Nikita peered over the balcony. The view was beautiful, overlooking the entire city. She could even see her old apartment in the center of poverty. She wanted to go home so badly. She sighed.
“Good morning.” Someone greeted from behind her. She turned slowly to see Anthony. The two had been married less than a month. He was the King, and, shortly after their wedding, he insisted she moved into his castle on the highest hilltop.
“Good morning.” She replied glumly, attempting to fake a smile.
“Nikki, you'll see. You were born to this life.” He assured her, wrapping his arms around her waist. She nodded, mostly to herself. She didn't feel like she belonged. Not with him, not with his mansion, not with money. She was born on the streets, raised by the streets. She was happy with her life before.
“I know. You're right. It's just, it's taking a while.” She agreed.
“I understand. This is a culture shock for you, and I don't blame you for feeling out of place. But, I'm here, and I'll support you through this transition.” He assured her. She smiled. She could hear the faint sound of wheels, gradually getting louder. Soon, there was a light knocking at the door.
“Breakfast is ready, your majesty.” A voice spoke loudly from the other side of the door. Anthony slowly opened the door. A young man, maybe in his mid 20's, wheeled a large cart into the room. Nikita sighed to herself. Everyday she had been in the castle, breakfast was served to the room. Breakfast consisted of pancakes, waffles, bacon, sausage, ham, potato wedges, scrambled eggs, well done eggs, white toast, brown toast, and assorted bagels with assorted cream cheeses. The first day, it was like a dream come true. She was used to struggling to make ends meat, and it was more food than she would have normally seen in a month. Now, she had grown weary of it. She missed digging through garbage cans for something to eat. Like a wild animal. She missed being a wild animal.
“Thank you.” Anthony thanked. The man bowed.
“You're most welcome.” He replied, slowly backing out of the room. Anthony fixed himself a plate, sitting down at the large dining table in the master bedroom. Nikita stared at the food for a minute, before sitting down on the edge of the bed.
“Eat, dear.” Anthony coaxed. She nodded.
“I'm just not that hungry this morning. I think I'd like to go for a walk.” She replied. Anthony nodded.
“The courtyard is beautiful first thing in the morning. The rose bushes are lovely.” He commented.
“I'll be back later.” She replied softly, heading out the door. She wandered down the hallway, looking for the staircase. She was still having trouble finding her way through the halls. In her distraction, she bumped into the server who had just left the room, knocking him over.
“Oh, my apologies, your highness.” He muttered. She laughed.
“I bumped into you, it's me who should be apologizing.” She argued. He quickly shook his head.
“I should not have been standing in your way, your highness.” He argued.
“Hey, my name's Nikki. Drop this, highness, queen, majesty junk. That ain't me. I'm from the streets, just like everyone else.” She insisted, holding her hand out. He cautiously accepted the help.
“Yes, you're highness, uh, miss Nikki.” He stuttered. She smiled.
“That's better.” She reinforced. He nodded, nervously.
“Where are the stairs?” She asked him. He pointed down the hallway.
“Thank you.” She replied, dashing off. She almost tripped on the dress she was wearing. Prior, she hadn't even noticed she was wearing a dress. Anthony had bought her an entirely different wardrobe. She missed her leather jacket. It was traded in for an elegance that wasn't fitting to her. Her dress was an off-white shade, with lace trimming and a halter neck. It went down to the floor. She had paired it with short white wedge sandals. She tapped her way down the stairs, into the foyer. There were people shuffling about. He had 4 cooks, 4 maids, 2 butlers, 2 servers, 2 doormen, and a limousine driver. She considered them like his slaves. But he did pay them fairly, and each had a rent-free home within the castle. She looked around the foyer. There were two doors in sight. She guessed one lead to the kitchen, so she headed in the direction of the other one. She pushed the door open with her foot, and headed outside. It was still early, and the sun wasn't quite up yet. She walked down the dirt path to the gates that blocked off the castle, from the rest of the town. There was a man in his late 40's, waiting by the limousine. She paused outside the gates.
"Good morning your highness. Can I be of any assistance?" He asked, bowing. She nodded.
"Can you take me into town?" She asked. He nodded.
"Why on earth do you wish to go to the town, your majesty? Anything you need can be imported into the castle." He assured her. She shook her head.
