PLEASE READ IMPORTANT AND BETTER UNDERSTANDING ABOUT THIS BOOK!!

Hi Pedigreed Figures! Through the comments, I would like to thank you guys so much for your support. As I've tried to read your questions about the book so far have all been similar. I would also like to clear up a few things as well for you to truly understand the characters, book or whatsoever. I am also doing a fashion analysis on this book as well.

1. I've been getting a lot of questions about the relationship between Talia and Mikhail. For future wise and presently when this was first posted I had no idea that Mikhail would be like this when I started writing this book! I wanted another antagonist that was close to Talia that was would cause her more pressure. I also didn't want to make Mikhail entirely perfect as these figures in other books piss me off. 

a) I had/have no idea where this relationship is going, as one it is a political marriage and Talia first initiated the agreement. Two I know it sounded kind of dumb to some readers for Talia to do that but then again she was ten and yes it was rash and as her theme suggests she has to make sacrifices. 

b) I know for those readers who were suddenly hit with this type of sadness and they want Mikhail and Talia to be in this healthy relationship but I'm sorry this isn't this chiche' book where the guy and girl have this blissful relationship and are undeniably pretty. Or the ordinary girl gets the really hot guy. No. It's not that I hate it, it's just that I don't want my book falling under this stereotype. 

2. Mikhail, Mikhail, Mikhail. Ahhh, our golden boy, right? As you've read so far he has a dark side. I don't know how to write this any better in the book cause I absolutely hate just slapping a statement in the book. No. I want it to flow. 

a) Mikhail's is VERY psychologically advanced. Aight. His mindset, mind, intellect surpasses his normal age by far and as you've seen with the recent chapters. Yes, he's manipulative, but not upfront manipulative he thinks ahead, like far off. Yes, also he is aware of this power. He pays attention very well, down to the last detail. 

He's not like these hormonal teenagers, he doesn't just have mood swings, he doesn't become aggressive (well he would do it in a very classy way). being this psychologically advanced he knows his weaknesses, his limits and uses others (without them even knowing) to get what he wants. 

b) This manipulation with Talia works as he makes her think it's her own decision, her way of thinking, how sometimes it's her fault. Writing this is SOOOO hard. like I don't want to make it painfully obvious but I want it to sound smart and hidden and plain sight. Words are a powerful tool. Like I don't know how else to explain it. He keeps his cool, he doesn't act violent physically, he doesn't throw punches. 

c) Alright, this, I repeat is HIGH SOCIETY. If you want to piss someone off, pick a fight it's a battle of who can keep their composure. Not make a scene, I won't assume that this doesn't happen in the new high society but in the old guard this all seems like the person is unmannered, barbaric and etc. 

d) This also leads to my next thing about Mikhail. I AM NOT, I REPEAT AM NOT TRYING TO STEREOTYPE RUSSIANS AS BAD PEOPLE. No, I do not. Alright, to be honest, I think their country is beautiful. I fell in love with their culture. I love the history. I again say I did not think at first Mikhail would turn into a bad guy. 

e) The reason I picked Russia is that during (this is for future wise) my time reading this category of books this book falls under, all the male leads -the majority-  have been either American, British, French or Italian. PEOPLE GET OVER IT HAVE SOME MORE COLOUR DAMMIT! Look Russian is a Slavic nation, its royal history is rich. They were one of the most powerful European empires in history (France, British and Russia) because of royal bloodlines and lineage. 

f) I did a lot of research on who to include, what culture and history to include etc. As I said before and will do multiple times I do a LOT of research on the cultures, the fashion etc. Russia's golden era rivalled the British empire. 

g) along those lines, Mikhail's family were more loyal to the British empire after the golden era of Russia. Along with many other families. 

h) For Mikhail's looks I don't have a main face claim for this like no one I've found so far has exceeded my standard. As you know Mikhail's looks are unordinary (in a good way). He doesn't have beautifully tanned skin it's quite pale (not in a vampire way) and I wanted my person to be very Russian and Slavic looking. I will admit I wanted the ML to be handsome but I also wanted to avoid this stereotype of a bad boy looking way. 

i) I would like to say one VERY important thing about him. As revealed in the recent chapters has OCD. May I say 1. I am trying my absolute best to write someone who contains OCD, he knows how to hide it in plain sight in social gatherings btw. 2. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO with his manipulative persona. Aight? I'm not trying to start a stereotype. 

