After class, Katherine and Laura made their way to the bustling academy market, weaving through the lively crowd. Merchants stood behind their stalls, shouting about their fresh produce and finest wares. Customers haggled over prices with practiced ease, and the occasional street performer played a tune or juggled knives, hoping to earn a few coins. The air carried a mix of scents—warm bread, fragrant spices, and something vaguely fishy that neither of them wanted to investigate too closely.
Katherine was sure that Arianne was waiting by the fountain in the marketplace. She had instructed her servants that if anything happened or if they needed assistance, their designated meeting place would be in front of the fountain.
Laura stretched her arms dramatically, her golden hair catching the sunlight. "Ah, freedom! No more lectures, no more nosy nobles judging our existence, just a peaceful afternoon—"
