#cinderslippers

It was an odd feeling for Eugene to be strolling through the market with a pocket full of coins, and no intention of stealing anything. Actually paying for things was a new experience, and if he was being honest it was a little more boring than the alternative. But he had made a change in his lifestyle, and he was sticking to it.

Of course, it was one thing for him to do that and believe it himself. It was another thing entirely to make the small shop owners believe it. Forgive and forget did not seem to be part of their vocabulary, and more than once he found himself turned away. Not even his association with the royal family seemed to gain him any leeway.

One particular woman, after Eugene had asked how much a leather pouch was, began to make a scene at her booth. Arms were swatted in his direction, trying to shoo him away and words were yelled none too kindly.