Tis a story to be heard. As it is kind of absurd. The Prince came from a high and mighty kingdom, with the maid had come from a place without freedom. Now, I will tell you their tale. But beware, it is a scary finale (read ‘finale’ as ‘fine-ale’ rhymes with tale). As the Prince was in his bed, the scullery maid had to watch her head.
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“RAEL!!!” Her mother screamed, “GET OUT OF BED THIS INSTANT, YOU LAZY COW!” But, Miss. Rael was already awake. Catching the last of the moon’s shine as Nocturne set it for the night. Now, Rael worked in the castle as a maid, a scullery maid to be exact. Now, a scullery maids were the lowest-ranked and often the youngest of the female servants and acted as assistant to a kitchen maid. The kitchen maid she assisted treated her with respect, but the head chef looked at her with disdain, as she was not a pony, but a deer.
“I am out of bed mother.” She spoke softly.
Her mother glared at her sharply. “Do NOT make me yell for you again, stupid deer.”
Rael flinched but nodded and grabbed her saddle-bag. “I am headed off to work mother, I will be home soon after.”
Her mother corrected her, “Right after, stupid deer. You will not hang out with your so called ‘friends’ today. I need you at home.”
The young maid nodded sadly but firmly as she headed out the door. “Yes, Mother.”
As Young Maid went east towards the castle, the Prince was waking up to begin the day’s duties.
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The Prince was named Kohen. Most called him Prince. He only knew of few that knew his name. But, today is his birthday, and for a present he wants to go outside to the western villages. His mother though, had other plans. Squeeeeaaakkkk. His doors opened slowly, as the glow of a soft fire brightened up the entry.
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR PRINCE!” Prince Kohen laughed joyfully as he flung his bed-ridden mane in a haste to look presentable.
“Mona! Flower! Platter! How nice to see you outside of the kitchen!” He laughed as he talked to his dear servant friends. “But, where’s Kiana?”
Platter Plate sighed regretfully, “You see dear Prince, Kiana was hoping to serve you one of her famous ‘Island’ dishes when Cake got sick and her dreadful scullery maid was put on Kiana.”
The Prince was confused, “Dreadful? How? Is she mean?”
Platter shook his head, “No, she’s very kind. It’s just what she is. But enough with scullery maids! It is your birthday! Here is your birthday cake to celebrate!”
The Prince had no idea they still had scullery maids around, but shaking off the thought he dug into his cake, and with offering the chefs pieces, he headed off to see his mother and uncle. “Mother! Uncle! Good morning!” The Prince joyfully sang out as he reached the Throne Room.
His mother smiled, with her surprise glint in her eye as she put away some papers hastily thrown at some servants. “Dear Kohen! How nice you look! For your very special day too!”
His uncle nodded gravely. “Yes Prince. How nice it is.”
The Prince did not notice his uncles frown and spoke cheerfully, “Thank you kindly Uncle! Mother!” His mother was named Quill. His uncle, Carlander. “Where are my two little sisters now?”
He heard a little squeal behind him as two flashes of color came into his view, “Kohen! Kohen!” They cheered, “It’'s your BIRTHDAY!!!” And as the three kid rulers were celebrating, the Young Maid was busy at work.
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“RAAAEEEELLL!” Her temporary Kitchen Maid hollered, “Get me the flour, Now if possible!” Rael hurried along running to and fro to find unused flour. When she brought a bag to Kiana, it seemed she already had one.
“O-oh, I-I’m so sorry Kiana. Please don’t be mad.” Rael looked at her pleadingly, and Kiana Essence sighed.
“Oh Rael. It’s fine I guess. Today is really important though,” She hummed in thought, “I have to make a bunch of Hoofwaii food and I’m really worked up… But, I really don’t need a deer running underhoof…” An idea came to mind, “Ah hah! You can serve the food to the royals! Perfect. Then you’ll actually be useful!” Rael cringed at that statement, “Ok! I’ll get you set up!” Kiana hurried away, as if on a mission.
Rael sighed as food was set upon her back, and she walked out, with a unicorn guard’s assistants to make sure nothing fell, though, Rael was almost positive they meant him to keep her under watch. As she reached the Throne Room doors, the magical aurora that was on the food disappeared to open the doors. The guard announce to the Royals, “Kiana sends her regrets and sends you her famous Hoofwaii food in her place,” Rael heard three pairs of hooves clapping and two excited squeals.
As Rael walked in, head low, she felt the aurora cover the food again, as it was distributed to each royal. The Prince just stared at her, barely even glancing at the food. When Rael looked up and met his green gaze, her face heated up and she looked immediately down again. The Prince smiled and started to eat his very unhealthy breakfast (The cake was like a morning snack).
