Free Princess without a Palace: A King Thrushbeard Fairy Tale by Kristen Niedfeldt Page A

a choice. There’s
nothing for you to do here to help us earn a living. To the marketplace you’ll
go, whether you wish to or not.”
    Liesel fairly trembled with anger. How
dare he be such a tyrant!
    Their exchange was interrupted as Maria
opened the back door and ambled outside. “Is something wrong?”
    Roderick ran a hand through his hair and
inhaled a deep breath. “No, nothing is wrong.”
    After a few seconds of thought though,
his expression changed and a gleam sprang to his eyes.
    Liesel did not like that look.
    “No, nothing is wrong, Maria,” Roderick
repeated. “Liesel just informed me that I have her permission to choose any
task or chore for her to do here. Any chore.”
    Liesel took a step back. What was he
thinking?
    “As it seems that Liesel can’t bear the
thought of departing from your hut, I’m sure you wouldn’t mind having Liesel be
your very own apprentice from now on and follow you around all day to learn
everything you do.”
    Maria’s jaw dropped, and Liesel’s eyes
narrowed. That was not fair. Such a living would be akin to torture.
    “I’ll go to the market,” Liesel muttered
between clenched teeth.
    Roderick smiled. “I’m glad you could be
persuaded.”
     

     
    Liesel’s grumblings rivaled those of the
creaking wheels of the handcart as she walked beside Roderick to the marketplace
the next morning. It had taken a great deal of effort to accept her new life as
a peasant, and now, only two days later, she felt like she was being forced to
undertake more than she could bear. Hard labor had been difficult enough, but
now this? Oh, how she wished she could hide her face in shame! How would she
possibly endure working in the marketplace where she could be recognized by
traveling merchants and noblemen? It was just too much. Private peasantry was
heartbreaking. A public demotion was utter humiliation.
    The market was bustling by the time they
arrived. Roderick had to maneuver the handcart down several streets in search
of an empty area. Liesel clutched the sleeve of his tunic to avoid being pushed
aside by the great throng pressing against them. She was sure she would never
find him again if she lost sight of him.
    After traversing several lanes, they
finally found a suitable space on a quiet side street. “How about here?” he
asked.
    Liesel shrugged. It didn’t really matter
to her. She was just grateful to be hidden away from the main road.
    He helped her arrange a few pots on a
narrow table and then he offered her a small stool to use as a chair.
    She sank down onto the stool and rested
her chin on her hand.
    “Such enthusiasm will make the
neighboring merchants worry you’ll steal all of their business.”
    “I’m sure they are all trembling in
fear,” she muttered as she glanced around at the people nearby.
    He tucked the handcart away behind her
and brushed his hands off against his pants. “You should have everything you’ll
need so I better be on my way.”
    “Already?” she asked, sitting up
straight. She wasn’t ready to be left all alone.
    “I have my own work waiting for me. I
can’t afford to linger here. Good luck, Liesel. I’ll come tonight to help you
find your way back.”
    “What if something happens before then?
What do I do if I need help?”
    He waved around him. “Ask someone for
help.”
    “But I don’t know anyone!”
    He put his hands on the table, and
leaned in close. “Then I suppose you’ll be making new friends.”
    Liesel scoffed at the suggestion.
    Roderick nodded farewell.
    “Good luck, Liesel. And try to smile,”
he added with a wink. “You’ll sell more pots that way.”
    Liesel made a face at his retreating
figure before slumping back down onto her stool.
    She tilted her head up just a fraction
so she could survey the people meandering down the lane. The longer she
watched, the more self-conscious she became of her appearance. More and more,
she wished she hadn’t been banished in such a plain peasant dress. Compared