“I'm looking for something.” She replied. He nodded, opening the back door. She climbed in as he closed it behind her. She heard him muttering, as the gates opened. The road into town wasn't paved. It was a dirt road that felt a little old fashioned. She looked down at her dress. She knew she couldn't go into town looking so formal. She noticed a small tear in the bottom of the lace, and gently tugged. In seconds, the entire dress had unraveled to just above the knees. She nodded to herself. As she was shoving the ripped pieces of fabric under the seat, she felt the limousine jerk to a stop. She noticed there was some commotion outside and heard a brief scuffle. She opened the door to see a middle age-ed man, assaulting the driver with a knife.
“Just what do you think you're doing?” She questioned, approaching the pair.
“No, your highness, stay away.” The driver begged. She laughed.
“Don't worry about me.” She replied. The man let the driver fall to the ground, and he passed out.
“Well, I was just going to rob the man, but, I see something much more valuable.” He answered. She smiled. It sounded like a challenge, and she was in the mood for a fight. He charged at her quickly, but she grabbed his wrists, and bent his arms behind his back. She wedged one of her feet into the crease in the back of his knee and pushed, causing him to drop to the ground. She put her other foot on his shoulder, and kicked him to the ground. She walked around to face him, and stuck her knuckles in his face, proudly showing off the scars she had earned over the years.
“I'm a street rat too, bitch.” She replied, running off towards town. She headed to a local bar she knew was far from legal. The owner server liquor at all hours, never closed, and there was always gambling or fighting taking place inside. It was just the kind of place she wanted to be. She quickly pulled open the door. She felt all eyes on her as she walked inside. She looked around. There was a table of gentleman playing poker in the far corner. Each had a look of shock on their face. She assumed no one recognized her as the Nikki who had been a regular. Everyone thought of her as the Queen now. She casually approached the gentleman behind the bar.
"Hey barkeep. Jack, on the rocks." She ordered. He raised his eyebrow, looking her up and down.
“I'm sorry?” He questioned. She laughed.
“You heard me.” She replied, climbing into on of the seats. He seemed shocked, not taking his eyes off her as he poured her drink. She smiled as he slid it across the bar. She slammed it back.
“Ah, that's the stuff.” She moaned, dropping at $10 bill on the counter. The bartender cautiously grabbed the money. She turned around as she heard the door open. There stood the man who had tried to rob her driver earlier. She stood up, prepared for a fight. The man approached her, sitting down.
“Another for the lady.” He demanded, motioning for her to sit back down. She raised her eyebrow, and the bartender slide her another drink.
"The usual, Mike?" The bartender asked.
"You bet, Rick." He replied. She slowly sat back down at the bar.
"What's the deal?" She asked, motioning to the drink sitting in front of her. He shrugged.
"It's not everyday one meets such a beautiful street rat." He half-complimented. She smiled.
"Besides, a woman has never brought me to my knees before. That's worth more than a drink." He added with a mysterious grin. She leaned back, smiling.
"Is that some sort of offer?" She questioned. He laughed.
"You're a married woman." He replied. She shrugged.
"It's only a couple drinks..." She joked. He nodded, casually looking her up and down.
"What's your name?" He asked.
"Nikita Porter, but you can call me Nikki." She answered, holding out her hand. He smiled.
"Mike Da-Silva. It's nice to meet you, Nikki, though unfortunate for the circumstance.” He replied.
“Oh, you mean holding up my driver?” She asked laughing. He nodded.
“Hey, a man's got to do what a man's got to do.” He replied, shaking his head. She nodded.
“It wasn't that long ago that I was in the same shoes.” She smiled, leaning forward. She held her glass in both hands, taking the occasional sip.
“Tell me, Nikki, how did you come to marry a stiff like Roy?" She laughed, taking another sip.
“I don't really know how it happened. I met him one day while he was in town. I didn't know who he was, not exactly. He seemed really interesting, and fun. I don't know. I don't think there's anything wrong with him. It's just, not my life. I mean, I never wanted to get married. Certainly not to anyone with wealth or power. He just, had a way with words, and before long, I was moving into that stupid castle over looking my home.” She explained. Mike nodded.
“Ah, the food there has to be divine.” He commented, seeming to get lost in his own world.
“I've never seen so much food in my whole life, and it's every morning.” She added. Mike nodded.
“It seems so perfect. I want out of this dump.” He commented, looking around. She laughed.
“Hey, once you're gone, you're going to miss it.” She insisted. He laughed.
“Once a street rat, always a street rat.” They commented in unison. She looked away, slightly blushing.
