Joy sat there letting everything process in her head.  Amber can dream of the future…

“Wait, so you think that the king and queen are going to be killed?”  Joy asked.

“Well… I mean I never had a dream like it before.  Sometimes I dream of small things like what dinner will be, or sometimes I dream of the weather.  One time I dreamt of my aunt’s surprise visit and she visited a couple of days later.”  Amber shrugged, “I never dreamt of something so…” Amber didn’t complete her train of thought as the images played through her mind.

“So it could just be a dream?” Joy questioned.

“I hope so… but I have had this dream for a couple of nights now…” tears were starting to form.  “Oh God… my parents,” Amber was about to start to cry when Joy stopped her.

“It could have been a bad dream… you might be under a lot of stress and had the same dream due to the pressure.  Besides you said it yourself you might not be able to dream of the future,” Joy told her trying to get her to see reason.

Amber held back a sob.  “Well… I have had some dreams not come true… there was that one time when I dreamt of a cat jumping through my window; that never happened.  Oh and there was that time I dreamt of Mary tripping down some stairs, but that never happened either.  You could be right Joy, maybe it was just a dream.” 

“See? Even if someone does attack Arken, there would be no way they could defeat your father or the countless kingdoms that have united with you.”

For a moment Amber didn’t say anything and then a smile appeared on her face, “Your right.  My father even said that the castle was impenetrable.”  Amber let out a small relieved sigh, “It has to be a dream… yeah it was just a dream… Oh no!”

“What!?” Joy said panicky.

Amber covered her mouth, “I still don’t know what to get Henry.”

Joy let out a relieved breath.  “Well what does he like?”

Amber put her hand on her forehead as she started to think.  “I’m not really sure what to get him… I mean I could go out and search the market for something?”

Joy would help if she could but she never really knew much about children or anything nice about them at least.  The only thing she could recall was a tall she was told when she was young.  Her family met up with a stranger who was also looking for a place to stay.  That night he told them a tale.  The man was with another group of little people when they were looking for a place to stay.  They found a place in a house and planned to stay the night until they could travel the next day.  They all were sleeping when there was a noise and a giant child was there.

Thinking the child would be different from its parents, a man in the group went to the child to greet him.  Before he could say a word, the child lifted his foot and brought it down without a thought smashing him to a pulp.  The rest of the tinies stood there in pure shock, all except one.  The man telling the story didn’t wait and took off running.  The other barely had time to react as the child let out a playful laugh and started to grab and step on the unlucky tinies still standing there.  The man said that he heard the screams of some of his best friends as the child mercilessly slaughtered them.  The few that survived didn’t last long as the child took his time ‘playing with them’. 

The man told her parents and her that if there was one thing worse than those giants it is the children they bear.  Shaking his head the man then proceeded to sleep mumbling something to himself.  Joy didn’t want to believe what the man was saying to be true, but she never met a child to compare the story too.  

“Joy?  Are you ok?”

Joy quickly shook her head to get rid of that memory.  “Just thinking of something that’s all; yeah you should try the market.”

“Do you want to come with me?”

Joy shook her head no, “I’d rather not.  I wouldn’t be any help to you.”  There was another reason she didn’t want to go.  If there was one place her parents forbid her to go more than the castle it was the market.  Thousands of people crowded into one area running around buying things or stealing; it was no place for a tiny. 

“Oh,” Amber said disappointedly.  “Ummm so where should I put you until I return?  Is the dresser ok if I leave a gap for you?”

Joy nodded, “Yeah just don’t forget about me this time, ok?” She said with a laugh.

“I wouldn’t dare,” Amber said with a smile.  “Let me just get some food for you encase I’m gone longer than I plan.”  Amber put Joy in the same drawer in her dresser as last time and went to get some breakfast for both of them.  She returned and found Joy asleep.  Not wanting to disturb her, Amber placed the small amount of food she saved in the drawer next to Joy.  Then quietly Amber got dressed in fitting clothes as she got ready to head out to the market.

She was about to leave when a maid stopped her.

“Your majesty, where are you going,” Mary asked.

Slightly startled Amber turned to face Mary.  “Oh, Mary you startled me.  I’m heading out to get a present for Henry at the market.”

Mary gave her a concerned look, “Your majesty I don’t think you should go.  Your father wouldn’t want you to leave the castle without permission.”

