I've lived it; I have been in battles more often than not to even have the luxury of fine clothes and doting suitors.

[ Which would explain some of Gwenhwyfar's feral behaviors. ]

I don't care to assume the nature of your kingdom, Nikolai, but that seems... so wrong. My mother rides into battle with her husband, you see, her first priority is to protect our lands from invaders. The only lavish parties to be had are when her knights and soldiers come home from battle. It was the same for my grandfather... The people of Cameliard know such peace and my mother told me that she, too, would know no peace until all of us are safe.

She taught me as much when I was a child.