His fruit stand was in full view, neatly arranged with rows of fresh produce, but that wouldn't stop her. Philip was a wicked man, and he deserved a lesson.
With a smirk, Kaylan approached the table, her hand poised to knock it over. With one swift push, the entire display collapsed, sending the fruits rolling across the ground.
Philip rushed out of his house, his face pale with shock. "What? Princess Kaylan?!"
Kaylan burst into laughter and grabbed two apples from the chaos before darting back toward the bush, handing one to Jaden as they began to run.
"Here. Let's go!" she said, and they bolted away as fast as they could.
"Stop right there!! How dare you?!" Philip shouted, chasing after them, but they were too quick for him.
Once they were sure Philip wasn't following, they collapsed against the wall of a nearby building, laughing breathlessly.
"Oh my God! You're such a badass, Kaylan!" Jaden gasped, clutching her stomach as she tried to catch her breath.
"That man is so cruel," Kaylan grumbled, taking a big bite from her apple. "The day I found out he beat his wife and kicked her out over a small argument, I swore I would never let him get away with it."
Jaden nodded but then gave her a stern look. "Your father's warned you about causing trouble. How did you even get out of the palace? I thought he assigned guards to you?"
"Well, I just gave them drinks," Kaylan said with a mischievous grin. "But, you know, the drinks were poisoned. They're all asleep in my room right now."
Jaden's eyes widened. "Wait, what? You're kidding, right?"
They both broke into laughter, barely able to breathe.
"Sometimes I wonder if you're really a princess," Jaden said between giggles.
"Oh, please! Royalty is boring," Kaylan rolled her eyes. "Soon, I'll run away and live the kind of life I want-free. I'll make sure Father never finds me. I've had enough of his boring lectures."
"You really plan on running away?" Jaden asked, shocked. "What about your mother?"
Kaylan paused and thought for a moment. "Well, that's true. Mother would never go with me. But I'll think of something."
They continued eating their apples, when suddenly, Jaden leaned in and whispered. "Kaylan, I overheard my father talking to someone from the King's cabinet this morning. They're looking for a bride for Master Xander."
Kaylan froze. "Xander? The cruel one who's lost two wives?"
"Yes. They requested a match from your father, but he refused, saying he wouldn't marry any of his daughters to someone like Xander."
Kaylan's eyes narrowed. "So, Xander's still looking for another wife?"
"Well, he doesn't want one," Jaden said. "But an heir is important. His cabinet is doing all the searching for him."
Kaylan frowned. "What happened to his late wives?"
"No one knows," Jaden shrugged. "It's a mystery. But I heard Xander is terrifying. He's never lost a battle, and people say his power is unmatched. They call him 'the handsome devil.'"
Kaylan rolled her eyes. "Well, Father should've married Rebecca to him. She's just as wicked as he is."
Jaden laughed, nudging her. "You're unbelievable, Kaylan."
Before they could continue, a voice shouted from behind them. "There they are! Get them!"
The two girls sprang to their feet and took off running, dodging people in the marketplace as they caused chaos, knocking goods over as they went.
"Sorry! Excuse me!" they shouted as they raced through the crowded street.
As they ran, they accidentally bumped into a vendor with a cart full of paint, sending colorful splashes across Kaylan's face and clothes.
"Oh my God! Kaylan, you look like a clown!" Jaden laughed so hard she could barely breathe.
"Come on! They're coming!" Kaylan urged, pulling her friend forward as they sprinted through the market.
Their running finally slowed when they turned a corner and found themselves in front of a royal carriage, the crowd parting respectfully.
"Oh no," Jaden whispered, realizing too late where they had ended up.
Kaylan looked up just in time to see the King, seated on a horse, staring at her in shock. Her heart dropped as she realized she was standing in front of her father, covered in paint and looking anything but like a princess.
It was too late to run now.