I run until my thoughts are drowned out by burning pain in my muscles. When I finally slow, my legs wobble slightly. I’m tempted to collapse in the grass, but I force my muscles to keep cooperating until the gardens are in sight again. I haul myself along the gravel path and up the stairs to my room, where I slump on the hardwood floor as a drained, depressed mess.

The last streaks of orange are fading from the sky when I finally haul myself up. After showering, I put on a pair of faded jeans and a black shirt. I know most of the girls will be wearing dresses tonight, but I don’t care enough to put any further effort into my appearance. I take a painkiller before I hobble down the stairs to the dining room, already beginning to feel the effects of my second run of the day.

My parents are already seated when I enter the dining hall. As soon as I take my seat, the first course is brought out.

“You showered before dinner?” My mother looks at my damp hair with surprise.

“Yup,” I reply, stabbing at an errant piece of carrot.

“Helga said you were in the shower this morning when I was trying to summon you.”

It’s not a question, so I don’t answer, opting to continue to eat my salad silently.

“Showering twice in one day is terrible for your hair,” she chastises.

“It was sweaty,” I reply.

“I thought you went for a run this morning?”

“I felt like going again,” I tell her, exerting more force against my vegetables. “Can we discuss something else?”

My parents exchange a loaded look I act like I don’t see.

My father intervenes. “I had a meeting come up that can’t wait until tomorrow, Vivvi. But we can still play our match right after it ends, if you’d like.”

“Fine,” I respond. “I’m headed out at ten.”

The surprised faces of my parents are a sad testament to my total lack of a social life.

“You’re going out tonight?” my mother asks, not bothering to hide her shock.

“Yes. Catherine Lennox is having a party and asked Charles to invite me.”

“Duchess Lennox’s niece?”

I shrug. “I guess so.” I don’t keep up with the intricate web of Marcedenian society the way my mother does.

“And Charles is friends with her?” My mother’s tone holds a touch of concern.

I smile to myself, knowing she’s likely concerned she’s going to lose her first pick for son-in-law.

“I guess.”

“Don’t you see who he socializes with?”

My irritation grows. “Not really.”

“And that’s what you’re wearing?” She eyes my casual attire. “You have so many beautiful dresses.”

“It was the first thing I came across.”

“You could put a bit more effort into your appearance, Vivienne.”

“There’s no one I’m trying to impress,” I tell her truthfully.

My mother huffs, but drops the subject for the remainder of the meal.

I head straight to my father’s study after dinner, pouring myself a generous splash of whiskey before sinking into my usual armchair next to the fireplace.