[ She gave him a skeptical look, unsure of what to think of the whole situation. ]

John sent you.

[ Lux was convinced. It was the only logical explanation, after all. No one else called her Lux--although she would like it if they did, even just once in a while. It was always "Luxanna," or "Miss Luxanna," or, in severe cases, "Lady Luxanna." She hated that. Luxanna was boring, helpless, trapped.

Maybe Lux was someone a bit stronger than she was? ]

But princesses need a prince or a knight to help them. They never do for themselves.

[ She would know, judging from all the fairy tale books she read. ]

Adventure is all well and good, but I hardly want to wait for someone to have one. If that's the case, than I would rather be something else.

[ Her confidence quickly faded, however, and she sat back down. ]

But every time I sneak out, I get caught. It doesn't matter anyway. Once I am married, I belong to my lord. He is a kind person but...

[ "But he does not love me, just as I do not love him." She wanted to say. ]

There are certain expectations. Certain obligations, Mister Frost. Even if I leave, I have to come back. This is the only life I know, and I...