Amber gave Mary a pleading look, “I know he wouldn’t but I have to go and get a present for Henry before he wakes up.”

Mary didn’t say anything; letting out a sigh, “Ok, your majesty, but I’m coming along with a guard for safety.”  Without any objection Mary found a guard to follow them to the market.  Amber was glad Mary caught her before she left.  In fact she could help pick out the present for her brother. 

Henry opened his eyes… he felt tired after last night.  Closing his eyes he began to drift back to sleep.  Suddenly he remembered what Amber told him last night… she had a gift for him.  Excited he got out of bed and got dressed.  Quickly he ran down the hallway to Amber’s room.  Knocking lightly on the door he opened it.

“Amber?” he whispered peeking into her room.  “Amber, are you up?”

Henry looked around the room but didn’t see her anywhere.  Opening the door slightly more Henry stepped into his sister’s room.  Her bed was still messy, meaning that she must have just gotten up.  Planning on waiting for his sister to return Henry was about to head out of the room, when something caught his eye. 

It was his sister’s dresser, and it was slightly opened.  Biting his lip, he decided it wouldn’t hurt to take a peek at why it was open.  Approaching the dresser he peered into the open drawer and let out a soft gasp.  In the drawer was a tiny person.  Henry felt excited at the sudden discovery.  Looking around to see if his sister was back yet, but she wasn’t.  Was this his present?  It had to be.  Smiling he reached in and picked up the tiny person.

As soon as he picked up the person, she woke up.  He looked down at the girl and smiled happily at her, “I’m going to have fun with you.”  Not wanting to waste any time he quickly put the tiny person in his pocket and quickly left his sister’s room and headed to his bedroom.  Thoughts ran through his mind of what he was going to do with her…

Amber felt her gut do a flip when she reached the market.  It was crowded beyond her wildest imagination.  The guard that was with her stayed behind her just a couple of feet; enough to give her space yet enough to react if anything were to happen.  Amber looked around at all that the market had to offer: food, clothes, jewelry, weapons, toys, dishes, and more. 

She was surprised at everything she saw, until she headed deeper into the market.  The deeper she went the worse it got.  She saw people selling tiny people in jars.  Some of the tinies were screaming for help (while no one listened), others tried to break their container, but most just sat there looking defeated.  Amber felt horrible at the way they were being treated and was about to do something when she heard a tiny scream. 

It came from deeper into the market.  Heading toward the sound she heard, she found a group of people sitting around a table were there were two tiny people in the middle.  Each one had a small weapon in their hands as they were fighting.  One of them had a wound causing him to bend over letting out a moan of pain.  The crowd of people were shouting and yelling for him to be finished.  Without hesitating the tiny person ran up and killed the man with his weapon.  Half the crowd burst into joy, while other let out sounds of disappointment.  A man went around handing out money and collecting it.

“Next bet in 15 minutes.”

Backing away, Amber covered her mouth at what she just saw.  These people were placing bets on a fight to the death using little people as animals.  It was horrible.  Quickly she turned around and saw a stand where a man was selling some food.

“I got your tinies: roasted, diced, cooked, chopped, or even stewed!  How you want, I got it!”

Amber looked at the stand.  She nearly threw up.  Right in front of her was dozens of tinies displayed in multiple ways.  It made her sick.  Quickly she headed away from that part of the market.

“Your majesty, are you alright?”  Mary asked catching up with her.

“Yeah, I … how can anyone do something like that to another person regardless of their size?”

Mary gave her a grim look.  “You mean the tinies?  Some people don’t view them as other people.  It is how our kingdom has grown.  Without the tinies we would most likely be a small kingdom, or part of another kingdom.”

“What about you Mary?  Have you ever… eaten a tiny?”

Mary blushed slightly, “I… tried it once.”

Amber let out a gasp, “Why?”

“I was young, and my parents bought some as a present for my birthday.  They saved up for weeks to buy them for me.  To tell you the truth your majesty… it wasn’t bad.”

Amber felt appalled.  Never would she have thought that her maid, one of the nicest people she ever met, could have killed a tiny. 

“Your majesty, I think I found something the young master would like.  There was a necklace I saw a few stands back that I think he would enjoy very much.”

