Chapter 3
The Marketplace
Celestino moved through the marketplace quickly to keep up with his step family. They moved from boutique to boutique, not stopping to look at the various music acts, plays and singers that livened up the marketplace. When he saw his family go into the latest Paris fashion boutique, he made his way to the baker.
"Celestino! How goes it? Did you escape that little witch yet?"
" Mister Smith! I would never!"
"I know, son. You've too much pride for that." He grabbed a hard roll filled with meat and cheese. "Eat this. You're much too skinny."
"Oh, I couldn't."
"I insist." Celestino bowed his head and ate quickly. It was nice to eat food he didn't make.
"Boy!" He heard his stepmother and held their shopping packages. "Now go away. I'm sick of your loitering." He bowed his head and turned to walk away. He turned the corner and dropped the packages in his surprise. He was almost trampled by these royal horses! He immediately picked up the hat boxes and was helped by a kind stranger.
"Thank..." Celestino's voice caught in his throat as he gazed at the beautiful man in front of him. "You..." The stranger smiled bash fully, looking at the ground, slightly blushing at the clear appreciation of this new acquaintance. Celestino cleared his throat. "Are you new to town? I don't think I've seen you around."
"I am usually stuck at home. My family is wealthy so I don't have to go to town. But I was feeling suffocated. It's nice here though." Celestino blinked. Even his voice was musical. He swallowed. He smiled beautifically, stunning the prince.
"I don't get out much either. Do you want me to show you around?"
"If you have the time."
"Do I have the time? Of course I do! My stepmother doesn't want me around right now. She kind of loathes my existence." William laughed lightly under his breath. "What's your name?"
"William." The prince sighed in thanks for his popular name.
"Celestino."
"That's a different name."
"My father called me his little moon, when he was alive." After that somber comment, they moved through the marketplace. They watched a short play about the prince James and his betrothed. William thought this was especially amusing for some reason or another. They went in the bookshop and talked about their favorite books. They stopped at the archery shop and Celestino expressed interest in wanting to learn but his stepmother did not want him to learn.
"She sounds evil." William said. "I could imagine not practicing with my bow and arrow." Celestino smiled.
"I dream of escaping. Ill do it someday."
"I hope you will. You deserve freedom. " Celestino smiled and opened his mouth to reply.
"Boy!" Celestino cringed. "We're leaving." She turned. William's lip rose in a snarl, he recognized that she devil. He schooled his expression when Celestino turned back to him.
"I'm sorry! It was lovely to meet you, William." William inclined his head and repeated the same sentiment. He turned the corner and watched as Celestino caught up with his stepmother.
"Who was that?"
"Oh, no one." She glared and then backhanded him across the face. William almost went to him but stopped himself. Celestino cringed and held his cheek.
"I have put a roof over your head, fed you, clothed you and the only thing I ask is you not talk to strangers. And you are so stupid you cannot even do that." She spoke with such spite. William glared at the retreating for of this woman and her two mini me's who were twittering and snickering and giggling.
He heard a commotion in town.
"His royal highness, Prince William, is giving a ball!" He sighed and snuck out of the marketplace making his way back to the castle.
chapter 3! This is all I have at the moment but I hope to write another couple of chapters before the night is over! Review please!
