Chapter 9 - The Market

King Alexander entered the grand hall of the castle, accompanied by his heir, Prince Sebastian. They made their way to the center stage and took their places on their respective thrones. As they did, all the guests rose to their feet; the women curtsied, and the men bowed their heads in a show of respect for the royals. The King's relatives, seated in prominent positions within the hall, watched the proceedings with attentive eyes.

King Alexander stood and addressed the assembly, delivering an inspirational message to his subjects. He spoke of the ceremony's rich history and significance, highlighting its importance to their culture and heritage. As he concluded his speech, a torch was ceremoniously lit, marking the official commencement of the event. The hall echoed with applause, and a sense of excitement filled the air.

Following the King's address, the guests indulged in an evening of sumptuous food and drink. Laughter and conversation flowed freely, creating a festive atmosphere. However, the celebration at the castle was brief, as the royal family was needed in Perstone City, where the citizens awaited their arrival. After the commencement at the castle, the festivities were set to continue in the heart of the city, at Perstone City Center, where an even grander celebration was planned.

The young Prince Sebastian did not touch any of the food at the party, his mood visibly sullen. He sat on his throne with his arms crossed and a look of boredom on his face. Eager for their visit to the city, he silently willed the party to end quickly. His mind wandered to the thought of the delicious foods awaiting him in the city, and he felt his stomach begin to grumble in anticipation.

Not far from him stood Larry, his guard attendant, who noticed the prince's lack of appetite. "Perhaps he was reprimanded by his father again," he speculated. Concerned, Larry decided to bring his favorite dish to cheer him up. Approaching the prince with a hopeful smile, he presented the food to him. However, Prince Sebastian shook his head. "I will eat in the city later. I'm not in the mood to eat now," he declined gently.

At the back of the castle, Theresa stood watching her daughter, Madeline, who was busy helping load items into the carriage. Sarah, noticing her friend's serious expression, playfully remarked, "Why so serious? Madeline is just going to the town; she'll be back soon with her wonderful stories. You look as if she's leaving with her husband already."

Theresa gave her friend a stern look in response. "This is her first time going outside the castle walls. I'm just worried. In fact, that child is quite mischievous," she said with a sigh. After a moment, Theresa added more softly, "But you're right, she'll be alright."

"Thank you, Sarah," Theresa expressed her gratitude to her only friend at the castle.

"For what?" Sarah inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"Karina mentioned that she saw you talking to Miss Emilia earlier. I know you put in a good word about Madeline so she could go out tonight," Theresa explained. Sarah smiled in response but then spoke in a serious tone, "I know it's not my place to intrude, but Madeline will be turning eight this year. Maybe it's best for you to tell her about her father. She asked me about him last night, hoping I knew something since you're not telling her anything."

Theresa's expression softened, and she sighed deeply. "I know, Sarah. It's just hard for me to find the right words. She's still so young, and I want to protect her for as long as I can," she admitted. Sarah gently placed a hand on Theresa's shoulder. "I understand, but she's growing up fast. She deserves to know about her father".

Theresa looked at her friend with a serious expression. "We should head back. Miss Emilia will be looking for us soon," she said, skillfully avoiding the topic.

Before long, the royals, accompanied by a selected group of servants and guards, prepared to depart for Perstone City. This vibrant heart of the Carthage Empire was where the eagerly awaited Helios Ceremony would take place. The significance of the occasion hung in the air, creating a reverent silence among those readying themselves to leave the castle. The anticipation was palpable, each person feeling the weight of the moment as they moved with quiet purpose.

The carriage Madeline was riding in was a worn-out one, typically reserved for the servants. Despite its condition, Madeline found herself seated at the back alongside two other servants: a female maid and a male attendant. The seats were nothing more than wooden benches without any cushioning, making the journey rather uncomfortable. The carriage itself was enclosed, with only a small window at the back offering a limited view of the outside world.

Madeline positioned herself strategically by this tiny window, eager to catch glimpses of the passing scenery. The prospect of visiting the town filled her with excitement, and she daydreamed about the possibility of making a quick trip to Perstone City. The idea of witnessing the grand celebration there, even for a brief moment, was thrilling to her. 

