The Prince and the Peastant Heart

Unlickly Meetings

In the kingdom of Eldoria, where the lush Windwood Forest meets the bustling trade city of Aeloria, Prince Aerin felt the weight of his future as heavily as the crown he was yet to wear. The royal gardens, where he wandered to escape his studies and duties, offered little solace. He longed for something beyond the palace walls, a yearning he could scarcely admit to himself.One day, donned in a cloak to hide his royal identity, Aerin ventured into Aeloria. The city was alive, a stark contrast to the stifling order of the palace. As Aerin explored, he found himself in the less savory parts of town. A group of unsavory characters cornered him, drawn to the fine fabric of his disguised attire, seeing through his attempt at commonality.Just as the situation began to escalate, a voice called out, "Hey!" All eyes turned to a boy around Aerin's age, with an easy stance and a mischievous glint in his eyes. It was Kael, a local known for his quick wit and quicker feet, a boy who lived day to day with no allegiance to anyone but himself.With a clever distraction and a bit of a scuffle, Kael rescued the prince, not recognizing him as anything but another city dweller. "You need to be more careful," Kael chided, half-amused, half-concerned.Grateful and intrigued, Aerin thanked him, asking how he could repay the bold stranger. Kael shrugged, suggesting jokingly that a good meal would settle the debt. So began their unconventional friendship, sharing stories over a modest dinner, the prince hiding his true identity, and the pheasant boy unknowingly befriending future royalty.