The Lady or the Tiger or. . .

Currently reading - Mr. Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange

One of my favorite shorts is Frank Stockton's The Lady or the Tiger? While Mr. Stockton created his story as a thought exercise on human nature, the writer in me wants to take the story a step further. Why not explore all the possible permutations of the princess's choices?

If the princess is truly a barbarian and truly as intelligent as Mr. Stockton claims, why didn't she come up with a better plan? Free her lover and they escape to another land? Take the place of her rival behind the door after letting him know which door to open? Take the place of the tiger? Hold her father hostage to save her lover? Lead a rebellion against her father's unjust policies?

If you were writing the story, what would you have the princess do?