Rose awoke at dawn, just as she did every morning. She was particularly excited about this dawn though. This dawn Rose was going to the market. The Capitol Market! She was thrilled. Mistress Yaga trusted her enough to go to the biggest market in the kingdom, alone. She took her list and practically ran to Market Street.
When she finally arrived she was overwhelmed. Of course she knew the Capitol Market would be big. But never had she thought it could be this big. Mistress Yaga's entire property could fit in it, twice! She could spend days just finding the herbs. Especially since she kept getting distracted. There were foods, furniture, fashions and fabrics that she had never seen before. Looking at the gorgeous fabrics, so rich in texture and vibrant in color, brought on more fantasies. Once more she was an elegant lady at court. Once more the king took her delicately gloved hand, this time to walk with her along the palace grounds. He would show her the beautiful flowers, the elegant mazes of topiaries, and the great shimmering lakes. Then they would find a spot underneath a weeping willow, by a stream maybe, and sit and talk.
This hazy daydream was brought to an abrupt end when Rose ran straight into a fishmonger.
"Watch it Sweet Tomato!," the fishmonger yelled. He looked at Rose with the same expression as the guard at the gate had.
"Wait a minute now, wait a minute, why don't you stay with me a while Tomato? We'll see how good you are at selling my fish," he said with a leer.
"Ugh," was all she could say. Luckily she was jostled away from him by the crowd. Rose got a chill. The way that man looked at her… it made her feel dirty. And a little proud, though she was ashamed to admit it.
Finally she found the herbs. Once she had the right section, it was easy enough to find what she wanted. They would need more than herbs, but that was all Mistress Yaga wanted today.
Rose arrived back at the inn just before noon. She was starving. She was so looking forward to having a nice hot lunch. And not having to cook it herself? Magical. Maybe she could just have a little rest before lunch. But when she walked into the room she shared with Mistress Yaga there was a strange man in front of the window. Mistress Yaga was talking to him.
"Rose," she said, "its good that you're back. We are needed,".
Rose looked from the man to Mistress Yaga. The man was dressed in, was that livery? Mistress Yaga had an eager look in her eyes.
"Whoever it is that needs help must be very rich," she thought. Mistress Yaga only got that look when she was looking at some very serious money.
"Yes Mistress Yaga," she said obediently, "I'll gather your tools at once,". As she crossed to the chest of drawers on the other side of the room she heard the man whisper.
"Is she the one?"
Rose's back was to the pair so she couldn't see Mistress Yaga's nod. But she felt it.
"Aren't you done yet girl?" Mistress Yaga snapped.
"Oh yes ma'am. All ready," Rose answered quickly.
"Good. Then lets go," the old woman commanded. This command seemed to apply to the man in livery too.
"Excuse me Mistress, but where are we going?" Rose asked. She knew that it was likely she wouldn't get an answer. But she hated not to know.
Mistress Yaga grunted. She answered without looking back at Rose.
"The palace,".