18 _ Her Origin.

My name is Kaya Takashi and I come from a small village of Roi, at least that's what my parents told me. I am sure you haven't heard about it not to speak of being aware of its existence." She let out a dry laugh and continued.

"One fateful day , the village was attacked by unknown invaders from another Kingdom. No one was prepared for this as everyone fled to save their lives. Some unlucky ones could not run fast enough and were left in the unmerciful hands of their captors. The others who were fortunate including my parents were able to escape into the depths of the forest and I watched my entire village go down in flames and burn to ashes as I held on to my mother's hand. It was horrible, cowering in fear at the slightest sound, watching out for any sign of movement. It was terrifying knowing people wouldn't stop in their relentless pursuit until we were killed or taken as their slaves. We thought that we had successfully evaded their capture but A traitor had given up our location and little did I Know my own father was the one that betrayed everyone.

It occurred one day when he went out from the forest to get some more supplies for our people as our food supply was running short.

In his way he was accosted by the soldiers that had been searching everywhere for us and was immediately captured. I do not know how , but they convinced my Father to give up his people's location and in exchange his life and that of his family would be spares and even those of some of the others that didn't refute their commands.

But my Father forgot in that moment he agreed to betray everyone , that we valued honor , loyalty and courage above all.

"Why?" My mother cried out when the soldiers raided the forests, killing , maiming, raping.

'Because of his family.' He countered back standing in front of her. 'Because of his people. If they would surrender and be taken as servants , they would still be living'.

But what he could not bring himself to say was that he was a Coward! A coward that chose to side with the enemy instead of standing by his people for what is right till his last breath.

I can remember the shame that shrouded my mother's face , a combination of pain , anger and disappointment as he left his people and joined the enemy. My mother and I could have been spared but my Mother preferred to die with honour by her people. They killed everyone except me. I ran and kept on running. I couldn't look back , with the fear that my feet would succumb beneath me. From that day on , I have been alone and I will always be alone." The girl sighed sadly .

"I have wandered from place to place till I was captured , to be executed for another man's crimes. Li Huang decided otherwise and bought my freedom and I became his slave, bound by chains for months to be tortured and tossed around at his every command.'

"The past is history , the present, a gift and the future , unknown." Hikaru said to her as he lay his back on the ground. He himself , knew first hand about being treated like nothing in the game of royalty. Hikaru was once a prisoner of War, brought back to the Kanerria Dynasty as one of the spoils of war. He was just a boy, ten years of age when he was taken away from his family as a result of their kingdom refusing to submit to Li Huang. His village was overrun as a deterrent to others to end the rebellious uprising. Taken along with him , was one of his sisters, Hua Jun as the others were killed. They grew up together and were inseparable up to the time they were finally separated.

She was violated multiple times by the Li Huang's Soldiers to their satisfaction while he was forced to watched. At the end they finally stop , but then she was already dead.

When he was taken to the Imperial Palace , He was worked to the death every single day of his new found life . Spending every waking moment of every day trying to please someone else. But that was Before he met Lucian.

He had just become seventeen and since all the servants were busy , he was sent to serve her his royal Imperiality his meal for that day. Hikaru had been waiting for this opportunity for a long time. He was going to make them pay.

For Hua Jun.

For his Parents.

For every one unjustly treated by that menacing Emperor , Li Huang.

Slipping a Knife into his sleeve , he walked sedately down the hall , Prepared for what he was about to do for once he did this there would be no turning back.

Entering the Young Prince's chambers , he bowed his head as no servant was to look at royalty in the eye as they were the lower class. Lucian was at his study table , reading under a candle light and he dropped the tray beside his papers. Without even glancing at him , Lucian continued reading as his servant boy waited to clear his plates.

This was his chance , Hikaru thought as he slowly removed the concealed blade from under his sleeve. He raised it over his head , ready to stab it into the neck of this Prince , whose Father he despised so much.

"Why do you want to kill me?" Lucian asked as he dropped his ink, facing forward.

Hikaru was stunned and froze in mid air. "How did you..." He stuttered.

"A feeling. Now tell me , why did you intend to kill me?" Seventeen year old Lucian asked again , turning to face this boy who had the guts to attempt to kill him.

Hikaru's hand weakened as the blade clattered to the floor. "I don't know ..."

"I know why." Lucian sighed. "You hate my Father so much and wish to kill me in revenge. But that will not make you feel better. No boy , it will just make you feel worse , especially when you are hanged for my death."

"I ... I planned to frame one of the Palace Guards and escape this Prison after your death." Hikaru confessed.

Lucian grinned in intrigue. "I like you already boy. What is your name, if you do not mind me asking?"

"Hikaru , Your Majesty."

"Please just call me , Lucian."

And that was the beginning of a blossoming friendship. When the Empress heard of it , Hikaru surmised that she would be furious , the heir to the throne mingling with some kitchen boy but she was different.

Kind , Warm , Reassuring.

She had supported their friendship and had gone as far to make him Lucian's Xiangqi {Head servant and Advisor} all with Li Huang's distaste.

"The Night is far gone." Lucian interrupted , breaking into his thoughts. "Let us retire for the night."

All agreed and the fire was put out and they all closed their eyes waiting for dawn to break over them.