Aina, Her Highness

3. The Village

With Quitton fooling Aina's parents, Nether and her would be able to go visit the Centurian Village. Just as they passed the East Gates, Aina saw Konni out the corner of her eye.

"Pssst. Nether. We can't move right now. My sister will see us". The princess whispered. Nether nodded. They both watched the second eldest as she danced around in her heels, her smile getting brighter each time they clicked. "Are you absolutely sure that she's a princess? She acts just like the girl from the Village's Bakery". Aina looked at the awkward girl with a sad smile. "Yes. She's a princess".

Nether began to wonder if she said something she shouldn't have. "It's alright. I know another way out". Her highness turned and left her to look at the clicking princess alone.

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"There's a carriage on the other side of the gate". Aina pointed to a large, white wall. They both searched for anyone who might snitch, once the coast was clear, they practically teleported to the wall.

"Good evening, madame". A man in a white and pink three piece suit said from the front of the carriage. "Hello, Gary. Can you take us to the Centurian Village?". Aina requested while straightening her dress out. "Yes of course. May I ask why, your majesty?". She then started fixing her hair. "To help". Gary knew not to interrogate any further.

As Aina was touching herself up, she felt a pair of eyes burning into her. She allowed herself to take a quick peek at Nether. They met eye to eye when Aina put all her attention on the brown skinned girl. "What is it?". The princess asked to feel more at ease, but Nether shrugged and stared out the window.

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"Riiiiiight, here". Gary pulled the horses to a harsh stop and his brutal coughing could be heard inside the carriage. Nether was the first one to step out the fancy vehicle to the dusty village. Just as Aina was poking her head out of the door, a lady let out a blood curdling scream. Nether shook her head. "Fifth burglary this week".

The princess took off her crown and handed it to Gary while she unhooked the second half of her "dress". Once she was done, she sported a pink and white tracksuit. "Y-your highness. Is it okay to be in this attire outside the castle?". Aina turned to face the always - curious chauffeur. "It makes me comfortable. Besides would running around in the dust with a dress as expensive as that be classified as fancy?". Gary got the hint.

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"Where are you taking me?". Nether grabbed two bags from a merchants table. "Put this on your back and snap the sides under your arms. And to the main part of the village". Aina did as she was told and looked out into the village. There were merchants, mothers with daughters, fathers with sons, and people of all ages. She soon felt as though she didn't belong. All she knew was Centura (the castle) not Centura (the village).

Nether must have sensed her uncertainty because she rested her hand on Aina's shoulders. "You're here to help. Anyone who goes out of their way for others, belongs here". The princess relaxed her tense shoulders, letting out a sigh of relief.

Nether started on her way, walking past the crowds with ease and slipping through shortcuts. Aina watched her new partner with excitement. She wondered if Nether has had adventures in this village. She thought of how much fun she must have.

The brown skinned awkward girl came to an abrupt stop. "We're here". Aina looked at the bustling crowd. "So busy. Does it ever slow down". Nether chuckled a bit. "Only at night. But even then the prostitutes, and alcoholics come out to play". The princess was not used to this much movement. Not even the castle was this busy. Everyone had their own matters to attend to, yes, but the castle was big enough for everyone to not invade each other's space.

Once Nether and Aina were deep into the crowds there was a small door with a sigh on the front that read "OUTSIDERS ARE NOT WELCOME". "I wonder what they'll think of me". Aina let out a nervous giggle. "Don't worry. I'm fairly known around these parts. Just let me do the talking".

The door revealed at least thirty people. They were either drinking, staring at Aina & Nether (mostly Aina), or continuing to participate in whatever activity was laid out in front of them.

"Does anyone know where Kalya is?".