Into The Countryside

A figured rushed through the forest, nothing but the light of the crescent moon shone over the dark forest. Their hair flew over the wind as they rushed across the trees. Two guards ran right after them. With one sweep, they dodged the guards and hid behind a nearby tree.

"Find her! Don't let her leave!"

The figure placed a hood on top of their head, covering their face. Nothing more than a mere shadow. In the far distance, a small town could be spotted. With a child held tightly in their grasp, they began running towards the town.

One small open window, a newly married couple and small cottage was their last strand for hope. With tearstained face, and shattered heart- they placed a small basket. A baby wrapped in a blanket. One single knock. The figure slipped out behind a wall, and watched as the door opened.

A chocolate haired woman opened the door, looking around in confusion. Her eyes stared at the ground as a small cry was heard from the baby. She went back inside. The figure felt her heart ache. A sense of relief came through them as the woman came back with the man. With bright smiles, the young couple picked the baby and welcomed him into their house.

With a pained smile, the figure left. Their child was now in good hands.

Years went unnoticed, as the young boy grew. Running around town with a smaller figure following behind. Her light brown hair contrasting the coal black ones of the older boy; they stared in amazement as a golden chariot stood by. A young boy came out with two guards following him. His fine outfits contrasting the simpler ones of the pair. The young royal slowly approached the crowd, and observed everyone around. The people bowed and saluted him as he passed by.

His eyes caught sight of something shiny in in a distance. Slowly, he began approaching the pair and noticed a bright blue diamond necklace. He wanted it. He was going to get it.

"You! Give me that necklace!"

The green eyed boy gasped, and began clutching his necklace tightly. This was dangerous. He gave the prince a cold glare.

"I apologize, your highness, but I will need to refuse! This necklace is an important treasure to me", this angered the prince. He ordered for his guard to execute the boy. The guards pitied the boy, but obliged to the prince's orders. His younger sister held onto him tightly, not letting go.

The boy's parents came in and pleaded the young prince to spare their son. The chocolate haired mother sobbed and cried as she kneeled down on the ground, and begged,

"Your highness, I will offer all the lands I own, all the clothes I possess, even myself- but I beg you, let my son live"

The young royal thought about it for a moment and looked at the woman. He felt pity for her, but still wanted the necklace.

"Listen here, commoner, I don't care about anything you will offer me, all I demand is that necklace your son owns." Her husband approached them, and helped his wife to get up. He looked at the prince and only uttered a few words.

"We have a copy of the necklace, but a different color. We can offer that one if you wish, but we can't offer you our son's necklace"

The prince turned red, like really red. He gritted his teeth and clenched his fist, his eyes gave a cold glare. He turned over to his guards,

"Cut his head, and capture these commoners!"

The mother cried out as the guards took her son, her husband hugged her tightly. Suddenly, everything stopped. A sigh of relief left the mother's lips. The dark haired boy was on the floor, his sister hugging him tightly.

"Stop this!" A voice hurled from the chariot.

"I very deeply apologize for my son's behavior," a short pause, "it would be a pleasure for us to have the double of the necklace." His majesty informed the couple. The young prince looked at his father with an angered face, not fully understanding why he would do this.

"Father-"

"Not now son, I need to have a discussion with you later."

On a traumatizing good bye, everything finally settled down. But what was it with the necklace? Is there really any value to it?