"Mami, tell me the story of the Belle Fille again?", Lys fidgeted in her mother's arms. "My dear, haven't I told you, I can only tell you about Belle Fille once a full moon." "But why?!" Her mother's eyes creased with pent up anger, "I am not going to explain to a 5-year-old girl! It is really impossible for you to understand," her face softened when she saw Lys's face drop with sadness. Lys would not fight with her mother, stepmother really. Her own mother died during birth, she was named after her. Lys, meant Lilly in french, was a curious and impatient child. But what child isn't?

"Now, your speech exercise was horrible. Lys, have you not been studying?!" , her tutor scolded her. Lys, her eyes roamed around, her mouth parted in boredom. Lys wanted to talk back, to correct the lesson her tutor gave, but she held her tongue. "I'm quite sorry, I wasn't paying attention. What about my speech?" "Why...you little spoiled brat!" Rap! Lys bit her tongue to keep from cursing, that ruler hurt like hell. "Maybe you should pay attention if you want to keep that white complexion around your hands!" Lys cursed her tutor, she cursed all educators who tried to make her learn. She was 14, she shouldn't be forced to learn how to become a perfect housewife or to read in latin. It wasn't necessary, she already knew four languages. She'd always knew plenty, although how, she didn't know. Perhaps she was a witch, now that would be something! To fly away whenever she felt like it. To curse a pox on her tutor Madame Blanche! Ha ha! You can't make me learn latin now! I a' curse you with the pox!' Lys laughed at herself bitterly, "Lys, you stupid fool. Witches don't exist, and if they did, what makes you think you're one?"

Now, seriously! Who could believe the king of the Western provinces would attack you father?!, Cheval said loudly. His food flew across the table, causing Lys to cringe, Watch your food! I almost got blinded! But no one heard her, no one did. Her father, king of the Eastern provinces, ate barely nothing, he never did. Moufette, her stepsister, ate plenty enough, so much, she could be called a pig by anyone and everyone would agree. Cheval was horse-like, long face and snotty nose. Lys sometimes wished she could shove a stick up there to see if it would stay. This thought caused her to giggle. Lys! What in God's good earth are you laughing at?! Father might be dethroned if this battle continues! Stupid Cheval, war would never happen. Lys knew this for a long time, she knew many things to come. She missed her stepmother, Madame Beauté, she had died three years ago. That was something, to miss a stepmother. They were usually known to be mean to stepchildren, but Beauté was different. She was kind and made a wonderful mother. How two children like Cheval and Moufette ever came out of her, Lys could only wonder. Hmm, father, I need a new dress for the ball the Prince of the Northern provinces is holding, Moufette said, her half-eaten turkey leg's pieces flinging everywhere with every unneeded gesture she made. Lys noticed her father's eyes brighten, A ball? Maybe Lys would like to go? Lys felt her face reddened, she knew she couldn't disappoint him, he loved for her to be the perfect sociable lady. Always to go to balls, enjoy gossiping with her quilting circle, stupid things like that. Father, I must admit my marks in arithmetic have been worsening and Madame Blanche would have my neck if I went to a ball instead of studying. His face fell dark, Moufette looked positively radiant, We all know Lys must continue her studies if she wants to be come anywhere as well knowledge as me. Oh, thought Lys, I am much more smarter than you Skunk-ette. I believe she should go, Cheval said quietly, It might help promote you're peace compain, father. Lys and Moufette seemed shocked, Cheval never defended Lys. He was too worried about state affairs and war talk then balls and be sociable. Well? Lys, would you go? Please? That was it, Lys couldn't say no' now. Her father said that was too much, Father, for you, I'd go to the ends of the Earth.