3- Blessing through Curse

After forcing the guys to leave, the bar went quiet. I looked at the guy in the cloak, he had barely moved. I walked back into the kitchen and the clamoring started again. Armona followed me back there. "When will you learn to let people solve problems on their own", she asked. "Whenever they learn to step up and help themselves". As I walked out I saw someone with a tiny radio. Those were something only the rich had, it must've been stolen. The pledge played through the radio. Everyone took a knee and followed along. The guy in the cloak followed but didn't speak. I stood up, wiping tables and ignoring the pledge. The man in the cloak looked my way. He stood up and started to walk towards me. "Why are you not participating in the pledge"?

"Because I am not a gold knight. Nor am I from Golden Sun". "Everyone is required to do the pledge", he said, his voice becoming serious. "Well I will not be doing it... ever"! "I command you to bow and do the pledge, immediately". I laughed, "And who are you to command me to do anything"? He took off his cloak and revealed his blonde hair and hazel eyes. It was the youngest prince of the royal family! I stood there in awe. "And since you've refused, I have no choice but to take you in for a trial". I could barely react. He grabbed my arm and Armona ran over. She got down on her knees. "Please, your majesty, she is merely a child. She cannot think for herself, please".

"And how old is this child", the Prince asked. "She just turned 19 yesterday". The prince laughed. "Well it seems as if me and this child are of the same age, and have the same birthday. Do you view me as a child"? "Of course not, sir". "Then I advise you let this adult, think for herself". The prince dragged me out of the bar. "Do you have nothing to say for yourself"? "Whatever do you mean"? "Most people cry and plead for their life". I stayed silent. "I have no desire to do that... sir". The ride to the castle was silent. It took hours to get to Golden Sun. When we arrived, I was taken straight to the throne room. The Golden Royal family were all born with auburn hair. Golden citizens were normally born with blonde or brown hair. Meaning that the Prince had the hair of a peasant. As the royal family looked me up and down, they were surprised.

"A royal", the Princess asked. "No... she is no royal. She is none but a lucky peasant", the Prince scoffed. "Correct, I remember killing all the royal family during the ambush", the oldest Prince, Brian stated. My eyes widened, he's the royal I fought during the ambush. Then it seemed as if Prince Brian had the same realization. He stood up from his throne and walked over to me. "Bow for your Prince", the youngest prince said. Before I could, he threw me down on my knees. "No need to be so hostile, Duke". That was his name... Prince Duke. Goruden grabbed my chin and pulled my face up towards his."It is you... the one that got away that day". "Who is this girl", Prince Duke asked. "She was a knight of the royal family... I fought her the day of the ambush".

Prince Duke spoke up, "She is the same age as me... how could she have been a knight at the time of the ambush"? "That is a good question... answer it". I sighed, "They let me into the league when I was 12, after I beat the king's right bishop". The entire royal family laughed. "You at age 12... beat the king's right bishop"? "Correct". When they realized I was serious... they went silent. "I do not believe you... you might just be some sort of look alike", he scoffed. "I know a way we can confirm this. He yanked me so that I was standing up before grabbing my shirt. "Hey"! "Don't worry, I have no intent to violate you". He lifted the back of my shirt up, revealing the scar he gave me during the ambush. Everyone gasped. "It... is you". Brian sighed before returning to his throne. "This was a rare finding brother... why did you bring her here"?

"Well despite her past status, this peasant refused to bow or take part in the pledge. Which is a crime to Golden Sun". "Well... she truly ought to be punished. But because of her obvious gift from the gods... we will not execute you". "But-", Prince Duke was cut off. "Yet instead... you must complete 12 hours of community service everyday until I say you are free". I looked down at the ground. "And what will community service be... sir"? "You must shadow Prince Duke, while also working as his servant". "I understand, sir". "Your community service starts now". Duke and I were quiet while leaving the building. "Can I ask you a question... your majesty"? "You just did, you might as well", he said, looking at the sun. "Why is your hair-"? "Why is it blonde"?

"I was cursed by the gods... for whatever reason. Along with the fact that I was born at night". "Yes, I know. For that same day 19 years ago... I was born under the sun". His head flipped to me. It was the first time he actually laid his eyes on me. "You...were born in the day time"? I nodded my head. He looked back at the sky. "Well it seems as if you've stolen the royalty that belongs to me. You've been blessed by the gods". I didn't speak anymore. "Well, what are we to do today. I have no tasks as of now", he said. "Well...lets just take a tour around Golden Sun, shall we"? I climbed my way into his chariot. As we started to move he spoke. "Now... how were you able to beat the right bishop at age 12"? "I don't know... I was born with the natural ability to fight", I mumbled.

"Well... you really were blessed".