Chapter 2 - The Night Market
On our way to the Paxley Kingdom, we passed through the Night Market. I have never seen such noise and happiness in one place. The Baroque Family never really gone outside for a walk because my Mother, Father, and especially my brother are all germaphobes. I see nothing wrong in the outside and I now wonder why they despise this. For my brother, I think he had improved a lot.
"Come one come all! Everyone is welcome to my Fortune Telling! Just 3 silvers are enough! Or if you're generous enough why not 5?" A lofty hooded woman said right beside Lightning and I, "Miss? Are you interested in knowing your fortune? Whether it be love or money! I can give you."
I guess there's nothing wrong if I tried. I could only pay her 1 gold though. "sure. Why not." I jumped down Lightning and sat down in front of the hooded lady.
"Before you get your fortune, you might wanna pay up first." The lady smiled at me as if it's my last day on earth if I didn't pay up.
"Oh? Here." I handed 1 bar of gold to the hooded lady. I could see from her eyes that there's greed but a sprinkle of truth in it.
"Mmm. Then I would be willing to answer every question your heart seeks." The lady took my palm that kinda surprised me as I am a conservative person. "ah."
The lady stared at my eyes and smiled,"Princess Guinevere." She knew...! "No. You're just a noble family yet you live and were known to be called a Princess because of your attitude and poise."
"H...how did you know?" My hoodie never let anyone recognize me even up close! How is this possible? I see... She may be a real fortune teller.
"I am a fortune teller after all. Now if I may ask, your heart clearly seeks the answer on why you were to be married with an unknown man." I nodded. She was precise and seemingly detailed. "Well you never know, this man might be your true love."
I snorted. "Pfft! What? My true love. Only in fairy tales, those kind of shenanigans happen. Besides, this is the real world. Dont expect me to meet him just by the road or something. Besides, the Paxleys are a sly, sly Princes."
"Oh really? Love is unexpected, Guinevere. You never knew the man you'll fell in love with, would also be the person you'll despise the most."The lady smiled at me and finally let go of my hand, "You might wanna meet him soon" A burst of wind suddenly blows into my face.
The lady that was once there, suddenly disappeared. Where could she have been?
"Huh? Madam?" I stood up and backed away from the stall. I hopped into Lightning once again and pondered. "She knew I was a Baroque... But... Whatever! Your mission is to finish all the shenanigans in the Paxleys house and find Lancelot in the Land of Dawn. As easy as that."
Lightning continued to walked slowly in the busy market. My mind were still focused on 'Why the Paxleys?', 'Are they that superior?', 'Who could that man be?'. Every bit of questions kept bothering me. Despite the fact that I am not ready for an engagement with an unknown person.
My brother Lancelot is lucky because my family loved Odette Regina the most. He was lucky enough that the person he loved would also be the person he'll marry. Unlike me who doesn't really have a choice but to be married to another man for the sake of the Kingdom.
Well, if it wasn't for my brother that suddenly disappeared into the dark, I wouldn't have to undergo this kind of situation. Odette also was reportedly missing before Lancelot parted ways with me.
'My dear sister, you must not tell Mother and Father that I shall follow the path of my beloved Swan Princess. She needs me in the Land of Dawn so I could as well protect her.' Says my brother who was puffing my hair and fixing the ribbon that was tied on to it.
'But brother, how about the kingdom...? Mother and Father would be furious to know you had suddenly disappeared...'I looked him in the eye but he just gave me a gentle smile.
'Oh Gwen. I know you could handle all these! You're powerful. Your Super Magic can protect the whole kingdom! I trust in you.'
Lancelot... He was the only person that trusted my powers. He never became smug and tried to overpower me in any way. He supported me.
No wonder my family loves him the most... Because I do too... But...
It feels so wrong that they just underestimate my power because I am a woman— a Princess who they think aren't as strong as her brother who was good at fencing!
Well guess what? They were wrong. I can stand alone by myself. I can protect myself and this kingdom alone... But they didn't let me.
That's why... That's why I...
"Ahhh!" I fell on the ground as Lightning started to panic. A hooded man passed by, getting chased by 2 other men. Lightning was rather outraged that it left me sitting on the ground as it runs back to where we came from.
"Fiddlesticks..." I rubbed my head and stood up."Lightning left... How on earth could I reach the Paxleys to cancel the wedding? My mother and father would surely find me first before I do."
I glanced at the direction on where the hooded man went."Darn it! If it wasn't for you, I still have a horse to ride on!"
I fixed my purple gown and ran towards the man. That makes 3 person chasing after that hooligan.