We come to a halt in the heart of the vibrant city, and I can't help but be amazed by the lively atmosphere that surrounds us. Everywhere I look, I see nobles going about their day. With the assistance of the guard, Athenix and Annie gracefully exit the carriage, and I swiftly follow suit. Annie and Danny engage in cheerful conversation, occasionally bursting into laughter. Observing their strong bond, a warm smile spreads across my face.

I feel disappointed whenever I think about my own brother because we used to have such a close relationship. 

*

"Zee! Come on let's play, I bet I can kick your butt!" My brother laughs in playfull manner.

"But Narci you always cheat." I whine as he pulls me along by my arm.

His vibrant orange eyes gleam with a hint of mischief as he casually sweeps his sleek black hair away from his handsome face.
"It's not my fault you still haven't learned how to control the few powers you have." Admiring my adorable puppy dog eyes, he lets out a defeated sigh. "Fine we can just do hand to hand combat! You need the practice any way, I'll even teach you Some moves Father taught me, just promise you won't tell." My head eagerly nods with excitement.

Athenix and the kids have begun walking while I follow behind, snapping out of the memory of my brother and me.

We pass by multiple shops. I try looking through the windows to see what each shop has.

We have the opportunity to explore various shops as we walk by. I eagerly attempt to get a glimpse of what each shop has to offer through their windows. Athenix leads the way into a dazzling jewelry store, and the children, guard, and I excitedly follow behind her. While Athenix examines the beautiful jewelry on display, I turn my attention towards the kids. I curiously inquire the kids, "What is the Royal Anniversary?"

"It's to celebrate how long our family has been in power," explains Danny with a smile as I nod along.

"So, everyone in the family gets a gift!" Annie enthusiastically continues.

"So what do you think Athenix will get you?" I ask with enthusiasm, although the children shrug, not quite sharing my level of excitement.

Annie scratches her chin and answers, "My father and mother humor her because she is an empress candidate, even though she isn't technically part of the family." Danny then maliciously elbows Annie and gives her a sly, threatening look.

"Be careful she'll hear you." He scolds her, concernedly looking around to make sure Athenix didn't overhear.

Annie simply crosses her arms and shrugs. "She gets us things she uses and claim we share them, but really, she just claims them after a bout a month." She quickly glanced at Athenix, ensuring that she hadn't heard anything.

"That's not very nice," I say as I start to look at the brooches. I could never afford the things here.

They casually state, "It doesn't bother us," speaking in unison.

"So your brother is the Emperor?" Annie playfully twirls a strand of hair, but her gaze shifts towards me as I ask my question.

"My father and mother voluntarily stepped down from their positions a few years ago, while the nobles began exerting pressure on my twin and me to assume the roles of the Emperor or Empress." The words effortlessly leave her mouth as though she were speaking about someone other than herself.

"Our parents wanted to prevent us from being involved in the scandal, so my brother willingly decided to assume the throne earlier than planned." Danny finishes with a satisfied smile as he admires the stunning emerald brooch.
The twins were so kind and eager to assist me in adjusting to their world. I discovered that their amazing parents are Lance Per Remington and Primrose Maren Remington, who were once the Emperor and Empress. Their older brother, the current Emperor, is Kyan Favian Remington. Although he may be strict, it seems he is a fair and capable ruler, according to what the twins shared.

I let out a contented sigh as we hop back into the carriage. Athenix's shopping spree was a huge success; she found so many amazing things from all those stores. My feet may be a bit sore, but that just means I got some extra exercise today. Reflecting on the day's adventures, I don't even remember how I managed to make it back to my room. With a grateful smile, I eagerly plop onto my cozy bed, knowing that a well-deserved rest awaits me. Sleep gently embraces me, carrying me away into peaceful dreams.
++++

I enthusiastically stretch my body and swiftly get out of bed, immediately slipping into the brown tunic dress that I find in my closet. Excitement fills me as I plop down on my bed, contemplating the numerous possibilities for how I can spend my day off. But just as I begin to make my decision, a cheerful knock interrupts my thoughts.

Opening the door, I am greeted by Abigail's radiant smile. "Are you ready?" she asks, intriguing me with her question. "We are going shopping! You wearing that brown dress just means that we have a great opportunity to find you some fabulous new outfits. And don't forget, the anniversary banquet is just around the corner, which gives us a perfect reason to explore some stunning dress options together!" She beams with anticipation and excitement.

