Rebellion

Entering my tent, I'm greeted by a sense of spaciousness that belies its outward appearance. The interior is furnished with luxurious fabrics and ornate furnishings, a stark contrast to the ruggedness of our outdoor surroundings. It's clear now why we required a convoy of twenty carriages to transport our entourage—a level of opulence befitting our royal status.

My eyes scan the tent, taking in the intricately embroidered tapestries that adorn the walls and the plush cushions that line the floor. A large, canopied bed dominates one corner, its sumptuous linens inviting me to sink into their embrace and forget the cares of the world outside.

A table stands in the center of the tent, set with an array of refreshments and delicacies to satisfy even the most discerning palate. Crystal goblets glint in the soft candlelight, casting a warm glow over the space and creating an atmosphere of indulgent luxury.

Despite my weariness, I can't help but feel a sense of awe at the extravagance that surrounds me. It's a stark reminder of the privileges afforded to those of royal blood, a world of comfort and excess that stands in stark contrast to the harsh realities faced by many of our subjects.

With a sigh, I sink into a nearby chair, allowing myself a moment of respite before succumbing to the allure of the awaiting bath. As I sit in the quiet of the tent, I can't help but wonder what adventures await us on this journey—and whether the comforts of home will be enough to shield us from the challenges that lie ahead.

As the zipper of the tent opens, I assume it's one of the handmaidens, paying it little mind. However, when I look up, I'm surprised to see Flora standing there, adorned in a beautiful wrap dress and cloak.

"You look like a peasant trying to be a merchant," I jest, admiring her attire.

"Exactly," she replies with a mischievous grin, twirling around to show off her ensemble. Then, without missing a beat, she begins tossing clothes at me.

I catch the garments, eyeing them curiously as she instructs me, "This is yours. And don't wear any gold, including the gold slippers." Her sudden command catches me off guard, but I can't help but be intrigued by her impromptu plan. 

"Where are we going?" I inquire, feeling a rush of excitement tempered by a hint of apprehension. "What if Miss Motan and Miss Mary catch us?"

Flora waves off my concerns with a dismissive flick of her hand. "Oh, they won't catch us. Besides, it's time for a little adventure, don't you think? Life's too short to spend cooped up in this tent all night."

Her words resonate with me, stirring a sense of rebellion that I've long suppressed beneath the weight of royal duty. With a nod of agreement, I set aside my reservations, ready to embrace whatever escapade Flora has in store for us.

"Looks like we're all set," Flora remarks, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she produces a bag of gold coins. I can't help but smile at her resourcefulness, grateful for her foresight in bringing along the necessary funds.

"You should stop spending your allowance on books," she teases, handing me the bag of coins.

"I don't," I protest, though her comment hits a nerve. "Some of it goes towards buying ingredients for medicine. Headaches just don't disappear on their own."

Flora raises an eyebrow, clearly surprised. "I thought Daddy was sponsoring that research."

"The father you know and the one I know are different," I reply cryptically, choosing not to delve into the complexities of our family dynamics. Suffice it to say, my scholarly pursuits have often clashed with my father's expectations of me as a royal princess.

With the bag of coins in hand, I quickly finish wrapping up my dress and don a veil, opting for a disguise that will help us blend in with the common folk. Flora, meanwhile, peers outside the tent to ensure the coast is clear before signalling to me.

Closing my eyes, I focus on the image of a distant location, summoning my magic to create a portal. A shimmering purple gateway materializes before us, and without hesitation, I grasp Flora's hand and leap through.

We emerge a few meters from the camp, the glow of the portal fading behind us as we take in our surroundings. From this vantage point, we can still see the flickering lights of the campfires and hear the faint murmur of voices drifting on the night air. With a shared glance and a silent understanding, Flora and I set off into the darkness, ready to embark on our nighttime adventure.

"Couldn't you have portrayed us a bit further?" Flora questions, her tone tinged with a hint of disappointment.

"I could have," I conceded, "but I didn't want to risk attracting too much attention. It's better to play it safe, especially when we're venturing out into the unknown. Plus, this is as far as I could imagine."

Flora gives me a sceptical look. "Imagine better," she urges.