The two fillies squealed with every bite until their mother discouraged them, “Celestia, Luna, manners.” Rael smiled a bit at their grouchiness but quickly walked away when the plates were stacked on her back. The Prince stared at her all the way out.
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“Who was that Mother?” The Prince asked after Rael had left.
“Some scullery maid. Her name is like Real or Quail or something. Why?” His mother stared at him ludicrously. He smiled and shook his head. His mother cheered up again. “Well, this was going to be a surprise, but, you are at dating and marrying age now, though a little younger than most, but tonight, in honor of your birthday, we are throwing you a… BIRTHDAY BALL! I invited all the princesses and of course their mothers I knew you’d be positively delighted and am happy…” But Kohen wasn't listening. He was thinking of the strange deer he had seen. Her shockingly electric blue eyes seemed liked they pierced into his soul. He wanted to know who she was, she was a maid yes, but he wanted to know who she was as a pony, or eh-hem, a deer. “Kohen...Kohen… KOHEN!”
Kohen looked at his mother quickly. “Yes, Mother?”
His mother glowered at her son, “I said: Anyone in particular you want me to invite?” She said the last word with such annoyance that her son was ultimately uncomfortable.
But, he nodded anyway, “Yes, the kitchen staff. Like Flower Stem, Platter Plate, Mona Kitchen, and Kiana Essence. Except not only them, like the whole staff.”
His mother nodded hesitantly. “Ok Kohen. Fine. Now go see the tailor about your suit.” Kohen nodded and trotted off towards the tailors quarters.
“Tailor Suit? Are you in?” The Prince walked into the tailors place and saw him working on one of his masterpieces.
When Tailor Suit turned around, he immediately bowed, “Your Highness! Ready to make a suit?” Kohen nodded and went up to the platform. “Now, I will need to take measurements, but everything seems to be alright. Any mares you would like to impress?” The Spanish stallion wiggled his eyebrows and his mustache twitched.
The Prince shook his head and laughed, “No, but my mothers counting on it. She wants me married, but I just want to have fun. No girl has held my interest for very long.” He saw Tailor’s eyes widen and he groaned, “Don’t get me wrong I like mares but, I just haven’t found the mare yet.” or the deer… goddess why am I thinking of her?! I don’t even know her. Tailor Suit looked at him with worry as Kohen fought his inner battle. But, as The Prince got measured up, Rael was getting a mental beat down.
“You stupid, stupid deer!” Rael’s mother screamed at her when she arrived home. “How dare you!” Rael looked at her mother.
“M-mother… I don’t under- um I don’t know what I did, I don’t understand.” Her mother growled.
“You stupid deer. You’re just like your father. Stupid.” She sneered.
Rael gasped, “My father was not stupid! He protected me!”
“He was stupid. If your mother didn’t die when you were born he would’ve not have died. It’s your stupidness that killed them both. Your stupidness of being born, and your stupid curiosity.” Rael silently cried. “You stupid deer. You killed your mother. You killed all my crops. Now we are never going to make ends meet.” Rael apologized profusely and sadly.
“Mother… umm can I go to the Prince’s Birthday Ball?” She heard the announcement right before she left that, in payment for the hard work of all the kitchen staff, they were invited to the ball. Her mother looked shocked but then smiled, a little evilly if you will.
And before she knew it, Rael was in front of the castle, in nothing fancy. She hid in the shadows and watched as each party guest more beautiful than the next, walked into the front gate. All the young mares spoke dreamily about the Prince, and upon hearing this, Rael felt a little stab of jealousy in her heart. She felt a tap on her shoulder and turned around quickly. She saw a middle-aged Spanish pony, wearing a well crafted suit, “Are you the deer?”
Rael nodded. “I-I am a deer. My name is Rael.”
The pony smiled, “And I Tailor Suit.” He herded her along to the side door, “Now, come, come. You must look your best tonight.” Rael blushed and obliged with the orders. As she got measured and different fabrics got laid on her, the Prince got ready for his party.
“Mother…” The Prince complained, “Stooppp.” His mother rolled her eyes at him and smiled.
“So, any mare’s you want to impress?” Queen Quill said, almost pleadingly.
But, to her pleasure, Kohen shrugged, “Maybe.” Quill squealed like her daughters and smiled widely.
At the party, The Prince is finally announced, “Announcing his highness, Prince Kohen!” All the mares screamed and even a few fainted as the black stallion walked out from the doors. He flung his gray and black mane. More screams and sighs followed.
Some random pony came up to him, and said, “P-Prince um… can we dance?” The Prince nodded politely and grabbed her hoof and lead her towards the dance floor. After one song, all the mares were lined up to dance with him. Then, one certain deer came out, dressed in the most beautiful silver and blue dress. Her shoes were a solid silver and she walked gracefully towards the Prince. She stopped mid-point as she saw his gaze turn to her. He left the mare he was in front of and walked towards her.
