Cinderella found Milo eating breakfast, or rather stirring his breakfast while he read his book. He did not even look up when Cinderella sat down at the table. The bar maid quickly came over and handed her a steaming bowl of oatmeal. Then she turned away so quickly Cinderella didn't have time to say thank you. However, she quickly returned with a bowl of sugar, and a pitcher of milk.

"Thank you." Said Cinderella finally. The bar maid nodded and went back to the bar. Cinderella fixed her oatmeal and ate in silence for a few minutes.

"How did you sleep?" Asked Milo, putting down his book. He took up his own oatmeal and he took a big bite and cringed.

"Cold?" Asked Cinderella, quietly laughing. Milo swallowed the cold lump of oatmeal and pushed the offensive bowl away from him and took a long swig of milk. Cinderella took a bite of her hot oatmeal before she answered Milo.

"I didn't sleep well." She confessed. But she didn't tell him why. "How did you sleep?"

Milo cracked his neck. "Alright. Uneventful. Jim was up awful early today. What's he up to?"

"He is somewhere in the inn listening to a ship's Captain tell about his adventures." Just then there was a roar of laughter from the other side of the inn near a table by the end of the bar. Cinderella could see Jim, several other men, a man who could only be the Captain, and two young girls. The source of the laughter. Milo followed her gaze.

"Well, he's occupied today. Cindy wanna go explore the town with me? The bar maid told me there is a book sellers shop down the lane."

The gleam in his eye was hard to miss. Cinderella smiled. "Alright. I need a new book or two." So they quickly finished breakfast, or Cinderella did, and headed out to explore the town.

They past many shops as they explored the town. The passed a blacksmith, a tailor, a cobbler, a scribe, a doctor, a butcher, a baker, and even a candle stick maker. There were so many shops and even street vendors it amazed them. Some of the street vendors peddled cheese, clothes, wine, crafts and even jewelry.

"Wow, there is a lot of activity here for a town so close to the wood." Observed Milo, who had stopped to buy cheese from one of the vendors. "Now where was that Bakery?" He said turning about and looking in each direction.

Cinderella didn't seem to hear him though. She was looking at the most beautiful dress she had ever seen. It was silver with a very light hint of blue. It sparkled like a star, and she was completely mesmerized. She reached out to touch it but dared not to. The vendor came over and saw Cinderella's locked gaze.

"Its lovely isn't it dear?" Asked the vendor in sweet voice. She was an older woman with gray white hair. Her dress was blue. Cinderella nodded and continued to look at the dress.

"It beautiful." Cinderella looked at the vendor who smiled back encouraging. Cinderella nodded. She turned her focus to the other dresses. Most were ballgowns like the one she liked. Necklaces and all sorts of adornments were also present. Cinderella fingered a gold heart with a swan etched on it.

"Its all very nice." She said to the vendor. "But I don't have enough money." Cinderella looked back at the silver dress. The vendor gave her a sad nod.

"Its good to dream of something. Hopes and dreams make the world go round. Who knows when your dreams will come true." The vendor smiled and then turned to another customer. Cinderella looked at the dress. This is silly. When would I wear a dress like that anyway.

She shook her head walked away from the table. She browsed a few stalls and shops but an uneasy feeling had settled with her. At first she thought it was because of the dress but then the hair on the back of her neck started to tingle. Someone was watching her. She looked around as she walked but saw no one starring at her or looking suspicious. Everyone seemed to just be doing there shopping. Up a head was the book sellers shop and Cinderella couldn't be more thrilled. She quickly made her way to it and dashed inside. Instantly she felt better as she leaned on a wall by the door.

The shop was cool and darker than outside. It also was filled with a familiar smell of books. Milo was no where to be seen but Cinderella started browsing the books. She past titles like 'The Emperor's New Suit', 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf', 'Hansel and Gretel', 'The Sleeping Maid', and even a book from her own namesake 'Cinderella'. She reached for it when her hand connected with another hand reaching as well.

"Oh I'm sorry. I-" Cinderella stopped upon seeing who it was. "Belle!" Both girls smiled.

"What are you doing here?" Asked Belle pleasantly. Cinderella looked around.

"Just looking for a new book or two. You?"

"I'm always looking for a new book" Belle looked down at the book they had both reached for. She picked it up and held it out.

"Its got your name on it." Said Belle with a laugh. Cinderella smiled.

"I've read it. My mother named me Cinderella because she loved the story so much. It reminded her of how my father and her met and married."

"Oooo, don't tell me anything. I don't want to spoil the read."

The girls walked around the shop and talked over which books either had read and which ones they should. The morning quickly past and the noon sun was high in the sky.

The girls purchased their books and stood by the counter talking.

"Do you have plans for lunch?" Inquired Belle.

"I'm suppose to have lunch with my cousins but Jim will still be occupied with the captain and I don't know where Milo is."

Just then a stack of books could be heard tumbling to the floor in the next room. Belle and Cinderella went to see if they could help. Cinderella gave one look at Belle and shook her head.

"Milo." At his name Milo turned around. Books tumbling from his arms.

"Oh, there you are Cindy. Could you-give me-a hand." More book tumbled but not just from Milo's arms but the table beside him as well. Cinderella shook her head. Belle helped Cinderella and Milo put the books back in neat stacks on the table.

"Milo, this is my friend Belle," said Cinderella as she motioned towards Belle. "and this is my cousin, Milo." Belle and Milo nodded at each other.

"Pleased to meet you. Your cousin has told me a lot about you." Belle said. Milo tipped his head.

"Has she? Oh well-I-uh." Milo stammered as he fiddled with a book.

"Are you ready for lunch?" Cinderella asked.

"No. I just got here. There are a lot of old books here worth investigating. I-" Milo trialed off as he inspected the bookself next to him. "I think I'll stay here and look somemore. I still have some bread and cheese from earlier. You go on a head. I'll meet you at the inn later."

Cinderella smiled and turned to leave with Belle.

"Wait. Will you be okay by yourself?" Milo asked concern evident in his voice.

"She'll be fine. I'll make sure she stays out of trouble. I will even walk her to the inn later." Said Belle reassuringly. Milo thought for a moment and then quickly nodded. With that, both girls left the shop and were on there way to Belle's house.

Half way there Cinderella got that sinking feeling like she was being watched again. She didn't say anything to Belle but scanned the street as they walked. No one and nothing seemed odd or out of the ordinary. She walked on listening to Belle talk about the town. But the feeling never left her.