Scarred

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death, graphic violence, and substance use.

Tristan listens to his brother, Prince Michael, make a speech after their father, the king, has died. Tristan notices that no one seems to feel any grief over the king’s death. When Michael’s advisor, Xander, tells Michael that he must marry, Tristan is appalled that everyone is acting as though the kingdom has not just lost “someone important. Someone vital. The only person left who cared” (10). The others in the room are clearly suspicious of Tristan, who mockingly promises not to do anything inappropriate.

Xander once again presses the reluctant Prince Michael to choose a wife, telling him that he will look weak if he does not. Tristan moves to leave, but Michael tells him that he has not been dismissed. Tristan bristles and menacingly comments, “Long live the king” (12), before leaving.

Sara Beatreaux eats dinner with her uncle Raf, who tells her that she will leave in the morning. Sara and her uncle do not have an affectionate relationship, but they are both seeking vengeance on the murderer of Sara’s father. They have just received word that she should go to the capital for her arranged betrothal.