Marina's POV
Thousands of years in the human continent, long before I even knew Queen Irina or set foot in Verdant Spire, I lived with my mother and Deva in the high-class society of Stoneveil.
It was a city of towering spires and cobblestone streets, of aristocrats and merchants and courtiers who spent their days scheming and their nights indulging in excess.
We had a grand house there, a mansion with more rooms than we could possibly use, filled with servants and luxuries that most people could only dream of.
But luxury was not the same as love. I learned that lesson early.
"You both need to look your best for the event, you hear?" Mother had told us, pulling out different dresses from the wardrobe with enthusiasm.
Her hands moved quickly, tossing garments onto the bed in a cascade of silk and velvet and lace. "The Duke of Ashford will be there, and he has been asking about you two. He is very influential, you know. A good connection to have."
