Ava left the palace early that morning, her golden eyes gleaming with excitement as she made her way toward Zarpha's bustling marketplace.
The palace had been stifling—full of politics and posturing—but here in the market, she could feel the pulse of the kingdom, the raw energy of commerce and trade. This was where true power lay—not in council meetings, but in the exchange of goods and wealth.
She had spent some time wandering the market the previous evening, getting a feel for the layout, the merchants, and the flow of business.
But today, she had a purpose.
Ava wasn't just here to observe—she was here to profit.
As she moved through the crowded streets, she pulled her cloak tight around her to avoid unnecessary attention.
