The Merchant's Daughter: Ch. 1 The village streets were busy, unusual for such a damp morning. Farmers sold their goods, the common folk milling about, purchasing the goods, the wealthy folk's servants buying the goods for their masters' breakfasts. I strolled the crowded sidewalk, searching for Father's friend Gus. Gus was a loud man with a red beard and red hair and a pirate's charm. He had several body markings, and he was a peg-leg. He always had a pipe in his mouth, smoking. Today, he had a special package for Father, who was to deliver it to one if his friends in Davenport. "Aye, how are you today, lass?" Gus asks from behind the wooden counter, smoke curling out of his pipe. "I'm fine, Gus. And you?" He places the small package on the table. "I be fine. Here's your father's package. Tell him I said hello, aye, lass?" I nod and smile. "I'll be sure to, don't you worry!" I take the package in my hands and head to the edge of the square, where I see a carriage approaching. It's rather grand looking, and that's when I realize it's the royal carriage. Far too late, I bow. It rolls to a stop in front of me, and my breath catches as the door is opened by the footman. A young man steps out, with black hair, grey eyes, and strong facial features. "Prince Maxon!" I stutter, bowing and curtsying. He laughs, a deep, rumbling laugh, and studies me curiously. "What might be your name?" I look down. "Look up when royalty is talking you, girl." A new voice. A woman's voice. I look up. A woman stands behind him, much older, carrying a baby. She looks just like him, only her hair is red. "Now what is your name?"she asks. "Anna, your Highness." Prince Maxon looks at his sister. "Excuse my darling sister, Tabitha. Isn't it time to feed Rayna, Tabbi?" Tabbi eyes me before climbing gracefully back into the carriage. "Anna is a very pretty name," Maxon says. I bow my head. "Thank you," I say. He looks up and down the sidewalk. "Can you make it back okay?"he asks. I look into his eyes. His beautiful, beautiful, eyes. "Yes, I can make it, thank you." He smiles and bobs his head. "Good day, then." "Good day." The carriage takes off, and I find myself looking after it. Finally, I remember by purpose, and continue down the path to home.