh, yes, they do, Archer. Camilla did." I think of my childhood nanny who have been taking care of me since the day I was born. Sadly, she passed a few years ago. I loved her as if she were my mother.

She would tell stories of her childhood, before she and her family were captured and sold to slavery. Though she would pretend that it no longer fazed her, I could see the hurt in her sweet eyes when she mentioned her old life.

"You make it worthwhile, darling." she had said to me the day she departed her post as my nanny because I had turned twelve and was considered a young lady. And young ladies do not need nannies. But I needed her, she oozes kindness, unlike my mother, and she makes living in the palace with my cold - very glacial - mother ... hmm, what's that word ... livable.

Yes, livable.

"I am ever so grateful to be your nanny." And I cried when she left ... in my room of course. Not a soul saw the tears I shed. Mother will be damned if anyone did.

I treated her right, with the respect she deserves. I brought her my food. I allowed her to use my bathroom instead of the ones at the peasant quarters and I even gave her blankets when the weather would drop to below freezing.

I had even tried to sneak into the village so I could give her medicine when she had become so ill. But the medicine itself was not enough because she died of the flu two years ago.

I refused any servant Father bring past me since.

"Oh, for heaven's sake, Addison, she was ancient. She was older than our parents." Archer argued, "I bet she was one of the first slaves."

"She was family to me!" I spat, pointing harshly at his chest, "She was sweet, kind, and ever so loving! Unlike -"

"Both of you!" Mother snapped, "Stop! Don't make me repeat myself, Addison, behave. Our reputation is in its brim with your foolishness."

Chained to a post of the wooden platform at the auction shack is I, ready to be taken to my new owner. We - men, women and children - all caged like worthless animals. These conditions are in noway suitable for man.

My body jerks violently with the furious crack of a whip. Despite the flesh on my back being torn to shreds I do not beg for mercy nor do I cry out. The small crowd whispers to each other; watching the beating like a form of amusement as a man drags me out of my stall.

"Good day, Your Highness, Princess." I hear the chief auctioneer said to whom I can only assume are royalty.

"Greetings. 2000 groats to what we owe."

2000 groats! That's quite the penny for a peasant.

I am wondering whom could worth that awful lot of money.

I watch as a well-dressed man with a crown handed the portly man a handful of money. Money that I can never touch with my callous hands.

Eventually the royalty hurries out the awful smelling of a shack but I stand in my place. Glued to the dirt ground. No one has yet to instruct me follow behind.

"Well now, scurry along." said the royal advisor as he turns around, gesturing me to quicken my pace.

Eventually I am standing by the carriage with two women, one dressed in silk and the other in rags. With my black and muddy hair across my eyes, I can only see slightly. I am guessing the one in rags is a personal servant. Much like I. I stand before them with my cheap, ripped, woollen pants, bare feet and bare chest as the lady in silk examined me. I can only assume that she is the Duchess.

"What is this?" she grabs me by my arm, turns me around so my back faces her. I know what they are gawking at. My scars from years ago. It is frowned upon to purchase a slave with scars since it is proof that they have misbehaved.

I pray in my heart that they will not return me. Though it pains me to admit, I would very much rather be at their service than be back in that horrible shack.

Perhaps I still have a chance to run ... No, I must not ... they will have me sentenced to a thousand slashes.

The Duke sighed, "Oh well, we've paid for his price. Scars or no scars, he will do." he pushed me into the carriage.

I am taken aback by his hoarse voice. It is none I have come across, sounding like he had just swallowed a mouthful of gravel. I stared at the ground, not wanting to be of any trouble.

We began rolling away against the uneven dirt road, the royal advisor and the general sat by my side. I still am in shackles.

"Goodness, he smells awfully ferocious." A man, much like I in age, stated, pinching his stuck-up nose.

"We will clean him up when we get to the palace, Archer." the lady in silk cleared her throat, "In the mean time ... "

"Honoured to work for the royal family, I hope?"

I do not respond. My fists tightened around my restraints. I most certainly am not. I may be of low status but I do not enjoy being treated poorly.

Why is it that the wealthy must be so cruel?

"You will answer your King." he snapped. "Or you will be punished."

"You are not my King. And I am most definitely not honoured to work for you." I spat.

"Very well then. A punishment is in order." he growled.

