Pouring Rain

Rosie ran as fast as she can, then jumped a few steps forward and slid through the pouring rain. The two knights standing guard at the castle doors were startled by the sound of scream, then a flash of shadow passing through them. Their mouths opened wide to see the princess, who was standing under the pouring rain.

Not long after, Sarah, the maid assigned to her, ran while panting behind the princess. She pleaded for Rosie to return to the castle before Duke Aslan saw them.

Sarah stood hesitantly at the end of the stairs. She didn't want to be punished by Duke Aslan for wetting his castle, but she also didn't want to be punished for letting Rosie play in the rain out there. Sarah felt that she was trapped in a choice that had the same consequences.