Her joy radiates, and I can't help but reflect it with a beaming smile of my own. Though my smile doesn't last long. "But I don't have any money."

She waves me off. "I'm here to take care of you this time. That's how maids work, you scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours," She playfully nudges my shoulder, eliciting a joyful giggle and causing her nose to scrunch up with delight. I couldn't help but notice her vibrant outfit, consisting of a white quarter sleeve chemise, a charming worn blue corset, and a lovely brown petticoat, in contrast to my own brown dress.

"Let's ditch that brown tunic dress and get you into something more fun!" She giggles playfully as she eagerly leads me by the arm down the corridor, opting for the maids exit instead of the main entrance.

*

We finally arrive in town, and luckily, the walk isn't far at all since the palace is located nearby. Although it felt like it took us forever to get off the palace grounds. "When I arrived here, I didn't realize how long the walk to the palace from the gate would be." I can't help but feel excited as I glance back at the majestic gates that stand tall, protecting the magnificent palace.

"You get used to it." Abigail playfully nudges me, filling the air with laughter as we stride forward. The town hums with lively activity, just as vibrant as it was yesterday. Although we find ourselves in a new district, it exudes an inviting charm, perfect for embracing the everyday people. "Oh, I love the festival." Abigail sings, and I can't help but nod in agreement as I observe the vibrant atmosphere around us. People joyfully dance to the lively music played by other commoners, while others wander through merchant stands, eagerly admiring goods and treasures from far-off lands that may remain a dream to them.

The joyful sounds of kids laughing and chasing each other fill the air, while the adults engage in animated gossip. The tantalizing scent of various mouthwatering foods being sold on the streets wafts towards me, wrapping me in a comforting embrace. In this moment, I can't help but immerse myself in the simple delights of everyday life, leaving behind any trace of my princess persona.

For a brief moment, I am able to completely forget the feeling of being alone.

Abigal warmly takes my hand and gracefully swings our entwined hands, synchronizing their movement with the joyful beat of our steps.

We excitedly engage in window shopping before entering the store, and I am filled with amazement as I admire the stunning collection of clothing. It is a wonderful experience, as back in my humble hometown, we had very few stores like this. This opportunity to indulge in such luxury is truly thrilling. With enthusiasm, Abigail approaches the store clerk, who then kindly directs us toward the clothes available in my size. In a swift and cheerful manner, Abigail takes hold of my hand, and we hurriedly make our way towards the clothing section. She assists me in selecting several outfits, and we proceed to complete the purchase. "This should be enough to get you started." Abigal ponders upon receiving the beautifully wrapped dresses from the clerk.

"I can't thank you enough for this." I clasp my hands together in deep appreciation as we walk out of the store.

Abigail playfully raises her hands in a mock surrender. "I promise it's fine. Like I said, we maids stick together." She cheerfully links her arm in mine. "Now, let's go find the perfect dress for the ball!" She excitedly declares, eagerly making her way towards a more luxurious store. My eyes widen with awe as I marvel at the exquisite dresses that I never thought I could have the opportunity to wear.

She points out a stunning red ball gown adorned with exquisite gold details, featuring a mesmerizing deep Queen Ann neckline and elegant long cape sleeves. "It matches your eyes it would be perfect!" Abigail excitedly exclaims, capturing the clerk's attention as she eagerly looks towards him. "We will take that one." He eagerly grabs the dress and starts preparing it. In a delightful gesture, she pays for it while he kindly hands me the bag.

We stride out of the store. "Now that's taken care of, let's get food." She excitedly gestures towards a vendor selling delicious festival food and eagerly takes me along to indulge in a satisfying meal. As we enjoy our treats, she shares all the juicy gossip about the royals that she has heard from the maids. Our shopping spree continues, and to my delight, she kindly purchases a few books for me to enrich my knowledge about the empire during my leisure hours.

**

When we finally make it back to my room at the palace, she kindly volunteers to assist me in organizing my clothes and books. As we finish, I pick up a book to study, and she willingly stays and offers her support. With a smile, I can't help but think that she would excel as a teacher rather than a maid.

*******

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I will be taking a short break and will start updating every friday on December 1st!