#i'm saying that maybe wriothesley didnt pick up all his mannerisms at the fortress

[confused-stars]

the more I think about Wriothesley's childhood, the more sure i become that his perception of his parents being loving and perfect on the outside is also flawed

I think they were likely cleverly manipulative and tried to raise the children in a way that would make them more valuable to sell later.

things like teaching them to never cry because "oh, isn't being happy so much nicer?" when in reality it's just unsightly and their clients want quiet, well-behaved kids that can wear a smile no matter what

the kids' concerns being constantly brushed off as they were distracted with some gift or a fun game, the girls sitting for hours with their mother as she carefully helps them practice with makeup, probably some well-placed remarks to make the kids scared of the gardes...

they never made the kids doubt that they were loved, all while gently and patiently shaping them into what they wanted them to be