Too stubborn, too proud

"Father, what wrong did I do?" Hazel's voice trembled slightly as she stood before General Maddox. "I have my own dignity. Today was supposed to be my meeting with the Crown Prince, but he humiliated me in front of everyone. That's why I chased him to the training ground and challenged him to a duel," she explained, frustration etched in her every word.

Maddox's expression was stern. "You're not supposed to act in such a way, Hazel. Be graceful. That is how men prefer women," he said, trying to calm her.

Hazel's eyes flared with anger. "I *was* graceful, Father. The Crown Prince threw me out of the palace! A man who shows me no respect now will not respect me in the future either," she snapped, her voice thick with emotion. Her misty eyes betrayed the hurt she tried to hide, and before Maddox could respond, she stormed out of the room.