A Blossom in a Field of Dandelions

By James E Boston

Crystelia, a young woman that served the beloved princess Nyla for most of her life was one of the most loyal servants. One day her world came crashing down once she was caught sneaking into the part of the kingdom that is forbidden for servants. She begin

• Language: English
• Publisher: King James Publishing Group
• Release date: Jul 8, 2021
• ISBN: 9781792371905

Book preview

Chapter One

The Beauty of Love and Fear in the Kingdom

Ring! Ring! Went the large bell waking me from my dream come true of mopping the floors for our beloved princess.

You’re almost out of time, Crystelia! I said to myself as I cleaned the floor so well that one could see their reflection through the floor as clear as a new mirror for a model.

I quickly headed outside to come in first place of my race against the ticking clock that slowed down for no one. It was a bright sunny day in the kingdom as usual. The clear blue water of a river flowed with a rhythm of waves behind the white castle. Birds flew through the clear blue sky and chirped in a rhythm that is music to the ears of citizens in the kingdom. Both of the rhythms complimented each other, forming a masterpiece.

After rushing to the royal garden, the sun shined upon my rich white skirt and reflected off of my light blue shoes. A guard dressed in a dark gray uniform walked to me with weapons in his belt, which included a club, whip, and gun.

Quickly work, the princess shall soon arrive! the guard fiercely yelled like a lion.

It was an unbearable task, but the image of the princess smiling in my mind is the motivation that I was working for, and it made me see the lion’s roar as a version of a cat’s meow.

Line formation! demanded a guard as I completed watering the royal water garden. Now Walk.

We followed his command and walked in the house of praising the princess. We sat in chairs without a sound and watched the speaker appear on the stage.

Glad to see all of you servants here, said the speaker. Today as always we shall thank Princess Nyla for being the most beautiful and greatest royal official there is, he said.

Thank you! we cheered happily and lively.

The princess arrives, he said as Princess Nyla stepped from behind the curtains.

My eyes went to her clothing, which was easily the most expensive dress ever made in the kingdom. She wore a deep gold colored long dress that hung a bit over her rich black shoes. Our beloved Princess Nyla sat in a preserved royal gold and black chair on stage.

Anyone want to come on stage and praise the one and only beloved Princess Nyla? asked the speaker.

I raised my hand high, proud, and clear enough for everyone to see.

Servant Crystelia may praise Princess Nyla once again, he said.

I swiftly walked on the stage. I loved to praise the princess. In fact, I loved to praise the princess so much that I have been the one to praise her in the House of the Praising of the Princess for four years straight.

I shall thank Princess Nyla for supplying us with shelter! I said loud enough for everyone to hear with my head up. Princess Nyla gave us the food and water necessary for us to continue doing what we were created to do. Serve Princess Nyla. The reason for our existence and purpose of life is to serve our beautiful royal beloved Princess Nyla, which means without her we wouldn’t exist, but without us, she will exist. That is just to show you the amazing beauty and power of the one and only beloved Princess Nyla.

The crowd of servants cheered and clapped.

You are right, Crystelia! shouted another servant.

Princess Nyla got up out of her chair and walked back behind the curtains. I never got to speak to princess Nyla because her father King Eisen prohibits her from speaking to middle-class citizens and low-class servants. She is only allowed to speak to high-class royal officials. I would literally jump off a bridge to speak a sentence to the princess.

I changed out of my servant uniform to my regular clothes. My regular clothes were stitched rags to make the shape of a skirt. The other servants switched to their cheap, poorly made clothes too. It was 10:35 pm when I began walking home. My trip back home consists of mansions of wealthy royal structures to small pitiful shacks of the servants. I walked in the untamed yard of my shack.

As soon as I got to the door someone shouted, what’s up my girl Crystelia?

I turned around and just as I already knew; it was my good friend Charley Davis. I first met Charley Davis in servant school, and he was the only friend I had during that time. The weird thing about Charley Davis was that even though he was a poor servant, he still dressed crisp and in style. He wore a black-and-white striped shirt and jet-black pants. He had a backwards baseball cap with a dollar sign on the front and back. He shone his black shoes to absolute perfection. The sparkles on his shoes looked like shining stars in the universe.

