She yawned as she walked to the library the next morning, a minute or two late for her morning lessons. She hesitated as she passed the gates that closed off the royal family’s private collection. Technically as the Princess Royal she could read any book from that section she wanted. Luna slowed her steps further, looking at a small ornate shelf that held her father and mother’s journals. She turned away from the books, feeling strangely raw. Maybe she'd read her father's journals one day, but not yet. 

Instead she walked into her arithmetic lesson only to find one of the royal guards waiting for her instead of her tutor. The blank-faced man escorted her to the Princess Regent's study where Serena smiled brightly at her as she explained the change in Luna's lesson plans.

“In short, my tutors have been dismissed and I'm forbidden from the library?” Her voice was careful, polite and soft as she studied her stepmother's face. Apparently it wasn't enough as Serena's eyebrows drew down and her mouth twisted. 

“You don't need them. Studying things like finances, law and taxes is far too serious. We have advisors for such things. You'll have dancing lessons, memorize classical poetry and the heraldic code instead." A book was thrust into her hands, Luna grasped it automatically. 

“Memorize that. You'll recite for the court at the end of the week.” Serena waved her out, Luna heard as she moved towards the door. "Call for my Huntsman. I wish to go out falconing."

She started to turn but didn't get half way before she decided that hunting probably wasn't something Ladies did. Only Queens. Her shoulders slumping, Luna looked down at the floor. She didn't see Jaeger until his shoulder knocked into hers. He gave her a small quizzical smile but she just hurried on without returning it. She found one of the lesser used sitting rooms, out of fashion in the winter with its dismal views of the snow covered gardens. She leafed wearily through the poetry book. Jaeger found her there after lunch, his court clothing suggesting that her stepmother had not gone falconing after all.

“Why don't you come and visit the stables with me.” He knelt by her chair and closed the book that had been open to the same page on her lap for nearly ten minutes. Luna lifted her head and looked at him.

“Ladies only ride in the summer, Huntsman Jaeger.” Her voice was solemn and prim as she repeated one of Serena’s harped on maxims. He drew back warily, his brows coming together before a smile bloomed and warmed her heart.

“Luna. I doubt anyone has accused you of being a lady.” His deep voice carried the same solemn note and the young man was rewarded with the first hint of a smile he had seen in weeks. She climbed out of the chair and took his hand in hers.

“Yes. I want to go to the stables. Can I sit up on your horse?” Jaeger nodded as he fetched her heavy winter cloak.

“Of course. If that's what you want. I'll even walk him around the corral for you.” Luna gave another small sad smile and Jaeger gently mussed her silvery hair.

 It wasn't long before she had her gloved hands buried in the charcoal mane of the draft horse Jaeger rode. He jogged in front of them encouraging the horse to trot and make her laugh as she bounced along. It was a recreation that they had enjoyed ever since the young man had entered her father's service. Jaeger wasn't quite a knight as he had been born common and tradition did not allow commoners to become knights, but his position as the Royal Huntsman and Champion afforded him special considerations. Like occasionally looking after wayward little Princesses.

Luna laughed and directed him about the castle grounds with delighted imperiousness. 

“Right, Highness.” He said playing up the country accent that palace living had softened. 

“Oh! Oh! Shall we go to the chapel, Jaeger?” Luna clasped her hands atop the horse as Jaeger turned the steed. He gave a little flourish of a bow.

“As my lady wishes.” His court accent was perfect now and his tanned face split in a white toothed smile. They headed towards the gate, crossing the courtyard beneath the castle windows. Movement flashed in the corner of Luna's vision and she looked up at the windows of the Princess Regent's study. Her stepmother stood behind the glass watching the pair in the courtyard, looking down her nose. She might have smiled gently. Luna watched her, not realizing that Jaeger’s pace was slowing until the horse fully stopped. 

“Huntsman Jaeger!” She pulled her gaze from the window as a page ran mellpell up to them. He was older than Luna but younger than Jaeger. His cheeks were red with cold and exertion. The day seemed to dim around them as he caught his breath.

“Huntsman Jaeger, her Royal Majesty, the Princess Regent requests your presence immediately. And-” he gave a soulful glance at Luna.

“Reminds her Highness, the Princess Royal that Ladies do not ride in the winter.” The boy backed away quickly as Jaeger lifted Luna down from the saddle. He used the move to mask a small hug.

“It's alright, P-… Luna.” 

She stood before the great doors of the castle she was meant to rule, growing colder in the winter light and looked back at the study window. But her stepmother was gone.

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