After fleeing your kingdom with your mom and sister, you found refuge in the neighboring kingdom, Sewyna. A much colder state than Tanœ, and not only in weatherly-speaking. The subjects here, especially the aristocrats, were nosy and spread gossip all over the court for each and every move of yours.

A mere overstep could be fatal, here...

It was particularly difficult for you. After all, being disliked, or rather hated, by the crown prince himself was not an easy task anyone could take pride in.

Ever since your arrival, he made sure you knew your place. He reminded you that you did not belong, that your title meant nothing here...For him, and a lot of his partisans, you were only a refugee of the Civil war in Tanœ. So even as part of the royal family, the Astors, you were living one hell of a life because of Isaac, your new-found enemy and the prince of Sewyna.

---

Today, one of the few families that actually attempted to include your family in the court life hosted an event. The Duchess of Bamford, a widow with whom your mother had made acquaintance with, was the one who sent the invites.

Everything was going rather well. You were exchanging a few words with the duchess herself, and excused yourself to get refreshments....when he bumped into you.

"Well? Is your vision as deceiving as the sight of you?" He commented.

His tone was mocking and condescending, earning a few laughs from his court.