GHOSTLY Kingdom

CHAPTER 8:PATHETIC

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, casting a warm glow over the landscape, Octavia sat in a cart jostling along a dusty, bumpy road. Despite the rough ride, she maintained her composure, her thoughts wandering as the scenery passed by. The road was lined with fields, their dryness a testament to the ongoing drought.

As they neared the edge of a small village, Octavias attention was drawn to a makeshift stand by the roadside. There, amidst the dust and heat, stood Sasha, a young woman known for her kindness. Sasha was busy feeding a group of hungry children, their laughter and joy a sharp contrast to the harshness of their surroundings. Octavias heart warmed at the sight, and a smile spread across her face.

The cart came to a halt, and Octavia prepared to step out. But just as she reached for the side, Kimberly, a girl from a wealthy family, stopped her with a disdainful look.

"Are you seriously going to step on this dirty field and ruin your shoes and dress?" Kimberly sneered.

Kimberlys friend joined in, taking a deep, exaggerated breath and wrinkling her nose. "Yeah, it smells," she said, pausing for effect. "POVERTY."

Their laughter was cruel, echoing sharply in the air. The teacher and the drivers exchanged disapproving glances but said nothing. Sasha, overhearing their comments, looked hurt, her expression falling. Octavias smile vanished, replaced by a stern gaze as she looked at Kimberly and her friend.

"Oh my, it does smell," Octavia said, her voice calm but loud enough to be heard by all. She took a deep breath, mimicking Kimberlys friend. "Like your dress. Everyone knows you have only three pairs, Kimberly. Seems like the Kingdom of the West isn't all that great after all."

The laughter stopped abruptly. Silence fell over the group, and Kimberlys face flushed with embarrassment. Octavia stepped gracefully out of the cart, her every movement radiating confidence and kindness. She walked over to Sasha, her expression softening with genuine concern.

"I never knew you fed children in your free time, Sasha," Octavia said, her voice full of admiration. "What you're doing is truly wonderful."

Sasha, still hurt but visibly touched by Octavia's words, managed a weak smile. "Thank you, Octavia. It means a lot to hear that."

Octavia knelt down beside Sasha, speaking gently to the children and helping distribute the food. The atmosphere shifted, tension giving way to a sense of community and harmony. Octavia's actions bridged the gap between privilege and need, her compassion shining through.

Kimberly and her friend stood by, chastised and embarrassed, their earlier cruelty now a source of their own discomfort. The teacher and drivers looked on approvingly, nodding at Octavias grace and empathy.

In that moment, Octavias true strength was revealed—not just in her words, but in her actions, as she showed that kindness and understanding could break through the barriers of prejudice and indifference.

As Octavia looked at Sasha, a determination set in her eyes. "Sasha, when I become queen, I promise they will have more to eat," she vowed, her voice steady and sincere.

The children's eyes widened with hope. They rushed to hug her, their small arms wrapping around her waist and legs. "Thank you, Octavia. May God bless you!" they chorused, their gratitude ringing out in the warm afternoon air.

The people in the cart watched with mixed expressions, their eyes narrowing as the childrens dusty embrace left smudges on Octavia's pristine dress. But she seemed unbothered, her smile undiminished by the dirt.

Sasha. See you at the castle," Octavia said warmly as she made her way back to the cart.

"BYE!" Sasha called out, a bright smile lighting up her face, her earlier hurt forgotten.

Octavia climbed back into the cart, and as she did, some dirt from her dress fell onto Sams shoe. He recoiled in disgust. "Eww, you just spread poverty on me!" he snapped.

Octavia ignored him, focusing instead on brushing off her dress. The teacher, sensing the need to shift the conversation, began speaking. "There are only about 3% of villages which are poor in the Kingdom of the North. Its the lowest out of all kingdoms. Now we make our way to the Kingdom of the East."

Sam took the opportunity to boast. "The Kingdom of the East has the finest palaces and the richest lands. No poverty there!"

Octavia turned to him, her expression firm. "Look, lets act like friends for now, but dont speak to me. I have nothing to say to you, Sammy, after that stunt you pulled."

The cart continued along the dusty road, the wheels creaking under its weight. Sam glanced at Octavia, his voice softening. "Its Sam, Octavia."

"I dont care," she replied curtly, her gaze fixed on the horizon, determination and resolve etched into her features.

The journey continued, the cart bouncing along the uneven path, but Octavias mind was elsewhere. She thought of Sasha and the children, of the promise she had made, and of the future she hoped to create—a future where no child went hungry, and where kindness and empathy prevailed over prejudice and disdain.

As they approached the next kingdom, the sun began to dip towards the horizon, casting long shadows across the landscape. Despite the challenges ahead, Octavia felt a renewed sense of purpose, her heart set on making a difference for those who needed it most.

I TRIED MAKING IT LONG HOW DID I DO ALSO CHAPTER 9 IS COMING

GHOSTLY KINGDOM IS GETTING READY TO DIVE INTO MORE INTERESTING THINGS IN CHAPTER 9 GOING TO MAKE IT REALLY LONG THIS IS AN IMPORTANT CHAPTER ENJOY