“Really, Father, must I go?” Carina asked with impatience, storming after her father while her maid rushed after her with a parasol and gloves. “I’m not even meant to debut this season.” 

Gauvin Lucassen turned round and faced the daughter he had spoiled into a headstrong young woman. She had delayed her debut by insisting on attending the academy at Lunaris for three years, and now that she had returned she had asked to delay again so that she might spend time with her ailing mother after being away for so long. Gauvin sighed, “Yes, you must, Carina. Nevermind that you have found endless excuses to put off your debut, I have received offers, offers that I cannot afford to turn down.” 

Carina let out a huff and muttered under her breath about equality and showed ponies as the maid caught up and pushed the gloves and parasol into her hands. After being ushered out the door, Carina allowed herself to be loaded into the carriage where she insisted on giving her father nothing but glowering silence even when they passed through the gates of the palace, Burlynn. She did her best to remain uninterested, giving only side-eyed glances out the window as they passed elegant statuary and manicured topiary.  

When the carriage stopped they disembarked and found themselves greeted by the staff of Burlynn. Carina swallowed her pride enough to look pleased to be on the palace grounds and curtsied elegantly when her name was announced and they were invited to follow a butler to the gardens where the event was commencing. 

Now that she was walking among the beautiful garden, Carina allowed herself to openly admire the artistry that was on display. Aside from angelic statuary, there were exotic birds in gilded cages and rainbow assortments of flowers in aesthetic arrangements. As they came upon the lawn she saw the ladies sitting at tables with tea and the gentlemen playing games out on the wide expanse of grass. The butler announced their arrival and a number of people turned to acknowledge them. 

Gauvin nudged his daughter towards a table with girls her age while he walked out to greet the gentlemen who were approaching. Carina acquiesced and took the open chair where one of the ladies was already pouring her a cup of tea. “The mysterious daughter of Count Lucassen finally graces us with her presence.” 

Carina smiled, “I had more urgent priorities than being paraded in front of men.” 

“Well we certainly don’t blame you,” replied the one who had poured her tea, her companion nodding in agreement. “You’re rather lucky to have a father who would indulge in your education, especially at Lunaris.” 

“Unfortunately it seems as if my luck has run out. Could you tell me, who are those gentlemen that are talking to my father?” 

The two women smiled knowingly. “The tall one is Odvarr, rather dull but respectable. The blonde is Grainer, likes to gamble. And the other one is Paxton, an academic like yourself.” 

Carina studied them and wondered which one would be her future husband.