Stella, daughter of a viscount, grew up entirely without the affection of her mother, who had become the Imperial Princess's wet nurse.

Her father brought his mistress into their home, and from a young age, Stella was subjected to abuse by the mistress.

Then one day, a letter of summons arrived from her mother at the Imperial Palace.

Her mother, whom she met after a long absence, dressed Stella in fine clothes and said:

"You must buy as much time as you can."

Her mother left Stella behind, taking the Imperial Princess with her as she departed the palace, which was ravaged by civil war.

For Stella, left behind, this was her one desperate act of defiance.