Chapter 6:The village Market

I clutched the cloak tighter as I followed Lilliana out through the hidden gate behind the stables. The servants and guards wouldn't notice my absence—they never cared anyway. I had sent William to the next town to get me a bag of Cheetos. He was going to be gone for a long time.

We followed the wild brushes that narrowed into a trail leading to the village. I could see it now—stalls and the bustle of activity all around. I could hear prices being called out, floating on the wind. Children darted behind stalls, their innocent giggles accompanying them. The market was lively, chaotic, and I couldn't help but smile.

"My lady, I pawned the jewelry," Lilliana announced.

A scent of baked bread wafted through the air. My stomach growled. Lilliana looked at me and smiled.

"Happens every time. My brother's bakery is infamous for its bread and cakes," she said, leading me to a line that stretched down the cobblestones. His bakery was a hit. People shifted on their feet—some sighing, others chatting away.

"You can have a seat by the town fountain. I'll bring the bread," Lilliana offered.

I looked at the pale stone-carved fountain, worn with time. Water poured from the mouths of two serpents into the basin below.

I watched as Lilliana disappeared down a nearby alley. I thought she was going to join the line, but I guess family privilege.

"You're not from here," a woman's voice said behind me. I turned—and was met by one of the prettiest women I had ever seen. Her skin was pale as snow, lips soft pink, and her red hair was tied up in a simple bun. Her dress was a delicate shade of rose.

"I'm Penny," I lied.

"Which house do you serve?" she asked. I knew this potato sack of a dress was tacky—they'd insisted I wear it—but at least it was useful now.

"The house on the hills. I work for the imperial family," I answered.

"I heard there's a lady residing there," she said, fishing for information. So they didn't know about Iris.

"Apparently, she's the crown princess-to-be," I replied.

"She must have left for the ball. But I wonder why she's staying in the countryside instead of the city, with His Highness," she mused. Her poise and grace told me she wasn't a commoner.

"I'm Tamina Del Avar," she finally introduced herself. "Count Avar's daughter. You didn't recognize me, so I figured you must've come from the islands with Lady Grace."

"Lady Grace?" I asked.

"The crown princess. The Pope's daughter," she answered.

I was stunned. Was I not the crown princess? What was happening? Did everyone at the estate know this? Of course they did. Did they laugh behind my back when I called myself the crown princess? I knew they did.

"You must be here for the bread," Tamina said, pulling me from my thoughts.

I nodded and walked away—ashamed, angry, and scared. Again. What was I doing here? What purpose did I serve, locked in a country estate by the imperial family?

Something big was happening, and I was just one of the ingredients. But what?

A sharp pain struck my temple, and I hurried to find a place to sit. It was excruciating. My vision blurred. The world around me shifted, melting into color and sound. I could barely make out the people in front of me.

"My lady—I was looking for you," a voice said, full of concern.

The blurry figure in front of me wobbled like jelly. Another wave of pain hit, and this time, my legs gave out. I was falling—and I couldn't stop it. I didn't have the strength.

A strong hand caught me.

Someone was shouting angrily. I heard cries, murmurs—and then everything went dark.