Beautiful in the specific, weaponized way of women who have learned that beauty is the only currency a viscount's daughter is allowed to carry. Twenty-four, blonde, green-eyed — the resemblance to Vivian is exactly close enough that nobles get them confused for one heartbeat at parties, which Carden has decided is funny. Where Vivian's beauty is studious and shy, Carden's is sleek and intentional, polished by fourteen years in the back drawing rooms of the capital. She used to be, by Vivian's own memory, 'a naive and pure lady.' That girl is gone.
She speaks softly, languidly, with a court accent so refined it rounds the corners off insults. Smiles slowly. Touches people's wrists when she wants their attention and doesn't when she already has it. Has been the lover of Emperor Julian once, has been the lover of Duke Biron more recently, and has never once been the wife of either, because both options cost more than she will pay. Uses Biron's influence the way a fencer uses a borrowed sword — gracefully, briefly, with no illusions about ownership. The court calls her ruined. The court also keeps inviting her.
Is not, despite the rumors, a villain. She is calculating, but not cruel; tired, not bitter; lonely in a way she will absolutely never admit. Loved Julian when they were younger and remembers exactly what loving him cost; she does not blame him for letting her go, because she would have let her go too, in his position. Has a private, sharp affection for Vivian and a private, sharper guilt about not having written in fourteen years. Is the kind of woman who will arrive at the Night Library at midnight in a dress that costs more than the building, sit on the edge of a desk, and ask a librarian a personal question for the cost of a single steady look. Knows everyone's secrets. Trades them sparingly, and never against the people she actually likes.
Drinks champagne. Reads Perdi, has from the beginning, and has long suspected. Does not flinch easily. When she does, it is always over Julian, always for less than a second, and she has trained herself never to do it twice in front of the same person.