I turn to face the window and that was when I saw the most beautiful girl in the entire Kingdom, sitting right across from me. How can I not have noticed her? She must be the Princess. She was arguing with her father on my behalf but I didn't care to listen. I was lost.

Emerald blue.

Emerald blue are the colour of her eyes. If they say the eyes are the window to the soul, then I must believe she has the most kindness soul there is.

She smiled at me but I was too mousy to even look in her direction. Her creamy complexion and fiery bright hair flowed like clouds. She is a true angel. I absolutely must not look into such beauty.

I do not deserve the privilege to be at her presence.

But I can feel her eyes on me. Burning my theow skin. She is studying me but I still do not dare to eye the Princess. I fear I might fall deeply.

"Well, if you do not mind ... could you tell us your name?"

"My darling!" her father growled, "His name is of no importance. He is our thrall, we shall call him by who he is."

"Father, he may be thrall but he too is man." she muttered. "Just as you, mother and I."

Dear god! Why is she troubling herself to defend a helpless soul?

"We shall not have this discussion with the ... " the Duchess trailed off, looking at me as she does.

The Princess crosses her arms against her chest, her lavender silk gown with gold accents complements her very well.

"I am Addison, Princess of Mide."

I finally muster the courage to look into her eyes. Our eyes met and my heart exploded with burning desire and I gave her the slightest of smiles.

"Derek ... My name is Derek."

As I gaze out at the dark sky, I am certain it is time now.

Sneaking out to the garden and having to hold her and touch her is what I have longed for all day. I smooth out my black curls with my callous fingers for I shall at the very least look presentable for my princess. I skipped out of the servants' quarters in glee. I cannot release myself from the reverie of the princess. Her beauty is forever painted in my mind.

Princess Addison of Mide.

The last four months working for the royal family have been bittersweet. I still am not the least bit pleased to be at their service but what on earth am I to do?

They paid for my price and hence, I shall not disobey for I am only a poor slave.

Admittedly, the palace is not too awful of a place. I am quite fond of it as I get to see Addison on most days when she is not busy in the palace and almost every night, I can look into her emerald blue jewels.

She and I have been courting in secret for months. She loves me, she said, and I too am smitten with the princess, so deeply. So so deeply. But I am in fear for us for we can never be. A poor thrall and a rich princess can never be.

She will be Queen one day for she already is engaged to Prince Mark of Austria, he is first in-line to be King of Austria.

She will live in a palace of her own and with kids that will not be mine.

I am devastated. My heart is in shreds. Tonight, can only be our last night together as she will be leaving for Austria tomorrow. She will meet her prince. She will fall deeply for him. She will forget me.

I am not certain how my life will play out. But I am certain for two things; I won't have a happy ending. And ... I love Addison.

Indeed, she is the reason for my living, for the breath I take, for the beating of my heart. It beats wildly for her. Without her, I am no man. Just a worthless slave.

I smiled at the revelation, she is already here, waiting for me in a white nightgown.

"Addison." I whisper, running over to her.

"Oh, Derek."

Laughing in pure joy, I see her eyes light up at my presence.

I hug her tightly, picking her up and spinning her around before planting a kiss to her cheek.

"I have missed you." I say sincerely.

She blushes.

I place my callous hands on her slim waist, and she gasps when I claim the warmth of her thin lips.

We fit perfectly, remarkably. She is as tall as I am.

"I have never realised how ginormous you are until now." I chuckle.

Her face scrunches, I see that she is hurt by my remark and she slaps my broad chest.

"Well, I have you know it is not my fault. It is rather a Montgomery flaw." she scowls.

"I'm only teasing, love. You're perfect." I whisper into her ear and I capture her lips again, relishing in stroking the small of her back to the nape of her neck.

Oh, how strongly I have craved her all day!

Her lips are soft on mine and I must say I now am a content man. I have everything a man needs.

The audible little breaths that escapes her excites me when I kiss a trail down her neck and nuzzle her ear.

"What is your name?" she gasps and opened her eyes. I can see her emerald blues are much darker now.

My kisses must have been too much for her!

I laugh as the question was certainly quite silly. "You know my name, love."

"Your full name."

"Oh! Derek Christopher Shepherd." I smile.

Why the interest in my name?

"Derek Christopher Shepherd." she states in a whisper. "What a lovely last name ... Shepherd ..."

"Yes, it is English. But I have not been called Shepherd in many many years. What is yours?"

"Addison Adrianne Forbes Montgomery."

