Scorned by the Emperor for Ten Years, I Burned My Way to Freedom

For ten years Angelica Maxwell has stood beside Cassius Valdoran, raising his daughter Eloise as her own. On the day of her investiture as Noble Consort, she wears the late Empress Isabelle's ceremonial gown by mistake. Cassius calls her a poor imitation, unfit for the title, and Eloise hurls the blessing charm she embroidered into the brazier, accusing her of scheming to take her mother's place.

Angelica never wanted to be Empress. The gown was Eloise's doing, and the child now demands she ask to be sent to the Cold Palace. Cassius assumes she will bow and apologize as always, but Angelica kneels and requests the Cold Palace herself. When Eloise's fists strike the wound Angelica took saving her from a fall, blood seeps through her shoulder, and Cassius only looks annoyed.

Ten years of devotion have earned her nothing. Angelica is done pleasing this father and daughter.