“Nikki, can I ask you something personal?” He questioned, looking down nervously. She nodded.
“I'm an open book.” She answered. There was suddenly loud shouting from outside.
“What's going on?” She asked, more to herself, though out loud.
“The king's men have come.” She heard a man yelling from outside. Mike and Nikki exchanged a look.
“There's a back door, use it.” The bartender commented, pointing in the direction of the door. Mike nodded. Grabbing Nikki's hand, they bolted towards the door. It opened into a secluded alley way. They ran down the alley until they came out on a small street. Within seconds, they felt a light trickle of water, before the rain started pouring down on them.
“My place isn't far from here.” He commented. She nodded.
“I'd suggest we head there.” She agreed. It wasn't long before they stopped outside a run down house. The outside was done in yellow stucco, and the structure of the building was still in tact. It was obvious that he was squatting in an old abandoned house.
“This is it. Home sweet home. Watch your step.” Mike explained, walking up the stairs. She followed him slowly, careful not to upset the wood barely forming stairs. He lead her up a narrow staircase. There were two doors, and he opened the right one. He had a single mattress on top of wooden braces, and a small table beside it, holding a radio. There was a old trash-bound couch on the other side of the room. A silver bucket sat under a hole in the ceiling. She smiled.
“I know, it's not what you're used to, but...” He stated, opening his arms to show the room. She nodded.
“It's beautiful.” She replied, dropping down on the couch. He sat down beside her.
“So are you.” He muttered, shyly, putting his hand on her leg. He nervously moved closer, pressing his lips to hers. There was a slight resistance, but only for a second. It wasn't long before both of them gave into their animal instincts. Losing themselves in the moment, they thought nothing of the consequences. Hours later, they found themselves, breathless, lying naked in each others' arms.
“That was, everything I had always pictured.” Nikki moaned. Mike sat up, looking down at her.
“Pictured?” He questioned. She sat up as well, nodding. He looked shocked, which made her laugh.
“It's not my first time, it's just, my first time with...” She trailed off, questioning the words she was about to say. Mike hesitated, trying to figure out the sentence.
“Without saying the words, I know what you mean. I feel it too.” He confessed. She kissed him again, before pulling back on her clothes. Mike grabbed her hand.
“I don't want you to leave.” He muttered. She sat back down on the bed beside him.
“I have to.” She answered, sighing. He nodded.
“I still don't want you to.” He repeated. She laughed.
“I'll be back, Mike, I promise.” She assured him. He nodded, walking with her outside. She smiled, waving, as she started her journey. She wandered a different path, taking the long way back to the mansion. She had never had that feeling, and she never wanted to stop feeling it. It was the way she had always imagined 'true love' felt. She whistled as she walked, never being happier in her whole life. She hit the button on the intercom at the gates. The gentleman answering sounded panicked and relieved, as he buzzed the gates open. She slowly walked up the path to the door, looking around. Something seemed different to her. She pushed open the doors, and headed up to the master bedroom Anthony considered his lair. He was standing on the balcony with his arms folded behind him.
“Anthony?” She questioned, slowly walking towards him. He turned around, looking concerned.
“What happened?” He quickly asked, wrapping his arms around her. She shrugged.
“What do you mean?” She asked, laughing.
“I was worried sick. Neil told me what happened with that mugger!” He explained. She nodded. The gentleman driving the limousine had passed out before seeing her kick Mike's ass. She smiled recalling their encounter. She had never been so fond of another person.
“It was nothing.” She answered, casually. He nodded.
“None the less, I'd rather you didn't go into town anymore, and if you must, I won't stop you, but, I'd like you to take an escort.” He proposed. She raised her eyebrow.
“That's silly...” She started to argue.
“Nikki, please... I don't want to lose you.” He answered, looking at the ground. It was the most emotion she had see him show since she first met him.
“Alright.” She agreed, putting her hand on his. He nodded.
“Thank you.” He moaned. Nikki spent the next week just dazed in thought. Nothing around her mattered anymore. She wasn't really there. In her mind, she was in Mike's apartment, in Mike's arms. She wanted to be with him more and more as the seconds passed. She had to see him.
“I'd like to take a walk through town, just, visit the old neighborhood.” She stated.
“You know my terms.” Anthony replied, not looking up from his newspaper. He was reading about the commotion in town the week prior, when he sent the guards into town.
