Chapter 3:

The blaring sound of horns makes the town people halted to their tasks. One of course is Ysabel who's busy being the runner at a dress maker. She didn't mind being ordered around. A little penny is still a penny at the end of the day. Ysabel's pleading eyes gaze at the owner of which gave her an irritated look but waved his hand of dismissal. She smiled at him and said thanks before hurriedly running to the main road of the town. Almost out of breath, Ysabel pushed past the crowded place that earned her a glare. Embarrassed, she hung her head low but remained on her foot anyway.

As the carriage rolled into the town square, the air buzzed with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Ysabel stood at the edge of the cobblestone path, her heart racing as she took in the sight. The townsfolk gathered around, their faces a blend of awe and curiosity, whispering among themselves about the purpose of the royal visit.

The guards, clad in polished armor that gleamed in the sunlight, maintained a stoic presence, their eyes scanning the crowd for any signs of unrest. The rhythmic clatter of the horse hooves echoed in the stillness, a reminder of the power and authority that accompanied the royal family. Ysabel's gaze was drawn to the intricate details of the carriage—its ornate carvings and the way the gold fabric shimmered, catching the light like a beacon. The golden flag with the emblem of the neighboring Kingdom Edoria . She wondered if King Shidra Edoria himself is the one inside of the carriage.

Maybe Princess Adelaide will be in another marriage proposal? It is the thought of Ysabel and to many who were watching the passing royal carriage until it became distant to their eyes.

***

A few days have passed but none ever heard the news of betrothal in the Kingdom of Sydren. But soon murmurs of worries and uneasiness spread throughout the kingdom when a hundred or more soldiers started to march out of the territory. The purpose is not confirmed for the messenger of the castle yet to inform its people.

"Do you think there is a brewing war Mr. Pinters?"

Ysabel that can no longer contain her curiosity spoke. Though trying to act noncholant her eyes betrayed her. If war does come, the first who'll be receiving the consequences are the commoners of the kingdom.

Mr. Pinters, the dress maker continued to cut a cheap fabric. He slowly lifts his head from his work before sighing and continues from cutting.

"War is enivitable. No matter how many years of peace there is, war is like a shadow of it. Do you think the Royals are but comfortably sitting on their thrones? They are not but like beasts, monsters even. Greedy ,power sucking individuals, just waiting to pounce."

Ysabel was taken aback while staring at Mr. Pinters. His words were spoken casually that she'll think he's just giving his own thoughts about the war. But she felt her heart sink from her chest from the weight of it. It feels like he's speaking of experience. Now tthat she hink about it, Mr. Pinters didn't give any interest to the royal family. Festivities for the high people of the kingdom didn't interest him one bit.

"Enough dilly dullying and start sorting that beads!"

He snapped pointing at the box of mix beads that Mr. Pinters bought cheap. Ysabel jumped but said no words of complaint.