Hatred

We arrived. We travelled for three days. After the attack from the Raging Rats on the first day of travel, we experienced no other conflicts.

As we pulled in to the king's castle, I couldn't help but be amazed at the sight. The castle grounds itself was more than twice as large as Elizabeth's entire fort! Not only that, but the windows were stained many beautiful colors, creating many different and unique images.

Elizabeth's castle pails in comparison. The city within the cramped walls was dirty and dusty, the crops wilted and dying. Her castle was messy and disorganized, causing me to mistake it for more ruins. Truly a disaster.

Aside from the Kings castle itself, the expanse of land held with the fort walls was immense. The entire city of Trosting could fit inside this fort with a little room to spare. How do they defend this place from all of the Raging Rats?

As the gates of the fort opened up, sprawling streets that were previously hidden now sat beautifully in view. Elves of all shapes and sizes walked about doing their own thing. As soon as the gates opened, however, they immediately made room. Then, after a few seconds longer, their faces went sour.

Uhm..?

Why do they seem disgusted?

The escort continued through the gates and down the street, straight towards the castle. As the escort moved forward, I watched the Elves and their reactions.

All of their bright blue eyes seemed filled with disgust and hate. Why?

"You traitors!"

Suddenly, food was being thrown and flung at the Elves at the very back of the escort, Elizabeth's subjects. They took each and every hit with grace, not showing even a hint of pain or embarrassment. In fact, it seemed like they didn't even care about the food being thrown at them.

Not only were the Elves at the back targeted, but the soldiers protecting Elizabeth as well. Instead of food, however, it was excrement. What the hell!?

"Uhm, princess, what is going on?"

"Didn't I tell you to call me Elizabeth?"

Yes, you did.

"Oh well. You asked what is going on? The Elves of this kingdom dislike me and my subjects. It is for this reason that I never ask my subjects to come with me. I don't wish to humiliate them. Honour and honesty are important traits to Elves, yet they all threw their honor away for me."

Elizabeth had a sad look in her eyes as she spoke. Clearly this was a normal occurence for her, but she didn't want it to be one for her subjects.

I know I said it before, but talk about loyalty.

"Why don't the guards of the city do anything?"

"No one is being harmed. My subjects in the back won't call out in pain, as it is the only way to keep what little honor they have. Because of that, the guards of the city pretend that nothing is happening."

Now, instead of looking sad, she looked angry. If I was in her position, I would dawn the mask in my bag and do something about this. Sadly, I have an important job. Plus, these aren't my people. They wouldn't want me interfering with their affairs.

As the escort continued down the road, we passed a fairly dirty orphanage. The children wore dirty and worn clothes, and none of them had shoes. Despite all of that, the teachers pointed at us.

"Do you see those Elves? If you ever think you are low or useless, I want you to remember them. Those are the lowest Elves there are."

Damn, what did Elizabeth and her subjects do?

Soon, we arrived at the gates to the castle itself, where Elizabeth, her guards, and I departed and made our way inside. The guards of this castle were emotionless on the outside, but I could feel the sense of superiority they had towards all of us.

It was when the guards eyes landed on me that problems began to arise, however.

As soon as their eyes were laid upon me, their weapons were in their hands and their bodies in a fighting stance.

"What are you!?!?"

The main guard screamed out his question, not bothering with formalities.

"Are you human?"

He then turned to Elizabeth.

"What kind of Elf are you? Humans are evil! Why would you bring one into the King's castle!?"

Damn, his voice is annoying. High pitched and baby sounding, despite belongings to a full grown Elf.

"I can not discuss her reasons being here to a mere guard like you. Bring me someone of higher standing."

Now you show authority? After everything you and you're people endured outside, you only decide to become strict now?

"Who do you think you are yelling at me!? You're just the illegitimate daughter of the king!"

Ok, that's it. I stepped between Elizabeth and the guard who was yelling in her face. Red dots popped up on my mini map as I did, but if I don't, there is no telling where this might go.

"Enough."

"Excuse me?"

The guards eyes snapped onto me. He had a look of pure disgust and hatred in his eyes, and they drilled through me, but I paid no attention to them. Not hearing a response, he put his forehead right up against mine.

"Looks like someone doesn't know their manners. I should teach you and this fake princess here a lesson."

A lecherous smile appeared on his face, as well as the faces of his fellow guards. Their hands became grabby and their eyes slightly clouded.

Okay, that's it. I'm pissed now. You want to fucking fight? I'll fight then!

One punch. One was all it took to send the main instigator flying all the way down the hall and through the door at the end.

As the door crashed open, the guards immediately rushed out and surrounded me. I can't be too upset about that though. I did bring this onto myself, but there is no way I'm going to let them treat a princess like that.

"What is going on out here?"