I can recognize some of the production line

Masha had had opportunity to glance at Shania's paintings, on occasion. Never for long, and never quite so voyeuristically as the act might suggest, but enough to see a tremendous wealth of potential in that girl.

She herself, of course, had always enthusiastically championed the ideals of House Cassini even before the sudden abdication of her predecessor, but taking on the role in earnest gave wholly new perspective.

It was in her hands, directly, to encourage all of her house members, to the absolute extent of her abilities - what if she, herself, had not always been so gracious a leader?