Ariana Szelsky is the older sister of Lord Szelsky, Janine's charge. She votes against the guardian age change. When Tatiana says that Lissa can't vote because she doesn't have a quorum, Ariana says its true. This is enough for Rose to believe it. Ariana is in the running for queen following Tatiana's death and is friendly towards Lissa despite their rivalry for the throne. Lissa and Rose both want Ariana as queen if Lissa can't be, but Lissa becomes queen.