I always hated this path. I’d always ask my mother to reroute us, but this is the quickest way to the kingdom. This area…breaks my heart. The princess clenches her fist.

The royal carriage surrounded by four kingdom horsemen pass through a small town called, Pogalley. An old woman and grandchild are purchasing fair produce from a stand. A middle-aged man is seen pouring dirty water in a pail for a family of three, the son cries tugging on his father pants leg. The townspeople looked in awe watching them drive by.

“Man, what I would give to become royalty?” sighed a tired worker.

“To live the luxury of a beautiful home and delicious foods.”

Seraphina pulls back the curtain watching the poor people as they drive by.

“What’s is wrong my child?” the queen looked at her daughter curiously.

“Nothing.”

“Is that so?”

I can see how bad this town is. Rundown buildings, people scrumming for food, and their clothes aren’t great either. She thought. “Mother, may I ask a favor?”

“What is it?”

“How about we not continue our charity work and give attention to these people? They deserve it, don’t you think?”

“Yes, they need help, but have you thought about the consequences. Remodeling a town with approximately 200 citizens living here will only bring trouble.”

Seraphina eyebrows furrow.

“There are some who will be excited about rebuilding it and others may take advantage of us.”

“What makes you think they would?” Sera tone became defensive. “I don’t see anything wrong with them at all, they need help.”

“No. We Phoenixes don’t need to help humans.”

Seraphina remained quiet; the conversation wouldn’t go further as she experienced this before. Defeated, she continued looking out the window towards the ghetto. They arrived at the kingdom where several soldiers and Arpina, the king and queen advisor waited for their arrival. Queen Agni and Princess Seraphina stepped out of the carriage.

“Welcome back! I’m sure the two of you enjoyed yourselves.” Arpina smiled approaching them with a bow.

“Yes, we have. As for my husband-.”

“He is in the counsel room with Chief Cody.”

The queen nodded, walking towards the entrance of the kingdom followed by soldiers. Seraphina was heading in her direction until she was stopped by Arpina arm blocking her path.

“And how are you, Princess Seraphina?”

“I’m well.” Giving the advisor a fake smile.

“I don’t believe in it. What’s on your mind?” Arpina huffed with her hands on her hips. Sera opened her mouth, closed it followed by a sigh looking away from her. “Well, whenever you are ready to ask me, I am open to listening.” Seraphina looks at Arpina. “You had a long trip, why not treat yourself to a hot bath.”

“Yes, ma’am.” She lifted the front of her dress to walk the stairs.

Makes me wonder if she and the queen have gotten into it. Arpina thought.

The sound of crow wings flap in the air as it rests on the rim of the stone arch. Arpina looks from the corner of her eyes. The crow felt her gaze and flew away.

“Odd? I’ve been in this kingdom for 48 years; I have never seen a crow here before.”

Seraphina walks through the warm halls of the kingdom lost in thought, a guard steps to the side, smiles and bows to the princess.

“Good afternoon, your highness.”

I don’t understand. I’ve been given the same response years ago when father joined us for charity work.

 ~~~~****~~~~

Nine years ago, Seraphina stood on her seat to peep outside the carriage window. She watched how sad and desperate the people lived in the ghetto.

“Mother, father, why are they unhappy?” She looked back at her parents.

“I wish I knew. What about you, dear?” The queen looked at her husband.

“Humans have their lives as well as problems.” He scoffed.

“How come? We have them in our kingdom.”

“Enough, Seraphina. When you are older, we are open to discuss this. Until then, enjoy the ride home.”

 ~~~~****~~~~

Present day Seraphina sits on the rim of her tub preparing the water. Her fingers wave through the water pouring out of the spout.

“I wonder, if he is open to have that talk.”

The queen opens the counsel room door to the king, second and third in command soldiers and the chief.

“With this battle sire, we may need new weaponry to be successful. If we pursue without any upgrades, we will be outmatched.”

 “Hold your tongue, should you forget who we are? We are soldiers of the Phoenix Kingdom and with its power, we are unstoppable on the battlefield.” Hissed the other soldier.

“I understand, but-“

“What is the issue, Kert?” The king darted his eyes to the nervous man.

“Ahem.” The queen coughed.

“Your majesty, welcome back!” Smiled Chief Cody bowing.

“This meeting is adjourned. We will continue this evening.”

The soldiers used their left hands to beat their chest. “Yes, your majesty.”

As they are heading towards the door, the queen was walking towards King Meshal. Meshal stretched his arms wide to embrace her from a long absence.  

“Hello, my darling, how was your trip?” He smiled kissing his wife on the left cheek.

“It was pleasant, Seraphina and I enjoyed ourselves.”

“Great!”

“We…traveled through the poor urban area, and she asked about them again.” Agni looked at the king, worried. “She needs to know.”

“No, she does not.”

“Hiding does not help the situation, but if we-.”

“No, Agni.” The king turns his head against it. “I’m not ready to tell her, I don’t know how she will take it.”