“My name is Kohen,” He announced, blushing.
She smiled, “I am called Rael.”
He grinned and bowed, she did the same. And they danced.
“You are a scullery maid?” She nodded but flinched. “You are a deer.” She nodded again, “Then why, if we come from completely different lives, I can’t stop thinking of you?” Rael blushed at that statement.
“You are a prince. You are an alicorn.” He nodded as they danced, “Then why can’t I stop thinking about you? I don’t even know you.” He grimaced and nodded.
“And I you. Though I would like to know you.” The Prince spoke gently.
Rael scoffed, “Me? A dreadful scullery maid?”
“Yes you. The dreadful scullery maid.” The black prince nodded in confirmation. But, Rael took a step back.
“I don’t need charity. I get enough of that from the staff.” The Prince looked dumbfounded.
“Char-charity? Who said anything about charity?” The Prince asked quietly.
“You didn’t have-ta say anything.” she growled. “I know what charity looks like. I’m a deer. Nothing special. A stupid scullery maid.” The prince tried to interrupt but, Rael stormed on, “You’re a Prince. Mister High and Mighty.” He looked hurt, and Rael started to feel guilty. But before she could say anything a loud crash came from the staged section. They both looked up in alarm.
“Get her! She has committed many felonies! She insulted the prince, she’s an illegal immigrant! I said GET HER! You fools!” Wheat Stock , Rael’s “mother” flipped back her red mane. She glanced at Rael and smirked as the guards closed in. Rael stepped backwards and opened her mouth, though nothing came out. She looked at the Prince, who moments ago she insulted. He looked back at her with shock and hurt clear on his face. Tears ran down her face as one by one, guard after guard grabbed her. She looked at Kohen one more time, she could see determination on his face.
3 weeks later in her jail cell Rael was singing a song her father always sang to her. She gave up trying to escape and just laid on her back.
Run baby Run,
Don’t you ever look back to me,
Your escaping me,
Your escaping my destiny,
You are little Rael my little one,
You have dreams that are bigger than everyone
Baby, my little baby
You gotta run,
Baby, my little baby
You gotta go
Gotta fly,
Gotta sing
Your happiness
Will meet your wings
You will soar
You will glide
Until your nose
Touches the skys’
Run baby Run…
She then heard hooves clapping outside of her stall, “You can sing too? Wow. A triple threat!” When she looked out she saw the Prince.
She scrambled up and looked at him, “Well, if it isn’t my knight in shining armor! And those threats would be? Singing…” She began.
“Well dancing is the second one of course!” The Prince chuckled
“And the third?” She answered snarkily. But the Prince smirked. And with wearing that ‘You’ll see’ expression, he got keys out and levitated them in the air temptingly. “I don’t even know you. Why are you saving me? I’m an illegal immigrant remember?”
He smiled sadly, “Is that true?” He put the keys away, unfortunately.
She shook her head, then paused and shrugged, “I don’t know. Is it really illegal to be here? This is Equestria, right?” He nodded firmly, understanding lighting his eyes. His handsome amber eyes. She thought longingly.
He smiled again, his eyes kind, “Why?”
She tilted her head, “Why what?”
He sighed, “Why did you call-” He cleared his throat nervously, “Um. Why do you think I’m like every Prince in the world?” He did not expect her reaction.
She laughed, “I don’t. Because no other Prince would give me the time of day.” She lightly touched the bars of the cell. That seemed to snap him out of his thought, and the Prince unlocked the doors. “Thanks,” she rolled her eyes playfully. He watched her with rapt attention. She snickered, “What could be holding your attention now?” The words just tumbled out of her mouth, she shocked herself. She was usually the nice, quiet, and reasonable one. The one who was afraid of everything. Now she was mean. “I didn’t mean that.” She stuttered looking at the blushing face of the prince, “Your highness I-”
Kohen interrupted her, “No, don’t apologize. It is- eh hem- okay. But, please call me Kohen. I’m- You- um-We’re friends. So…” She blushed and echoed his last statement. They walked away from the cell and ended up in the kitchen.
One of the cooks shrieked, “The Prince!” A crowd surrounded him and pushed Rael away. She kept backing up until she bumped into something.
She turned around, “Oh! Sir Carlander! I did not mean to-”
But The Prince’s uncle laughed it off, “Ah! Young deer! It tis alright. I would not have any bad feelings towards the one whom stole thee Prince’s heart,” She flushed, “But, young stow away, aren’t thou supposed to be in thee dungeon?” Rael took a step back, “Now young deer. I would not like thou to be in trouble with thee Royal Family!” He ushered her away, down the hall, and to a secret room. He turned to her, the confusion clear on her face. “Ah young deer,” He smiled evilly, “Don’t worry, thou will always be safe.” She looked at his face nervously.