beta
NOTHING in the way of actual plot has happened and it is getting really frustrating. Her relationship with Riftan has definitely improved but it feels like its somewhat shallow development, like they're closer but ultimately do not fully know each other as people. They're still holding back from each other (Maxi not sharing her trauma and true thoughts, Riftan trying to give her the life he perceives he took her from that he feels responsible for restoring).
This would be all well and good if... stuff actually happened. The closest thing we've gotten to it is the friendship with Princess Agnes (which was lovely to see, but arguably a missed opportunity for plot/character relevant drama), and the painfully slow progression of Maxi's powers (im aware its only been like 6 months, but its felt quite long as a reader so it feels unfulfilling).
Like for example, Maxi still doesn't have a good relationship with Riftan's guards, only some have sort of warmed up to her. She still hasn't cleared up the misunderstanding about her not going to live in Anatol after they married. There was a subplot that the servants treated her somewhat distantly, did they all finally warm up to her and respect her?? who knows.
Also there was a hint like last season that Riftan and Maxi would be invited to the capital and Maxi would have to navigate noble life again, and the trauma around that/how she would cope, but how maybe her new perspective/new found experience/support would help her.
But nope. They are taking strolls in the garden and Riftan is initiating sexy times again. At this point im pretty sure Maxi must have significant fertility problems because she should be well and truly pregnant at this point, but she isn't.
I like this story. Ill probably continue reading, but Im not really all that invested anymore, which is a sad thought because I really liked the premise and the start was very interesting and well written :(
I just want something to *happen*