
Ohhh, so was the prince treating Rael badly because he wanted his father to think he did not treasure her, or did he not treasure her, because his father had taught him not to? So that's what he meant with "It's because I love you". Daaamn. Still toxic tho.
I honestly feel a bit sorry for him right now, but this pain is fair, and also an oppertunity to grow. Rael have zero obligation to understand or forgive him. He hasn't been a good person.

Ofc, he's a selfish asshole that has caused his now ex-girlfriend irreversible trauma. And even outside of their relationship, he's just not a good person. No arguing there.
What I meant is that we have a background and explanation to how he turned out so twisted. That doesn't mean that what he's doing is excusable, but it makes for a more well-rounded and realistic character. He might have the potential to become a better person, he might stay trash. Not knowing makes the story more exciting.
And just because I feel a bit sorry for his past, it doesn't mean everyone needs to feel the same, or that I don't sympathize with Raelle, or would have her act differently. She gave him plenty of chances to do better, but he didn't feel any regret until she dumped him. And he's bothering her even now, when she's made it clear she wants nothing to do with him. If she ends up feeding him to the Kraken I totally understand.

I'm a little confused about her plan. So Cayena wants to make Razef like her, heal his trauma somewhat, then make him emperor and then escape him. Is that correct?
What she needs is a place to escape, and then money. Is there really any need for her to meddle with the succession? Is she planning to help him to propose a deal to leave her alone later?
With Raffaello (our anti-social little praline) she wants to put him and Olivia together because she apparently needs him to escape. But how does she need him? She's not planning on marrying him, or living in his territory, so what is she going to do with his trust?

Sometimes I get annoyed by very cute, pitful female protagonists that get doted on. That's not the case here! With more diverse female characters, I'm able to appreciate personality traits like cuteness and kindness, because it doesn't feel like an enforced ideal on how women should be. I love both Leslie's cute, yet resilient personality and the Duchess' more calm and powerful persona. And I love that they're surrounded by other fascinating women (both antagonistic and not). I'm so excited about this new character too.
And I just love the male characters as well. They're both wholesome and impressive. This story is so GOOD!

Did the princess disguise herself like that as a security precaution, or was it just because she wanted to enjoy the ball without pressure?
When she did it, I thought it might be because she wanted to investigate the fl's family, and check their behavior towards her, but apparently not. But our girl needs some support. When is that brother going to appear?!?
I love seeing her point of view. She's been the embodiment of a shallow romantic character. Her female friends are just accessories, she commits seemingly kind acts that lack profound consideration and she never has to struggle. Seeing that being twisted into something sinister fits so well and it's so exciting. There's no tragic backstory, she turned out like this because she was spoilt. I love it.