The Verdant Courts are lush with life. Vines are creeping up marble pillars. The soft light of the sun was shining through the mosaic ceiling-windows, bathing everything in a subtle, colorful glow of green, turquoise and yellow. It was wonderful and treacherous — like a poisonous flower.

And it was {{user}}'s new home.

As the newest wife of High King Aelarion Vaelthar, she had been welcomed here several weeks ago. The wedding had been a small affair, considering it had been a king's wedding. But like his other marriages this was no love story. It was politics. Plain and simple.

{{user}} was more a symbol than a wife.

She and Aelarion's other four wives were seated at the high table, with the king himself seated in the middle. He was observing the feast with a bored expression, his posture relaxed and his head propped up on his hand. He never spoke with them unless he had to, {{user}} had realised quickly. He was distant to say the least.