I knew that my mother would no longer move and I could no longer stay in this burning building.

I went to the window and stuffed the letter into my shirt so I wouldn't lose it. With determined eyes, I climbed through the window and hopped to another roof. Luckily, the smoke was so thick and the night was dark that no one could see me.

I peered through the smoke and caught sight of a young teenage boy watching the scene with cold emotionless eyes. His eyes turned to look at me as if he had felt my presence. I glared at him through the smoke.

I tightened my fist. I want to kill him for killing my mother.

But I can't.

I promised my mother.

I agilely ran off into the night without hesitation. I had expected him to follow, but surprisingly…

He didn't.

I walked through the dark city working tirelessly to hide in the shadows. I didn't know if they were actually following me or not, but I had to play it safe. My mother had told me to find Queen Luna, but how could I do that? She was the Queen. It is hard enough to see her as a Noble, but it was even harder for a lowly person like me.

So, I did the only thing I could think to do.

I went to the Imperial Palace and stood at the gates. I looked up to the guards, "I need to speak to Queen Luna."

The guards spat at me, "Get out of here kid! What makes you think the Queen would want to talk to a filthy brat like you?!"

"I won't leave until I see her!"

The guards chased me away by kicking me and hitting me with their batons. I went back every day, but I was always chased away. It had been several days since my mother had died. However, I kept trying to meet with the Queen. Mother told me to, so I would.

I cowered in an alley shaking uncontrollably. I was starving and cold. The last time I had a meal was on the day my mother died. The only clothes I had were the one's on my person. It really wasn't enough clothes either.

I could see my breath in the chilly air.

I looked up at the moon rubbing my hands together for warmth. Winter had just begun. It was still too early for snow, but I suppose that would be coming soon…

I really hate the cold.

I forced myself to stand up and walk to the restaurants. I peered out of the alley to check for someone but couldn't see anyone. I snuck to their dumpsters at the back and looked through it for food. I found old noodles and quickly shoved them into my mouth. I looked for rags or anything that I could use for warmth.

The owner noticed me searching through his trash and quickly chased me off. I ran until I felt as if I would faint. I went into an alley to lean against the wall and catch my breath. I didn't even understand why I was trying so hard to survive. It wasn't like I particularly wanted to.

Right now, my only purpose was delivering this envelope.

After that, I had no plans.

I walked through the town and heard someone speaking, "Did you hear? Queen Luna is visiting the Academy again."

"Of course I know! There were so many guards in the city, it had to be because of her!"

My face lit up from the information.

The Academy! If I can't get her to come out of the Palace, I just need to meet her outside!

I rushed to the Academy and could see many people crowding around. I jumped in the air to see, but soon got too dizzy. I stepped away and noticed a tree along the Academy's wall. I quickly climbed it and used it to see over the extremely high concrete wall. From the tree limb, I could see Queen Luna walking with the guards watching her.

I learned forward in anticipation and felt my hand slip. I plummeted to the ground and winced from the pain of landing wrong. The guards heard me fall and rushed over, "Stop there!"

They forced me to stand up and I shouted and flailed in their arms. One hit me, "Hey! Stop resisting or we will kill you!"

"No! I need to see Queen Luna!"

The Queen heard the commotion and came over. When she saw how a frail and thin child was being hit by her guards, she frowned. She shouted, "Let that poor child go! What is wrong with you?!"

"B-But my Queen! He could be sent here to hurt you and the Prince!"

She rolled her eyes, "He's just a child. A malnourished one at that. Now let him go."

The relented and released me from their grasp. I rubbed my painful cheek. I looked at her ignoring the pain, "Are you Queen Luna?"

She gave a light nod, "I am."

I felt my shoulders get lighter, "I came here to find you."

It was well known that the Queen adored children. Even if they had the mind of an adult and could not be considered children anymore. She treated every child preciously and lovingly. The guards didn't like it, but they couldn't do anything about it either.

She bent down to my level with a bewitching smile, "Why did you come find me today? Is it because you are hungry? I can treat you to a meal."

I shook my head, "I have something to give you." I pulled out a letter from under my shirt. My dirty hands left imprints on its pure white envelope. I handed it to her, "My mother told me to find you and give you this."

Queen Luna took it in confusion and opened it. She pulled out the letter inside and quickly read it. Her expression turned pale. When she read the contents of the letter, she didn't want to believe it. However, one look into my golden eyes and she knew it wasn't a lie.

She looked at me with a frown, "Have you read this letter?"

I shook my head, "No."

She stared at me closely with a suspicious look.

Ah! I almost forgot to smile. I can't let her think I am not a normal child.

I quickly smiled at her and watched her suspicious look disappear. She clicked her tongue and stood up. The guards looked at her in concern, "What is it my Queen?"

"It's nothing!" She muttered to herself, "What should I do now? I can't just throw him out… It's not his fault that stupid man can't control himself. Should I just send him to a relative?"

At that moment, a small blonde-haired boy skipped over to find his mother. He saw me and quickly squealed in excitement, "You! I found you!"

Queen Luna looked down at him in surprise, "You know who this is?"

He nodded ecstatically, "I do! This is the boy I told you about! He was the one who saved me when I was lost!"

Queen Luna was surprised and looked at me in shock, "Is this true?"

I gave a nod.

She bit her lip and glanced at me. After a moment, she sighed. "How would you like to come have dinner with us?"

I nodded. She held out her hand, but I hesitated.

She raised an eyebrow, "What is it?"

I looked down at my ash covered hands. I was filthy compared to her pristine appearance. I looked away, "I am too dirty."

She was surprised to hear this from such a young child. William grabbed his hand, "Hey! Let's go play hide and go seek! I bet you won't be able to find me!"

Queen Luna sighed, "Prince William, the poor child is hungry. We should return back to the Palace so he can eat first."

William pouted, "Fine! But I am not happy."

She chuckled, "Of course you aren't." She looked at me and motioned, "Come. Let's return."

I nodded and followed after her. She brought me to a carriage and I looked back at her with distrust. How can I be sure this isn't all a trick?

William pushed me in, "Hurry! I want to play already!"

Queen Luna sighed, "Prince William… Where are your manners?"

I shook my head, "I don't mind."

"No. Prince William needs to act more polite."

William puffed out his cheeks, "I am sorry."

I stared at him without expression.

William raised an eyebrow, "What? Why do you keep staring at me?"

I answered in a calm voice, "No noble has ever apologized to me before."

They have only ever hit me or belittled me.

William snickered arrogantly and puffed out his chest, "I guess that means I am just a kindhearted noble."

Queen Luna climbed into the carriage after us shaking her head. I watched out of the window in awe. It was the first time I had ever ridden in a carriage before. As we appeared at the gates, I was surprised to see such a large castle.

William glanced at me, "By the way, what is your name?"

"Dante."

Queen Luna smiled, "Prince William, perhaps you could show Dante to the bath so he can get cleaned up before dinner?"

William nodded, "Okay."

I followed after him and was led to a bathhouse. I washed myself quickly and frowned as I saw the once clear water turn dirty. When I finished, a fresh set of clothes were already waiting for me. I put them on and left. William had been waiting for me in the hallway.

He looked at my clothes, "I see my clothes fit. That's good."

I looked down at the all too regal clothing. I felt stiff in them. I didn't respond before I was quickly dragged off by William. "Come on! Dinner is ready. My mother said that my father is even joining us today!"

"Your father?"