The Servant Boy

Dan's POV

Eleven-year-old Dan watched as his uncle slowly placed his head upon the pedestal. A large, bulky man stood to sharpen his axe while the royal family gracefully took their seats. There was  a young girl and boy.... It looked like they were twins. The Queen was very petite and elegant while the King was strong and tenacious as he sat down on his throne. Everyone seemed to be excited to be watching the first beheading of the season on this foggy, frosty morning. Dan not so eager. All of a sudden the arena was quiet as the King stood up. He looked at Dan with disgust and began speaking. "On behalf of the Kingdom of Kolem and the 10 kingdoms of Salsedoar, for disobeying the oath by crossing the border, I hereby sentence you to death."

Dan felt tears running down his cheek as his uncle was his only guardian and family left, and the fact that he had to watch it all was even worse. He tried not to look away but just as he was about to turn his head away he caught a glimpse of the axe descending downwards towards the pedestal. The people cheered as Dan slowly began to sob. His parents were killed by wolves when he was only three and now his only family left is now gone. "Come on you rotten scum," said one of the guards as he grabbed Dan's arm, "let's go speak with the King."

"S-speak to the King?" Dan stuttered

"Yes, he wishes to speak to you." The guard replied. They walk through the palace doors into a large foyer. "Wait here.." the guard muttered. Dan stood there for a couple of minutes, silently sobbing. He loved his uncle very much...too much. He remembered waking up the other day, everything was normal, his uncle Al taking him up to the forest for a picnic. They didn't know that sitting by the wall was crossing the border, that it was barbaric. "The King will see you now." Said the guard. Dan followed the young man into the throne room where the Royal Family are seated.

"Y-your Majesty..." Dan bowed and quickly wiped away the tears from earlier.

"What's your name, young man?" The King asked.

"D-Daniel Howell, Your Grace..."

"And how old are you?"

"E-eleven, Your Majesty."

"Hmm..." The King gave Dan an absurd look.

"Oh come on, my love," The Queen interrupted, "he hasn't got a place to go anymore.."

Dan didn't know what they were talking about. "Phillip, is this the boy you were talking about?" The King asked.

"Yes, Father.," Phillip replied, staring at Dan. Dan stared straight back at him, wondering if he was the same as the rest of them.

"Well, Daniel Howell." The King sighed, "I request your assistance to be my young Prince's servant."

"What about me?" The Princess asked, "Can I have a servant?"

"You may have a female servant for starters.." said The Queen. Dan couldn't help but chuckle a little bit.