The way you praised the princess was hard. Ain’t no one could tell me otherwise, said Charley Davis.

Not trying to brag, but when have I ever done a bad job praising Princess Nyla? I responded.

Aye girl, now we all know the answer to that. Crystelia, are you going out tonight because you can hang with me?

Now you know we have work tomorrow. I’m hitting the sheets and you should too. We have to keep the princess satisfied with our labor.

You know what girl, you’re right. See you later. You look like Princess Nyla. said Charley Davis before he walked away.

Thank you, I said. I walked in my shack and closed the door. A big smile appeared on my face. The words, you look like Princess Nyla, replayed in my mind like a recording.

That was my intention, like many other girls in the kingdom. I wear my makeup like the princess and try to keep myself looking as close to Princess Nyla as possible. The more you looked like the princess, the better you were treated in the kingdom. Charley Davis gave me the best compliment a woman can ask for. It was a dream come true. I knew I had work tomorrow, but I wasn’t anywhere near being tired.

My mind is on the princess and when my mind is on the beloved Princess Nyla, I get so happy I always sing my favorite song I wrote dedicated to the princess.

Loyal to the Beloved

You shine, so bright/ You, shine so bright/

There is nothing in this world that can stop you from shining through/my loyalty is to your royalty no one can do it like how you do/ There are no diamonds, no gold/ Let the truth unfold/ You are the real gold/ There is no equal/ To you/ You are my only desire/

I’m blessed enough, to submit to whatever you desire/ You are the most beloved that I really admire/ Is there anything you desire?/ Just give me the chance to show how much I admire you/

(You shine so bright/ Throughout the night and day/ I shall submit to you, there’s nothing others can say/) x2

When I need to keep moving all I need is your face/You are my motivation/ I’m for this, that’s the case/ You are always the center of my concentration/ Let my loyalty, cover you/ Fulfill my purpose/ Anything else you can curse it/ Everyday I’m so sad when my servitude is over/ But my purpose is never over/ Is there anything you desire?/ Just give me a chance to show how much I admire you/

(You shine so bright/ Throughout the night and day/ I shall submit to you, there’s nothing others can say/) x2

I want to invest my energy, my life, my purpose/ I wish I can give you more/ Everything from my roof to my floor/ I love the way you flow/ I love the way the way you grow/ I love the way you show/ Your whole style helps me grow/ You are the only one who is pure and true/ I know you already knew/ There is nothing as pure and true/ It all comes from you/

(You shine so bright/ Throughout the night and day/ I shall submit to you, there’s nothing others can say/) x2

My favorite song," I said. After I finished singing, someone knocked on the door. I opened the door and saw a guard standing there.

You are supposed to be asleep now, he said.

Okay, good night guard, I said.

Go to sleep before I have to arrest you, now! he rudely demanded.

I walked over to my bed and laid down. Once he saw me lay down, he slammed the door closed and continued patrolling the streets. I rolled around for a little while. I fell asleep fifteen minutes later and had a good night’s sleep.

In the morning I got up excitedly and put on my servant uniform. I walked from the shacks of the servants to the mansions of the royal officials. When I got to the castle of the king, I began scrubbing the kitchen floor for the princess.

Why you always so early for work? asked Guard Master Wilfred as he walked with red-rimmed eyes due to burning liquor.

Guard Master Wilfred was the leader of the guards and wore a gold badge. He looked to be about fifty years old and he was always drunk. It is prohibited for guards to drink, but somehow Wilfred smuggled some in all the time.

I’m always here early because I love the princess, I answered.

Good, because I’ll take my club and crack your skull, he said.

He walked away. No one ever wanted to get on his bad side because he will get so wild, he will kill you. Legend says Guard Master Wilfred was so angry and drunk one day that he walked on the highway and punched a Mack truck traveling at full speed. The truck was eradicated but his fist was strong and in tacked as can be.

