From early on, cultural differences between Miryem and the Staryk exacerbate misunderstandings. This is shown in Miryem’s ignorant demand for payment for her services. While she expects a reward for her labor, the Staryk’s culture demands that he give her something worth the lives of his people—his very kingdom. When she succeeds in her mission to change his silver three times, she is frustrated by his refusal to drop the issue. To her, he is being unreasonable, forcing them both into a mutually disliked marriage. In his mind, he is honoring his word and her high magic; not only is he bound by pride but also by the words of his promise already given. When she exclaims that she does not even know his name, she expects him to give it or at least acknowledge the absurdity of a marriage in which spouses do not know one another’s names. Instead, he is deeply offended, which is understandable given the context of the magical power that comes with knowing someone’s name.

Once in the Staryk lands, Miryem expects the worst of her new husband, so that is what she sees, especially through the frame of her own culture and experience.