<span style="font-style: italic">“I was surprised to hear Gilthlore paid such a sum for Fadolthia’s princess.”</span><br/><br/>Genevieve, dressed in a soft plum embroidered in silver, paused just short of the open door to Setaphina's antechamber. She listened, her breathing controlled and quiet to the woman speculate upon Genevieve and Motto's marriage. Or perhaps, rather upon Genevieve. She was a bit crestfallen, knowing that these women, who no doubt shared the same opinion about Genevieve as other noble ladies did, thought so poorly of her. Genevieve had her work cut out for her. She had no real support, aside from Motto and his close confidants. She would need to win the hearts of the nobles before she could ever be taken seriously...<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">“Why must he dole out such a lavish price for that pathetic kingdom?...</span><br/><br/>Setaphina's words hit Genevieve hard. She had been so caught up in their opinion of her, that Genevieve missed what they had been saying. There<span style="font-style: italic">had</span>been a bride price. Genevieve's hands balled into fists. Motto...he had said he would not buy her and yet... She took in a shaky breath. There was nothing for it at the moment, Genevieve needed to calm herself and have tea with these women.<br/><br/>When there was a break in the conversation, Genevieve rounded the corner with a smile, which remained plastered upon her face as she took in the four ladies sitting around a circular table. "I apologize for my tardiness." She gave an appropriate bob of her head and went to take the empty seat. It seemed they had already poured her a cup. "I had a late night..." Genevieve looked pointedly to Setaphina, who colored slightly. The conversation was light, for the most part. The ladies asked of Genevieve's hobbies, her family, who would be at the wedding, who would not. Nothing of real importance. Until Setaphina mentioned the bride price again.<br/><br/>"I had not heard of this.." A hand gripped her skirts underneath the table, while on the outside she seemed outwardly calm. "I was assured by my father that Gilthlore would be sending men to help defend our borders." It was the simple truth. Setaphina scoffed, rather unladylike, and shook her head. "Oh, no. My father informed me of the, rather hefty, sum Gilthlore paid for you." It seemed the rest of the ladies were becoming uncomfortable with the conversation at hand. A few of them tried to change the subject, without success.<br/><br/>"How much?" Genevieve's voice was quiet.<br/><br/>"What?"<br/><br/>"How much was the bride price?"<br/><br/>Setaphina openly smirked at Genevieve. It seemed she had hit a nerve. "I cannot say exactly how much, but it was a small fortune. Certainly nothing to scoff at." Genevieve thanked the ladies for inviting her before exiting the room with an excuse that her embroidering needed finishing. Really, Genevieve wondered the corridors of the castle. She was sure to avoid anywhere she knew Motto might be. How could he have lied to her?? He told her,<span style="font-style: italic">told her</span>, he would not buy her! And yet...he had. As Genevieve stewed in her thoughts, she became angrier. She contemplated a visit to old Jorgensen to discuss things- no, Genevieve would not. Not with the mood she was in. She needed to calm down..so Genevieve decided a walk in the gardens would help.