Talk:Xanthe/@comment-38127842-20190213202155/@comment-36277500-20190319193130

Probably out of her deep hatred towards the whole humanity. She despises men in general, because they were the ones who wronged her (as most of Lena's girls), and most of women, especially these whom she considers as rivals.

She claims that she was trained in beauty, grace and poetry since she was little girl. That means she was sold into brothel as a small child... probably by her own father. These times, many plebeians used to sell their children, or themselves, into slavery out of poverty. And the best courtesans were the ones who debuted as a kids. Her own father's treason might start Xanthe's hatred towards men in general.

But men - no matter how much she despises them and treats them like a dirt - give her money, jewels and influence. And every pretty woman in her sight is a rival who can steal away her prey (men = riches + influence) from her. So she despises women as well.

She despises Arin because the latter upstaged her. Xanthe's hatred towards her successful rival is additionally fueled by Arin's enemies like Rufus Glycia for their own reasons - you know, enemy of my enemy...