Of course he would use any means to further his schemes to expand D’Accorso influence, which could never be taken for granted in Elsinore or anywhere on Dharma. He must simultaneously reinforce his position as one of the Pegasus’s supporters, firmly ensconced as a patron of the Council, and at the same time placate his traditional and more backward allies.
“What you suggest,” she said, “will hardly be effective if I wear the veil.”
He inclined his head slightly. Zurine breathed so hard that her veil lifted away from her face, weights and all.
“I have also invited members of the Council and its supporters. It should be a most interesting gathering.”
Interesting, yes—at her expense, caught between those who regarded her as a loathsome freak and those who continued to doubt her ability to captain the Pegasus. Her father would stand at the head of the table as the benevolent, reasonable mediator.
“Very well, Father,” she said. “I’ll stay for dinner, but I will spend the night aboard my ship.”
“As you wish.” He swept from the room without even glancing at his wife. Zurine, expressionless, rose and hurried Elendra away.
Cynara stood alone in the conservatory, smelling the greenery she had once loved so much. Now it seemed to stink of decay. She strode from the room and found Tesar waiting for her. He conducted her to her childhood quarters. Elendra had been given Cynara’s room with its adult sensibilities.
Cynara didn’t mind. There was comfort here, and memories of a time when veils and women’s duties were far in the future.
Tesar opened the dusty drapes to let in the light. “You will wish refreshments, Filia, and an appropriate gown for tonight. I will send a servant to the Matrona’s couturier with a message to bring her finest selection.”
“By all means send for a tailor, Tesar, but don’t bother with the gowns. I have my own plans.”
The majordomo was experienced enough to regard her with wariness. “Your father—”
“Has asked me to attend as captain of the Pegasus, and captain I will be.” She smiled to take the sting from her words. “I would very much appreciate a light meal, Tesar.”
He nodded dubiously and went to the door. “Filia—”
“I know what I’m doing. Thank you, old friend.”
And she did know precisely what she was doing. When a tailor arrived—one of the modiste’s assistants and not the maestro himself—she described exactly what she wanted and asked if it could be done in a matter of hours. The scandalized assistant, already distracted by her unveiled eyes, took her tip and agreed to do his best.
An hour before the dinner, just as the first guests arrived to gather in the grand hall, the tailor delivered her clothing. She refused all assistance from the maid who came to help her dress. There was nothing elaborate about what she had chosen save for the captain’s braid and cravat.
She waited until she heard the bell summoning the guests to dinner, and then she went downstairs to join them in the dining hall.
Tesar took one look at her and seemed to lose his voice. “No need to announce me,” she said with a wry smile. “My presence will speak for itself.”
As indeed it did. She found an empty seat waiting for her beside Zurine, the only other woman permitted at table tonight save for Magna Egona Beneviste, Nyle’s mother. Both ladies were superbly gowned and veiled. The gentlemen were as bright as rainbow fish in their brocades and velvets.
Every eye fixed on her as she bowed and took her seat. Zurine stifled a gasp.
“Magné, Matroné,” she said, “I apologize for my tardiness. I beg your indulgence.”
With a glance at Casnar, she sat. No one spoke. Her gaze met that of her former betrothed across the table. He half rose as if he intended to desert the gathering, but good manners forbade it. No, only Cynara D’Accorso-fila would shatter the rules tonight.
The servants resumed distributing the first course and the light wine that accompanied it, passing over the ladies. Cynara tapped a server’s arm and signaled that she wished a glass.
Zurine sat stiffly beside her as if she saw nothing. Matrona Beneviste fanned herself discreetly. Her husband was stony-faced.