She goes outside to clear her head

Lux’s hand squeezes into a fist, nails digging into her palm. Focus! She has to keep her head, avoid falling under the sway of whatever spell has hold of her.

“I’m sure I must be confused,” she says. “Could I go outside? Perhaps some fresh air will clear my head.”

Vernus’s expression brightens. “A splendid thought, my lady! Yes, a simple walk in the out of doors shall surely allay these worries. Prithee be at liberty in our humble garden, and let the sunlight brighten your heart.”

“Thank you, my – my lord.” Lux tries a little nod of acknowledgement that, in these close quarters, can only result in the most awkward of curtseys. She holds her breath and scooches past, darting through the next doorway.

The living room, finally! She scurries towards the open front door, putting distance between herself and Vernus, giving them both room to breathe,

for she knows his love for the lady of the house is pure and true. and yet she has seen how his eyes linger on her. his desire, his shame. to lust after a mere servant, the hired help! but she, too, longs for him to find the courage – or whatever it might be called. she squeezes her breast in her hand, imagining that it is his hand that touches, caresses, lips parting as her breathing quickens—

—what the fuck? Lux reels, the images vivid in her mind. For a moment she was someone else – no, still herself, but in a role, a life, that she’s never known. She has to get away from here, before this illusion can fully overtake her.

She steps out into the garden, feeling the warmth of sunlight on her skin. Real enough for her senses, as long as she doesn’t think about it. There is the stone wall, with the trees beyond, a perfectly ordinary woodland without so much as a wisp of fog. And there, perched atop the wall, looking bored…

“Minn!” she calls out, rushing over, long skirt tangling around her legs as she navigates the garden.

“There you are.” Minn’s tone is a little subdued, or distracted. “Where have you— what are you wearing?”

“Never mind that,” Lux says. “Are you all right? Why didn’t you follow me?”

“Why didn’t I follow you?” Minn frowns, thinking. “Oh! It’s because she told me not to!”

Minn points. Lux turns. To find Holly standing behind her.