Crystal Eyes

Chapter 1

Long ago in a village closer to the Baharatian castle, lived a beautiful girl named Hanguel. She was the most spoken about. Her hair was golden and her crystal shimmering eyes were the jewel in her.

Time to time the kingdom's guards come hurrying on horses to give an invitation or a message to the villagers. The prince hardly ever showed up. The villagers were not fond of the young prince.

One bright day, the villagers heard the horses hurrying down the street. The villagers hurriedly claimed their positions in two equal lines beside the street and waited till the horses came to a break at the top of the street. The children were laughing and making fun of the horses from afar, while their mothers tried to hide their stupendous acts. The boiling food was left unguarded and the dogs burnt their tongue while trying to reach them. Everyone looked at the shriek of the two dogs but immediately froze at the sight of the horses and the soldiers.

"Attention villagers! I bring good news to all of you!" The soldier held out his hand which clutched a small invitation. At the corner back, a young man wearing a royal outfit struggled to get down from the horse because the soldier was blocking him. This was not hard to miss. It was quite a show. The soldiers outfit separated the royal figure. All attention was tuned to this royal figure. Soon he got down of the horse when the soldier looked the other way to adjust his boots.

"NO master! The king said-"

"Oh give it a break, Lionel." The prince walked over to the front and stroked the horse in front.

In the silence you could not bear not to whisper as to whom this man is. The villagers looked side to side and no one could identify him. At last he spoke to break the awkwardness.

"I come in peace. I am the prince! I do have an-" Before the words left the prince's mouth, the villagers all gathered around closer to him to sing the national anthem for respect. Few of the villagers did not agree on this. They shouted on behalf of the foolishness,

"Oh hoi! All lies! Taking us for fools?"

The villagers tried to hush them. All in vain. The prince caught sight of the beautiful girl at the back, petting the dog who was looking up at her to play.

"Miss!" The prince went over to her. "What is your name?"

"Hanguel, prince" She bow down to him. The dog sat down and stared at the madness that was going on between the two.

The prince looked around and made his much awaited announcement. "There will be a ball tonight! A celebration for the coming new year! My announcement is that everyone is invited for the contest we offer to everyone including the Baharatian villagers. Please do attend. Prizes will be given". He looked at Hanguel and said, "I hope you make it too". Hanguel bow down again and the prince parted.

The villagers were stunned at how Hanguel was noticed by the prince and immediately came to conclusion that the prince was to propose to her at the ball. Hanguel stepped away from the madness. She could care less.