“I understand.” Nikki replied, heading out the door. She was greeted by a fellow she didn't recognize.
“Hello?” She questioned. He bowed.
“Good afternoon your majesty. I'm David. I will be your escort this afternoon.” He replied. She raised her eyebrow, before quickly shaking her head.
“Sure.” She replied, heading down the hall and out the door. She stopped at the gates. David had been only a step behind her ever since she ran into him. She was starting to realize he was not an escort, more of a babysitter. He was sent to spy on her. She knew she had to lose him, but didn't know how.
“Shall we ride?” He asked from behind her. She shook her head.
“I think I'm in the mood to walk, but if you'd rather not come...” She tried persuading.
“I'm also in the mood for a nice walk.” He replied. She smiled, nodding.
“Very well then.” She replied. The gates opened soon after, and she skipped down the dirt road. She soon turned skipping into jogging, and realized David was in bad shape. She started to realize she could easily out run him. She gradually started running faster, and faster, until she couldn't see him anymore. She quickly turned into a back alley, and continued down several more. She found her way to the bar she had met Mike in. She took a deep breath, and slowly opened the door. She was disappointed not to see him anywhere. She sighed, and headed to the bar anyways. The bartender from last time had her drink on the counter already. She sat down, with a slight sulk, slamming the drink back.
“Excuse me, little lady, but, aren't you a long way from home?” A voice called from behind her. She turned around to see Mike standing behind her chair. She jumped up and threw her arms around him. She moved her hands to his face, and pulled his lips to hers.
“Whoa there, tiger. We're still in public.” He commented quietly. She shook her head.
“I just don't care.” She replied, kissing him again.
“Well, if you don't, why should I?” He replied, picking her up, into his arms. They continued kissing.
“Ahem.” A voice coughed. Nikki realized it was the bartender, behind them, and turned around slowly.
“I hate to break up the moment, but, it's only a matter of time before they find out where you are.” He commented. Nikki sighed. He was right. David wasn't far behind, and he was bound to catch up. Nikki looked over at Mike, as a devious smile spread across his face.
“I've got a plan.” He replied, taking her hand. Once again, they ran to Mike's apartment. Nikki felt safe there, with him, even though there was nothing safe about the situation. She didn't hesitate taking Mike out of his clothes, and he was even more eager than she was. They were soon interrupted by a loud banging at the door. Nikki sat up, trying to pull on her dress. Mike slid his pants on, and jumped up. There was a loud bang, followed by a series of footsteps, and the apartment door breaking down. There stood seven armed police officers followed by David.
“Rick told me where I'd find you.” He commented, grabbing Nikki's wrist. Mike stepped forward, greeted by two pistols. Nikki tried pushing David off. When that didn't work, she kicked him. He snapped his fingers, and two officers grabbed her.
“You should have kept your hands to yourself.” David muttered in Mike's direction.
“Michael Da-Silva, you are under arrest for having sexual relations with the queen.” The officers explained. Mike sighed, shaking his head.
“You can't do this!” Nikki yelled. David slapped her across the face.
“Know your place.” He commented. Mike put his forearm up, and bolted forward. A different officer smashed his nightstick into the crease of Mike's neck, knocking the wind out of him. He fell to his knees, and the officer kicked him to the floor. Mike smiled.
“This isn't over Nikki. I promise.” He moaned, as the office hit him unconscious.
“What are you going to do with him?” Nikki asked, as they dragged him away.
“He's to be executed. They don't even do that anymore, but, hey, this is the perfect exception.” David explained, smiling. Nikki's eyes went wide.
“They're going to kill him?” She questioned. David nodded, still smiling.
“Yes. That's what happens when you fornicate without the consent of the king.” He joked.
“And me?” She asked, quietly.
“You'll be sent to the holding cell in the castle, with two guards supervising at all hours. I'm not sure what King Roy intends to do with you after.” He replied. She was soon shoved in the back of the limousine. When they arrived at the castle, Anthony was no where in sight.
“Where's Anthony?” She asked. David shrugged.
“He doesn't want to see you. I don't understand why he doesn't just execute you like the other street rat, after all, you're both just garbage. Who would care?” He commented. She shook her head. David stayed in the foyer, as the officers dragged her to holding cell. She was thrown in, and the door locked behind her. She smashed on the bars repeatedly. After a full hour of yelling, she dropped down on the floor with her back against the wall. She thought over all the bad decisions she had made in her life. She thought about all the times she had stolen, lied, cheated, deceived. Then, she thought about the decision of adultery, and smiled. It was the best decision she had ever made. If there was anything worth dying for, this was it. The way he made her feel, was worth dying for. She laid her head against the wall, and closed her eyes. Her peace was disrupted by a loud bang. She jumped up to see Rick, holding the key. He had blood on both of his hands.