"At least I know magic," I retort with a playful smirk, grateful for the skills that allow me to navigate the world in ways others cannot.

"Show off," Flora teases as we set off along the road. The path stretches ahead of us, leading towards the distant glow of lights that mark the town at the end of the hill, where the ships dock.

"It's a long walk," Flora remarks after a while. "We should have stolen a horse."

"It's not stealing if you already own it," I reply with a smirk. "At least you're not wearing worn-out slippers."

Flora falls silent, seeming to second-guess our impromptu adventure. Sensing her hesitation, I gently squeeze her hand reassuringly.

"We can go back if you're not sure," I offer, willing to abandon our plans if she's uncomfortable. We walk in silence for a while longer until we encounter a group of five men, their rough appearance giving us pause. I tighten my grip on Flora's hand as we pass them, determined to reach the safety of the town without incident.

As we continue on, Flora's grip on my hand tightens, her apprehension palpable in the tense set of her shoulders. I maintain a steady pace, guiding her along the road and keeping a vigilant eye on our surroundings.

Once we're a safe distance from the group of men, I offer Flora a reassuring smile, hoping to ease her nerves. "We're almost there," I assure her softly. "Just a little further."

Flora nods, her expression still wary but determined. Together, we press on, the glow of the town growing brighter with each step. Finally, we reach the outskirts, where the bustling activity of the port town greets us with a cacophony of sounds and scents.

Taking a moment to catch our breath, I glance around, scanning the area for any signs of trouble. Satisfied that we're safe for the time being, I turn to Flora with a grin. "Well, here we are. What shall we do first?"

"The market, see what we can eat," she says, her eyes twinkling with anticipation, "or the jewelry."

"Food it is," I agree, already imagining the savory delights awaiting us amidst the bustling market stalls. "I don't think you can find good gold or beads here."

Flora nods in agreement, her excitement palpable as we weave through the crowded streets towards the heart of the market. The vibrant colors and lively chatter surround us, creating a sensory feast for the senses.

As we wander through the maze of stalls, Flora's gaze flits from one display to another, her curiosity piqued by the array of goods on offer. I can't help but smile at her enthusiasm, grateful for the opportunity to share this adventure with her.

"Look at these," she exclaims, stopping in front of a stall adorned with intricately crafted jewelry. "Aren't they beautiful?"

I join her, admiring the dazzling array of earrings, necklaces, and bracelets on display. Each piece seems to tell a story, its beauty enhanced by the skilled craftsmanship of the artisans who created them.

"They're exquisite," I agree, reaching out to touch a delicate pendant hanging from a silver chain. "But let's save our appetite for now. We can always come back later to explore the jewellery."

Flora nods in agreement, tearing her gaze away from the sparkling baubles with a reluctant sigh. "You're right," she concedes, her stomach growling in agreement. "Let's find something delicious to eat first."

With a shared sense of excitement, we continue our exploration of the market, our senses inundated by the sights, sounds, and smells of the bustling bazaar. Flora's eyes sparkle with anticipation as we pass by stalls overflowing with ripe fruits, fragrant spices, and savory street food.

"Let's try some of those," Flora suggests, pointing towards a vendor selling golden-brown samosas and fragrant bowls of curry. "They look absolutely mouthwatering."

I nod in agreement, my own stomach rumbling at the tempting aromas wafting from the stall. "Good choice," I reply with a grin. "I can practically taste them already."

We approach the vendor with eager anticipation, joining the line of customers eagerly awaiting their turn to sample the delectable fare. As we wait, Flora's gaze drifts towards a nearby stall selling freshly squeezed juices and exotic fruit smoothies.

"Maybe we should get some drinks too," she suggests, her eyes lighting up at the prospect of a refreshing beverage to accompany our meal.

I consider her suggestion, tempted by the thought of quenching my thirst with a cool, fruity concoction. "Why not?" I agree with a smile. "A meal isn't complete without something to wash it down."

With our order placed, we settle into a nearby table, eagerly awaiting the arrival of our food and drinks. As we sit together, surrounded by the vibrant energy of the market, I can't help but feel grateful for this moment of shared adventure with my sister.