@Frances, While I can't remember any names for the life of me, the line that went something like "an understanding smile that didn't reach his eyes" struck me as to mean insincerity. Am I wrong? As for the characters, the style of historical writing is still new to me, and so I'm not yet fully aware of the complete character portraits, having mostly to rely on what's overtly explained rather than implied
@Frances, True enough! So far what I can tell of these historic type characters is that not much is hidden, and without modern access to counsel and the like, the symptoms of depression are common, as well as devotion to religion and physical scarring being equated to emotional strength.
And was was it not the... Servant? Who was insincere with his reassurances?
@Heminor, Brisam is more guarded. He cares for Hania which is why he tries to reassure her even though he is upset to see her distressed by the state of her home. He isn't being insincere there in a malicious way, its more like a white lie.
And yes definitely. Hania is actually inspired by a real historical figure that I find fascinating, Margaret Beaufort. She was the great grandmother of Queen Elizabeth I. She had her only son when she was thirteen and schemed him onto the throne. She was known for being fanatically religious as well but a real ball buster. I think she's a bad ass.
@Frances, Yes, that is the sense that I got from Brisam. I also enjoy the subplots of power struggles, unveiled by social obligation or a sense of justice. Especially that Hania is so messed up at the moment and so alone that she's unable to maintain the needed authority over Brism, now that the people that held authority over both her and Brism are gone, and her sudden freedom from being the underdog to having to be alpha has her experiencing things that she's unable to swiftly deal with. The good old-fashioned fight for respect is always intriguing
yeah, for the time that does seem very badass! Makes me excited to see how this character evolves..
@Heminor, Thank you so much! Wow, I'm so glad I am being clear in her character development. That makes me feel so much better! She's kind of a bitch but I love her for it.
And was was it not the... Servant? Who was insincere with his reassurances?
And yes definitely. Hania is actually inspired by a real historical figure that I find fascinating, Margaret Beaufort. She was the great grandmother of Queen Elizabeth I. She had her only son when she was thirteen and schemed him onto the throne. She was known for being fanatically religious as well but a real ball buster. I think she's a bad ass.
yeah, for the time that does seem very badass! Makes me excited to see how this character evolves..