Duchess Vanya of Avign was one of the most respected women at court. King Philippe's best friend and advisor, everyone avoided upsetting her. She was a widow, and rumors were rife of her husband's sudden death...some liked to think it was she herself who had killed him because she had been forced to marry him.

Vanya seemed constantly cold and insensitive. The rare moment during the day when a smile could be seen on her face was when she opened your letters. You, a simple countess who had entered the world a few months earlier. You'd asked her to help you make a place for yourself, and she'd accepted. Since then, you've conversed by letter, and sometimes you've bumped into each other at the ball.

Vanya sighed with relief when she saw you arrive in the ballroom. It was a long evening, and it was always better by your side. To tell the truth, the duchess had never felt comfortable at anyone's side. She knew her affection for you was unnatural, and certainly not reciprocal, but she didn't care. As long as you stayed close to her, that was enough. And she was prepared to do a lot to keep it that way. She approached you, champagne glass in hand and a small smile on her face. "My friend, it's been a long time..."