In an hour, the rest of the servants arrived at the castle to serve the princess. Servant Charley Davis helped me clean the floor.

Aye girl, last night I bought a camera. said Charley Davis. Ya wanna take some fly pictures? he said. You got swag girl for real.

Sorry I’m not taking the picture, only Princess Nyla has swag, I said as I wiped the kitchen table.

You do have swag.

No, I don’t.

Whatever you say, Crystelia.

I never took a picture like the princess. They teach us from a young age how wonderful the princess is. We are so in love with the princess we can’t help but feel inferior. Other women and I won’t admit it, but we hate ourselves. The psychological damage and emotional pain of being us run deep. When I say deep, I mean generations back.

You wanna go out to lunch with me at lunchtime?

No, I am staying here to serve the beloved Princess Nyla.

Okay, how was your day?

Servant Charley Davis clean the bathroom, demanded a guard.

Yes, guard, responded Charley Davis. See you later, Crystelia, said Charley Davis as he walked off.

You too, I said.

We usually worked for eight hours, but they extended it to ten for the day. We were lucky to serve the princess for two extra hours.

After work, we walked to the House for the Praising of the Princess. The speaker spoke each word with eloquence and I praised the princess on stage like always. This time King Eisen walked out from behind the curtains and told me to sit back in the audience.

Now you see Princess Nyla sitting in the black and gold chair, which is my royal daughter.

Yes! we all said at the same time.

Now let me tell you a story, said King Eisen.

I tell you, servants, every month the story of Maine Johnson. Maine Johnson was a servant who lived in the kingdom a hundred years ago. Just like other servants, he did everything for the princess. If he made a mistake, he got whipped like other servants. Servant Maine Johnson was whipped a lot. His back had a collection of scars. One day he went too far and committed the greatest crime in history. Not loving the princess. He was a horrible evil savage man. How dare he commit such a crime?

One month later, servant, Maine Johnson picked up a knife while he was cleaning the kitchen. He stabbed a guard in the throat and killed him. He planned to kill the king of that time, my great, great grandfather but was captured by a guard. He was charged with the death penalty, and they tortured that savage beast in horrible ways before they killed him. Moral of the story is never not love the princess and never try to kill a royal official. Maine Johnson was the only servant in history to do such a horrible thing. If anyone does or even says they will do what Maine Johnson did, you will be mutilated. Everyone is dismissed.

The servants got up and walked outside. I always hated Maine Johnson for what he did. I was always happy at the end when that savage punk got what he deserved. The great King Eisen told the servants that story every month to implant fear in the servants. Many servants are very fearful of not loving the princess. I know there is no need to fear as long as you truly love the princess.

Charley Davis walked over to me and gave me two oranges.

Thank you, I said.

Ya Welcome. Where ya going, Crystelia?

Sorry, but I am going home it is getting late,

I’ll walk with ya,

Did you have a good day?

Of course, Crystelia, he said. I like the way you lay down praising the princess every day.

Thank you,

Don’t thank me, it is true. Crystelia, you are absolutely the most loyal to Princess Nyla.

You like to compliment, don’t you?

I’m just telling it how it is.

When we walked over to the shacks of the servants, I noticed a gold automobile drive in the neighborhood. Servants would never be able to purchase an automobile. We are too struck with poverty. I knew who it was without even seeing their face. The automobile stopped, and the window rolled down. It was Mr. Myer, who is a royal official. He is the extremely wealthy man that manages the king’s bank account. People are probably wondering why he came here, but I know. He like many other royal officials came over here to laugh at how poor we are and how we lived because he is so rich.

Hope you enjoyed your walk, you stupid servants! shouted Mr. Myer.

Mr. Myer drove off. Somehow such words made some royal officials feel like the king themselves.

When I got home, Charley Davis told me bye, and I waved my hand. He began walking, which I assume is back to his home. Soon I settled down and went in my bed. I was so exhausted, and the bed looked wonderful. I laid down to get some sleep.

I heard someone open the door and walk in. I quickly cut the light on to see who it was. To my surprise, it was my boyfriend, Landon Oliver.

