She is called Rose, and she works in a House of Pretty Ladies. This is not me, I am not here, she tells herself when she is with clients. But the night after the city falls victim to a conquering empire, she encounters a young prince whose sadness makes it impossible for her to keep her own griefs forgotten. Spring comes, and Rose becomes more restless. The conquerors start home but the prince lingers, and she wonders if he will ask her to go back with him. She does not know if she loves him, or if that even matters. For the first time in the years since she fled to Madame's House, Rose...