3. Thew! I'll probably add more to him later on but let's start with Talia. 

a) When looking for inspiration on what Talia would look like I researched the Asian beauty stereotypes and standards. I've watched a lot of videos on different countries of Asia, mostly south-east Asian cultures. I was also inspired by the model Sveta Barbachakova (she's so pretty!).

I would like to say also how when writing an Asian character or face claim there is more than just Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. There's Cambodian, Philippines, Laos, India and so many more others. I also am trying to avoid the 'smart' Asian stereotype. Ok, not all Asians are super smart. I mean for Talia she has to be to maintain her level in society but I am trying to include her struggles. 

b) Re-reading the first ten chapters or more as you can see Talia can switch on and off with how she acts. tbh it's so hard writing Talia, she's such a complex character like Mikhail. She's very broken, you have to understand how hard it is (for anyone really) to try and maintain a certain standard. But truly Talia has it hardest, she lives on top, she has no help. The only one higher than her is her Mikhail which as you know. 

3. Hiro, ok 2ndML let's go.

a) Aight! Let me get something straight, I am not trying to embrace the second-best friend is an Asian guy (it's so repetitive I know). I god how do I say this? The silent Asian stereotype (Japanese) is pretty true for some people. I have researched and yes I will say some Japanese people are loud, bubbly and stuff. But the way Japanese people are raised is different compared to western cultures, everything is about not disturbing others, being reserved and not being flashy. (well I don't know how it is in the future). I just find writing a very loud Japanese person is unrealistic I'm sorry. 

b) I also wrote a Japanese person in this is because of historic wise. The Japanese slaughtered many Chinese (both mainland and SEA countries like Singaporeans) along with many British and their allies. Hiro's family comes from new blood money, but I did add that his family use to be Japanese aristocrats. It also gives something to add to the new money meets the old guard theme.

4. Mila and Cesar, I know I haven't revealed much about the two but I promise to think of something when continuing to write about this. 

a) I also would like to say their family are descendants from the Prussian empire (german), and yuh. Search the history up.

b) Mila is just avoiding the skinny stereotype. I've seen a lot of skinny figures and I've had enough of it. Ok, if it's for a competitive sport and they want you in the best form possible because physics wise, but if it's anything else starts writing plus-size characters! I also wanted to avoid the best friend who's really bubbly and enthusiastic and is a plus-size kind of trope. 

c) Cesar, he's not a heartbreaker stereotype. aight'. At this age and for teenagers who has a lot of freedom they do stuff, dumb stuff. He is a gentleman like all the boys from this society. They're raised to be. But that doesn't mean I will not include drama. 

5. Gianna (I will come back to this)

6. Look. I am not trying to offend Americans when writing this book, but it seems this category of books has been American inspired. I swear that's all! I'm not trying to diss other people's works cause I most likely read them and love the writing. 

a)I'm writing about people who have titles, who have bloodlines, who are related to royals in the past. Anyone less than an earl cannot be seen with that title in this book. Look, anyone can become a millionaire or billionaire if they get lucky or work hard enough but being related to royalty, having a bloodline is different. 

If you think I'm going to include (cause its been quite popular when I was reading this category again -futurewise-) Arab Dubai people. Okay I'm sorry but they fall into the recently required rich. I know there's a royal family and all, and the place is thriving but their money is quite recent compared to the Windsor Royal family. 

When the world still has multiple monarchs other than the British empire yes people got rich but having a noble title was a whole other story. For the REALLY REALLY rich long lasting families have obtained a title though. Anyone who has a family emblem. (Search up the hitory of the Rothschilds for inspo). 

b) which also lead to my next point, I'm sorry if I'm not including everyone's culture or if I'm offending you in the old money class. Only a few cultures have a special lineage and such. The Europeans with a very rich history in royalty, the Turkish (Osman Empire), and the Chinese. I am though trying to get my characters to visit places that's not as popular or as much heard of as like a vacation to Paris. I also do research (google maps) on actual places and destinations, unless of course its a private island/ sort of thing. 