More than anything, Madeline was eager to reunite with her friend, the prince. The thought of seeing him again brought a smile to her face and made the bumpy ride more bearable. Despite the discomfort of the journey, her anticipation for the adventures ahead kept her spirits high. But she glanced at her companions and wondered if they would permit her to make a brief trip to Perstone. If they didn't, she pondered, 'How can I slip away from them?'

The male servant noticed Madeline staring and uttered, "Hey, kid, what are you looking at? Your expression tells me you're planning something, aren't you?" His tone was curious but laced with suspicion. "Don't try any funny business," he added, giving Madeline a knowing look that made her frown.

"I am not plotting anything," Madeline softly replied, turning her gaze away to avoid his scrutiny. "Did you say something?" the man vociferate, narrowing his eyes as if trying to read her thoughts. His persistent questioning made Madeline feel uneasy and defensive.

Betty, the female maid, sighed deeply and intervened. "Hey, Alex, leave the kid alone. You sound like a child," she reprimanded him, her voice firm but tired. Alex only smirked and shook his head in response, amused by the exchange. Betty's intervention brought a brief respite for Madeline, who silently appreciated the support.

Unfortunately, Madeline's route did not coincide with the prince's, as they were headed to the empire market located in Ardiell Town. This town was near Perstone City but not quite close enough for her to easily slip away. When the carriage stopped in the town, the servants disembarked, ready to begin their tasks. "Madeline, you will come with me to buy the supplies we need, and you," Betty said, pointing to the male servant named Alex, "stay here with the carriage. We'll meet you afterward."

Betty had been instructed to oversee their mission and took her role seriously. She began to walk briskly, preparing the notes that contained the list of goods they needed to procure in the market. In her hand, she clutched a bag of coins dedicated to their task, making sure everything was in order before they set off.

Madeline silently followed Betty into the bustling market. As they navigated through the crowded streets, she looked around, fascinated by the vibrant atmosphere and the throngs of people. The sights, sounds, and smells of the market were a delightful distraction, momentarily taking her mind off her thwarted plans to visit Perstone City and meet the prince.

The market was a bustling hub of activity, teeming with vibrant colors and the lively sounds of commerce. Stalls lined the cobblestone streets, offering a variety of goods from fresh produce and exotic spices to handmade crafts and textiles. The air was filled with the rich aroma of baked goods and savory street food, enticing passersby to indulge in local delicacies. Merchants called out to potential customers, their voices mingling with the laughter of children and the chatter of townsfolk. The market was a kaleidoscope of movement and energy, reflecting the diverse and dynamic spirit of Ardiell Town.

The stalls' displays fascinated Madeline, and the bustling crowd made her wonder if Perstone City was just as lively. Betty and Madeline visited a stall that sold fabrics, where Betty bought some colorful cloths and placed them in the bag she was carrying. They also stopped by the fruit section and purchased a variety of fresh produce. After an hour of shopping, both were loaded down with bags full of goods. "I should have let Alex accompany us," Betty grumbled under her breath.

The pair then headed to the vegetable section to continue their shopping. Betty noticed that Madeline was lagging behind and turned to face her. "What are you doing? We're not here to take a tour!" she scolded. Handing the bag of coins to Madeline, she added, "Here, take this and make sure it's safe. I already have too many bags."

While Betty was selecting the best carrots to buy, Madeline stood behind her, clutching the bag of coins. Suddenly, a shout rang out in the distance, causing the crowd to scatter. Several men were seen running, chasing someone. Amidst the commotion, Madeline accidentally bumped into a boy about her age, causing her to fall to the ground. Betty quickly helped her up, asking worriedly, "Are you alright?"

Madeline saw the boy running away without even glancing back at her. "What a rude boy, not even saying sorry," Betty muttered. Just then, two town guards and several townsmen rushed past them. Madeline overheard a vendor nearby exclaim, "That thief! He must be punished!" Thief? Madeline's face paled as the realization hit her. She quickly checked for the bag of coins and noticed it was gone.