The smells of the market in early morning were the best. Where the breads were just being done and cooling, the spice mongers getting their special cargo set up in their stalls. And people everywhere mingling to get what it was they desired.
“Stop thief!” Yelled some guards. A slim female figure slid into a side street a grin on her lips. She knew this city inside and out having been a street rat all her life. Natalie couldn’t afford to buy anything, how could she when she’d been abandoned by her family a long time ago? No WAY in hell was she about to go to Madame Shiva’s place either. She was not for sale for anyone. Not for any reason. Even if at times it had gotten very tempting, she’d somehow rallied and gone through the horrible time. How, she was never sure. She climbed onto the roof tops to avoid further capture, still running and jumping from one to another. She had a tiger to feed, as well as herself.
“Gotta steal to eat, gotta eat to live.” She muttered to herself, the only rule that she had during her years.

The prince was usually not allowed outside the castle gates, but he hated being inside all the time. He wanted to mingle with the poor and befriend those who live in his kingdom, so when he became king, he would be able to help his kingdom thrive. As he was roaming around he met some very interesting people. He was broken out of conversation with a younger boy, when he heard a commotion. He heard a the distinct voice of one of the castle guards, yelling about a thief. "Samuel, I have to go." He said to the young boy as he sprinted towards the commotion. He had to be sure to stay out of the guards sight, because he was not supposed to be out in the city. Sneaking through an alley, he caught a glimpse of the guards chasing a slim girl.

“Come on guys! Give a gal a break?” Cooed Natalie as she slid out of sight from some of the guards. “It’s just a bit of meat. You really do not want to starve my house guest. Besides I can’t afford it, you’ve never caught me, can’t we let bygones be bygones?” She teases as she pulled down some fabrics to cover the guards still after her trail. She stopped to catch her breath and felt the eyes on her and she turned her head spotting the ill hidden man near by. He was dressed SUPER fine in all those silks. She felt both longing and a little bit of hatred for what the man represented. The rich who wouldn’t even spit at her much less make sure those like her -the cold and starving- had anything.
“Go to Madame Shiva for entertainment.” She snarled and climbed up the other building to get to her home.
“There’s the street rat! Up there! We will catch her this time!” It was their honor if they didn’t and yet she had always proved illusive.

The prince genuinely wanted to help, but undoubtedly had no way of doing so, without being caught by the guards. She was invariably the most beautiful girl he had ever seen. There must be some way he could help her. He moved cautiously about the alley ways, keenly watching her jump the roofs expertly. Maybe he could follow her to her home. While moving through the local streets and alleys, he bumped into a vendor. "Watch were you are going!" the vendor yelled. As the prince turned to look at the innocent man he replied gently "I'm so sorry sir." When the vendor realized who it was he apologized profusely. "Don't worry. I just ask you one thing." The vendor looked at him in anticipation. "I was never here." The vendor nodded as the prince ran back into the alley way. He had lost track of the charming girl. Sprinting through the alleys he caught a glimpse of her again and again followed her.

Natalie grabbed a sheet and in a gravity defying jump, wrapped the sheet around some line falling through an open window stealing the bread in the window in the process. A moment later she escaped the building chuckling in amusement. “Thanks for the bread mister gumpy pants!” She called still amused. When she got away from the pursuers, she leaned against a near by wall and noticed two kids. They were picking through trash and were surprised to see the grown up.
“Hey. Don’t be afraid.” She gently cooed at the kids as she broke off half the bread. She had to have food for herself. “Take this and share with the other.” She suggested and the children smiled thankfully at her and scurried away.