A Princess Reborn

I gradually wake up, remembering my plans to attend the Spring Festival with Hannah. A mixture of excitement and fear rushes through me. As I make my way downstairs, I try to appear composed and calm, hoping nobody notices my intentions to leave the house. But just as I thought I was in the clear, I run into Brianna in the family room. "And where do you think you're going?"

This is exactly what I wanted to avoid. I need to think my way out of this situation quickly. Fortunately, Brianna is quite predictable. "Oh? Didn't you hear? Father asked me to assist him at the butcher shop today. I'm starting my training. It'll be a full day's work soon."

"An interesting choice. It's good to get used to the scent of blood and bones early on." Just as I expected, she's reveling in my discomfort. "Exactly."

"By the way, let father know that the troublesome lamb is no longer around. Mother and I couldn't find it this morning."

Just then, mother enters the room, and my heart sinks even further. It's much harder to deceive her. "Oh, mother... did you hear that father asked me to help out in the butcher shop today?"

"Did he now? I wish he'd consult me before making such decisions. Your chores remain unfinished, Sarah. Complete them first, and then you may join your father."

Time is ticking away, and I'm worried that Hannah might think I'm not meeting her anymore. I have to find a way to slip out unnoticed. "Yes, mother." I pretend to head towards the kitchen to wash dishes, but as soon as I see an opening, I slip out the back door without looking back. Chores can wait; I have the Spring Festival to attend.

I run along the dusty roads, the wind whipping through my hair, my excitement building. Upon reaching Market Square, I navigate through the excited festival-goers clustered around the stalls that line the plaza. Others are seated at wooden tables, enjoying ale and summer wine, while a folk band fills the air with cheerful tunes.

The square is bustling today! I'll wait for Hannah by the fountain, just like we planned. I know she'll keep an eye out for me. While I stand by the fountain, my gaze sweeps over the festivities. The crowd comprises both townspeople and strangers from neighboring villages, all gathered to celebrate the joyful occasion. Suddenly, an unfamiliar voice startles me. "Greetings, fair maiden."

A faint aroma of fish wafts through the air, and as if he can read my thoughts, the young man continues. "Delighted to meet you. I am Eric, son of the fishmonger."

"Hello, Eric. I'm-"

"I know who you are, fair maiden. Have you seen Hannah?"

Passersby inadvertently jostle me forward, almost pushing me into Eric. He reaches out to steady me and then glares at the two young girls who bumped into me. "Hey! Watch where you're going!"

Ah, seems like Eric has quite the temper. What could he possibly want with Hannah? "So, how do you know Hannah?" The young man shoves his hands into his pockets. "We've known each other since childhood. And I've noticed you around town with her, fair maiden."

I nod, satisfied with Eric's explanation. After all, I don't know all of Hannah's village friends. I extend my hand to Eric. "Pleased to meet you, I'm Sarah." He shakes my hand, gripping it tighter than necessary. "I'm delighted to make the acquaintance of my beloved's friend." A group of revelers seated nearby erupts into laughter. No doubt it's fueled by ample amounts of summer wine and ale, but the timing is too perfect. "Beloved?"

"Yes, Sarah. Hannah and I are lovers. Our bond has grown through the years." Did he just say lovers? I give Eric a skeptical look, narrowing my eyes. "Could that be true? Surely she would have mentioned it to me?"

"Who am I to question a woman's feelings?"

I manage to hold back my laughter at his words. Such a young man, acting like a seasoned nobleman. "Hannah isn't your typical maiden, and her emotions aren't on full display for everyone."

I'm not convinced, but I'm still processing Eric's words when he scans the bustling square. "I'm off to the candy shop to fetch my beloved some treats. Give her my regards when you see her?"

I nod absentmindedly, still utterly baffled by the encounter. As Eric disappears into the crowd, a hand touches my shoulder. I turn to face Hannah. "I thought you'd never show up."

"Hannah!" We embrace joyfully. "So, what did that little Romeo want?"

"You mean... Eric... your lover?"

Hannah sighs deeply and shakes her head. "Will he ever stop with that ridiculous story? Seriously, who would believe something like that?"

"Well, he's certainly convincing."

"Please tell me you didn't actually think..." We share a moment of laughter. "I think he knows less about love than we do."

"But he seems so sweet and romantic. In fact, he's off to buy you sweets right now."

"Heaven help me! He's been tailing me since I can remember. I've even complained to his mother, but she just laughs and says Eric is harmless."

"That's quite endearing, Hannah."

