The Good Crown

Prologue

The air was crisp as I made my way through the woods, the faint rustle of leaves underfoot my only company. The basket on my arm bounced lightly with each step, half-filled with the small branches and kindling I'd already gathered. My father had asked me to fetch more firewood before the sun dipped too low, and with Magnolia and Haven busy helping Mama at home, the task fell to me. Not that I minded—the quiet of the woods had always been a welcome escape from the constant pressure at home.

I paused for a moment, adjusting the basket on my hip and glancing around at the trees towering above me. The castle loomed in the distance beyond the treetops, its grand stone walls catching the last light of the day. From here, it seemed peaceful—untouchable even. A stark contrast to the harsh reality of life for people like me and my family. We scraped by with what little we had, while the nobility lived in luxury, never knowing the hunger that gnawed at our bellies in the winter or the constant worry that clung to us like shadows.

As I bent to gather another fallen branch, a sharp noise broke the silence. A rustle of leaves—too heavy to be just the wind. I froze, my hand halfway to the ground, and strained my ears. Voices.

Low and rough, they echoed through the trees, growing closer. I straightened, peering through the dense brush. Just ahead, on the narrow path that led deeper into the woods, I saw them—three men, their ragged clothes and glinting blades unmistakable. Robbers. And in the middle of them, struggling against their grip, was a man I didn't recognize. His clothes, though dusty from the struggle, marked him as someone of importance. A noble.

I crouched low, my heart racing as I watched the scene unfold. The nobleman was trying to reason with them, but his words were lost to the sneers and jeers of his captors. They were toying with him, laughing as they rifled through his belongings, tossing aside a velvet pouch filled with coins as if it were nothing. One of them raised a knife, pointing it at the man's throat.

I should turn back. Leave him to his fate. This wasn't my problem. Nobles like him—what had they ever done for us? They lived in comfort while we starved, kept their distance while we toiled in the fields, never so much as glancing our way unless they needed something. Why should I risk myself for someone like that?

But then, as I shifted to retreat, the nobleman's eyes met mine. Even from a distance, I could see the fear in them, the silent plea for help. He wasn't a faceless noble anymore—he was just a man, caught in a moment of weakness, terrified for his life. And as much as I wanted to turn away, something in me wouldn't let me leave him to his fate.

Before I could talk myself out of it, I stood up, gripping the basket tightly as I took a step forward. "Oi!" I shouted, my voice breaking through the forest like a crack of thunder. The robbers froze, turning toward me in surprise. Their eyes narrowed as they took in my simple dress and the basket at my side. A girl, alone, unarmed. Hardly a threat.

"You should leave him alone," I said, keeping my voice steady, though my heart was hammering in my chest. "There's nothing for you here."

The leader, a grizzled man with a scar running down his cheek, snorted and took a step toward me. "What's this now? Another one looking to lose her coin?" He sneered, brandishing his knife.

I swallowed, taking a deep breath. "I don't have any coin. But the guards patrol this area often enough. You don't want them finding you here, do you?" It was a bluff. The guards never came this far into the woods, but they didn't know that.

The leader hesitated, glancing at his companions. One of them cursed under his breath. "Let's go," he muttered. "We've got what we need."

The leader scowled but stepped back, lowering his knife. "You're lucky, nobleman," he spat before turning on his heel and disappearing into the trees with his men close behind.

I exhaled, my whole body trembling with the release of tension. The nobleman remained on the ground, staring at me in disbelief as if he couldn't quite believe what had just happened. Slowly, he stood, brushing the dirt from his fine coat.

"You... you saved me," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I don't know how to thank you."

I shrugged, feeling awkward under his gaze. "It was nothing," I mumbled, though my heart was still racing.

"Nothing?" he repeated, shaking his head in disbelief. "You risked your life for me. What can I do to repay you?"

I looked at him then, really looked at him. His face was pale, his hands shaking slightly, but there was something kind in his eyes. Not the cold, detached look I expected from a noble. "You don't owe me anything," I said, turning away. "Just... be more careful next time. This part of the woods isn't safe."

I started to walk away, but he called after me. "Wait—what's your name?"

I hesitated, glancing back over my shoulder. "Daniella."

"Daniella," he repeated, as if testing the sound of it.

I didn't say anything, just gave him a small nod before turning back toward the path.