She shouldn't of been tempted.

That's what Aria thought as she swept the sailors' silver off the oak wood gaming table set up in a corner of the market.

"Don't go," said one of the sailors.

"Stay," said another. But Aria just slammed her wrist strap velvet purse shut. Since the sun was setting, it changed the colour of things, also meaning she had been playing cards long enough to be noticed by someone who mattered. 

Someone who could tell her father.

Cards wasn't even her favourite game. The silver she had won wouldn't even begin to pay for the silk dress she was wearing, that had gotten snagged on a splintery crate she had been using as a stool. Though the sailors were very competitive players, which is why Aria was so intrigued. They flipped cards with feral tricks, swore when they lost, and even swore when they won. Not to mention they cheated. Aria especially liked it when they cheated because it made it beating not quite so easy.

Aria gave them a small smirk and went on her way through the market. Her smile slowly fading as she made her way. Leaving at this hour was risky and was going to cost her. It wasn't that gambling angered her father, or the company she played with. No, her father Gerneral Shawn was going to want to know why she was out so late in the market alone. 

Other people wondered why she was alone at such a locate hour, too. She could see it in their eyes as she passed them and other stands full of sacks of spice, that filled the air along with the salty air from the nearby port. 

Aria could only guess the words going through people's heads as she scurried by them. They didn't say what they were thinking. They knew who Aria was.

Everyone was wondering where Lady Aria's escort was. And if she had to family or friend available to escort her, where was her slave?

As for her slave, he had been left at the villa. Aria did not need him.

As for her escorts where abouts, Aria did not know.

Jess had wandered off to look at Jewelers. Aria last saw her weaving flowers and beads like a flower-drunk bee through the stalls, her pale blonde hair almost white in the summer sun.