“I couldn't forgive myself for standing in the way of...” He started. She shook her head.
“More important things at matter, Rick. They're going to kill him.” She explained, bolting past him. He grabbed her wrist, and pulled her in another direction. There was a tiny window at the other end.
“Climb up.” He insisted, getting on his hands and knees.
“Are you sure?” She questioned, looking around. He nodded. She put her foot on his back, and lifted herself up to the window. She tried to push it out as quietly as possible, but the glass broke as it hit the ground. She pulled herself through the frame, and dashed off. She wasn't sure where they were holding Mike, but she had an idea. She continued running until she came outside the courtyard entrance. There was a large platform in the middle that had once been used for hanging criminals. Given the situation, she guessed they might commit the act there. She dropped down to the ground, and crawled along the hedges. She knew, even from the balcony, she couldn't be seen. She tried to stay aware of her surroundings, and listen for any noise. She noticed four officers dragging Mike down the path. He had both wrist and ankle cuffs on. She looked around to see if there was anything else, but as far as she could tell, there wasn't. She tried to contemplate her next move, but her emotions acted before her head could. She bolted out of the hedges, tackling two of the officers to the ground. Luckily, for her, both guards hit their head, and fell unconscious. Mike knocked his head against the third officer, knocking him unconscious, and spun around quickly grabbing the fourth officers gun out of it's holster. Nikki grabbed the pistols from the two officers she had tackled.
“Unlock it.” Nikki demanded, aiming the guns at the fourth officer. He reluctantly shook his head, and unlocked the handcuffs on Mike's ankles and wrists.
“Why are you doing this?” The officer asked, as he backed away. Nikki and Mike exchanged a look.
“That's none of your business.” Mike answered, putting his arm around Nikki's waist.
“We've got company.” He added, motioning forward. There were a countless amount of officers, closely following Anthony down the path. He shook his head as he approached the two.
“Oh, Nikita, what are you doing?” Anthony muttered.
“I can't let you kill him. I can't. It's just not fair. I was just as much a part of this. I won't let you kill him.” Nikita argued, clutching the gun in her hand.
“I'm afraid the decision has been made, and there's nothing you can do.” He insisted.
“Then, I'll die alongside him.” She answered sternly. Anthony shook his head.
“Is this the path you're choosing?” He asked quietly. She nodded.
“Yes.” She replied verbally.
“Fine. Kill them both.” Anthony instructed, turning around. Nikki sighed.
“That didn't go the way I planned.” She confessed. Mike laughed.
“Did you really think he was just going to let us go?” He asked. She laughed too.
“Actually, I did.” She replied, before sighing. The countless group of officers slowly approached them.
“It looks like this is it, kiddo.” Mike replied, pulling her closer to him. She turned him to face her.
“I'd rather die with you, than live without you.” She stated. He smiled, kissing her.
“I love you, Nikita. I'll always love you.” He announced. She half-smiled.
“Always and never.” She replied, turning to face the officers. She looked down at the pistols in her hand, then back up at Mike. She knew there wasn't a chance at winning, but, she was willing to die trying. She took a deep breath, and pulled up the guns. Mike pulled up the two he had. As a last attempt, she looked around again. She noticed, for the first time, the rope that was already hung from the platform. She observed the distance of the stairs, and how far the rope would swing.
“I have an idea.” She whispered. His eyes followed hers.
“It's worth a shot.” He added. Within seconds, the officers started firing their guns, forcing Nikki to pull the trigger on hers. She quickly bolted up the platform, and swung over the hedges. There was no fence, just open grass. She turned around to check on Mike. He was right behind her. They started running, quickly coming across an old run down truck. Mike smiled, noticing the keys in the ignition.
“Our chariot awaits.” He joked, pointing at the truck. They quickly hopped inside, and started driving.
“Where are we going to go?” She asked, putting her head on his shoulder.
“We'll keep running, if we have to.” He replied, putting his arm around her. She laughed.
“We're going to have to. We're renegades now.” She replied, staring out the window at the open road.
“Then let the road be our kingdom.”