trip to shadowvail

Here's a rewritten version of the passage with simpler grammar and shorter sentences:

Kat walked down the corridor in a peach dress with floral patterns. The dress flowed around her, skimming her curves. It had a subtle sweetheart neckline and sheer sleeves that showed glimpses of her skin. Her black hair was gathered into a smooth bun at the back of her neck, with a few loose strands framing her face. A small silver hairpin shaped like a crescent moon held her hair in place.

Kat's steps were lighter and freer compared to her first few days in the castle. Her face bore a gentle smile, indicating her cheerful mood, as she made her way to the dining hall. Upon entering, she greeted everyone with a gentle brightness to her tone that everyone didn't fail to notice.

"You seem to be in a really good mood today, Miss Kat," Sebastian remarked as he poured Kat a cup of tea. Kat took a sip of the tea, which tasted as amazing as the first time she had tried it. "I guess so," Kat said with a soft smile, and Sebastian returned her smile. "And what has you so happy?" Kat heard Lucian ask, his gaze shifting to her.

"Oh, I don't know, maybe I just woke up on the right side of the bed today," Kat responded, her tone casual, making Lucian raise a brow at her sudden enthusiasm. "Mmm," he hummed in response before going back to his breakfast. "I think I like this version of you most," Josie commented, making Kat chuckle. "Today is going to be great; I can't wait to show you around Shadow Vail market. There's so much to see and buy; you would absolutely love it," Josie bimmed excitedly.

"I'm looking forward to it," Kat sighed. "It's been so long since I went to the mall or did any shopping."

"Well, I don't know what a mall is, but I can guarantee you would love shopping in Shadow Vail," Josie assured, and Kat nodded with a smile.

After brakefast kat and Josie left for the courtyard where a carriage already awaited them, and they boarded the carriage. The interior of the carriage was luxurious. The soft, velvety cushions were a deep crimson color, and the walls were adorned with intricate golden patterns. The air filled with the sweet scent of lavender.

Kat and Josie sat across from each other, their skirts spread out around them. The coachman pulled the reins, and the horses began to move, carrying them out of the castle gates.

The ride was nice. Kat and Josie indulged in a few conversations, with Kat also looking out the window as they passed trees.

"Does it take a long time to arrive there?" Kat asked, getting a little impatient, as her Lamborghini would have been way faster compared to this.

"No, not really," Josie responded.

Later on, Kat's impatience was met with intrigue as they passed through a village, her eyes gazing out the window at the bustling people. She wasn't surprised to see that, compared to the higher status, their clothes were more plain, and one would know they weren't of high status. Though the village was beautiful, Kat couldn't help but feel like she was in a fairy tale at the moment. Kat stared for a while longer before returning her gaze to Josie, and they continued to converse. After a while, the buzzing sounds of people could be heard.

As they rode, Kat continued to gaze out the window, taking in the sights and sounds of the market. People of all shapes and sizes hurried about, dressed in lavish clothes befitting of their status, either carrying baskets and packages or having servants carry them along.

Her eyes scanned the stalls they passed. She spotted colorful fabrics, glittering jewels, and strange, exotic spices.

The carriage continued on its way, carrying them deeper into the heart of the bustling market.

As the carriage pulled to a stop, Josie was the first to step out with the assistance of a guard, followed by Kat. Kat then noticed two other carriages trailing behind them, also from the castle. She didn't mention it and they proceeded into the market.

"This way, Kat," Josie said, tugging her hand and leading the way.

As they walked, two guards followed behind them, causing people to instinctively move out of their way, recognizing their high importance.

"I wonder who they are?" a lady in luxurious clothing whispered to her friend as she noticed Kat and Josie. "I'm not sure, but they seem quite important," the other woman responded, her gaze shifting to the carriage Kat and Josie arrived in. "Oh my, I think that's the princess. I heard she was back in the kingdom. There's no doubt about it, it's her. She even has her blonde hair," the friend exclaimed excitedly. "Really? I've never seen her. She's so beautiful, they both are. But who's the lady with her?" Murmurs like this continued to circulate among the crowd.

Everyone who made eye contact with Kat and Josie bowed in greeting.

"I know where we can go first. There's a great jewelry store nearby," Josie suggested. "Alright, let's go there," Kat replied, her eyes scanning the bustling market and its stalls. Josie was right; the market was filled with amazing and beautiful vintage items, dresses, and jewelry. Kat's nose also tingled with the smell of freshly baked pastries wafting up her nostrils.

Josie followed her gaze and smiled. "We'll stop for lunch later too," she promised. "You'll love the food here. It's quite different from what you're used to, I'm sure."

As they entered the jewelry store, their eyes gazed in awe. The shelves were lined with glittering gemstones, sparkling diamonds, and intricate gold designs. The shop keeper bowed deeply in greeting " my ladies how many we help you, please we have alot of pieces you would surely love" the shop keeper led the way with a polite smile. " Show us your best three sets Josie said. Right this way your highness.

They were already few people present in the store who's eyes now glued on the two women who just walked in, but they dared not make their gazes noticeable.

The shop keeper led them into a separate room leaving the assistants to look after the rest.

She showed them beautiful necklaces and a silver necklace caught Kat's eye.

