In high-heels and silk dress, the princess took her daily walk around the palace. Despite the lingering mist, she loved to be outside after a rainstorm. As she passed, the emperor’s officers and servants bowed or curtsied. Politely, she returned the gesture.
Despite being a princess, she didn’t feel like one and was eager to explore the world beyond the palace. Her father often said, “This palace is the world.” She knew deep down that’s not true. On one fateful day, with her belongings on the back of a horse, she rode out of the palace and never looked back.
(100 words)
A little backstory: My mom once told me one of her ancestors was a princess when dynasties existed in China and that plus this picture prompt were enough to get my imagination juices flowing.

Even the privileged seek the freedom of independence and adventure.
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I think it’s just human nature.
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I suspect my princess would join yours on her grand adventure. I’ll bring the magic, you bring the snacks.
Tracey
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😄😄😄 Deal!
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Very good take Yinglan
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Thank you.
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You’re welcome
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Great write – now I want to know more about her adventures 💕
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Thank you. I’d imagine she will blend in with the normal masses in no time.
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What an interesting family anecdote. I love the picture of a princess who wants more than just a royal life…maybe that is just the way it was!
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I like to think living in that palace can make a person feel bored very quickly.
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thank you Yinglan for this snippet of family history. Atmospheric.
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Thank you. 🙂
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I hope the journey is fruitful.
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I hope so, too. 🙂
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There’s great courage in taking up an adventure in place of comfort and security, but a gilded cage is still a cage. I wonder how hard it would be to find someone to change places with her!
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I don’t doubt the difficulty but I know the emperor (her father) will find a way.
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Brave to leave like that. I wish her well.
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Yeah, that’s brave of her.
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