Grooooowl!

"Let's go there next!" I suggested as I tuck the photos inside my purse, it was a small strap bag in flamingo pink and had a black interior that ran along its edges. It also had 2 handles for carry-on that was decorated with 2 hanging pink fluff balls and a green leather leaf.

As I was satisfied with how secure the photos were I focused my attention back to a busy part of the street.

There were different food shops packed with people as it was already lunch time. There were different kinds of food from chicken to meat, to fish and vegetables. Some looked fancy while others were simple but had a wonderful aroma to it and what's worse was that it lingered on my nose making me hungry from running around all day

"How about that place? There seems to be less people there" Monty said recommending a fancy looking restaurant down the street

We were in an area where common food shops were lined up to cater hungry patrons, from children to adults, to men and women.

"No, it's okay. I always wondered why Julien would always sneak out to come here when we were kids."

Julien was such a troublemaker when we were kids, he would often climb up a tree and jump over the castle wall while pretending to be asleep in his chambers, he only got caught once. He was that good! He would return a few hours later bringing all sorts of stuff from outside, toys, food and even stories that the people shared in the streets. It sparked his curiosity however, as we got older and his responsibilities doubled being the King, he no longer had any time to go anywhere else. He was always tied to the duties of being a King ever since, poor Julien

"That's it! I should bring Julien a gift!" I exclaimed excitedly overjoyed by my brilliant idea "I bet he misses all this" pulling back to reality as our memories pass by

*Grooooowl*

"Oppps!" I was startled to hear my stomach growling that hard, it's so embarrassing

"Sounds like we need to eat something first" Monty declared "You get super cranky when you're hungry." he said in a matter-of-fact tone

"I'm not"

"Sure, whatever you say" he was struggling to suppress his smile as he pursed his lips to hide it but his eyes were getting narrower than they already are. "What do you want to eat?" he said changing the topic

"I don't know, can we look around?"

"Sure"

We surveyed the food that were displayed in large pots and pans, there were ones that are only cooked when you order them from a menu

"Do you want to eat food that's already cooked or the ones from the menus?" I asked him as we stood there looking at a list of food being served in one of the shops. I honestly can't decide because we don't have these kinds of problems back in the castle. Our meals are decided and prepared a week in advance depending on everyone's dietary needs except for some occasions

*Grooooowl*

"That wasn't me!" I defensively announced to Monty but seeing his tensed expression gave out the answer "Let's eat here"

"Are you sure? You don't need to sacrifice anything for me."

"No, it's okay. I'm already hungry and besides I have no idea what to choose" I said, leading the way inside and finding us somewhere to sit. I found an empty table facing the kitchen where it was open and you could see them cooking the meals.

"I'll just wash my hands" Monty put down the bags under the table and I took them and placed them next to my feet, holding the handles just to be sure.

The shop was huge and was very open, the kitchen was on the other side of the tables where they had a makeshift roof above them. There were at least 3-4 persons on that side, one was chopping ingredients, another was washing them and a chef aided by another person. The person getting the food was also there going and leaving as he served plates by plates of meals to customers.

I was busy admiring the sight of people when Monty came back. They were eating together, laughing and busy workers that look very energetic seemed tireless as customer by customer came and left, it was like an endless cycle of people

"Have you looked at the menu already?"

"Not yet. Sorry, I got distracted"

"This is the longest you've been out, right?" he said picking up the folded cardboard where different kinds of food are written

"Yes and I think it's interesting at how much freedom people outside of the castle have"

"Freedom is perceived differently by everyone"

"I think life here is lovely" I said full of passion as I gazed at happy faces around me

"It is but it's not always" his words were heavy and full of sadness "Have you decided?"

"I'll just have what you'll have." I don't even know what the words mean written on the menu. Food was mostly served in the castle and I'd only pay attention to its name once I like it

"Are you sure?" he looked skeptical

"Yes"

"You're not going to complain?"

"I promise and I'm already too hungry to be picky"

"Okay" he said before raising his hand to call someone to get our orders when suddenly a man balancing 3 bowls of soup bumped into a man who was busy talking with his friend and wasn't paying attention to his surroundings. The bowls flew into the air towards me, I could hear everyone gasp at that moment.

I prepared myself for the pain as I stared at the flying bowl but suddenly Monty came from nowhere shielding me with his body

"Ahh!" he shrieked quietly making his calming voice cracked in pain as the hot liquid flowed through his back

"Monty! Are you okay?" I asked as I saw his face frown up in pain

"Don't move" he ordered as I was about to stand up to check his back

"I want to check your back" I said as tears slowly flooded my vision

"It's okay. Just don't move please" I could sense the urgency in his voice