holy biscuits this series is intent on giving me everything but also somehow ripping out my heart and stomping on it. i cannot believe that it ended with

Spoiler

lady helen bonding with carlston but engaged to selburn and with elise alive

. i love helen so much and she’s such a strong protagonist who’s absolutely fascinating. she makes some really tough decisions in this book and this entire world is utterly enthralling. absolutely cannot wait for the third book!!