Of Highborn & Squalor | Ryden

Chapter One - Haven't You Seen Her?

Brendon had known he was next in line to be king since he was only seven years old. It seemed from that day forward, the kingdom of Oriebay was in for a ride.

The young man was only nine when his parents began to train him to take over the throne. The oldest of seven children, Brendon was already used to some childcare. He knew how to make his bed, tie his shoes, he could even ride a bike, if his father were to push him.

Brendon was still only nine years old when he learned he was to be betrothed to the princess of a neighboring kingdom; Sarah Orzechowski. Of course, when you're a young boy, the thought of marriage seems so distant and unimportant.

Now that Brendon was nineteen years old, and his wedding was only two weeks away, it felt less than insignificant, no, no - more world shattering than insignificant. His mother was absolutely buzzing, she'd been preparing every little detail of their wedding down to the color of their napkins.

Even if Brendon did have an opinion on chartreuse napkins, his mother would not blink an eye at what he thought.

Sarah, however, was infuriated at the idea of not being able coordinate her own wedding. Brendon was not an observant fiancé by any means - but even he was able to tell that she was upset. For the past four nights, Brendon was forced to sleep on their loveseat. It's almost as though Sarah thought it was Brendon's fault that he had an overbearing mother.

When Brendon had brought up the topic whilst they had dinner, Sarah had snapped.

"Lest you tell her how I feel, Brendon." She practically sobbed, covering her face with her handkerchief. Brendon swallowed, though his throat was dry. "Lest I believe my fiancé would have the pride to speak against his mother."

Brendon licked his bottom lip, mouth slightly hung open, unsure of what to say; "Sarah-" he began.

"No, no, Brendon, for it is I who can not imagine that I would one day marry a man as selfish as you." She hissed, venom lacing her words.

Brendon hadn't needed to be told that he was not welcome in the house tonight. He simply left without a word.

That is why Brendon was walking the streets that surrounded his estate, head hung low and eyes focused on the stone path below his feet. He let a sigh escape his mouth as he furthered towards the town. He did not usually take walks to the town, only when Sarah requested him to, so he wasn't quite sure of where his feet were taking him.

He let his eyes stray from the ground to take a look around himself, realizing that he wasn't sure of where he'd ended up. He'd certainly never been to this part of town.

The streets around him were trash littered, buildings were lined with cracks that looked like they would collapse any minute. What he could only assume was sewage made a cut through the dirty road - a road which looked quite unused, may he add.

Brendon flinched as a rat scurried out from the gutter beside him, cutting straight across the street and into an alleyway. As Brendon watched the rodent on its path, he noticed a slumped body in the alleyway it had fled into. Concern etched into his features as he made a quick look around, before taking a step into the narrow gap between two slanted buildings.

"Hello?" His voice warbled slightly as he spoke, letting one of his hands graze upon the brick beside him. Not receiving a response, Brendon took a step closer. The person, or should he say man started to come into his vision now. He couldn't help but let a gasp escape his lungs.

The man - or, boy was more fitting, before him was clutching his ribs, letting out shaky breaths as he looked up at Brendon with hazel brown doe eyes. His body was caked with oil and dirt, seeping into every crevice of skin the otherwise pale boy had. His lip was split, dried blood was trailing from his nose.