"Try it on," Josie suggested, and the shopkeeper obligingly bringing the necklace forward, handed Kat the necklace. As she fastened it around her neck, the silver pendant shone against her skin, " you are extremely beautiful, it's just like the necklace was made for you" the shop keeper complimented truly amazed by Kat's dazzling beauty. "You look stunning," Josie said, smiling.

A smile of mirth came up Kat's lips . She couldn't believe how much she was enjoying herself. The market was so different from anything she had experienced before, and Josie's company made it all the more better.

As they continued shopping, Kat tried on various dresses, admired delicate vases, and sampled sweet pastries. The guards followed discreetly, keeping a watchful eye on them and two other guards joined in, as the first two were now occupied with the mountain of shopping the girls had done. As they tried to steady the bunch of bags and boxes, the guards couldn't help but feel overwhelmed as they were made to escort the two shopping addicts. They had gone to more than 30 stores, but the girls still didn't look anything close to tired, and they worried even three carriages would be enough to contain their shopping.

"Ooh, Josie, look at those cute shoes!" Kat exclaimed, and like lightning, they were already in the store, purchasing the shoes for 3 gold coins.

As they entered the more crowded section of the market, both Josie and Kat strolled deeper into the market, browsing for more items to buy, while the guards struggled to keep up. Josie found herself in a dress shop, while Kat wandered into a book stall; the girls had decided to shop separately for a while. The guard following Kat struggled to keep pace, his hands burdened with a mountain of boxes, making it difficult for him to see ahead. "My lady, please slow down," he said, but Kat didn't even notice his plea, her attention already captured by what to buy next.

Kat's eyes were fixed on a store when she felt a tug on her dress. She looked down and caught sight of a little boy, not more than 8 years old or so. "Miss, please help me," his small voice spoke, accompanied by a pitiful expression as he tugged on her dress again, his eyes starting to well with tears.

The boy was dressed neatly, didn't seem to be of low status, so kat thought to herself he might have lost his parents in the bustling crowd. She bent down to meet the boy at eye level. "What's wrong?" she asked, her voice softening as she gently petted the boy's head, in attempt to calm his welling tires.

"Mama, she hurt her foot and can't get up," the little boy wept.

"Hey there, don't cry, it's okay. Where's your mama?"

The boy pointed to the distance, and though Kat wasn't sure where exactly he was pointing, she pressed on. "Is it very far from here?" she continued to ask.

"It's just over there," he said.

Kat stood up. "Alright, let's go help your mama. I'll be back in a little while, okay? Wait here," she said, without glancing at the guard, and went with the boy.

Meanwhile, the guard, still laden with boxes, heard Kat speak but couldn't discern what she said. "Did you say something, my lady?" He asked But got no reply. He dropped the boxes that blocked his view on the floor next to him, not seeing any sight of the lady anymore. Panic started to grip him. "Look after this," he said, leaving the boxes in the nearest stall. His eyes began scanning for the lady, and he caught sight of her in the distance, holding a little boy's hand, far from where he stood in the crowds. "My lady!" he called out, rushing to her, but his voice was lost in the bustling noise of the crowd. Eventually, he lost sight of her in the crowd.

Panic gripped his soul at the fact that he had lost the king's guest. He recalled Last time, the king's own court men spoke rudely to her and died gruesomely. What was to say of him? He would be chopped to pieces if he didn't find her.

Kat walked through the crowd, hand in hand with the boy, who led her to his mother. "Are you sure you remember where she was?" she asked him, a hint of concern in her voice.

"Yes, miss, she's just right there," the boy affirmed, pointing ahead.

As they approached an alley, Kat's brows furrowed. She hesitated, unsure whether to proceed. However, seeing the bustling crowd passing by without hesitation, she reasoned it couldn't be dangerous and followed the boy. They hadn't walked too far in, as the entrance was still very close.

Kat felt an uneasy feeling wash over her, and she felt a presence. Turning around, she caught sight of two men by the entrance of the alley they had just passed by. She stopped abruptly, and the boy did the same. 'Something isn't right; where did they suddenly come from?' They both stood there with an unsettling smile, that made Kat's skin crawl. One of them take a step closer, his eyes fixed on her with an unnerving intensity.

"You really outdid yourself today," he said, his voice low and menacing. "What beauty." His eyes moved to the little boy next to her, making her also turn her gaze to the little boy.

The boy didn't look up at her, and his gaze continued to stay glued to the floor. "Miss, I am sorry," he whispered.

The boy suddenly let go of Kat's hand and ran forward, passing the two men who didn't stop him and he disappearing into the crowd. Kat's eyes widened in shock. What just happened?. 'What have I gotten myself into this time?' Kat's eyes moved to the entrance, and people continued to pass by, some even looking her way, but no one seemed to have the intention of helping, despite clearly seeing her predicament. they all just walked passed like they didn't notice her.

Kat's hand froze, and she didn't know what to do. If both men were humans, she could handle it and get away from here, but if they were vampires,or something else. she was in big trouble; she could barely survive a single vampire, let alone two. Kat tried to calm herself, her fingers going into her dress pocket and gripping the pepper spray. She started to walk towards the exit, keeping her expression as calm as she could, her shoes clenching against the stone floor with each step.