Chapter 28

There was a knock on the door and Anna's voice calling out as the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were talking about the embroidery they were doing. Charlotte also invited Anna to come in because there must be something to say.

"Sorry to interrupt, Queen. I'm going to the market to buy some kitchen and palace necessities, does the Queen want to leave something?" she asked.

"Are you going alone, Anna?" asked Axel's mother.

"No, Queen, I will go with one of the maids and also a bodyguard," answered Anna.

Charlotte remembered that she had run out of several coloured threads to knit. He immediately checked first to make sure what colour he wanted to buy. Also, Charlotte wanted to increase her fertility by drinking some spices.

"I want to drink some of the herbs I talked to you about, can you buy the ingredients? Also, buy me knitting yarn in emerald, pastel pink, and pastel blue too, that's all."

"Okay, Queen Charlotte, I'll take a note and also look for it when it's at the market later," replied Anna. He said goodbye and closed the door to the room again to let the parents-in-law and daughter-in-law have free time together.

When Anna left, Axel's mother asked about the performance of Charlotte's maid. The reason is, Anna is a new member who was hired when Charlotte entered the Nirvana Palace, but her family is very much working in this palace—starting from being a servant, a tailor, and a soldier. Axel's mother is worried that Anna won't live up to her expectations for Charlotte. However, Anna does a great job of comforting, helping, and listening to everything Charlotte is feeling.

"Anna did a great job, I didn't think she could be a lady-in-waiting and a friend to me, Mom," said Charlotte.

"I'm relieved if that's the case. I hope she can help you forever, even when you have a baby later."

Charlotte nodded her head and smiled at her mother-in-law. Fortunately, the discussion about the baby was very calm, and Axel's mother didn't blame her daughter-in-law for not giving her a grandchild. Axel's mother seemed to know that the source of the problem was her son's very indifferent attitude towards Charlotte. They also continued the embroidery activity with a happy feeling and made Charlotte's mood also change.

*

Anna walked through the market; she looked pleased to be out of the palace. Although the market traders would have great respect for her since she was from within the court, Anna did not want to use the opportunity to gain an advantage. He knew how difficult it was to sell right now, so he wouldn't bid too much. The budget given by the head of the palace finances was also very sufficient for them to shop without bargaining.

"Do you want to search for the items you need alone? We can split up and meet again in the driveway," Anna said to the maid who was with her.

"If allowed I will look for some necessities and also other kitchen ingredients."

"Go ahead, I'll look for a deposit from Queen Charlotte."

They eventually split up, and Anna took the opposite path to the maid.

The fruits, vegetables and even flowers sold in the market looked very fresh. Anna also bought fresh flowers for the Queen with her own money. This flower is like a consolation sign for the Queen.

Anna continued to walk through the market to where fabric, yarn, and sewing and knitting tools were sold. While looking for the knitting yarn the Queen had asked for, Anna looked at the material she might be buying to make the family dress. This trip was both a consolation and a coincidence for Anna.

Before long, Anna heard a commotion from outside the knitting and sewing store. He saw a young man running very fast as if to avoid something.

"Who is he?" Anna asked the shop owner.

"He is a thief who is always in this market. You also have to be careful when you get home later, watch your luggage."

Anna nodded her head; she became worried about the thief. The bodyguards weren't with him, so there was no one to help if something happened to him. Anna hurried to pay for everything she bought and returned to the market entrance, where the guards were waiting for her as well as the maids.

*

Anna walked towards the entrance of the market and passed through the alley that became a shortcut. His steps were so fast because he was worried that the maids and guards were waiting for him. She felt she had spent too long at the knitting and sewing shop. What's more, he didn't want to meet the thief earlier.

"I have to hurry. Let's hope we don't meet the thief," Anna said to herself.

As Anna walked with the groceries in her hands, someone bumped into Anna from behind, and they both fell. An annoyed Anna immediately saw the person, and her heart immediately beat fast. It was the man she had seen at the knitting and sewing shop earlier.

"You…" Anna was utterly taken aback.

The man looked at Anna very profoundly; they looked at each other and romanticised the atmosphere. However, when the market trader chasing the man came and shouted, the man immediately ran fast, leaving Anna and her shopping still lying on the floor.

Anna became annoyed when she saw the thief walk away without helping her clean up the mess she made. Anna immediately put her groceries into the shopping bag she was carrying, then chased the man.

"Hey, wait! Do not run!" shouted Anna.

Anna ran very fast and almost caught up with the thief. However, the thief seemed to have been trained to escape from all kinds of pursuit. Until finally, they found a dead end and faced each other.

"You can't run anymore," said Anna.

The thief turned around and smiled at Anna. "You can catch me fast too."

When the thief turned around, Anna's heart was beating fast again. He had the feeling he had seen this face before but didn't know where. With both annoyance and exhaustion, Anna tried to remain firm.

"You are so arrogant! Just chasing after you is very easy," said Anna, "But, have we met before?"

"You are a palace dweller who doesn't know how outside life is like, how we have met," said the thief, "Strangely, your reaction when you meet me is the same as when the king met me, what's the matter with you guys?"

Anna did not think that Axel had met this man too but did nothing, and he was still free to roam and steal in the royal market. Anna also has another plan to get this thief caught by finding out who he is.

"What's your name? I will let you go and will not tell the market traders who are after you," said Anna.

"You think I trust you?"

"Whatever, I could have directly ordered the palace security to arrest you."

The thief felt very pressed, and finally, he said his name, "I'm Brandon."

"Where do you live?"

Before Brandon could answer, the voice of the merchant chasing him was heard again. He immediately ran in another direction to save himself.

"We'll meet Again!" shouted Brandon and disappeared from Anna's sight.

Anna smiled at Brandon, and she felt a different feeling when she met the man.