If you have a recommendation or would like to get more recognition for your culture please comment here and we can talk. HERE:

c) This has been mentioned in the story but I will remind you again. There is a difference in money and wealth between mainland China and Southeast Asia.

Alright, mainland China had become a republic before the great leap of Mao. The South-East Asian old guard families are Talia' elite circles. I'm taking those who are in Chinese and settled in and scattered in SEA in 1800-1900. Talia's family during the 1800s were loyal to the British. If you want more information, research read crazy rich Asians or watch it I don't care. 

d) speaking of cultures again I do A LOT of research about a culture, whether its the slang, the common sayings, the snacks and foods (I go onto a lot onto 'online shopping websites to obtain this information), the fashion again. 

I take this seriously. I want to get this right, I want people to read and relate which makes me happy as a writer. 

HAHAHAHA OKAY FASHION FASHION FASHION!

So I do a lot of research, whether its researching online, going onto Haute Couture websites, streaming the shows. Etc.

You must understand there is a difference on how the old guard and the new money dress. 

New money is all about the latest, some will have a more better understanding about brands then others. But its still a pattern. I don't think people understand the 'flashier the better' or the 'latest the best' makes you look richer. Anyone can do it or fake it. Especially since the higher ups are appealing to the working class. 

The old guard will all have a particular taste but they will always pick the long reigning brands of Haute Couture, or any high fashion brand that appears on the Haute Couture list. If you want to write about the old guard you will never go wrong with the big three: Dior, Chanel and it switches between Louis Vuitton and Prada but if you want my honest opinion go for Prada*.

*LV you gotta make a comeback, if Yves Saint Laurent did so can you!

Other exceptions include: YL, Alexis Mabille, (valentino has been doing pretty well so far, I'm speaking now Idk what's going on in the future), VALLI GIAMBATTISTA (its in the top five for me), Alexander Mcqueen and Schiaparelli, Viktor and Rolf etc. If you want to know more we can consult just comment.

Also vintage Chanel and Dior and other very old brands is better, I know it seems a bit weird to the old crowd but Haute Couture is about making the client feel special aight? You're wearing a piece of history. 

The old guard wear casual clothes most of the time, they use the simple stuff and brands we do (the working class). But when they dress up, THEY DRESS UP!

K, I don't really want to write to much but I'm going to do a quick fashion analysis on the type and style. You don't know how much I just want to throw a picture randomly on what she wears. I try my best to research what everything is called and how to best explain it.

TALIA

Talia is very Mcqueen-inspired she puts her two lives fused together. The elegant romantic dress as you've seen so far with her when she is in Mikhail's world and her time at home where she has a bit more freedom where she has this edgy/classy matrix Dior Chanel type of look. 

When she is in the European Elite (i dunno what to call it) Talia will wear a lot of puffy sleeves, inspired by the Elizabethan era and also Princess Diana. When she was still married she wore very gentle and feminine outfits, most importantly her wedding dress with puffy sleeves. However, when she was divorced she had more freedom. 

You'll three sides of Talia's fashion choices. When she is at social events she wears a lot of that ethereal, romantic type like Giambattista Valli. But further into the story, the colour palette will slip into more than just that white, pink, beige sort of pallet. She'll start to wear darker colours, mainly brown, black and green when she is herself. That middle range is just settled for her academic colours, brown coats and whatnot.

MIKHAIL

For some reason, all my ideas led to Balmain couture-inspired coats. I don't know why but it gave me a Mikhail vibe. It is imperious and dramatic yet somehow elegant. 

causal wise, I dunno why I can see it but to match Talia's mid-casual in-between look he wears a lot of academica long coats (preferably inspired by long Korean style). The aesthetic, anything that fits into that aesthetic.

more characters coming soon...

Hope you enjoy have a better idea! Feel free to ask any more questions! The next chapter will be coming soon...