The days I spent in the capital following our jaunt in the gardens passed by in a blur. That evening, I had my first dinner with Varek’s family, and while it went well, I couldn’t help but feel an undercurrent of disdain from his mother. Every comment she made about how exceptionally I was dressed or how well-mannered I was felt less like a compliment and more like an observation made by someone expecting a much different outcome. By the end of the night, I felt emotionally exhausted from managing the conversation in such a way that I came across as polite despite what felt like constant digs from the dowager.
The next days were filled with social events, teas with his sisters, dress fittings with the tailor, and lessons from Mona on court etiquette. I already knew which fork to use and
