[Vereena]
The word of my arrival spreads like a chronic disease. I told Mrs. Charlotte to tell my father that I don't want a feast and that I'd rather stay inside my chamber than face hundreds of hypocritical guests. My father knew well that they weren't really going to attend because they are rather concerned about me and that they are glad that I am finally back. Yet, my request turns unheeded.
They just wanted morsels of gossip of what had become of me after being held captive by those pirates they reviled so much. For all I know, they could have prayed for my demise so that one of their daughters could marry the prince.
Mrs. Charlotte had told me so much, filling the gap of my absence even though I did not ask. She said that if I am to face them, I should know better those who were really concerned about me and those who were just great pretenders.
