The reporter's eyes scanned the royal palace with disgust. She couldn't believe the opulence that surrounded her while so many of the kingdom's people were starving and living in squalor. As she waited for the ruler to arrive, she rehearsed the questions she planned to ask.

Finally, the ruler entered the room, dressed in finery and surrounded by courtiers. The reporter felt a surge of anger and spoke up immediately.

"How can you live like this, surrounded by luxury while your people suffer?" she demanded.

The ruler smiled condescendingly. "My dear, you don't understand the responsibilities of ruling. It's not easy to balance the needs of the people with the needs of the kingdom."

"The people's needs are basic," the reporter shot back. "Food, shelter, clean water. Is it too much to ask that they have these things?"

The ruler's face hardened. "You don't understand the realities of ruling," he repeated. "The truth is that the crown is made of the people's bones and hunger. Sacrifices must be made for the greater good."

The reporter felt a shiver run down her spine at the ruler's words. It was clear to her that he had no intention of changing the status quo. She knew that something had to be done to help the people, but she wasn't sure what.

As she left the palace, the reporter made a vow to herself. She would find a way to expose the ruler's callousness and bring the kingdom's poverty to the world's attention. She knew it wouldn't be easy, but she was determined to make a difference.