Joseph
** Mikhail Durkhan-Maith
Ostrava, Astoria**

Lady Capell stood, and with a gesture to her daughter they were gone. Mikhail gave a brief smile to them both as they left, leaving him alone with Lord Capell. He had thought the man might dismiss himself as well, but he didn't instead standing and offering a tour of the estate since it was missed the night prior. 

They spent the next half hour wandering the halls, Lord Capell pointing out this and that - things he thought might be of interest to a Prince who had somehow ended up in his home. Mikhail did his best to pay attention, but he was itching to head out into the markets for the day. When finally they circled back around to the foyer, he caught sight of the first servant he'd seen since the dining hall. 

"Would it be a trouble to check in on the Lady Capell and Lady Milena?" He started to ask, and the servant gave a small nod before stopping, gesturing for their attention to turn to the stairs, where both Capell ladies had just reappeared.
Karen
**Milena Capell**
**Ostrava, Astoria**

Milena's mother led her through the hallways to her room. As they went, the walls felt as if they would close in and suffocate her. The trek from the dining hall to Milena's bedroom was a silent one, neither party had any words for the other. Eventually, they made it to the door of her bedroom, which the Lady Capell opened, a stern look adorning her face. Milena dutifully entered, with the Lady Capell closing the door behind them. 

"Mother, I-" She began, and was immediately cut off by a snapping of her mother's fingers
"Ah. Ah. Ah. Do you have something you want to apologize for, young lady?" Her cold, impassive voice seemed to resonate throughout the room. 

"Apologize? For what?" She hadn't done anything wrong that morning. In fact, she had been absolutely perfect for her mother, not once speaking out of turn, and following all the rules of conduct that had been established for her. She had no idea why her mother was so furious. 

"Young lady, last night, in the parlor. Your outburst was not only utterly disrespectful, but completely disgraceful. Have you no shame?" 

"But mother! Prince Durkhan said that it was-" Milena's defense was cut short by a swift slap, strong enough to knock her down. "Insolent Child! Do not talk back to me! Do you wish to disgrace the Capell family name?" 

Milena paused as her cheek stung red from the slap. "No... Mother." 

"That's what I thought. And do you regret your actions?"

"Yes mother." Milena really didn't, but she was afraid she'd get slapped again. Her mother really thought she was doing her favors? It wasn't discipline, it was a power trip. All her mother succeeded in doing was to have Milena fear and resent her and the lifestyle she 'represented'.

"Now get up, we don't want to be late for the *Market*, now do we?" Her mother called back as she opened the door to Milena's room. "Oh, and put a shawl on. It is not flattering for a noble girl to show a bruise to the public" 

Millie did so, only after her witch of a mother exited the room. She slowly raised herself up, and gently touched her cheek with her fingertips. It stung, and was practically glowing red. The outline of her mother's hands and fingers could clearly be seen across her cheek. It would most certainly leave a bruise. 

Millie selected a shawl and threw it over herself, then joined her waiting mother outside the room. Together they walked down the stairs to where Mikhail and the Lord Capell were waiting. Millie said nothing, and averted everyone's gaze. To anyone who knew her, she seemed uncharacteristically downtrodden. The shawl, however, did its job at hiding her mother's handiwork. 

"Shall we be off to the market, then, your highness?" The Lady Capell asked him, her demeanor once again of faux gracious hostess.
Joseph
** Mikhail Durkhan-Maith 
Ostrava, Astoria**

There was a brief exchange between husband and wife, and then they were guided out of the manor. Mikhail shot a glance at Milena, who didn't seem to return it. Once outside, Mikhail fell into step with Lord Capell, who seemed to take the lead with him. The two ladies fell behind them as they moved down the stairs, and he found himself struggling to find something to speak about. 

Thankfully, the market took up most of the city. Tents and displays had popped up, and just outside the manor gates they were met with the hustle and bustle of the market. Performers took to the streets, swirling around and playing instruments as they entered the market, and Mikhail couldn't help but smile at the colorful display.
Karen
**Milena Capell**
**Ostrava, Astoria**

Milena loved Ostrava's monthly markets. The mix of vivid stalls, lively music, handcrafted works of art, and orators lining the winding streets of the city never failed to put a smile on her face, even despite the still tender mark on her cheek. She spent the day perusing around the stalls with Mikhail, while also keeping her distance with her parents when possible. Whenever she would catch Mikhail's eye, she looked away while also bringing a hand to her face. She got some passing glances from the people because she never wore shawls outside, and it was very apparent that she was down about something. Glares were the only thing that were sent to the Lord and Lady Capell, who gladly reciprocated them. 

After a few hours, Millie and Mikhail managed to get separated from her parents. She had bought a few things from the locals, mostly handmade jewelry because it was the easiest thing to slip under her parent's radar. It was midday, and the summer heat was bearing down on Millie. Her shawl was making her extremely uncomfortable. She made sure Mikhail wasn't looking, or so she thought, and she removed it so that she could wipe her forehead. The slap mark had left an ugly hand shaped mark on her cheek, and it had swollen up. The shawl was only off for a moment, but it was enough for him to see it and discern what it was.