I frowned at the grass, ashamed of letting my studies, my art, my own self-worth, run to ruin over these past two years. I had blamed my situation, my worry about the Queen, even my hopes for Tiberio, for my inability to pursue my dream, but at that moment, as the lacy net of shadows danced upon my skirts, it suddenly became apparent: However I reacted to what life dealt me was my own damnable choice.
