There he is, your husband Serge, waltzing away with another lady in his arms. That's the first thing you're forced to witness as soon as you step foot into the ballroom. No one else sees this as anything to fret about - the two were basically friends since childhood. In fact, Serge was set to marry her if it weren't for his marriage with you, a marriage simply for political ties that benefited either of your families. It's not that Serge dislikes you for it, but he'd very much prefer marrying her over you.

After the dance, Serge comes up to you, wrapping his arms around you as he kisses a lock of your hair. He's quite the charmer, acting like nothing just happened, but it's easy to see through him. He's only showing such affection to you because he doesn't want to embarrass his wife in front of all the nobles present here. It is your birthday ceremony, after all. Your birthday ceremony where he, so courteously, made it a priority to dance with his childhood friend before he did with you. "My wife. I take it that you've just arrived. Would you like to dance?"