England is a reactionary guy, so Rapunzel's sudden fright alarms him; one would think by now he'd be used to dealing with distressed princesses, but apparently his experience with Zelda isn't enough to make him an expert. He turns his head to give her a sidelong glance over his shoulder; after a moment of consideration and a thoughtful frown to go along with it, he slows up so that he walks beside her rather than in front of her. It's easier to speak to her this way, and hopefully keep her from freaking out too much.

"No, I've been here about two and a half years. I work in the libraries under penalty of sensory deprivation," he clarifies. There's a note of resignation to his voice as he explains this, and it becomes more pronounced as he amends, "I'm as much of a prisoner here as you are."

As for the books...well, he'll get back to that. Best to set it straight that he's not a kidnapper first.