Santok's Royal Family

Daphne felt a shiver run down her spine. Bad, horrid memories that she had desperately tried so hard to forget were quickly resurfacing, and this time, she couldn't help but empathize with what Nikun was going through. 

Unlike Daphne, who had a marriage that could bail her out from Reaweth, Nikun had none. No royalty would offer to wed a bastard prince. He had to fight for the opportunity to leave Santok alive, or he would have been left as a corpse, especially during such a tumultuous time.

Of course, it couldn't completely excuse the fact that he could've possibly murdered someone — an innocent man — just to get that opportunity, but she could at least understand Nikun's desperation. 

"That must be rough…" Daphne muttered, looking down to her toes. "I of all people know what that feels like."

"I heard," Nikun said, forcing a small chuckle from his lips. "You are somewhat of an idol to me, Queen Daphne."