Cece and Eve visited several other stores and later stopped by restaurants to try various cuisines of the Kingdom of Versailles.
It had only been a couple of hours, almost five o'clock but for Eve, they had been the happiest couple of hours of her life. She felt free and at ease for the first time in so long. Away from the cold walls of Castle of Light in the Kingdom of Luminear.
Cece noticed how Evelyn was finally opening a little bit more and smiling more than she had in the last couple of days.
While they were sipping some tea after a hearty meal, Eve said, "Thank you so much Cece. Today has been the happiest day for me."
She then continued in a soft voice, with a hint of sadness lingering in it, "Back in my Kingdom, I never got to be free, to be able to step out of the castle and roam freely like I did today. I always wonder what my life would be like if I weren't a royal. If I were just a commoner, would it be easier then?"
She then shook her head and added, "Don't get me wrong, I am not trying to belittle my life, I just wonder what it would be like to have the freedom to do things you want to do once in a while."
Cece, who was quietly listening to Eve speak her heart out for the very first time, said, "Please don't be sorry, Evelyn. Believe me when I say I've asked the same questions as you. Being born into a high noble family, there are always eyes watching your every move and ears listening to everything you say. They bind us to certain expectations and want us to move only according to them. I know exactly what it feels like."
She let out a soft breath and continued, "Having said that, I do feel we are still more privileged even if there are certain drawbacks. We should use our platform to help those who are struggling at the lowest level, not the nobles who simply want to climb higher in the social ladder."
"Yes I believe that too, which is why I wish to become stronger so that one day can help all the ones suffering" Eve said in a firm but gentle voice, her eyes reflecting a look of determination.
They smiled at each other then continued chatting. After some time, they decided to head over to the commoners' market area, which was called Raven Street.
Raven Street was not very far from Crimson Hollow. In fact, it was connected to Crimson Hollow on the southern side. As they walked, they saw the transition from beautifully maintained structures to dull brick and wood houses, with vendors selling various goods outside in small stalls.
Eve saw that even though it was a commoners' market, it was still very lively. It was bustling with a sea of people everywhere. Some were bargaining with the street vendors, while some children giggling with delight, ran towards their parents with their sticky fingers wrapped around candies in their hands. In quiet corners, some street artists drew portraits of the customers seated in front of them. A lively melody from the street performer's violin drifted in the air in hopes to earn some extra bucks.
It was no doubt chaotic, but nonetheless full of life. A beautiful smile bloomed on Eve's face as she took it all in up close. As they walked ahead, they saw a man selling candies on a stick.
Eve was about to walk ahead when Cece reached out and held her hand. She turned to hear Cece whisper, "Evelyn, stick close to me. This place isn't very safe for us and there are a lot of eyes watching."
Eve turned her gaze to look more closely and saw how people were discreetly watching them. The majority had different shades of red eyes, but none as dark and deep as Cece's, since Cece was a pure blooded vampiress.
Evelyn immediately became aware of everyone's watchful gaze and a cold sweat broke out down her back. It was a good thing that most of her face was covered, especially her eyes.
Turning back, she saw that Cece's guards were also on alert, ready to intercept should the situation arise. The sun was already setting, and night was approaching fast, so she decided it was wise to stay together to avoid getting separated.
Eve gave a nod to Cece, pointed at the candy vendor at the corner of the street and said, "I was going to buy those candies, would you like to try them?"
Cece followed her sight and said, "Okay let's try it! I don't think I have ever had one of these!" she said excitedly.
The two ladies headed to purchase the candies, with the guards following closely behind them through the busy street. With noise filling the air, it was a little hard for them to concentrate on everyone's movement, yet their eyes held a clear warning whenever anyone tried to approach the spot where the ladies stood.
As Eve collected the candy from the vendor after paying for it, she suddenly felt a sudden blood rush. Her heartbeat picked up incredibly fast, as if reacting to something unknown.
Her heart skipped another beat, and then she felt it, something dormant directing her to a certain direction. Her hands trembled, as if she couldn't resist the pull calling her to go there and do something she meant to do.
Cece, who was standing next to Eve, felt a sudden change in her behaviour. She grabbed her arm and asked urgently, "Evelyn, are you okay?!"
Eve turned her pale, sweat covered face to look at Cece. Her eyes unfocused as if she was seeing something beyond the street. Her trembling lips struggled to speak, with her voice barely above a whisper she said "Ce...ce…I need..to..g-go.."
Before Cece could even respond, Evelyn already turned towards the source of the pull. She didn't know how her feet moved on its own as if guided by something unseen. She didn't know how fast she slipped through the sea of people at such speed, but she was too far away to notice.