2- London
After settling in and washing away the tiredness of travel, Evangeline changed into a simple outfit, she carefully picked up the floral-patterned corset, its intricate lace-up detailing in the front catching the light. She wrapped it around her waist, pulling the laces tight until the corset cinched her waist, giving her the structured silhouette typical of the time. The corset featured off-the-shoulder sleeves with delicate lace trim, adding a touch of elegance.
Next, she slipped into the skirt of the dress, made of light, flowing fabric in a soft cream color. The skirt cascaded down to her ankles, its fullness allowing for ease of movement while maintaining modesty. She admired the intricate details of the gown, the puffy sleeves gathered at the shoulders and wrists, and the overall vintage aesthetic. The corset made it somewhat difficult for her to walk around, but she needed to look and dress like a commoner in the streets of London, as she didn't want any unwanted attention towards her. Originally, her plan was to flee from the country as soon as possible but she didn't have any way to escape without a passport and that was only possible if she had her ID. But in that case, Evangeline knew she'd be recognised and she didn't want to get caught.
Evangeline then draped a plain shawl over her shoulders and tied her hair back into a loose bun, ensuring that she looked like any other commoner. She hoped that her appearance would help her blend in with the bustling streets of London.
With a long breath, she descended the stairs to the common room, where the smell of breakfast welcomed her. The room was filled with the sounds of clinking dishes and low murmurs of conversation. She took a seat at one of the empty tables.
Mrs. Jenkins approached her with a friendly smile. "Good morning, miss. Did you sleep well?"
"Oh, I've quite just arrived here, but thank you" Evangeline replied with a small laugh, her stomach growling in response to the delicious aromas. "I was hoping to have some breakfast, please." "Of course," Mrs. Jenkins said. "We have fresh bread, eggs, and bacon this morning. I'll bring you a plate right away."
Evangeline nodded gratefully. As she waited, she observed the other patrons in the common room. There were tradesmen, travelers, and local townsfolk—all going about their morning routines. She felt a mix of nervousness and excitement, knowing that she had to blend in with these people to create a new life for herself. Mrs. Jenkins returned with a steaming plate of food and set it down in front of her. "Enjoy, miss," she said with a kind smile before moving on to serve another guest.
Evangeline took a bite of the fresh bread, savoring the simple yet satisfying taste. The breakfast was hearty and warm, better and simple then she was used to at the castle. As she ate, she reflected on her new life among the commoners.
For the first time, she felt a sense of freedom. There were no strict protocols to follow, no rigid expectations to meet. She could move freely and make her own decisions. Yet, there was also a sense of vulnerability. She had no safety net, no royal resources to fall back on. Every step she took from now on would be fraught with uncertainty, but she welcomed the challenge.After finishing her meal, Evangeline approached Mrs. Jenkins. "Thank you for the breakfast. It was wonderful," she said sincerely. "I was wondering if you might know of any work available in the area. I'm looking for a job." She paused slightly.
Mrs. Jenkins studied her for a moment before nodding. "There's always work to be found in London, if you're willing to look for it. You might start at the market down the street. They're often in need of extra hands."
Evangeline thanked her and stepped out into the bustling streets of London. The city was alive with activity, and she felt a mix of fear and excitement as she began her search for work. The market was a lively place, filled with vendors selling everything from fresh produce to handmade goods.
As she walked through the market, Evangeline focused on her surroundings. Families walked together, the kids smiling and giggling as their parents stood next to them, their life seemed simple, and they were happy, and that was all Evangeline wished for. Yet, all she was is a stupid princess who belonged in a royal family, having to perform duties and yet grieve the death of her mother, Queen Isabella. Evangeline's mind flooded with the memories of her mother and her, spending each time they'd get together playing the piano, whistle chatting about life and how'd they'd soon have a simple life just to enjoy and spend time with each other. Sadness bubbled inside her as she watched the families with a small, faded smile.
While trolling through the market stalls, she caught sight of a newspaper stand. Her heart stopped as she saw her own face staring back at her from the front page of a newspaper. The headline read: **"Princess Evangeline Vanishes: Royal Family in Turmoil!"**Panic surged through her. She quickly bought a copy and ducked into a quiet corner to read. The article detailed her disappearance, her father's distress, and the search efforts already underway. She knew her father would stop at nothing to find her and bring her back to the castle. Her thoughts raced. She had to be more careful. Any slip-up could lead to her capture and return to the life she had fought so hard to escape. She needed to stay hidden, blend in even more, and avoid drawing any attention to herself. As she folded the newspaper and tucked it away, she took a deep breath. The stakes were higher than ever, but she couldn't let fear control her.
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