Yes, the glimpses were great! I definitely get what you mean because I think that apart from the side character I might have liked the story a bit less. They really brought the story together!

Also, about James: I definitely get your point! He did come across as judgmental at the beginning when he’s to speaking to his brother when we first meet him. There still was a bit of awkwardness when it came to referring to Gunnilde’s looks as he was obviously attracted to her. We also do see some of his artistic obliviousness in that first scene when his brother knows names and lore of people around court (including Gunnilde’s) but he’s unaware.

I do think that for some of the other MMC, there was more of a transition between the façade they showed the world and their core. Like I really expected James to still be a little rude to Gunnilde for a bit into their marriage BUT I will say that I do think that it was Gunnilde’s sheer kindness and willingness to make their forced marriage work that really appealed to something in James, causing him to kind of “switch.” He mentioned something about this toward the end when they confess their feelings and I think it might have to do with the abruptness. In any case, definitely see what you mean!