Chapter 35: A Day Outside the Palace

Certainly! Here's an expanded version where Aiden, Draven, and Calithea walk a few miles to reach the market, emphasizing the distance and the precautions taken due to their royal status:

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### Chapter 35: A Day Outside the Palace

The royal palace loomed in the distance, its towering spires casting long shadows over the courtyard as the sun began to climb higher in the sky. Aiden stood before the grand entrance, his mask carefully adjusted to conceal his identity, as was customary for royalty venturing beyond the palace walls. Though the air was filled with excitement, Aiden's mind was heavy with lingering thoughts. He had never been outside the palace for such an extended time, and the idea of walking through the bustling streets of the city felt both thrilling and unnerving.

"You ready, Aiden?" Draven's voice pulled him from his thoughts. His cousin, with his wide grin and youthful energy, was practically bouncing on the balls of his feet. The ten-year-old was always eager to explore, and today was no exception.

Aiden nodded, though his thoughts still felt distant. They had a long walk ahead of them—after all, it wasn't safe for the royal family to travel too close to the heart of the city. The path leading out from the palace was carefully monitored by the royal guards, ensuring that no harm would come to the royal children.

Calithea, slightly older than the boys, stood next to them, her posture elegant as always. She adjusted her mask with a subtle grace, her eyes shining with an almost mischievous glint. "Well, it's time to go," she said, her voice laced with both authority and excitement. "Let's see the city through new eyes."

The trio moved toward the palace gates, where their personal guards were waiting, keeping a watchful eye over their every step. Today, however, their presence would remain in the background, as the guards had orders to remain discreet and not draw attention to their charges. The royal family knew that they would be safer blending in with the crowds rather than flaunting their status.

The walk from the palace to the market was not short. In fact, it was a good few miles—through winding roads, past the grand gardens that surrounded the palace grounds, and down into the city's outskirts. As they moved, Aiden couldn't help but notice the stark difference between the inner sanctum of the palace and the more rugged areas that surrounded it.

The path was bordered with tall, ivy-covered stone walls, giving way to glimpses of everyday life in the kingdom. Farmers plied their trade, soldiers moved in disciplined groups, and children played in the open fields. Yet, despite the lively atmosphere, Aiden felt the weight of his position keenly. His past life echoed in the back of his mind—the empire he had once ruled, the endless expanse of wealth and power at his fingertips, and the crushing betrayal that had followed. The royalty of this world, of this life, seemed so fragile in comparison.

Draven, however, remained unaware of Aiden's inner turmoil. His footsteps were light, his laughter filling the air as he joked with Calithea about the wonders they would see in the market. "Bet I can find the best food there!" he boasted, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "You two won't stand a chance."

Aiden gave a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. He couldn't deny the pull of curiosity within him—the desire to experience the world as it was now. Yet, the reality of his past life—of his immense power, his empire, and the untold betrayals—felt like a weight that refused to loosen its grip.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, they reached the entrance to the market. As they neared, the crowd began to grow more dense, and Aiden could hear the sounds of merchants haggling, children laughing, and the clatter of carts rolling over cobblestone streets.

The market wasn't a short stroll from the palace—no, this area was strategically located a few miles away, in the more populated part of the kingdom, but far enough that no immediate threat could reach the heart of the royal family. The city's layout was designed to keep the royals safe while still allowing them a glimpse of everyday life. This distance also allowed for a controlled, monitored entry—an extra layer of security that only those of royal blood could truly understand.

Calithea led the way, her elegant steps making her appear almost regal even in the crowded streets. "Alright, let's see if the rumors about the food here are true," she said, her tone teasing as she pulled both Aiden and Draven along.

The market was alive with color. Stalls of various shapes and sizes stood in rows, selling everything from spices to silks, from rare elixirs to intricate jewelry. But Aiden's mind wandered, as it often did these days. As he walked through the streets, his eyes darting from vendor to vendor, he couldn't help but think of the world he had once ruled. The memories of that past life were still sharp—he could feel the weight of his lost empire, the betrayal of his father, the cold, empty halls of his palace.

It was a stark contrast to the warmth of this place—the vibrant sounds of life, the hum of conversation, the joy in the air. The people here were free, their lives simple and unburdened by the immense pressures of ruling kingdoms and conquering lands. For a brief moment, Aiden envied them, wishing he could forget the echoes of his past.

Draven, completely oblivious to Aiden's thoughts, continued to rush from stall to stall, eagerly pulling out coins to buy trinkets, sweets, and knick-knacks. Calithea followed at a slower pace, her eyes scanning the market with a practiced air. She caught Aiden's hesitation and slowed her pace to match his.

"You're quiet today," she remarked softly, her voice carrying a tone of concern. "What's on your mind?"

Aiden blinked, snapping out of his reverie. "Nothing," he said quickly, though the lie was obvious. "Just... taking it all in."

Calithea raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced, but she didn't press further. Instead, she gestured toward a nearby stall where vendors were selling beautiful, intricately designed wooden carvings. "Come see this," she suggested, a knowing smile on her lips. "I'm sure you'll find something interesting."

Aiden nodded, though his thoughts remained distant. As they moved deeper into the market, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching them, waiting for the right moment to reveal itself. But for now, he had to focus on the present. The world outside the palace, the simple joy of exploring with family, was something he could afford to savor—at least for today.

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