Prince's Servant (ON HOLD)

Orphanage

The rain pelted the glass beneath my hands making it cold to the touch. The storm had brewed only a few minutes before unleashing its fury upon the village. My grubby hands drew pictures in the foggy window, while my mind drifted to memories of the past.
My small hands reached out to touch my momma's silky hair. When they reached it they clamped shut. My mom's head turned, and I pulled her hair.
"Ow!" She called glaring at me. I just laughed. Mom's glare turned into a soft smile then into a warm sweet laugh. My mom pulled at the fringes of my sky blue dress willing me to sit down. My honey golden hair cascaded down my back.
"Rowe," my mother said. "Your hair matches your dress," she said giving me another smile.
"Thanks momma," I replied twirling my dress. My mom scooted behind me. She pulled me down to sit in front of her. She started to braid my hair. I let her.
"Someday your going to be something special," she said causing me to puff out my chest.
"Yes I will be!" I exclaimed proudly.
    The memory faded, and the surroundings returned to their dirty state. Our orphanage was small, but had over 50 people that resided within. We barely had enough food sometimes. A very rich man came by yesterday he took home two of the orphans, Stacy, and Regalia. Me and four other senior orphans, those above the age of sixteen, went to go find food and jobs. I was good at baking so I walked slowly to the baker's place in the huge storm thinking about all the children back at the orphanage. Five had died last spring two boys and three girls.
    When I finally reached the baker's shop I pushed open the door. The bell on the door chimed signaling my arrival. A plump man walked out of the back carrying a tray of delicious smelling desserts. I stepped forward closer to the counter, and the sweet smelling aroma overwhelmed me.  He looked at me and asked if I would like anything I said no. Then I  asked if I could become a his apprentice. At this request he put down the tray of deserts turned to face me, and asked where I lived. I told him I lived at the orphanage, and that my name was Rowe. He let me stay to work for the day. Then he sent me on my way telling me to be back at the shop the next day at dawn. He also told me that I would be paid five loaves of bread a week, and one percent of all the sales. I hurried back to the orphanage excited that I had a job that provided money and food. The four other senior orphans came back empty handed. I quickly told them the great news. It was late so we went and put all the younger children to bed. Amber, a sweet little six year old, asked me if we had found jobs. I said yes. I promised myself that if I got adopted that I would not leave without her.
    It was Sunday, and a knock rang out in the orphanage awakening all the children. I went to the door in the front hallway. I twisted the knob, and yanked the door open. Outside a handsome young man stood next to his stern father. They both wore expensive clothes, and had an air of high status about them. I gave them a slight bow. The boy gave me a smile, but the father just looked a way.
    "I must speak with the head of the orphanage," he said in a slow monotone.
    I stepped forward out from behind the door looked him in the eye, and said "Let me take you to the sitting room while I go call him." I moved down the hall not looking behind me to see if they were following. I opened the door to the sitting room, and they walked inside. I closed the door behind them. I turned, walked back down the hallway toward Anthony's room, while calling out his name. When he came out of his room I told him we had visitors.
"What do they want?" He asked in a questioning voice.
"I don't know, he never said," I replied briskly while walking him to the sitting room. When Anthony walked into the sitting room he fell to his knees. I entered and stood behind Anthony, who was still on the floor. Anthony looked at me with a worried expression written on his face. He pulled me down to kneel with him on the floor.
"That is the King!" He whispered.
"Oh," I said in a small voice.
"You may rise loyal subjects," bellowed the king. Anthony rose, and I followed suit. His head was still a a slight bow, I did the same.
"What brings you here my king?" Anthony asks.
"My son needs a new servant for his living quarters," the King said.
"Get all the orphans in here, and line them up Rowe," Anthony says looking at me.
"No need," the son, prince, replies. "I have already found my new servant." I look around the room, everyone is staring at me. I blush turing as red as the curtains in the sitting room. Anthony leaves to go get my papers, and I look over at the prince before me wondering why he wouldn't want a man to be his new servant. When Anthony returns with the papers I see Amber peak her head in the room. She is crying because she knows that I am leaving, and I probably will never see her again. I look away as salty tears make trails down my face. Anthony sends me out to go say goodbye, while he finalizes the papers. When I leave the prince gives me a reassuring look.
When the door closes behind me my tears fall freely. I run up to the girls room, and slam the door behind me. I lean against the wall for support, slowly I slide down into a sitting position. Amber walks in, and sits next to me. We both cry together. When I look at Amber I see myself back when I was that young. I wipe the new tears away, and stand up ready to face my new owners. I run out into the playroom and say goodbye to everyone. I leave the room, and start to walk towards the sitting room when I realize I haven't said goodbye to Amber. I walk down the empty halls towards the girls door, yet again. When I walk in Amber is on my bed crying her heart out. I walk over and sit next to her. The bed creaks under my weight. I give her a tight squeeze, and lay a small kiss on her forehead.
"Amber," I whisper. "Amber I'm going to try and see if they will bring you with me." I say quietly. She looks at me with tears still in the corners of her eyes. I stand up, turn around, and walk towards the door. When I open the door I turn around waiting for Amber to follow. She does, but very slowly. We walk together holding hands towards the sitting room. When we reach the door my hand rests on the brass knob. Before I turn the knob I look at Amber, she is nervous. I push the door open, and a white light floods the dark hallway momentarily blinding the both of us.