The market was in the center of the capital. The market was relatively large and contained several districts. The food market, the fashion market, and the book district were the areas of interest for the siblings. These areas stretched several blocks and had their distinct architecture. Their grandfather had decided to invest in constructing permanent infrastructure for the market. Previously, the market had consisted of open-air stalls.  Due to the new infrastructure, the market thrived, and the residents could provide new services to the capital. 

Before leaving for the market, the siblings decided to change. For Alfonso, it was much easier to change, but for Abigail, she needed to seek advice from Alice. Instead of a dress, Alice suggested a pair of trousers and a shirt instead of a dress since many women had decided to wear trousers at the market. Princess Abigail invited Alice to their excursion since she frequently visited the market. 

Alfonso and Abigail walked together while Alice trailed behind. The food market was affectionately referred to as “The Kitchen.” In this area, residents would find a variety of ingredients and a few restaurants. They even sold kitchen utensils and aprons. 

“Alice, please show us where you shop for us,” said Princess Abigail.

“Of course your high- I mean Abby. I shop at four stores, but if you don’t mind, I can take you to my favorite place,” said Alice. 

Alice led the way, and Alfonso and Abigail diligently followed her.

They saw the building, and it was as if it was constructed with cotton candy. Abigail’s eyes widen in surprise. She was amazed at the structure and its complexity. There were small details that identified the shop as a candy shop. 

“So, Alice, I’m guessing you have a sweet tooth.” Prince Alfonso said.

Alice let out a small laugh and opened the door to let the siblings into the building. Abigail saw chocolate being sold by the pound and the traditional candy of the kingdom.

The flavors of the Aztlan Empire inspired the traditional candy of the kingdom. Most of the candy was spicy due to the addition of hot peppers. However, her favorite candy was the cocadas- a coconut candy made with honey. Abigail waited for her brother and Alice to finish with their selections. 

Alfonso had selected several chocolates to share with them. Alice had found a few pastries and had ordered tea for them. Abigail placed her cocadas in the middle of the table, as well. 

“This store is also a bakery. They sell conchas and have started making them into adorable animals,” said Alice. 

 “Alice, these are all cats! I would have expected a bit more variety,” said Princess Abigail.

“I only like the cat-shaped ones, plus they reminded me of Cosmo,” said Alice.

“Who is Cosmo?” said Prince Alfonso.

“Cosmo is my new kitten. I adopted him a few days ago,” said Princess Abigail.

“I should go and meet my nephew soon,” said Prince Alfonso.

“That’s very funny, Alfie. Hilarious even,” said Princess Abigail. 

The trio enjoyed their small break and watched the other patrons. Alice was right; many women favor trousers while conducting errands. Abigail often only wore dresses at the palace, slightly different than her usual attire, but she appreciated the difference. After their short meal, the trio went to the fashion market. 

When they entered the fashion market, many people wore different styles. Some adventurous souls were wearing the newest fashion and accessories. 

The siblings decided to just stroll through the marketplace and window shop. However, there were a few stores that Abigail would invite to the palace to see their items. 

The book district was at the end of the fashion market. However, the book district was, in fact, only one single building. However, the building was the highest in the area and rose several stories. 

Alfonso and Abigail decided to split up and meet one another in an hour. Abigail and Alice explored the building on their own. 

Abigail asked Alice to help her select a few books that would be easy to read. Abigail selected a few historical books, while Alice found a few books related to household crafts. 

Before they left, to pay for the books. Abigail saw Micheal browsing books in the architecture section. 

Abigail and Alice were both surprised. Alice noticed a subtle blush on Princess Abigail but did not comment. 

Princess Abigail approached Micheal. 

“Hello”, she said.

Micheal was shocked but realized that Princess Abigail was incognito. 

“Hello, Abigail. What brings you here?” he asked. 

Princess Abigail noticed that Micheal was dressed differently than his usual attire. He wore a white shirt with his sleeves cuffed and brown trousers. To her surprise, her outfit resembled his. His shoes also seemed to be brand new. 

“I needed a few books. Alice and my brother are here,” she said. Micheal smiled at her and asked if he could be of any assistance to her.  Micheal surprised her again when he collected the books from Alice and her to carry to the counter.  An hour had passed, and she had to meet her brother. Micheal stood near them as they waited for her brother at the front of the building. 

Alfonso met them nearly twenty minutes after the appointed time. Her brother was always chronically late or too early at appointments.

Her brother immediately noticed Micheal and said, “Who are you?”. 

“I’m Micheal. I work as a gardener for your family,” said Micheal.

“Micheal helped us earlier and was our escort until you arrived,” said Princess Abigail.

“Thank you, Micheal. We are heading home now. You are welcome to join us,” said Prince Alfonso. Micheal accepted Alfonso’s invitation, and the small group headed towards the palace. 

Alice and Micheal headed towards the servant’s entrance with the books purchased by Princess Alice. 

However, Princess Abigail and Prince Alfonso had to enter the palace through another route. 

“I don’t know if this is my favorite or least favorite part whenever we escape from the palace,” said Princess Abigail.

“I find it to be my favorite,” said Prince Alfonso. 

Alfonso and Abigail had to take a secret path near the servant’s quarters. It was a small cave hidden by magic. It was a cave built as an escape route for the royal family.  Only direct descendants of the De La Rosa family could enter the cave. It led directly to the palace grounds. The cave was very helpful, but the only flaw was that even when a member of the De La Rosa family wanted to bring another person-including a spouse- the cave would create a barrier preventing their entrance. 

The cave was well-lit and secured by magic. However, nature still found its way into the cave. Thousands of insects crawled around its walls, and small pools of water were present throughout the cave. The cave had been designed to mirror a long hallway when leaving the palace. However, the path to enter the palace again was more difficult. 

As they were moving through the cave, Abigail fell. The water was, fortunately, clear. 

“Just great,” said Princess Abigail.

“Abby!” said Prince Alfonso. He ran up to her and helped her to her feet. 

“Thanks!” Princess Abigail noticed a green gem at the bottom of the puddle when she stood up.

She picked it up and placed it near the direction of the dragon’s light. 

“I think it's an emerald. Father did say some of our ancestors hid their fortune here in times of trouble,” said Alfonso.

“You’re right. I think I’ll take it with me,” said Princess Abigail with a smile. She placed the gem into her pants pocket, and the siblings continued to make their way out of the cave.

When Abigail entered her new bedroom, she was greeted by Cosmo. Princess Abigail removed the emerald from her pocket and placed it into her jewelry case. She then left the room to take a bath. 

The jewelry case glowed with a dark green hue. Cosmo simply stared in the direction of the light and promptly curled up for a nap.

Alice had entered Princess Abigail’s bedroom and placed the books in her room. The green emerald glowed once again after Alice left the room.

Alice went back to her room in the servant’s quarters. Her room was shared with the other maids and located on the third floor of the Princess’s palace.  A few of the maids were in the room sharing a snack.

“Alice, how was the field trip?” said Mary.

“Just another day at the market, but I got to go, Sweet Capital,” said Alice.

“Lucky,” said Justine, “You missed a few things. You know that one of the kitchen maids will be starting here soon”. 

“Really, but the Princess already has four maids,” said Alice.

“I’m surprised, too, since Princess Abigail doesn’t like many people fussing around her. But she gave direct orders to the head maid that Naima should be her newest personal maid,”  Mary said.

“Won’t the kitchen be understaffed now?” asked Mabel. 

“There’s always someone willing to work in the kitchen. I’m sure they will find a replacement soon,” said Alice. 

“Well, I hope Naima works hard,” said Mary. Alice agreed secretly.