Chapter 1.

In a village far away, there once lived a young girl, Annabella Pomper and her mother, Tracy Pomper. Annabella was a high spirited and playful girl that enjoyed reading books inside with her mother and exploring outside to meet new faces. Mother was a kind, and hard working woman. She diligently worked as a seamstress that would stitch from scratch, outfits and hem up ripped clothing for the local people. Together, Annabella and Mother made a great mother and daughter pair, that seemed satisfied with life.

Annabella and Mother were familiar with all of the people in their small village, Rose Village. Rose Village was a daily winter land, filled with beautiful snow and sparkling snowflakes. They frequently trooped through layers of cold to visit the local market to shop for groceries, greet the local vendors, and try new food items. Annabella would also play ball toss games with other children. The Rose Village and it's people didn't have much. From the outside looking in, an outside community might assume that the village was impoverished due to their lack of embroidered garments, shimmering golden coins, and fine luxurious meals. Though humble, the town and its people were kind hearted, loving, and caring. 

On one very cold and snowy afternoon, Annabella was preparing mushroom soup for the hundredth time, in just one week. Mother was struck with the cold. Her coughing and sneezing was unbearable. Hoping for the best, Annabella gently stirred the soup in the pot. Then, she poured it into a bowl, placed it on a wooden tray. Annabella served the soup to Mother, sip by sip. Mother muttered, “I appreciate the soup Annabella, but I am tired of eating soup for the seventh day of the week. Is there anything else in the kitchen for me to eat.” 

Annabella replied, “No. We have ran out of bread, vegetables, and the last of our meal portions for this week.”

“If only we had a few coins.” Mother proclaimed, “I would feed us better. Really, my daughter. One of these days, we are going to feast like royals.”

“Don't you think those days are over,” Annabella said with a puzzled facial expression. Father…I mean the king, threw us out years ago, before I was even born. No part of Destiny Nation belongs to us anymore. We are so broke, that we are nearly homeless surviving off scraps."

Mother reassured Annabella of their beliefs and work ethic. “Do not forget that we know things will get better, and how diligent we work as seamstresses. One of these days, the snow will melt, my sickness will fade, and the sun will blossom over our faces. We will both strut down the streets with our stomachs filled with the finest strawberry croissants, our pockets filled with the shinniest star engraved golden coins, and our exteriors adorned with the most lavish, embroidered garments.”

Moments later, Mother fell asleep. Annabella cleaned up, and took an evening nap.