AN: Thank you for the very kind reviews Depprulz, and Fairybells. I hope you like this chapter. (PS: Depprulz, awesome screen name.)

The marketplace was a bustling place. It was a great place to escape from the troubles of a servant. Nathaniel helped me out of the carriage. I think he knew that what he said bothered me. I didn't speak the rest of the time there.

"I'm heading into that pub. Meet me there when you're done running errands for my sister. Then we can run around a bit, and see the sights. If you like, we can go out to the country and check on the Williams farm," he said quietly.

"Thank you, Your Highness. That would be very kind," I forced out, trying to be kind. I bowed quickly and then sped away from him. I pondered while I weaving in and out of the crowd how difficult it would be to get a job here, raise some money so I could live by myself. Buy my freedom. The king and his men would find me though. I banished those thoughts out of my head when I entered the seamstress's shop.

"Mistress Maleen! What a pleasure it is to see you. Come come, what can I do for you today?" the seamstress greeted me. The gray haired old woman looked a bit more frazzled than usual. Her spectacles were askew.

"I'm here to pick up Princess Natalie's gown for the ball, and a bit of ribbon and thread," I responded while looking around the crowded room. Every surface was covered with bits of fabric and ribbons. She scurried into the back room to find the gown. I love coming into her shop. She always has the most beautiful gowns. I wandered over to one of the rack where dresses of every color hung. I could never afford it though. I get a monthly allowance of 1 KJ. Even though I've saved everything I've ever gotten, it will never be enough to get a dress, or my freedom.

"Would you like to try it on?" She asked, smiling brightly. I blushed, quickly dropping the sleeve of the dress I was admiring. It was a dark purple dress with a black corset. I didn't even notice her return. She laid the dress on a crowded counter and glided up next to me. "Go ahead, put it on. I won't tell anyone." At that moment, I never loved anyone so much. She pushed me back behind a dressing screen.

That dress fit like a glove. I couldn't believe it. Looking in the mirror, I was no longer a slave to the royal family. I was a woman, a lady, a princess if I may be so bold. I think that was the first time I've smiled all week. The stress that the Princess has been putting on me, Nathaniel's little slips of tongue, and all around lack of sleep has made it unbearable. But this dress made up for it all.

"Sweetheart, keep it." She said, standing behind me looking into the reflection of a girl neither of us knew. Hard to believe I was that girl.

"I can't. I can't pay for it."

"No charge. That dress looks like it was made for you. I can't accept money from you. Just next time you come down, bring me a little bit of the baker's bread. That will be payment enough."

"That won't be necessary," a man's voice said from the doorway. I turned to see a tall young man with long curly brown hair stood shadowed in the entrance of the crowded shop. "Madame, I'll pay for the dress, for your generosity and craftsmanship should not go unrewarded. And milady, please except it as a gift, from both of us, for I've never set my eyes on such a beautiful girl."

I was shocked, utterly shocked. I couldn't move, as the seamstress and the man made a deal. I could blame it on the corset, or even the fact that many small pins were still in the dress. But no, this man shocked me, surprised me. I've never received a compliment like that before from anyone. Not the prince, the king, the help, the stable hands, no one. And a perfect stranger sees me once in this dress and... I'm no longer the slave.

"Fair skinned beauty, may you forever be lovely and cherish that dress. Farewell." He left as sudden as he appeared.

"Do you know that charming man?" The seamstress asked, almost with a sigh.

"No."

We packaged up the dress in a small brown bundle, to make it not look suspicious as I deliver the other one to the Princess. Her gown, a bright pink with lots of frills and ribbons, was bulky, and I was easily able to hide it from Prince Nathaniel when I went to meet him in the pub.

He was sitting in the corner, talking to a man with a black mustache. They were hunched over their tankards. I hoped and prayed to whatever guardian I had that he wasn't drunk again. Last time he took me to market with him, he made a mockery of the crown and I was blamed.

"Your highness, would you like me to wait outside?" I asked, after curtseying. The two gentlemen looked over to me, and Nathaniel smiled.

"Ah, yes, Maleen. Do that. I'll be a minute. Maybe you can have the carriage return?" He said, before taking a gulp from his tankard.

"Yes, your highness." I turned away. But just as I was a few steps away, I overheard Nathaniel say "The help always needs telling what to do. That girl there isn't very bright. My mother bought her as a child, because she pitied her. Poor thing can't even wash the floors properly."

To think, I thought he was nice. Pitied me aye? How I hate this miserable place. I stormed down the street, trying to protect the pink dress while looking for the carriage. The driver usually pulls out back to gamble a bit. I always suspect to see my father on these streets one of these days, but I have never come across him.

Sometimes, when I have nothing on my mind I picture myself meeting him by chance after I am married off to a duke or a merchant with high status, to prove to him I'm something. To give him something he never could have. To try and be a good daughter.

It will never happen though, he's probably dead by now.

Hours later, Nathaniel finally departed from the pub. The driver and I started a game of cards while waiting, me winning 5 KJ's. He and I have an understanding, not sure what kind, but I think he hates it here as much as I do.

"Let's head back to the castle. Maleen, you didn't really want to visit that farm did you?" Nathaniel asked, not even looking over at me as he jumped into the carriage.

"No master, I don't think so. I think I should go home and learn how to wash floors properly." I responded with a simple voice. Dumb am I? I'll show how dumb I am.

"Ah, very well. Jacob, home please." I gaped at him. He didn't even hear a word I said did he? Jacob rolled his eyes as he took hold of the harnesses and incited the horses to go. Nathaniel just gazed out the carriage window as we drove across the dusty roads home. Even though his comments infuriated me, I couldn't help smiling as my fingers brushed against the small parcel I was hiding. If I ever saw that kind man again, I may just have to kiss him. For once in my life I own something. I didn't own the clothes on my back, or my back. I had no shoes, and the little money I did have, I wasn't free to spend. So this small token of generosity from a perfect stranger would keep me happy for a long time.