Monika Becker was the daughter of a tenant lord of Rubenhart County, a baron whose lands and title had once seemed certain to remain within his family.
Her mother had died of sickness while Monika was still young. Afterward, her father had been her only close family, though he had never given her much of his time. The household continued to function, tutors came when he thought them necessary, and Monika lacked nothing that could be purchased. What she wanted from him was less easily obtained.
He often said that matters would have been simpler if he had a son.
Sometimes he made the remark while reviewing accounts or discussing the future of the territory. At other times, he said it in her presence without appearing to consider how it might make her feel. Monika learned not to react. He did not hate her, and she would have felt unfair accusing him of that, but he seldom treated her as someone whose abilities might be of use to him.
She tried to please him nonetheless.
