Morning came and the first thing I did was forcing A’Li to sneak me out of the palace so that I wouldn’t have to see Crown Prince Yan or risk running into him. After last night’s incident, I’m still angry with him for accusing and insulting Western Liang ladies for using underhand tactics. Even though we barely talk, but when we do nothing good comes out of our mouth since he’s always stir up a fight with me. I guess, that’s what happen to a marriage when their partner is interested in another woman.

The market was crowded with commoners, farmers at the sideline yelling and trying to sell their products. This is the only place that I enjoy. The outside world and free from the palace life.

“A’Li, we should definitely buy some stuff and bring them back to the palace” I suggested as I observe the booths that contained candies and fabrics.

“We can, Crown Princess” A’Li said with her normal respective voice yet a bit more quiet than the usual since we’re trying to avoid getting noticed by commoners that we’re the royals. Sneaking out to the outside is prohibited which was created by previous rulers in fear that enemies would murder the royals unknowingly, but I refuse to obey those societal laws. As for A’Li, I know she can protect me because she was trained and handpicked by my shifu (teacher) back when we were still in the Western Liang. She also competed against males which is really, really abnormal for women since societal/cultural norms claimed that women should not participate in martial arts or anything that men does. However, Western Liang is an exception because we perceive men and women as equal. Alternatively, I managed to learn a bit from A’Li and my shifu because I don’t always need her to protect me.

“Owner, how much is this?” I ask, holding the red fabric in my hands.

“One roll is 5 slivers” the owner said.

“I’ll buy this then” I said with a smile as A’Li gave the owner the money while I put the fabric roll in my handmade cloth bag. Turning to leave, out of the blue a thief charged, running and grabbed my light pink money bag that I have tied to my waist belt.

“Stop! A’Li, he stole my money!” I said, pointing at the guy who is running away from us. A’Li immediately ran after him, leaving me behind. Again, a different thief bumped into me while grabbing my cloth bag that contained the items we’ve just bought and ran in the opposite direction of A’Li.

I exhale, “Seriously?! Stop!” I shouted, chased after the guy. Not giving up, I continued to chase him down while screaming. He kept looking behind while running as he tried to slow me down by ruining commoner’s booths. Pushing through the obstacles he created, I rapidly grabbed an orange from the side and stop where I was while aiming at his head as he ran further.

“Watch me catch you” I said as I aimed precisely at his head. I threw the orange with all of my might after accurately eye-measuring the distance between me and him.

“Aiya” he stumbled forward as I took the chance to catch up.

“Give me my bag, you thief” I said, kicked him on the side as I grabbed my cloth bag but he wouldn’t let go as he used force. He stood up swinging the bag as I immediately dodged his attack and again he strikes at me. I grab on hold to the bag as he tried to swing it a second time, but now he’s trying to tug the bag away from my hands.

“Let go of it” I demanded, pulling on it.

“No!” he shouts, pulling on it too.

Without noticing, people surround us watching.

“You won’t let go huh?” he said, let one of his hand sneak out something from his belt that seemed like a small white bottle. “Take this!” he swung across some powder while I automatically jerked back but didn’t manage to escape the powder which landed on my face. Suddenly, I felt someone caught me from behind and helped me balanced myself to stand properly.

“Help me. He stole my bag” I said, grab the person’s arm as I was unable to open my eyes.

“Don’t worry, I’ll get it” a man’s voice said and I heard him ran after the thief.

“Wait for me!” I said, couldn’t open my eyes due to the powder that stung my eyes badly if I tried to open them.

A few minutes has passed and I was wandering around, not knowing where I am or where the thief took my bag. I slowly walked, knew that I was still in the market but it wasn’t as loud. Out of the blue someone grabbed my hand.

“Miss, your bag” the same voice said as I felt my cloth bag.

I smiled brightly and said, “Thank you!”

“Miss, your eyes” he said, concerned.

“It’s the powder” I said.

“It’s not any ordinary powder” he said and didn’t explain anything further as he lifts me up and suddenly ran.

“Wait! What are you doing?! Where are you taking me?!” I said, startled and assumed that he was a or something. “Let me down!” I continued to scream.