CHAPTER ONE

The kingdom of Madra was a wonderfully small kingdom, almost a village of sorts. Nestled in the middle of the great Pacific, it thrived in port activities and was famous for its fresh fruits. I, myself loved my home and its people. And our king, was kind and just and actually looked after his people. He knew exactly what was going on under his rule and to add a cherry on top of the cake, he was wise. We, the people of Madra, couldn't be more happier and content, for peace was established throughout. As I said before, we were famous for our port activities. So, every day, new shipments were imported and exported to the other parts of the world, but to me, Madra was the only world I knew. Suffice to say, I had never been anywhere outside of my home. And I never want to.

"Hiya mister Sandbrook! Over here!" I hollered to the old man who looked after the East port who was also like a father to me, since mine had passed away soon after the Late Wars.

Brookie walked over to me, smiling. "Now how's my favourite girl? Seeing you here after days, what keeps you from meeting with your old man huh?"

I smiled rather sadly. "My mammie wants me with her all the time, don't want me on the streets that often. She is unwell, caught a minor kind of flu I suppose."

"Ah, in that case, tell mammie I wish her a good health soon, and take these brownies I made, have some and give them to her." He handed me a cloth bag of heaven with his frail hands which were shaking.

"What happened to your hands Brookie?"

His eyes crinkled upwards. "Now, don't worry my darling, it is just a bad case of agedness. Nothing to toss and turn over at night."

"Oh, if you say so, anyway, thank you for the brownies and oops I got to get going, it is almost dusk."

Mister Sandbrook smiled a toothy grin and bid me farewell.

The sky was red and the birds were doing their evening round and there was a cool breeze flowing which gave me the urge to sit by the beach at my favourite spot and take in the natural beauty to cleanse my mind. The place was at the farthest corner of the beach where seldom a living soul went to gain respite. It was a different matter altogether that I forgot about my mammie.

Walking by the shore, I felt a sense of contentment and joy as the cool breeze caressed their hands against my face as if I were a child going off to bed at night. And I enjoyed that feeling of care. It was a strong emotion and I couldn't hide it and tears started forming at the corner of my eyes which fell rather dramatically I must say. I sat down on the rock of my choice and watched the ocean singing its song and playing its tune harmonically. It was a wonderful experience indeed. I was enjoying myself thoroughly when I heard a low hum of an unknown tune coming from a far-off distance, but since there was nary a person around, it came off strong and loud. I craned my head right and left to see its source but found not a single soul nearby. I got off the rock I was sitting on and decided on a totally random direction to walk in. Going towards my left I tried to make sense of the song and the voice; it was getting deeper and deeper and rather hoarse. Might I add, this person was a good singer. There was a sharp curve at the corner of where I was walking and could not see ahead. Thinking it to be an extension of the beach itself, I boldly continued walking only to find myself crashing with a hard figure.

"Ouch! Why does this happen to me?"

"What happens to you?" I heard the same coarse voice and looked up. I had crashed with a man. A living handsome man. I gulped.

"N-nothing sir, I, I am quite alright. I need to go now." It wasn't safe for me to be with a man alone on a night by the beach. I cannot fathom the endless possibilities of what could happen to me and safety. With that thought, I started walking away.

"No wait! Wait a minute Miss!" I heard the beautiful voice addressing me. I turned around to look at him.

"I am so sorry Miss..?" He questioned.

I hesitated, giving him my name was not a good idea at all.

"That's alright, I am not hurt and I crashed into you so it is my own fault. You don't have to apologise for something you did not do. I better go now sir. Have a good night!" Leaving behind these words for him to process, I ran away from the place and kept on running until I reached the main village.

I contemplated telling mammie about what trespassed between me and the strange gentleman but I refrained after some serious pondering for I decided it was not good for mammie's health. She would worry unnecessarily and I would be stuck inside my home for quite a while. No thank you. Besides, mammie was asleep and I would be disturbing her sweet sleep by telling her about my secret space that was now invaded by another individual and God forbid a man at that.

I finished my final night chores and went to bed, deep slumber consuming my body and my mind.