The states of Abonisah have been under their monarchy's control for years. Both districts are split by a towering barbed wire fence which runs through the centre, separating the wealthy from the poor. The rich have been made aware of the animalistic...
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Tomorrow; they had made it perfectly clear that they were to meet up tomorrow however, for the the curious mind of the young heiress, tomorrow was way too long of a time to wait for the explanation of why it couldn't be tonight.
Sitting at her vanity, staring at her reflection, Etta gently brought the freshly washed berry to her lips and took a bite. Tomorrow, she thought, Why was he so concerned about her coming tonight? He looked almost frightened when she had suggested it, but why?
These thoughts had been running through her mind from the second she left the forest on her way back to the palace. Shaking her head slightly, Etta took a ribbon from the vanity table and tied her hair into a ponytail. She had decided, against her drilled in morals, that she would in fact sneak out tonight. She longed to see what was so frightening about tonight that had made Olen refuse her visit and to anybody that knew Etta, they could tell you that once she at her mind to something there was no going back.
Making the decision that her appearance was good enough, Etta quickly put on a pale blue cardigan and some pristine black boots before gently opening the door. She quietly stuck her head out to see that the coast was clear and began to venture down the stairs.
She froze suddenly once her feet touched the bottom step, a light whistling could be heard coming from the dining room. As careful and quiet as she could, Etta poked her head around the corner of the wall to see the bushy-haired maid sweeping the floors. Deciding that she could risk it, Etta swiftly walked towards the door, not making a sound, and slowly twisted the handle until it opened.
A smile quickly formed on her face as she stepped onto the front step and closed the door behind her, before she darted out the gates in the direction of the forest.
A faint noise of people shouting could be heard in the distance, becoming louder and louder as she got closer to the border. An orange glow stood out immensely amongst the monochrome colours on the other side of the fence and the sight made Etta's skin crawl.
Many flamed torches were being held as other people shouted different profanities towards the huge wagons which were approaching the gates. Children could be heard wailing as women attempted to comfort them and men heaved heavy barrels, crates and bags onto the trailers.
The princess's blue eyes scanned the scene, an obvious frown present on her face, looking for a certain brunette boy until she found him amongst the chaos. A larger man hit Olen across the back with a branch causing him to groan in pain as he began to lift faster. Etta couldn't help but wince, her eyes beginning to brim with tears, at the sight of her new friend in pain.
Her head snaps in the direction of the wagons when the trailer door is slammed shut and the vehicles begin to leave. Dozens of people follow after it, trying as hard as they could to escape the chaos they were surrounding by, but failing every time.
With one last longing glance, the heiress rushes away from the border, out of the forest and back home; tears were still streaming down her face causing her ocean eyes to become bloodshot and puffy, the image of her new friend in pain stuck on replay in her mind.
Once back in the comfort of her room, she threw the door shut without thinking. Only to be met with the sound of footsteps coming from the hallway outside. A quiet knock was heard before the door was opened and her mother stood by the threshold.
"What's the matter darling?" She said while eyeing Etta's flushed face.
"Nothing mother, everything's fine." She blurted out almost too quickly to be heard.
Her mother gave her a knowing but soft look, this however disappeared quite quickly when she caught sight of her daughter's new boots.
"Where have you been Etta Ophelia?" Her voice was slightly raised and stern as she looked expectantly at the young girl.
"Nowhere." The brunette lied skittishly.
"Those are new boots and they are covered in mud, so I will ask again Etta. Where have you been?" Her tone had gone down an octave, the power behind her voice startled the princess.
"I just needed some fresh air mother, I went for a walk in the gardens." She replied hesitantly with a sheepish smile.
The queen eyed the girl for a moment, causing Etta to tremble slightly in anticipation, before she nodded her head slowly.
"Very well, but next time leave you're boots by the door for the housemaids to clean - you'll dirty the rugs."
Etta sighed quietly in relief as her mother left the room only to tense when she spoke up again.
"Oh and Etta?"
"Yes mother?"
"You are not to go outside this late again do you understand me? There are some bad people in this world and we want you safe." She lectured, her voice lacking in the comfort they should have held.
"Of course mother." Etta replied solemnly as the strict woman left the room.
She changed into her night gown and laid in bed, attempting to get the brutal images of the night out of her mind, before falling into a dreamless slumber.
