Entertaining?

The next day, Isabel and Mirael found themselves in the bustling market of Drakendale.

The air was filled with the sounds of merchants hawking their wares, the chatter of townsfolk, and the occasional laughter of children running through the streets. The vibrant market was welcoming to them, and both girls were eager to explore.

Isabel marveled at the array of goods on display. Stalls were overflowing with colorful fabrics, handcrafted jewelry, exotic spices, and fresh produce.

The scents of freshly baked bread and roasting meats wafted through the air, making her mouth water. She couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder as she took in the sights and sounds of the market.

"Look at these, Isabel!" Mirael exclaimed, holding up a pair of delicate silver earrings adorned with tiny, shimmering blue stones. "Aren't they beautiful?"

Isabel nodded, admiring the craftsmanship. "They are. You should get them."

Mirael grinned. "Maybe I will. And maybe you should get something too. A little keepsake to remember this day."

Isabel smiled, appreciating Mirael's enthusiasm. As they wandered through the market, Isabel felt herself relaxing, her earlier nerves giving way to a sense of enjoyment. The distractions of the market allowed her to momentarily forget the weight of the upcoming ceremony.

They stopped at a stall selling finely woven scarves, each one more vibrant than the last. Isabel picked up a deep purple one, running her fingers over the soft fabric. It was luxurious, and she could imagine herself wearing it, feeling the warmth and comfort it would bring.

"That color looks lovely on you," Mirael commented, her eyes sparkling with approval.

Isabel blushed slightly. "Thank you. I think I might get it."

As they continued to shop, Isabel couldn't help but notice the bustling energy around them. People were moving with purpose, engaging in lively bartering with the merchants, and sharing stories and laughter. It was a stark contrast to the quiet, contemplative mood she had been in the night before.

"Isn't this place amazing?" Mirael said, her eyes wide with excitement. "There's so much to see and do. I feel like we could spend the whole day here and still not see everything."

Isabel nodded in agreement. "It's wonderful. I'm glad we decided to come."

They stopped at a stall selling fragrant candles and oils. Isabel picked up a small bottle of lavender oil, inhaling the soothing scent. It reminded her of home, of the fields of lavender that grew in her grandfather garden. She decided to buy it, thinking it would be a comforting reminder of her roots.

They wandered through the bustling market streets, eyes wide with wonder. The market was a paradise, brimming with enticing treasures and vibrant stalls that beckoned them to explore. Every corner offered something new, but their pockets, sadly, were not deep enough to support their desires.

As they wandered further into the market, they came across a group of street performers. A young woman was singing a hauntingly beautiful melody, accompanied by a man playing a lute. The crowd around them was entranced, and Isabel and Mirael joined them, captivated by the music.

For a moment, Isabel felt a sense of peace wash over her. The beauty of the song, the warmth of the sun on her face, and the companionship of her dear friend made her feel truly alive. She allowed herself to be fully present in the moment, soaking in the sights, sounds, and scents of the market.

As Isabel and Mirael enjoyed the beauty of the song, the atmosphere suddenly shifted. The beautiful melody from the street performer was abruptly cut off by a sharp voice commanding, "Stop!"

Everyone turned to see the source of the interruption. The crowd parted, making way for a regal figure. Her dress, intricately embroidered with gold and deep purple, and the tiara resting on her head, announced her royal status.

A line of stern-faced royal knights trailed behind her, their armor gleaming in the sunlight. Gasps rippled through the crowd as they recognized the newcomer:

The fourth princess of Valareath, Thalassa Ashéncrest, the beloved daughter of the queen and the most haughty princess known for her disdain of commoners.

Princess Thalassa walked with an air of superiority, her eyes scanning the crowd with barely concealed disdain. She approached the beautiful singer, who had been enchanting the market with her melodious voice. The singer, a young woman with wide, fearful eyes, stood frozen in place, clutching her lute.

Thalassa sneered, her lip curling in contempt. "Where did this slut come from, seducing in broad daylight?" she demanded, her voice dripping with scorn.

The crowd held its breath, the once lively market now deathly silent. Isabel felt a surge of anger and fear for the young singer. She exchanged a worried glance with Mirael, who looked equally horrified.

The singer tried to muster her courage. "Your Highness, I was merely singing to entertain the market-goers. I meant no offense."

Thalassa laughed, a cold, mocking sound that sent shivers down Isabel's spine. "Entertaining? Is that what you call it? Disgusting." She turned to one of her knights.

"Drag this bitch in front of me and beat her with a hundred lashes for her insolence and distracting the minds of my citizens."

The singer fell to her knees as she heard the punishment, her face pale with terror. She didn't even know what her crime was and now faced such harsh punishment.

One of the knights dismounted his horse and walked towards her, a heavy whip in his hand. The singer began to beg, tears streaming down her face as she crawled towards the princess and bowed her head on the road.

"Please, Your Highness, I meant no harm! Please, spare me!" she pleaded, her voice choked with sobs.

Princess Thalassa smirked, her eyes gleaming with cruel delight. "Silence! You should have known your place. Now, you will serve as an example."

The knight raised his whip, and the first lash cut through the air, landing on the singer's back with a sickening crack. She screamed in pain, collapsing to the ground.

The man who had been playing the lute with her immediately rushed to her side, covering her body with his own. Both of them cried in agony as the lashes continued to rain down.

"Stop this at once! This is inhumane and unjust!"