Chapter 47: To remain cautious

The evening market came alive as the sun dipped below the horizon, transforming the coastal town into a glowing energy.

Strings of warm lantern lights stretched across the narrow cobblestone streets, illuminating wooden stalls brimming with local handicrafts, seashell jewelry, and woven beachwear.

Taking Caroline’s hand, Andrew drew her close to his side as they navigated through the bustling crowd.

Local performers had set up open-air stages along the main walkway. On one end, a troupe of fire dancers twirled flaming torches in mesmerizing patterns to the thunderous beat of wooden drums against the nearby buildings. Further down, a group of acoustic musicians played lively music, while street artists sketched portraits for laughing tourists.

Caroline’s eyes widened with pure delight as she took in the sights and sounds. The joy of the night market was something she had never experienced before.

"Look at those," Caroline whispered, pulling Andrew toward a small stall adorned with hand-carved wooden trinkets and glowing glass lamps. She picked up a small wind chime made of mother-of-pearl, letting the gentle breeze catch it to create a soft, musical ring.

Andrew watched her expression, a smile playing on his lips. "If you like it, we’re taking it," he said, already reaching for his wallet.

"Your wife really has a good eye," the stall owner said with a warm smile as she took the money. "Are you two newlyweds? You don’t look like locals."

"We aren’t from around here. And yes, we’re newlyweds," Andrew answered smoothly, a genuine, easy smile gracing his features as he slid his arm around Caroline’s waist.

The woman carefully wrapped the delicate shell chime in sturdy paper before handing over the small package.

"Thank you," Caroline said, her heart fluttering at the casual way Andrew had called her his wife. She clutched the small package to her chest, leaning into his side as they began strolling down the glowing street again. "We’ll hang it right by the balcony doors in our bedroom so the breeze catches it."

Andrew looked down at her, his dark eyes softening. "Whatever you want, Caroline. The room is yours."

She noticed an elderly artist sitting alone behind a small wooden easel, his sketchbook open on his lap with no customers in sight.

"Let’s go over there," Caroline said, gently pulling on Andrew’s hand. "We should get a sketch done for us, too."

"Sure," Andrew agreed, letting her lead him across the cobblestone street toward the quiet corner.

The old man’s face lit up with a warm, wrinkled smile as they approached. "Good evening! Please, sit, sit," he welcomed them enthusiastically, gesturing toward a pair of small plastic chairs set up in front of his wooden easel.

Andrew stared down at the tiny, colorful stool, looking entirely out of place in his tall, broad-shouldered frame. "These are way too small," he grumbled under his breath, carefully sitting down as the plastic creaked faintly under his weight.

"Just sit and adjust for a little while," Caroline whispered with an amused grin, nudging his shoulder as she settled into the chair beside him.

They noticed the old man’s hand was trembling slightly as he held the charcoal, yet he continued to draw with steady dedication, earning his living through his craft.

Within ten minutes, he completed the portrait. Flipping the sketchbook around, he showed them the finished piece. The soft charcoal strokes captured Andrew’s sharp profile and Caroline’s gentle smile perfectly; both of them were genuinely impressed.

"Even at your age, your hand work shows remarkable skill," Andrew complimented, inspecting the drawing. "How much do I owe you?"

"Five dollars," the old man replied warmly.

"I don’t have five dollars," Andrew said, pulling a crisp, high-denomination bill from his wallet and setting it down on the artist’s small wooden table. "We’ll take the sketch. Thank you."

The old man stared at the large bill in shock before picking it up. "This is far too much. Wait a moment. I’ll get change from the neighboring stall, or you can simply take the drawing for free," he insisted, extending his trembling hand to return the money.

"It’s fine. Keep it," Andrew told him smoothly, already rising to his feet and offering a hand to help Caroline up.

Caroline noticed the pride and hesitation still flickering in the old man’s eyes, realizing he felt uncomfortable taking such a grand overpayment from a stranger. Leaning across the small wooden table, she spoke in a low, respectful voice.

"He is Alpha Prince Andrew Kensington," she murmured softly. "He truly appreciated your work. Please keep the money as a genuine reward for your talent."

The old man’s eyes widened in shock as he looked from the bill to the royal alpha standing before him. A smile spread across his weathered face as he bowed his head.

"Thank you, Your Highness," he said, his trembling voice filled with warmth. "May the Moon Goddess bless both of you with a long, happy life together."

"Thank you," Caroline said softly, offering the old man a final, gentle smile before standing up and catching up to Andrew.

As they continued down the vibrant street, Andrew glanced down at her, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Why did you have to expose my identity like that?"

"Because that’s the only way he would feel comfortable taking such a large amount," she replied, looking up at him. "Why? Did you not like me revealing who you are?"

"No, it’s not that," Andrew answered, his gaze sweeping over the surrounding crowd with an observant eye. "It’s just better to remain cautious around locals when we’re away from the royal guard, that’s all."

Caroline furrowed her brows, a sudden spark of confusion in her eyes. "Do you think we could actually be in danger here?"

"Not exactly," Andrew reassured her, sliding his hand back around hers to pull her close against his side. "But it’s always better to be safe."

"I’ll keep that in mind next time," Caroline murmured. She walked ahead of him when her eyes landed on a familiar figure.

"Emmett!"