It’s Complicated

The Market

I woke in a pool of sweat, nightmares getting the best of me. “Miss Thorn! Breakfast!” a sweet voice called from the hall, knocking lightly on the door. They must have checked my room and realized I wasn’t there. 
I sighed. “I’m not really hungry, thank you...” Steadying my breathing, I tried to calm myself as images from the nightmare crept back into my mind. The hooded man moved through the castle, his heavy boots echoing beneath him. I sank deeper into the bed. Even under the covers I could feel his eyes on me. But why... why me? 
“Miss Thorn?” the voice called again. “You should really eat. I could bring it up for you, perhaps!” 
“That won’t be necessary, I’ll be down in a bit! Thank you!” I replied, swiping sweat from my face. I got up, walked to the bathroom connected to my bedroom, and ran a hot bath to settle my nerves. 
“I haven’t had nightmares in so long. Must be all the chaos getting to me. Maybe I’ll go to the market later! I’m sure the kitchen staff wouldn’t mind me tagging along. It’s been years since I’ve been back in my hometown. Grandma and I used to go to the market every Monday, when the bakery had the freshest breads and pastries. I always got the best raspberry tarts. It’s nostalgic for me, a wonderful tribute to her.” 
After my bath, I dressed in a lace forest-green dress with a corset layered on top and matching flats. I dried my hair, my fiery red curls falling over my shoulders. 
I left the room and hurried down the castle’s halls and stairs. 
“Hey!” I called to the young lady who had summoned me earlier. “Mind if I come along?” 
“But of course! Come!” she said with a slight smile, stepping out of the castle toward the carriage waiting out front. I followed quietly behind. The horses pulled us smoothly down the road as I gazed out the small window, lost in thought. “How are you holding up, Miss Thorn?” the young lady asked softly.
“I’m managing, thank you, but the castle always makes me uneasy—especially now that Grandmother has passed.” I turned back to the window, afraid the tears threatening behind my eyes might spill.
“I’m Amy, by the way! Your grandmother hired me some time before she passed. She talked about you all the time.”
I turned to her, shook her hand, and offered a smile.
“She told me how you used to accompany her to the markets! But I must warn you, Miss... the trade has found its way to our little town.” She looked down, clearly upset.
“Grandmother always hated the trade, as do I.” I shook my head.
“ROSEWOOD MARKET!” the man at the front of the carriage called out, making us all jump.
We stepped out of the carriage one at a time, the scent of sweets and bread drifting through the air. I took a deep breath, letting the nostalgic aromas wrap around me. Feeling a spark of life return, I took off.
“I’ll meet up with you all in two hours!” I called, receiving a smile and wave from Amy.
But my smile quickly faded—fairies being bought and sold. They came in many varieties, but the most common were small and fragile, made to serve humans in trivial daily chores. I walked into the bakery and peered through the window. The old shopkeeper gasped and hurried outside to greet me.
“Miss Thorn! Oh, how I’ve missed you! Come in, come in!”
She handed me my favorite—a red raspberry tart. The smell made my stomach rumble. I took a small bite, savoring the buttery, flaky pastry that melted in my mouth, perfectly paired with the sweet, fruity center.
“Can I get a few more? I’d like to take some for my friends!” 
She handed me a small basket of pastries. I paid and stepped out the door, wandering through the market, taking in the new items and how much it had changed. 
Beautiful fairies now forced to call humans’ master. Disgusting. Disgraceful. I was lost in thought when a hand landed on my shoulder. 
“Need a fairy, miss? A lovely lady like yourself shouldn’t be carrying that basket alone.” 
I pulled away, looking at the man in disgust. 
“No. I’m fine, thank you.” My eyes drifted to the caged creatures, then to the corner. Bright green eyes locked with mine—he was chained to the wall. Chains he could easily break, I thought. The shopkeeper must have noticed my lingering gaze. 
“You don’t want that one, dearie. He’s not the friendly type,” the shopkeeper said, breaking my focus. 
“Huh? What do you mean?” 
“He’s a warrior fairy, the fighting kind. Many men died trying to catch him, but he’ll fetch a good price, I’m sure of it.” The keeper stood there with a sly smile. 
“If that’s true, why is he still here? Couldn’t he just free himself and escape?” 
The fairy must have overheard, as a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. I stepped back, a dark feeling settling in my stomach. 
“Well, we have his spirit, of course,” the keeper said, pulling out a small chest. He unlocked it to reveal a crystal globe shimmering in the light. I stared at it in awe. 
“It’s his life essence. Whoever holds this controls his life.” He snapped the chest shut, making me jump. I forced a smile. “I mustn’t keep the ladies waiting for me.” 
I hurried away, trying to steady myself, but glanced back to see the fairy still staring at me. Then I slammed into something solid and went tumbling to the ground. Holding my head, vision blurred, I looked up at the hooded figure before me, heart pounding. He gave me an eerie smile and stepped around me, looking far too pleased with himself. 
My temper gets the better of me, as usual. “Hey, what’s your problem?” He freezes mid-step, turning to glare at me, his eyes burning holes straight into my soul.
I compose myself and glance once more at the chained fairy watching me and the hooded man. Grabbing my basket of pastries, I hurry back to Amy.
“Miss Thorn! What happened to you? You’re filthy! We were starting to worry,” Amy says, brushing the dirt from my dress.
“It’s nothing... let’s just go, please.” I climb into the carriage, and we make it back to the castle just as the rain begins to pour.