What are you doing here? I said chuckling.

I came by to see you because I love you, baby, he said.

As he walked over to me, his black fancy shoes clacked, and he quickly adjusted the tie on his smooth black suit. One could look and tell that Landon Oliver is a middle-class citizen. I walked to him.

How about we dance to a slow jam, he said as he smoothly put in a CD on his CD player.

A soothing, slow song played. Landon and I danced slowly.

Landon, there is something I’ve been meaning to ask you,

You can lay the question on me, baby,

Why are you in a romantic relationship with me?

Why do you ask that?

Well, you see, I am a mere low-class servant. You are much higher in society than me.

Crystelia doesn’t think like that. I am with you because I truly love you,

I hugged him as we danced the night away. I deeply loved Landon for many reasons. He is the only actual source of love and affection that I get. He deeply loves me and cares about me like no other. His presence alone is enough to have me melt all over him.

You know I’d love to stay, but you have to sleep, he said.

Okay, I said disappointedly.

Don’t worry, baby, I’ll be back. Just know I’m always with you.

He blew me a kiss, and I blew one back to him. He walked outside and closed the door slowly and quietly. I laid back in bed. The visit of Landon really made my night a special one. I’m lucky to be a servant and have someone like Landon to love me.

I awoke in the morning only to find that I overslept.

Oh, no! I can’t be late and disappoint the beloved Princess Nyla! I said in a panic.

I swooped into my servant uniform in less than a minute. I walked outside and ran at light speed to get to the castle on time. Thankfully, I made it right on time along with the other servants.

We began doing labor for the princess. As I planted crops, I couldn’t help but feel a guard watching me. I glanced over at him. He walked over to me.

You are usually here early, Crystelia, he said.

Sorry, I woke up later than I usually do, I said.

Servant, go into the kitchen and clean it, he demanded.

I hurried into the kitchen and mopped the floor. I always loved to keep the princess’ floor as sparkling clean as diamonds.

Charley Davis walked in and began dusting the table.

What’s up Crystelia, said Charley Davis.

Just doing what I love best, serving the beloved Princess Nyla, I responded in happiness.

Did you sleep well last night?

You don’t even know, Charley Davis, but my night was wonderful,

Well, what happened?

My boyfriend Landon Oliver came to see me,

Oh yeah, Landon is that cat that is deeply in love with you and by the stories you told me, he is not in love with you because of your good looks. Trust me Crystelia a lot of guys want you because the truth is you are fine girl.

I do get that a lot from guys.

I remember a story you told me about Landon.

You do, well tell me. I wonder if you truly remember.

Of course, I do, girl. I remember the one where you had your favorite drawing you ever drew, which was a drawing of Princess Nyla. It was a windy day and you must have not been holding it tight enough when you showed Landon. The paper flew out of your hands because the wind blew it and that’s what I call a fly picture. he said before I started laughing.

Com’on stop with your corny jokes, Charley Davis, I said chuckling.

You know you liked the joke. Back to the story, the paper landed in the street and a fast truck was traveling on the road. Landon jumped on the street, lying face down so the paper won’t fly away. The truck stopped and the big wheels almost crushed Landon’s head. In fact, it only missed his head by an inch.

You got the whole story correct.

How can I forget the stories you told me about him? He always risked his life over material objects.

Sorry Charley Davis, but you’re wrong. He always risked his life for my happiness.

A guard walked in the kitchen.

Servant Crystelia plant the crops and Servant Charley wash the dishes! he demanded.

Yes, guard, we will, I said.

The guard walked out.

Crystelia, before you leave, I have one question.

What is that, Charley Davis?

I have seen many people loyal to the princess, but clearly, none are as loving and dedicated as you are to the beloved Princess Nyla. Why are you so loyal and dedicated to the princess?

Now that my dear friend is a story for another day, I said as I walked out of the kitchen.

