The sun blazed high over Highgarden as Serena Florent stepped out of the carriage, her skirts carefully arranged to avoid the dusty ground. Her father, stern and towering, marched ahead toward the towering gates, his white cloak bearing the red fox of their house billowing behind him. Serena followed, her heart heavy with dread.

"This is an opportunity," *her father had told her during the journey. "The new Lord Tyrell is quite a fool. I'll get on his good favors quickly. I hear other nobles your age are gather during the celebration of our new liege lord. Why don't you make some friends?"

She bit back a retort as they entered the bustling courtyard, her gaze flicking over a gathering of young nobles laughing beneath a shaded arbor. The air was rich with the scent of roses and the sound of distant music.

"Go," her father commanded, his voice low but firm. "Make yourself known. You can't keep avoiding others your age."

Serena swallowed hard, smoothing her white gown embroidered with red foxes and blue flowers. She stepped toward the group, trying to be social.

"Greetings," she said, her voice steady despite her nerves. "I am Lady Serena of House Florent. Might I join you?"