The King's Soul

Chapter 1- The steps of a king

My favourite thing about our village were the glittery sheets of stars and comets that filled the sky every night. Carrying a thousand wishes, from the rich and poor alike. My eyes would just stare into the dreamy lights, dropping off the many wishes embroidered on my heart. Believing that a star could fulfil your wish is nonsense, but nonsense was my only escape from the harsh reality.

Under these dreamy skies, life was almost a cliche. Labour work, farming, feeding livestock and washing the dishes. My days were summed up of never ending sweat and hard work. Feeding six hungry mouths and their bedridden mother required even much more than that. And my wish every night is always the same, to have a better life. Or perhaps, be someone else.

I trampled over the wooden floor, breaking one of tiles in my fall. The thud had awoken my mother up, propping herself out of bed."Morning, pumpkin" She called out in a husky voice.
"Morning, Mama" I answered. "Have you taken your medicine yet?"
"These potions and herbs don't do a thing I tell you! It's been six months, I haven't gotten any better. Save the money for new clothes for your siblings." She reached over for the potions beside her, a pale cold hand stretching the remnant of life in them. She never had much energy for anything, except for gossip and complaints. 'Maybe if I complained as much as her, I would be sick too' I snickered at the thought.
"What have you found to be so funny?"
"Nothing, go back to resting. I'll go wake the others up." I replied.
"Mhm, sure thing" Her eyes closed off almost immediately. Continuing with my morning duties as usual, my siblings started getting out of their beds. It was a school morning after all, and I wouldn't have wanted them to become anything like me.

A gentle knock came from the door. I was startled as to whom it was this early in the morning.
"Is this the house of Elise Kensington?" A boy of ten standing by the entrance asked.
"Yes, I'm Elise Kensington. What's the matter?"
"Two letters for ya." The boy furrowed his eyebrows, examining me while taking the letters out. At his glances I tried to rub the dust off my clothes, while attempting to make our meeting as short as possible.
"Thank you." I closed the door as soon as I got the letters.
'Dear Elise,

We are writing to you to give you your last payment as a thanks for working so hard for us. But unfortunately, you are no longer needed as the factory will be closing down soon. We hope the payment is sustainable until you find a new job.

Best Regards,
Jakkin's Factory Managers.'

I almost cursed.
"Are you okay?" Elizabeth asked.
"Yea, hurry up to your seat. The soup is going to get cold" I pleaded.
"Soup again?" Sam complained.
"Well why don't you work yer arse off so we can eat something better" Chris replied.
"Chris! Language!" I shouted angirly.
"Calm down Mama Lis" He huffed.

The day felt empty without the labour work. I went to sleep not so tired as well, and this time I had time to think stuff over. Where can I find another job with a good pay? How much time do I have before the money runs out? Money, money, money. My biggest and first concern. Perhaps, a life where I wouldn't have to worry about money would've been nice. I closed my eyes. My mind, full of thoughts, had been completely shut off too. Unbeknownst of what tomorrow holds.

My eyelids felt the blinding light, slowly flickering open. I woke up to the smell of fresh bread, mixed with other friendly odors. The scents seemed too good to be true. Once I fully opened my eyes, I examined the room around me. Expensive looking fabrics everywhere, fire lamps in each corner and high-end decor. I was in awe. Confusion, surprise, happiness, you name it.
"Good morning, your majesty." A neatly dressed lady was standing by my side, carrying of what seemed to be my breakfast. Your majesty? What was all of this? It seemed too weird to be heaven and too sparse to be my house.
"Where am I?" I asked. At that moment, I realized how masculine I sounded. My hands were big and veiny, and my bosom disappeared.
The lady released a quiet chuckle "Have you lost your mind after yesterday night, my king?"
Alright, I got it. God decided to play a joke on me for complaining too much. She neared her figure against mine "Or do you want to have another go?"
I could feel my cheeks turning a bit red with my mind shouting 'No No No No No' I cleared my voice and decided to play along.
"Ahem, I would like to be left alone for now." I demanded.
"As you please" she gave a small curtsey and walked out of the room. Seemingly a bit annoyed. Not that it mattered. Things more like 'Where the hell am I and how did I get here' were of more importance to me. Last thing I remember was me shutting my eyes on my creaky mattress, not a fancy bed the size of my room.