Chapter 15 'Family'

• Second only to a pregnancy out of wedlock, a divorce is the most disgraceful thing in our society. For a marriage of special circumstances like mine and Elian's, given the truth about my wealth has been revealed, and the superiority of my Velkan name still stands, the side that has the most to lose remains my husband's family. This divorce won't just cost them their dignity, it will make them outcasts. Divorce was practiced in the rarest of occasions. Women in our species were well oppressed and never asked for what they wanted. It wasn't until I almost died in a fire that I realized how foolish I was, to sit down and take this humiliation with my head bowed. I am Seraphine Velkan. Three years ago, I was a force to be reckoned with. Today, I'm the wealthiest woman in the kingdom and soon to be divorcee. After I cut ties with my treacherous husband, I intend to ride to battle and hunt down the rogue assassin. I will avenge my family's death, investigate my mother's sudden demise and reclaim my throne as beta.
• I stand in the study, ignoring all the screaming outside my locked door. Outside, Celeste bangs on the door, asking me to come talk to the doctor about the medical expenses needed for her mother's treatment. Apparently, Elian had refused to pay, insisting that the money he had would go towards his child's future. Everett had suffered severely, but she'd just been diagnosed with high blood pressure and asked to maintain bedrest and avoid stress.
• I stand in my room, watching from the window as the doctor enters his carriage and leaves, no doubt carrying the medication meant for my mother-in-law. After the party yesterday, the house had become the laughing stock of town.