She looked up at Prince Johan, genuinely curious about the man. It could've been him sitting on the throne and wearing the crown right now, but for a simple accident of birth. Instead, the chance had slipped through his fingers.
And every son that King Edward had welcomed, had placed him further and further away from the throne.
In that sense, being born a second son must be even worse than being a second daughter, Violet mused.
Surely Johan resented the twist of fate that had made him emerge second from his mother's belly? Surely he would always be grieved about all he could've had, but didn't?
But there was no bitterness that she could see in the prince's eyes. In fact, he looked merry. Drunk, but merry.
"You may as well stop staring and just ask me the question I can see that's on your mind, Lady Violet. Go on." Johan flashed a gleaming white smile.