Chapter Two

A Lost Beautiful Soul

After my long day of serving and praising the princess, I walked home. Sweat ran down my face. I changed into my nightgown and quickly laid in bed. I rolled around in bed thinking to myself. I hated the feeling I had in my mind and stomach. I just couldn’t help feeling bad about not being early to serve the beloved Princess Nyla. After all, my shack and everything else belongs to the princess, and she lets her servants have it.

Soon I found out what I will do to redeem myself for my inexcusable behavior. Luckily tomorrow is Thursday, which is my only day of the week that is my late start day. I shall use that morning for my plan and be showered with forgiveness. Once my mind settled down, I fell asleep.

In the morning, I woke up early to begin my project. I picked up all the money I had, which was about five dollars and twenty-three cents. I was very poor, just like all the other servants. The middle-class citizens were actually poor too, but not nearly as poor as the servants. Even though I didn’t have as much as the middle-class, I decided to make the most of it.

When I arrived at the store, I purchased various materials for making a doll. I walked as swiftly as possible back home to create my masterpiece. I worked for hours trying to make the doll look like Princess Nyla. When I finished, I was filled with pride and happiness. It was well worth the four dollars. I was so amazed at the fact that I crafted something so beautiful with my hands. I couldn’t wait until tomorrow so I can have the privilege to share my wondrous craft with the princess. This will redeem my mistake and keep me loyal and true.

When the sun rose and the sunlight hit the trees, I woke up and got ready for my servitude. Once I was in my uniform, I walked to the castle.

When I made it there, I began painting a closet wall in the castle for the princess. The old paint started chipping off, so I thought it needed a makeover. While I was painting the wall dark purple, I held the doll. Unfortunately, I made a stupid mistake. I accidentally dropped the doll in the bucket of purple paint.

Oh, no! I said as I put both of my hands over my head. It looked just like Princess Nyla and now it’s ruined, I said in a deeply disappointed tone. I took the doll out of the bucket of paint. The doll was wet with deep purple stains on it. What am I going to do?

Soon the rest of the servants arrived and began doing their labor. A guard walked in the closet.

Guard Sir, I said.

What do you want, servant? he said rudely.

Well, I want to give the beloved Princess Nyla a gift that I thought of and made with all my heart, I said. I showed him the doll. I know I’m not allowed to hand the princess a gift directly because of my lowly position in society, so can you deliver it to her?

No! Why would she want that horrible gift? It is absolute trash! he said with his eyes red and looking as if they were going to pop out of his head.

His words stung like a bee. It felt like a knife going through me. Except it wasn’t a knife going through me physically, but emotionally. My eyes got watery and red. I ran out of the closet.

Stupid servant, he mumbled to himself.

I ran outside in the field away from the servants and cried. I was so deeply hurt, but I wanted no one to see me like this. Charley Davis noticed me standing by myself and he walked over to me.

What is wrong, Crystelia? he asked.

I wanted to give the princess a gift, and I really hoped she would like it. My gift is trash, just like me.

I know who will make you feel better, your boyfriend Landon, Charley Davis pulled a cellphone out of his pocket.

I had no idea where he got a cellphone from because there is no way a servant could afford to purchase such an expensive device. I grabbed the cellphone and wiped some tears off my face. I called Landon.

Hello Landon,

He heard the sadness in my voice. Not only did he hear the sadness, but he felt it.

Baby, there is no need to be sad. What happened?

I wanted to give Princess Nyla a doll I made but its trash.

Now you know it is not trash anything that you create is not trash but the opposite baby. It is a treasure.

How is it a treasure?

Everything you bring into this world is a treasure. Why do you think I risk my life for your happiness and creations?

He spoke with so much love, affection, and truth. Landon was always holding the umbrella to my rainy days. After the conversation, I hung up the cellphone and gave it back to Charley Davis.

Thank you for letting me use your cellphone, Charley Davis, I said.

No problem, girl, he said.

A guard walked up to us.

Stop slacking, and get back to work, now! he demanded as he pulled out his whip.

Yes, guard, we will, I said.

I walked over to the field to water all the crops. The heat was so intense I felt like I was working in an oven. I’m glad that this hard labor is not for no reason because it is all for the beloved Princess Nyla.