Amber didn’t say anything and just nodded as Mary showed her to the stand.  She was right it was a very nice necklace.  The necklace was in the shape of a blade.  The blade was made of a metal colored ruby red, while the hilt was of gold.  Amber thought Henry would enjoy the gift very much and bought it.  Finished shopping for henry Amber decided they should head back.  She was grateful that Joy didn’t come with her.  The things she saw today would have horrified Joy worse than her.  Luckily she was sleeping peacefully in her drawer away from any danger…

Joy was too scared to move.  The last thing she remembered was a hand grabbing her and ripping her out of her safe little haven.  Then there a boy who said he was going to have fun with her, and was placed into his pocket.  Her guess was that the boy was Henry, but why did he grab her?  Did he think she was his gift?

Trying to calm down, Joy tried to reassure herself that everything will be fine.  If Henry was anything like his sister she shouldn’t have anything to worry about.  She will just have to tell him that she isn’t a gift, and needs to return her to Amber.

As soon as she thought it out the top of her cloth prison opened up and light shined in.  It was quickly blotted out by a hand which proceeded to pick her up.

Joy was scooped up and held in a tight fist, she then was placed on a night stand next to a bed where a boy stood there staring at her with a gleam in his eyes.

“Umm… hi Henry,” Joy said slightly scarred.  For some reason she couldn’t shake the feeling of nervousness. 

A smile spread across his lips, “You know my name!”

“Your sister told me about you.  It’s nice to meet you, I’m Joy.”  Joy said with a smile.

Before she could react Henry picked her up and brought Joy to his face.  “Wow… I hope you last longer than my last tiny.”

Those words made Joy’s heart shatter into a million pieces.  Dread filled her body as Henry walked with her in his hand.  Trying to think of a way out she tried to tell him the truth.

“Henry!  Henry, you need to listen to me!  I’m not a toy!  I’m a friend of your sister’s!”

Henry didn’t look at her as he shook his head, “No you’re not.  My sister told me she had a present in her room for me.  That’s you.”

“No, you’re wrong.  Amber went to go get your present while you were sleep-”

Joy was cut off by Henry squeezing her tight.  He gave her a hard look as she tried to get air, “You’re lying.  I hate liars,” he squeezed a little harder to emphasize his point.  “My sister wouldn’t lie to me.  Now since you’re my new toy, I’ll forgive you this once but if you lie again I’ll have to punish you.”  Then he put on a smile as he released his squeezing, “Now what game do you want to play: Soldiers or hide and seek?”

Joy didn’t know what to say, so she didn’t say a word.

“Well if you’re not going to pick I’ll pick for you… Hide and seek!”

Joy quickly realized it was her chance to escape from Henry.

Henry quickly placed Joy down on the ground, “I’m going to count to 20 and then I’m going to look for you.”  Henry closed his eyes and started to count slowly.

Joy quickly looked at the door and noticed that it was too far away, but she figured she wouldn’t make it anyway.  So she did a quick 360 and got a quick view of her surroundings.  There were a couple of chairs, his bed, night stand, dresser, and a book shelf.  Most of them either didn’t provide enough cover or were too far away, all except his bed.  Not wasting any more time Joy quickly ran to his bed.  She had 11 seconds to hide.  Quickly she reached the bed when Henry said 3.  Grabbing the bed post she started to climb up under the frame of the bed.

“Ready or not here I come, Joy!”

She stopped mid climb at Henry using her name.  Well on the bright side at least he remembered her name.  That didn’t change much as she continued to climb.

Henry quickly uncovered his eyes.  He was so glad to have another tiny.  He didn’t really have anyone to play with after what happened with his last one.  His sister was nice but she rarely played with him.  His father only taught him how to be a king and how to run the country when he grows up.  Now he didn’t have to be bored anymore, now he has a new toy to play with.  Quickly he went to his bed to check if she was there.  Lean down he looked under the bed and found… nothing.

Slightly disappointed he got up and looked around some more.  He checked under his night stand, all over his bookshelf, he even moved his chairs to see if she was hiding there; nothing.  Worried that maybe she got away from his room he was about to walk out when he heard a shout from under his bed.  Smiling, he quickly looked under his bed and saw what he was looking for.