"A beautiful name for a beautiful princess." I say and gently lay her on her back, her fiery hair sprawled on the grass. Her thin fingers wrapped in mine as I lay next to her.

"I would not mind being a Shepherd. Addison Adrianne Forbes Montgomery Shepherd. I love it!"

"It sure does have a nice ring to it."

If I could, I would make her my wife today. I would make her the happiest girl in the entire kingdom. It hurts me terribly to know that I can never really call her mine. She may be mine in secret but she is leaving tomorrow to meet the man who will become her husband.

I know she will never be mine but I will love her and will never stop loving her till the day I die.

"I love you so much. I want the Kingdom to know."

I turn to her, the sound of her voice shaking. "So, do I."

"But that cannot be ... not ever."

"I know ... but I promise that all will be okay."

She holds me tighter and cries onto my chest while I hold back my tears.

Why can't life be simpler?

A life where the rich and the poor can coexist.

"Addie, my love ..." I whisper, "What is to happen if your family finds out?"

I am most curious for I have never heard stories of royalty falling deeply for the poor. Perhaps that's because ...

"It is ... a death sentence for you, Derek. And I will most definitely be thrown in the dungeon ..." she croaks and we fall silent.

"You have to know how much I love you, Princess. I love you so deeply."

"I know. All I dream for is to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you, Derek."

She grabbed him and they're tumbling across the greens, tangled limbs and breathless cries. His hands are in her thick hair and she kissed him, hungrily, desire coursing through her. She have never felt this way. Passion!

My hands are on her swell, grabbing hard and the little breath that escaped her is no longer little. It is loud and I want to hear it again. I nibble at her satin-like skin and gasped in lust when her palms are on my woollen pants.

"Princess ... I do not think we should ... " I say, a little breathless.

It is frowned upon for an woman to engage in premarital sex. The entire Kingdom will banish her, call her untruthful names. They will cut off her gorgeous hair. She will be marked.

Besides she is marrying Prince Mark. He should be her first.

"I want you, Derek. Mark should not be my first." she says, peeling her nightgown off her shoulders.

"Princess ..." but I have not got any control of myself because now I am breathing the scent of her hair, pushing and rocking a comforting rhythm. She moaned, arching to meet me, needing me to be hers and only hers and I am. I am only hers! Pulling her deeper, I feel her clench and tremble underneath until we are both gasping for breath.

"Runaway with me."

I see the princess hop off her white horse. She ran pass the crowd that had gathered around to watch my execution. Her hair neatly braided, her sky blue silk dress; crisp and glistening. Even as she sprints in the scorching heat, even in the darkest of days, she still looks so elegant. Every move, every step, every strand of hair, perfect and poised.

"STOP! FATHER PLEASE!" I hear her beg.

I scream out a terrible shriek as the whip lashes against my bloody skin. There wasn't much I could do but endure the terrible pain for it will not be long before I take my last breath.

I have been sentenced to death. Last night to our unknowing, someone have seen us in the garden and have mistaken it as I, forcing myself upon the princess.

I am now deemed a lowlife criminal but I am not. I would never hurt a woman let alone my love. I am just a poor boy, barely even 20. I do not want to die for a crime I did not commit. But who would listen to a slave?

I see the guards grabbing my princess, stopping her from going any further. I squirm against my restrains. My wrists are bound together. So are my feet. My neck is tied to a rope, attached to the ceiling of the wooden post. Once the floor beneath my feet collapses so will I. Snapping my neck instantly.

Death.

As the executioner walk up a few steps to the post, the crowd cheer on even louder. Excited to witness a bloody murder.

"STOP! STOP! FATHER! NO! FATHER! I ... I LOVE HIM!"

Almost instantly, an audible gasp is heard. The crowd's eyes were as huge as the sun. They looked at each other for confirmation. I am shocked beyond belief to hear those words for now she too is dead.

You should not have come, my love.

"Father, I lo-"

That was when I heard the loudest thunder. A slap echoed through the whole kingdom.

Her own father had slapped her on the face and she fell limp to the dirt ground. She had just disgraced the family name for me.

Every bone in me wants to protect her but I ...

Fluffiness for the torment you all had to go through with the previous chapter. My apologies. Haha! Is this even fluffy? I hope you guys enjoyed teen Addek in the olden times. Please let me know your thoughts. Also, if you haven't already, please check out my other Addek story, it's called Karma