Many soldiers, armored like the one in the Aqualeaf Forest, patrolled throughout the Dark Kingdom, blind in the eyes, mixed in with the civilians.

James, sneaking around, did all he could to avoid being heard by both the civilians and the guards, for even just the sound of his breathing would get him caught in the piercing silence. He slid between the cone shaped houses, squeezed between civilians and soldiers while barely breathing, and tiptoed everywhere, all sweating from the excruciating heat of the land. James had never been this hot in his life.

It was a miracle he made it to the black dome in the center of the kingdom. He stood in front of the doorless entrance, his eyes stretched, gripping his sword tight as he tried to calm himself. In front of him were two men, both wearing burgundy robes and a black belt with a shiny, red gem in the center of it. One had black hair and looked young, the same age as James, and the other looked old, gray hair and wrinkles forming. Something about their eyes disturbed James deeply. He didn’t know if it was because they were red, or if it was because they were empty. The men glared at James, squinting their eyes in utter confusion. Behind them was a muscular man, presumed to be Lord Darkstar, sitting on a molten throne, wearing black robes and a gold crown and gripping his hand on a young woman who had long, curly, brown hair, dressed in an elegant white dress with her hands bound by rope. A brown cloth was tied tightly around her mouth, preventing her from speaking. A long black rug was laid down on the ground inside the dome, stretching from the entrance, where James stood, to the throne, where Lord Darkstar sat.

Surely, they’re blind too, James pondered.

“You’re King Rosepost?” questioned the young one.

James’ heart sank to his knees, pounding and pulsating. Looking at them made him tremble with fear.

“My name is James.” he mumbled.

“Speak louder, boy. We can barely hear you.” demanded the older one.

“My name is James.”

“Are you one of his knights?” asked the blacked haired one.

“Who’s knight?” James could barely think straight, terror sweeping over his body.

“King Rosepost, you fool.” answered the old one.

“No. I’m a farmer. He sent me here to retrieve his daughter.”

The faces of the two men quickly changed from confusion to disappointment.

“I TOLD YOU BOTH THIS WOULDN'T WORK!” shouted Lord Darkstar. He jumped up from off his throne and down the black rug, pulling Princess Rosepost along with him.

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“Both of you, out of the way,” he angrily ordered as he pushed through the black and gray haired men. He threw the Princess down beside James, her landing on her knees when she fell. “I told you both that he was too lazy to get off his fat rear even if his own daughter was at stake.”

“It amazes that he’s so lazy that he sent a farmer to save her.” stated the black haired man.

“We gain nothing from killing a farmer,” Lord Darkstar sighed. “Just leave. And take the girl with you. There’s no point in her staying either.”

They want to kill the King?

James was confused as to why anyone wanted to kill him. If it was for his lack of caring for the residents of his kingdom, then he could understand. But something told James that something darker was at play.

Without hesitation, James grabbed Princess Rosepost’s hand and they both exited the kingdom, once again sneaking between houses and blind civilians and avoiding soldiers.

“Thank you,” Princess Rosepost said after James removed the cloth tied around her face, both relieved they’d reached the Aqualeaf Forest alive. “I don’t think I would have survived any longer if you hadn’t showed up.”

“Why is that?” James asked, throwing the brown cloth down on the green grass and beginning to untie the rope tied around her hands.

“They began to talk about cutting my head off and leaving at the entrance to our kingdom. Something about sending a message to my father if he didn’t show up.”

Princess Rosepost’s words disturbed James deeply. What, besides being a terrible king, did King Rosepost do to deserve this? And why bring his daughter into it?

Choosing not to respond, James threw the rope on the ground. “Your father is probably worried about you. Let’s go back now.”

“I can assure you, he isn’t. He cares about his crown more than he does me,” she replied. “I’m sorry he dragged you into whatever those men want with him.”

“It’s not your fault he’s lazy.”

James and the Princess continued walking through the forest, feeling at peace now that they were away from the Dark Kingdom.

“If I ever become queen, I promise I’ll be much better than my dad. If I’m not, I give you permission to overthrow me.” stated Princess Rosepost.

“If I had the guts to overthrow anybody, I would’ve done it a long time ago,” James laughed. “But I’m sure you’ll be much better than him.”

“Well done, James,” King Rosepost celebrated as his daughter and James stood before him. “You can return to your farm now.”

“I’m sorry, that’s it? Just well done?” questioned James, trying to hide his growing anger.

“Well, what did you expect?” coughed the King.

“You can at least pay him,” stated Princess Rosepost. “You made him walk miles to do something you could have done yourself.”

“I’m sure he’s just fine. Isn’t that right, James?”

James stared at the King blankly, outraged. There’s no way he’s serious.

“I’m sorry.” Princess Rosepost quietly said to James.

“Don’t worry about it, I’m just happy you’re alright.” James politely replied, turning around and walking down the creaky stairs.

Despite half the day being gone already, James tried to focus on the fact that soon he could return to his normal, peaceful, undisturbed life as a farmer. Or so he thought.