Joy held her breath as she didn’t move an inch when Henry’s face appeared.  Luck was on her side because the light cast a shadow over her preventing him from seeing her.  The moment he left she started to climb higher to hide under the mattress and the wooden boards under the bed.  She nearly got to the top when her hand slipped and she nearly fell.  Unfortunately for her she let out a yelp.  Before she could continue her climb there was a hand that came out of nowhere and wrapped around her.

“Got you!” Henry let out a playful laugh, “that was fun.  Let play again!”

Joy let out a gasp as she felt her leg give out a protest, “Ow!  My leg!”

“Huh,” Henry said as he opened his hand and saw Joy grab her thigh and started to rub it.  Henry didn’t know that he accidently injured Joy.

“Let me help,” he said as he took his finger and started to push on her thigh.  Henry started to rub Joy’s thigh.  As he rub his finger got closer to Joy’s lower region and he accidently started to rub into her.

Joy let out a startled cry as she felt Henry touch her in her most sacred spot ever.  “Henry!  St-st-stop!”  Joy tried to move out of the way of his finger but she couldn’t move anywhere as he continued to follow her.  “Henry!  Please stop!” 

“Don’t worry, I can help,” he said desperate to help his new toy and not to let it get damaged.

Joy again tried to squirm out of the way but it was useless as Henry continued to rub her oblivious to what he was doing.  Then it happened.  Joy let out a gasp as she shuddered from the constant stimulation to her lower region.  Henry stopped; thinking he made it worse, he watched as Joy spasm in his hand. 

“Are you ok-“

“HENRY!”

Henry turned around to she is sister in his doorway.  “Sister,” Henry said as he felt fear rise in him.  What if sister found out he broke his new gift?  She would hate him.  “I… I’m sorry Amber I didn’t mean to hurt her!”

Amber quickly rushed over to her brother. 

Amber returned from shopping and came into her room to show Joy what she bought.  When she looked in her dresser she found out that Joy was missing.  She quickly looked around and realized that she couldn’t have left by herself.  Quickly she went to find her other maid, Loren.  Asking if she cleaned her room or saw someone enter it; she said that the young master did.  Quickly Amber went to go see if Henry had Joy and to her horror she heard Joy shouting for Henry to stop.  Fearing for the worse she came in and found Henry holding Joy in his hand and had been touching her.

 “Joy!”  Amber gently picked up Joy who looked stun as she held her self.  “Henry!  How could you?”

Henry had tears in his eyes, “I didn’t mean to hurt her!  I.. I just wanted to help her leg and then she… is she ok?”

Amber looked at Joy who was still looking stunned and unresponsive.  “Joy, are you ok?”  Joy didn’t say anything.

Upset Amber looked at her brother, “Henry why would you do such a thing?”

Henry started to cry, “Don’t hate me!  I … I didn’t mean too she got injured and I thought I could fix her.  I didn’t want to break your gift to me!”

Amber was shocked at this, “Gift?  Oh, no.  Henry, look I’m sorry but she isn’t your gift.”

“But you said it was in your room.  I went to your room and you weren’t there, and then I saw her and knew that she was for me.”

“Henry… I went to go get a present before you woke up.  I’m sorry I lied to you but the truth is… I forgot about your birthday.  Here,” Amber said as she handed a small gift to Henry. 

Henry took the box but was still too shocked to open it.  “She was telling the truth?  You did lie to me.”

Amber felt ashamed.  All of this could have been avoided if she didn’t lie to her brother, “Yes, and I’m sorry.  I’m sorry that I hurt both of you,” Amber said trying to get Joy to say something, but she was still staying silent.

Joy felt violated and just wanted to get away from Henry.  Worse Amber saw too.  Joy didn’t know why that bothered her but it did.  Amber must think little of her for letting such a thing happen to her.  She should have gone with Amber to the market, and then none of this would have happened. 

“Joy, I’m going to clean you up,” Amber said.

Joy didn’t respond as Amber carried her out of Henry’s room and toward the bathroom.  Amber found a washing basin and poured some water in it.  “Do you want to be alone,” Amber asked.  Joy nodded and Amber left her to clean herself up.  Amber headed back to Henry’s room where he sat on his bed looking upset.

“Henry…”

“Will she be ok?”

“She will.  She just needs some time to herself.”

“I don’t understand; I wasn’t trying to hurt her.”

Amber let out a sigh, “You didn’t physically hurt her.  You emotionally hurt her.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Well you invaded her personal space and violated her.”

