𝒜 ℋℯ𝒶𝓇𝓉 ℴ𝒻 𝒮𝒸𝒶𝓁ℯ𝓈 𝒶𝓃𝒹 𝒮𝓉ℯℯ𝓁

Chapter One - Ava

Chapter One - Ava

I need a higher paying job. Like, as soon as possible. Rent and taxes are rising again. As if taxes and rent weren't high enough for the king. I can practically feel my heart sink every time I pass by the palace gates, the imposing structure a constant reminder of the disparity between the wealthy and the struggling.

Unfortunately, in the Kingdom of Evervale, there are no jobs available. Just my luck. It seems like every time I turn around, someone else has taken the last opportunity that might have existed, leaving me with nothing but empty promises and unfulfilled dreams.

I began to walk along the cobblestone road, the sun casting a warm glow on the bustling village center, where the marketplace teemed with life. Merchants called out their wares, laughter floated through the air, and the scents of fresh produce mingled with the more pungent smells of livestock and hay. It was a vibrant scene, yet it felt like a mask over the hardships that lurked beneath the surface.

As I walked, I clutched my threadbare satchel tightly against my side. Inside were the remnants of my savings, which had dwindled to nothing after paying the last round of bills. I had some money I had stolen from that lovely woman at the edge of town, who's probably looking for her coins now, searching every nook and cranny in her home. Sorry, not sorry, but you have to do what you have to do in order to survive in this world.

With determination set in my heart, I made my way to the fruit vendor, hoping to find fresh berries. They were a rare treat and a momentary escape from my troubles.

"Good morning, Mrs. Mitchell!" I called out, trying to sound cheerful, my voice breaking through the cacophony of the marketplace. "Are there any fresh berries today? Specifically raspberries?"

Mrs. Mitchell chuckled, her laughter a comforting sound in the chaos around us, but then she shook her head, her expression turning apologetic. "Ah, I'm sorry, Ava. We have fresh blueberries and blackberries, but no raspberries today."

I let out a playful pout, crossing my arms in mock disappointment. "Aw, but that's okay! I'll take blackberries today. How much for one pound?" I asked, reaching into my pocket, fingers brushing against the cool metal of my coins.

"Eight golden coins for one pound of blackberries," Mrs. Mitchell replied innocently, her eyes twinkling with warmth.

I froze. "Eight golden coins?" I echoed, raising my eyebrows in surprise. "That's a bit pricey, don't you think? I believe the price should be lower for one pound of blackberries. Maybe five golden coins at most." My voice dripped with feigned authority, but deep down, I felt the sting of reality.

Mrs. Mitchell gave me a stern look, crossing her arms in a way that told me she wasn't going to budge. "Listen, Ava, rent and taxes are rising. I don't know why the king would do such a thing, but here we are." Her voice softened as she studied me, as if seeing the weight I carried.

Then, her expression transformed, her face softening as she looked at me with kindness. "But the blackberries are on the house today. You always visit my stand every morning and help me with favors; it's the least I could do. You need to find a better job, Ava."

I looked at Mrs. Mitchell, my expression softening as her words wrapped around me like a warm embrace. "Really?" I asked, a hint of disbelief in my voice. "Are you sure...?"

She nodded and smiled, a genuine smile that reached her eyes. "You need it more than I do, Ava, really." Without hesitation, she reached down into her basket, pulling out a small container filled with the plump, glistening blackberries. She placed them gently into a small basket and handed it to me, the scent wafting up, sweet and earthy.