• It was bright outside. The sun hovered at an angle, it’s rays reaching far across the kingdom of Baristonia. A lot of farmers lived on the countryside because of the rich land. There’s only one city amongst all the small villages, and that’s Ariona. It’s at the very center of everything; trade, market, and entertainment. It’s a haven for all that came looking for a new start. It’s also where the castle is located.

    “Little sleeping princess” Rose sung as she entered the princess’s bedroom. She placed the breakfast tray on a side table and went to the bundle on the bed. “Sleeping in isn’t good for a girl” she removed the blanket and gasped at the empty bed. “Kydoshi!” she screamed so loud that the birds outside flew away from their resting tree.

    “What?” Kydoshi turns but sees no one that looked like they called her name.

    With a shrug, the young princess continued on her path. She snuck out of the castle disguised as a boy, this wasn’t the first time it happened. Her life felt so confined in her home, always having to study about literature from her boring teacher Mr. Smiggs, and learning how to be a proper lady from Ms. Korge. Kydoshi needed more excitement so she created a second life for her in the city.

    The wind blew and she held down her cap. Her hair was stuffed underneath it because her city identity is a boy, a boy named Kyo. She wore baggy brown shorts and a dirty white shirt that got ruined when she was playing dodge ball with some kids. It’s been about two hours when she left home.

    The marketplace was large and extremely noisy. This was her favorite place because it was the most lively. Being bumped was so common that most people don’t apologize anymore. Street vendors shouted from the sides, trying to sell their vegetables or strange trinkets.

    “Kyo! Is that you, my boy?” A voice boomed.

    Kydoshi smiled and ran towards a familiar baker shop. “Good morning, sir”

    The big bellied baker laughed and handed her a loaf of bread. Kydoshi accepted it joyfully, it was her favorite. No matter how famous her chef’s are, nothing tasted better than this loaf. She reached in her bag to give him some money but he stopped her.

    “It’s on me”

    “Oh—thank you!” Kydoshi smiles. They‘ve known each other ever since Kyo‘s birth. “I have to go now, there’s lots to do. Goodbye!” Kydoshi turns and leaves quickly, waving behind her. The baker chuckles and shouts his farewell.

    “If it wasn’t for him, I would’ve forgotten to feed her” Kydoshi says to herself, hugging the bread close to her chest. “This is her favorite!”
    She ran out of the market street and ventured deep into the alley. Ariona is proud of their clean streets, so even the thin ally’s were spotless. There was no stain, graffiti, or trash in sight. She skid to a stop and turned right. This is where a stray dog lives. Kydoshi named her Bay. She chewed on her bread, looking around. Bay was nowhere in sight; went adventuring through the trashcans, maybe. Just when she was about to be fed, too. Kydoshi sighs and puts the rest of the bread on the dog bowl she bought a few days ago. It was surprising that the cleaners hadn’t thrown it away when they make their daily trip around the streets.

    The wind blew again, making her bag flap open. It’s been very windy lately. Kydoshi heads out of the ally, knowing each turn by heart. She learned where every crack and secret walkways were at on her first week outside. It was way more interesting then learning about her family history. Her teacher would have a fit knowing that Kydoshi liked streets better than history.

    Lost in thought, Kydoshi accidentally bumped into someone as she exited the ally. She apologized, but there was no “It’s ok” or “No, it was my fault—I’m sorry,” it was just silence. She looked up to see the man she bumped into—no, not a man, a boy about the same age as she. He had flaming, deep red hair and an eye patch over his right eye. His attire was all black.

    “Sorr….y..” Kydoshi says again, getting a bit nervous. He seemed really scary.

    “You” the red headed boy says, staring at Kydoshi.

    “Me?” She gestured towards herself, her hand shaky. “My name’s Kyo”

    His vibrant blue-green eye gazed at hers. Kydoshi gulped, her mind running in circles. She was debating whether to run away or scream for help. There was also a chance that he wasn’t going to harm her, but that’s one in a million; look at his appearance, he spells danger.

    “You’re suppose to be at the castle” he said coolly.

    Kydoshi backs up, feeling threatened. He was the first to see through her disguise—on their first meeting, too! “Are you a traveler? A—a trader? Thief?” he didn’t reply. “I—I know you‘re not one of the citizens!” still silence. “Are you an…assassin?!” Kydoshi was feeling light headed.

    The boy didn’t do anything. He didn’t move, didn’t talk. Kydoshi was starting to feel like an idiot blurting out all these outrageous assumptions. He turns away from her and starts walking.

    Her jaws dropped. He completely ignored me, and he knows I’m the princess, too! “Hey, you, you!” she follows him, forgetting all about her fear for this stranger. “Hey, YOU!”

    pg 2