Henry looked shocked, “But I didn’t mean to.”

“I know, but you need to apologies to her.”

Henry looked confused at this, “But she’s a tiny.  Why would I have to apologies to her?”

Amber gave Henry a look, “Because she is a person regardless of size, and you hurt her.”

Henry didn’t say anything for a while.  “Did you really forget my birthday?”

“I’m sorry and I promise never to forget it again.”

Henry smiled and nodded.  He then proceeded to open his present.  Taking out the gift he looked at the necklace.  He was speechless.

“Do you like it?”

“I…I love it.  Thank you Amber,” Henry gave her a big hug.  Returning the hug Amber was glad he enjoyed the gift.  There was just one more thing to do.

“I’m going to go check on Joy.”  Amber went to the bathroom and opened the door.  “Joy?  Are you finished?” 

“Yeah…”  Amber walked over to the washing basin and saw that Joy was all washed up and finished.

“Joy… I’m sorry this is my entire fault.  I should have never lied to my brother and I shouldn’t have left you without a way to escape.  I’m a horrible friend.”

“No you’re not.  You have done more for me than anyone else has.”

“You’re not upset with me?”

“Me?  No.  If anyone should be upset, it should be you.”

“Why would I be upset?”  Amber asked feeling confused.

“It was my fault that all this happened.”

“No, it isn’t your fault!  You couldn’t help it,” Amber picked up Joy and brought her to her face.  “I could never hate you, you’re my friend.”

Joy didn’t know what to say.  While she looked into Amber’s face she could tell that she truly cared for her.  It made her blush.  Never had she had someone care this much about her other than her parents.  Granted in a world that wants to capture or kill you there isn’t much affection, but still…

“And you’re my friend too.”  Joy said.

Amber smiled at Joy.  Taking out of the bathroom she headed back to Henry’s room.  Henry saw Amber return with Joy and he quickly got up from his bed wearing his new necklace.

“Joy, I’m really sorry for everything I did to you!  I know you could never forgive me, but still I’m sorry.”

Joy was shocked.  Henry was apologizing to her. 

“I’m sorry I hurt you both physically and emotionally.  I just wanted to help your leg.”

“How could you be so careless?  Is that how the other tiny died?  You were too careless with him?”  Joy said with disappointed in her voice.

Henry felt shocked, “I- I didn’t mean to be careless with you… I just was excited that’s all.  I don’t have anyone to play with,” he said solemnly. Then he continued, “Did you mean Fred my last tiny?  I didn’t kill him if that’s what you think.  He ran away after I had him for a few weeks.”

“What?” Both Amber and Joy said.

“I didn’t want to tell anyone because I thought father would get mad at me.  So I didn’t say anything about him.”

No one said anything for a while.  Then Joy said, “You have to be more careful with people, regardless of size.  If you promise never to hurt someone else again … I’ll forgive you.”

Henry was speechless.  “I-I promise.”

“You have to keep your word, since you’re going to be king someday.  It’s important to keep promises,” Joy said.

“She’s right, a king must always keep his word,” Amber said.

“I will, you’ll see.”

With that being said Amber left with Joy.  As they were walking back to Amber’s room Amber asked, “Are you really ok?”

Joy didn’t say anything until they reached Amber’s room.  “I’m still a little shocked at what happened today.  Of all the things that could have happen to me, I guess I’m just glad I’m still alive.  In a few days I think I’ll be ok.” 

“I can’t help but feel this is my fault.  I neglected my brother forcing him to want someone to play with.  I should spend some more time with him…”

“…Sometimes it’s more fun to play with more people.”  Joy said sheepishly.

Amber looked slightly shocked, “You mean, you want to play with Henry?”

Quickly Joy started to defend herself, “I mean if your there… I would feel more comfortable, and besides playing hid and seek with only 2 people is boring.”

Amber smiled at Joy, “You know that would mean the world to Henry.  Thank you so much.”  Amber leaned in and kissed Joy on the top of her head.  Joy blushed immensely and looked straight down at her feet.  Joy’s heart was beating madly for some reason.  The only time it did that was when she was in danger, but this… this was different.

Luckily Amber’s stomach broke the silence.  “Oh, sorry.  I guess I’m hungry for lunch.  Would you care to join me?”

Joy couldn’t be happier.  “Of course.”