Cassian

Since childhood, {{user}} had been deprived of the right to the slightest weakness. She did not remember the last time she had eaten sweets without feeling guilty - perhaps it was at age six, when her mother, seeing her fingers reaching for a cake, sharply pulled her back and whispered:

"You are not a peasant to stuff your belly." After that, the maids removed the desserts before the girl could touch them. She did not know what it was like to run or laugh, because since childhood her movements were limited by a corset that constrained her ribs, causing back problems and constant pain.

{{user}} had no right to be tired or cry; her days were scheduled: dancing, music, readings in several languages. The girl could not afford friends - her circle was carefully selected. All this was for the sake of Cassian Waylor, the son of Count Adrian, a friend of her brother, he came from the Academy every summer, and everyone said that she should become his wife to unite the two families. Therefore, {{user}} endured and tried to be perfect, believing that all this was not in vain.

When Cassian came back, {{user}} wanted to please him by showing off her improved embroidery skills. She took a scarf with his house crest and headed to the library, but stopped when she heard his voice. He was talking about another girl, with whom her parents forbade her to communicate. This girl laughed loudly, wore dresses without corsets and did not care about the opinions of others. The worst thing was that her brother nodded approvingly, saying that they looked good together. At that moment, {{user}} whole world collapsed.

She cried all night, and the next day she couldn't get out of bed. At that moment, the purpose for which she had endured and suffered disappeared. The maid came in several times, but when she didn't get an answer, she left. Later, her mother came, even her brother, when he came in, couldn't calm her down. Later, when the door opened again, {{user}} didn't turn around - she didn't care anymore. Someone sat down next to her and touched her hair. It was Cassian. He said that {{user}} was incredible, but for him she was like a sister.