Two hours passed, and the guards called all the servants over for a meeting. When we all gathered up, two guards stood in front of us.

Alright now I know you servants can’t read but I’m going to choose one who can read to make sure all you understand, said a guard. How about you, Charley Davis? said the guard.

Charley Davis had a shocked and embarrassing look on his face. The truth is, servants weren’t taught to read. We were only taught to serve, do chores, and keeping all of our love and loyalty to the princess. Charley Davis often bragged saying that he could read, but unfortunately, he was lying. The guards knew he was lying, so they wanted to embarrass him in front of everyone.

Read the paper now! said the guard.

Why does it have to be me, said Charley Davis.

The other guard walked to him.

Are you questioning us, you idiot? said a guard. We’ll whip you so hard you’ll never use a sentence with a question mark again, he said as he pulled out his whip.

I’ll read it, I said.

The guards looked around.

I’m right here! I shouted with my hand raised. The guards walked over to me and handed it to me.

Dear servants, we the royal officials have officially declared that every servant shall not serve the princess for eight hours. We have decided that every servant shall serve the princess for nine hours. This message has been approved by King Eisen. I read out loud.

A guard snatched the letter out of my hand.

Yes, that news is amazing. Now we shall be able to serve the princess for an extra hour. I said.

Everyone back to work! shouted the guard.

All the servants walked back to continue doing their labor for the princess. I continued to water the crops. Charley Davis walked over to me.

Thank you for saving me from embarrassment back there, girl, said Charley Davis.

Well, you are a great friend and always stuck by me through thick and thin, I said.

It is lunchtime, he said. Now, girl, can you tell me why you are so loyal to the princess? he asked.

Well, I remember everything clear as day but scares me like a beast at night. Now if you see me cry when I tell you this story, just know I always get emotional when I tell it.

A Lost Beautiful Soul

When I was five I lived in the woods in a little house/Tall trees, cool breeze, it was always quiet as a mouse/I lived with my grandmother who would always help one out/unfortunately, they would always have to come about/Every time she took her cure out/ she would pray to the spirits without a doubt/she was blessed because the rain always fell on our drought/one night hit me that I’ll always remember/My life was cut down like timber/There was a bad feeling in me that would always linger/Bad souls surrounded her, attempting her murder/she never backed down, and everyone knew that they heard her/I begged so hard, with all of my heart/I hoped that nothing would ever tear us apart/But one night she never returned/And I never got to say goodbye/I was alone by myself to cry/My life was filled with fright and sorrow/Because she had forty years but no tomorrow/

(Beautiful Soul) x2 (I was told/by my grandmother with a heart made of gold/I shall always cherish her final words for life) x2

I was so lost/I wandered the streets/I was so hungry and frightened by creeps/I got the creeps when people picked on me/So full of sorrow I hid behind the nearest tree/Luckily I found a man, who said that he can/Take me to a place where I could finally stand/He brought me to the kingdom and showed me the way/I learned the tradition, so I loved the princess all day/My sorrow was cured/I was now assured/ That I will never be unheard/I shall adore the beloved princess and be heard/

(Beautiful Soul) x2 (I was told/by my grandmother with a heart made of gold/I shall always cherish her final words for life) x2

When I finished singing my song, tears came rolling down my cheeks. I knew by the look on Charley Davis’ face that he was deeply moved. He finally truly understood why my value for the princess is so powerful and strong.

Crystelia, that was so deep, he said. He sat there speechless.

Back to work, demanded a guard.

All the servants began doing their long, hard labor for the princess. I watered the crops so they can be healthy and fresh to eat. A guard walked behind me.

Water them plants faster, you stupid servant! he shouted.

Yes, guard, I responded.

I tried with all my might to water the crops faster, but I just dropped the sprinkler I used to water the crops. The guard just laughed at me and walked away. My blood boiled with rage. That definitely wasn’t my lucky day. My eyes teared up and were red. I kept myself from crying, but I wanted to get my frustration out so badly. As I watered the crops, I noticed a servant sneak out of the yard of the castle.