"It's anything but that. He annoys me to no end." We break into laughter again, lightening the mood. "Now, let's go! There's so much to explore!"

Just as I'm about to navigate through the crowd, I freeze in my tracks. Eric is looking in our direction, holding a brown paper bag likely filled with treats for his imaginary beloved. I whisper to Hannah over my shoulder, "Quick, it's Eric! Hide behind me." Hannah ducks behind me, but it's too late. Eric is marching our way. "We should run, Sarah!"

As we both sprint in the opposite direction, Eric's voice calls out after us. "Hannah, my beloved!"

A mad dash ensues, fueled by an exhilarating rush of adrenaline. Running alongside me, Hannah pants, "Let's split up and meet again at the fountain, okay?"

"Alright!"

I veer to the right, darting down a dark alleyway away from the bustling Market Square. As the sounds of the festival fade into the distance and the echoes of my footsteps fill the cobbled path, I slow down. It appears I've successfully shaken off Eric. I stroll down the alley, the tall, worn buildings on either side casting shadows, and I realize I've never ventured into this part of town before.

This section of town seems quite ancient. The streets are devoid of life, with only closed doors and laundry hanging on lines stretching between buildings. Then I spot a sign: "Ye Old Herbs Shop."

Curiosity overtakes me, and after a moment's hesitation, I push open the shop's door. The distinct scent of herbs, spices, and incense envelops me as I enter. The atmosphere is somewhat eerie, and I wonder if this is where Brianna acquires her magical potions.

I venture further into the shop, my eyes adjusting to the change in light. I begin to browse through the items on the shelves. Dried herbs hang from the

ceiling, brushing against my head as I walk. A vivid blue flower growing in a small pot catches my eye. But as I step closer, the floor emits a loud creak.

"Well, well, a young lady gracing my shop... and during the Spring Festival, no less. The gods must be smiling on me."

"I'm no lady."

The old woman gazes at me, then gestures with her hand. "Come closer, child. My hearing isn't what it used to be."

I'm entranced by her eyes, which pull me nearer and nearer to her until I'm standing at the counter. It's surreal, but my body seems to have a mind of its own. "My name is Mara. The townfolk call me the Wise One. I find that quite foolish. I possess no more wisdom than any other old woman, but I have been bestowed with remarkable gifts."

The Wise One... I've heard tales of her. "Did you mention that you were searching for something special?"

"I never mentioned searching for anything."

"Everyone seeks something, child." She continues to ponder, as if my words were never spoken. "It couldn't be a beauty potion, for you possess the loveliest face I've ever seen."

I stand awkwardly, unsure of what to say.

"Perhaps someone has wronged you? No... you're too kind to seek revenge, aren't you, lovely one?" The old woman rises from her chair and extends her small, wrinkled hands toward me. "Let me see, child. I will tell you exactly what you need."

"How?"

"Your palms. It's an ancient form of divination, and I have never been mistaken." Mara detects my hesitation. "Don't worry, child. You're safe and protected within these sacred walls. Darkness cannot breach this space, and no malevolent forces shall touch you through my spirit."

I take a step forward, placing my hands in Mara's. She caresses her thumbs over my palms, bringing them closer to her face. "You're not seeking love, for love already blooms within your heart." I feel a blush creeping up my cheeks. "Great sorrow in your past. I see a lamb and a wild young girl beneath falling stars." Mara's eyes narrow even further, almost disappearing into her puffy eyelids. Her thumbs cease their gentle stroking, and the seconds drag on as she stares at my hands, her expression growing more ominous.

Something feels amiss; I can sense it.

"Child..."

"What? What do you see?"

Mara shakes her head, murmuring incoherently.

"Is it the butcher shop?"

Her eyes shut, and she murmurs in a hushed voice, uttering words that I can't comprehend. Swaying slightly, she clutches my hands tighter and tighter.

"Stop, you're hurting me!"

Mara's eyes snap open, and in the next moment, she releases my hands. "Darkness has infiltrated this place and brought it with you!"

"What? What's wrong? What did you see?"

"You must leave now, child. Now!"

"But... you haven't told me what you saw. What did you mean by darkness... I mean, how does darkness relate to me?"

She grabs my elbow and guides me toward the exit. "I'm not asking you to leave, but you need to go."

"I'm not leaving until you give me answers!"

"The shop is closed."

Mara flips the sign on her shop door to CLOSED and then slams the door in my face. Frustration boils within me, and I pound on the door of the herb shop, calling out for Mara. But there's no response.

What on earth just happened?