A small girl trembled as she looked out of the window. Her tiny hands rested on the cold glass, and her breath left faint marks on it. Outside, the garden was bright and alive. Many children were running around, laughing and chasing each other. Their voices floated freely in the air.
Seeing them, she pouted and lowered her head.
"Why can they play outside while I can't?" she asked in a small, shaky voice. "Isn't it unfair, Nanny?"
She turned toward a brittle old woman with white hair tied neatly behind her head. The woman's face was lined with age, but her eyes were gentle.
"It is unfair," the nanny said softly, "but it is the Imperial order. Believe me, Princess Claira, it is for your own good."
"But I want to play," the girl protested. She puffed her cheeks, trying to hide the sadness in her eyes.
Seeing her duck-shaped pout, the nanny chuckled and gently squeezed her cheek.