How could anyone leave in the middle of serving the beloved Princess Nyla, I said. I’m not going to let her get away with that wickedness.

I walked over to a guard sitting at a table outside eating lunch with another guard.

Guard Sir, I said.

What do you want? Don’t you see I’m eating here? he said.

Sorry, but I just wanted to report a servant who left without permission, I said.

I should get back to my job, he said as he took out his whip.

Fifteen minutes later, the servant who left came back with sweat dripping down her face.

Why did you leave without permission? asked one of the two guards.

Her hands trembled. I never left, she answered.

Don’t lie to us! shouted a guard.

She got down on her knees. Okay, I left, but I only did it because I didn’t get to have lunch and I was starving from hard work, she begged.

We show no mercy to you servants, said a guard.

I think a good whipping ought a teach her a lesson, said the other guard.

They quickly handcuffed her and dragged her by her legs.

Please Don’t! Please Don’t! she begged and cried.

Don’t resist or we will put a bullet in your head! shouted a guard.

The servants couldn’t help but look at the scene of her getting dragged across the yard. She screamed the highest and loudest she can as her blond hair swung around.

Shut up! shouted the guard.

Every servant, I want you to watch this lady get whipped! shouted Guard Master Wilfred.

A guard chained her by her wrist and ankles. The old rusty chains were connected to two steel bars and one was on each side of her.

Give her fifteen hard licks, said Guard Master Wilfred.

The guard took out his whip. He quickly cracked the whip on her bare back. All we heard was a loud high pitch scream and saw the slice from the whip on her back. Just by the look on her face, you could tell she was being tortured. He cracked the whip again, and we heard another scream. The servants who watched cried a little. I knew deep down in their hearts there was fear. I on the other had a feeling of satisfaction in my heart. Anyone who disrespects the beloved Princess Nyla is worthy of torment. After they whipped her fifteen times, the guards threw her in an old rusty jail cell.

Now if any of you servants make a mistake or break the rules this will happen to you! said Guard Master Wilfred loudly as he took out a bottle of beer.

Okay, back to work everyone, commanded a guard.

The servants quickly began continuing their hard labor of serving the princess. I continued watering the plants. The rest of the day flowed pretty smoothly. When our labor for the princess was over for the day, we listened to the speaker and I praised the beloved Princess Nyla. After that, I walked home alone in the dark.

When I arrived at my home, I switched into my nightgown and laid in my bed; I knew I would sleep good tonight because even though I had a bad day, that wonderful word justice was served.

That stupid servant got what she deserved. I hated her for disrespecting the beloved Princess Nyla. When I was about to fall asleep, someone knocked on the door. I opened my eyes, and a smile appeared on my face. My heart beat was the sound of joy and excitement. I just knew who it was that came to visit me that night. I opened the door, but it wasn’t who I expected. It was my good friend Charley Davis, not my boyfriend Landon like I expected. Landon probably had overtime that night.

Hey Charley Davis, I said.

What’s up? he said in a disappointing tone.

It was just some news I got from my homeboy Quarter Till, he said as he took off his black-and-white striped baseball cap with a green money sign on it.

Charley Davis doesn’t usually feel bad. Sit down on the bed and tell me what happened. I said in a voice of passion. He sat down on my bed and I sat beside him.

My cousin Joe, who wasn’t just any cousin, but a true homey and a great hardworking servant for the princess, he said. While he was washing dishes, two guards accused him of stealing silverware. He told them he would never do such a thing, but the guards didn’t believe him. Quarter Till witnessed the whole incident. Joe was upset that the guards would accuse him of such a terrible act. One of the guards thought he was about to run away and escape, so the guards blew him full of holes. They knew he wouldn’t steal, they just wanted to kill a so-called stupid servant. In fact, they admitted it and laughed over Joe’s lifeless body. he said.

I couldn’t help but to feel sorry for Charley Davis. He is a true friend and unfortunately, his cousin was murdered. If there was anything I could to make him feel better, I would do it.