Melancholy

5

The next morning I woke up early and changed into a simple dress. I wore a simple cloak over my head. When I looked out of the window it was still dark. I grabbed the candle lamp and covered my face with the hood. I walked out of my room, two guards were standing outside my room but they were dozing off hence my chance to flee.

I walked towards the hallway at the back of the Palace. I walked into the library which I only visit when someone force me to or when I have to use the secret door.

I walked towards the corner of the room behind the shelves where the secret door resides. The door leads outside into the city. Grabbing the lamp in my hand I walked into the narrow dark hallway. I didn't forget to close the door behind me. There are so many other secret doors like this in the Palace but this is the only one I know about.

As I reached the end of the hallway, I could see the light coming from above, and a slight creak on the roof. Placing the candle down on the floor, I climbed up a few stairs to reach the lid, with a lot of force I pushed it and it opened, the sun has risen. I breathed in the fresh air as I climbed out.

I close the lid and looked around but thankfully there wasn't anyone, only trees around me. I set my hood on my head not that anyone would recognize me in my simple attire but why take the risk?

I walked into the trees towards the city, the shops were opening, and few already opened. The people were setting their articles on the table. As I walked inside the market I saw more people coming out of their houses to start their day.

I could inhale the smell of fresh bread from the bakery nearby, the scents of sugary cookies filling the air and I can't help but step inside the bakery. The owner smiled at me when he saw me, not knowing who I am.

"What can I get for you, my lady?" He said with his big smile and I couldn't help but like him instantly.

"I want those cookies,!" I said motioning towards the cookies that smell divine.

"On it!" He said as he packed a few of them in a paper bag and held it out to me.

"How much for it?" I asked him as I pulled out the sack of coins from under my cloak.

After paying him I walked out while munching on one of the cookies, not only it smelled divine it also tastes divine. I couldn't hold out a moan of approval as I walked more into the market. I saw a jewelry shop and I walked towards it. The man gave me his toothless grin which I didn't return as I surveyed the jewellery, none of it catching my eye.

"Do you like something, lady?" He asked me.

"Not yet!" I said as I looked around and then my gaze fell on a pair of anklets. It was a silver one with blue beads. They weren't much but they attracted me the moment my gaze fell on me. I was amazed at why blue was attracting me when there is the same anklet in my favourite colour, green beside it.

"I want that one!" I said and he grinned widely.

"Nice choice, young lady!" He said as he put it in a small sack of cloth and gave it to me.

"It would be for 10 gold coins," I said and I raised my eyebrow at him. I know it isn't worth this much but still, I didn't bargain as I gave him 10 coins. I started walking through the market while munching on my cookies when my gaze fell on a boy in dirty rags. It looked like he hasn't even bathed for days now. And he was trying to steal fruit from the cart.

"Hey! You stop!" I said out loudly, he looked at me with huge eyes and was about to run when I motion to come over with my finger. I must look like a devil because the boy seems like he would start crying any moment so I soften my face.