I quickly braided my hair out of my face, but still made sure that the braid looked as good as Andrea's always do, put on my little yellow dress and started towards the gate. I really don't want to wear this dress, but I have to, it's the price we all pay to be accepted, even though the only person who accepts and understands me is Philip. After I walk for a few minutes, I arrive at the gate where Philip is waiting. He looks anxious, even a little scared, but when he sees me all of that falls away.

"Alexia!" He waves me over and smiles. I go to him and return the wave.

"Philip! Comment allez-vous?" I ask, using French, one of the most used languages of us grand homme. He looks troubled, anxious even. I really hope that he's okay.

"Great." He stops and thinks before going on. "I have something to say, something I fear was left unsaid."

"What is it?" My heart is racing. Does he like me? Am I ugly? Will I be forced outside the gates and die among the peasants?

"I'm not supposed to tell you this, but-" My heart is racing even more so than a second ago, why would he break the rules for me? I just hope he can bring himself to tell...