And now, of course, she understood what her father had intended with her presence tonight. To his Council guests, he proved her commitment to the Pegasus. At the same time he demonstrated to the Benevistes that they were far better off with Elendra, who had finally come of age—that in fact they had acted with utmost wisdom by agreeing to the unbetrothal and biding in patience for resolution.
Cynara understood, but she could not forgive. She bowed to her father and rose again from her chair.
“Duty compels me to leave this august gathering,” she said. “Magné, Fico, Matroné.” She bowed from the waist and stepped back as a servant hastily moved her chair.
Her father did not try to stop her. He’d accomplished his goal. Cynara strode into the hall and started up the staircase.
You have no interest in marriage or womanly ways, Father had said. Of course she didn’t. Except that Ronan hadn’t left her thoughts for a moment in all the time she’d been at the palace, and she felt an absurd desire to seek him out and… and…
“Captain.” She turned on the landing at the sound of Janek’s voice, reminding herself that it was not her privilege to challenge him to a duel. Persephoneans didn’t fight that way.
“Ser Janek.” She smiled and leaned against the bannister. “I should thank you for your words on my behalf during dinner.”
“Why, Captain.” He climbed halfway up the stairs and paused, unaffected by his inferior vantage. “I spoke only the truth. I also spoke to members of the Council earlier today.” He examined the high polish on the komor-wood. “They are most eager to question Ronan and discover what benefits his knowledge may bring to the Alliance.”
“Benefits? You’ve already told them that he’s an enemy, haven’t you?”
“Unfortunately, Magnus Jesper D’Accorso has prevailed with his fellow Councillors to delay the debriefing. I know Ronan is your uncle’s guest. This is not a safe situation for Ronan, or Dharma.”
“You’d like nothing better than to destroy him.”
“We needn’t be enemies, Cynara. You know your captaincy is called into question every time you return to Dharma. If you deliver Ronan to the Council freely, I feel sure that they will recognize the contribution you’ve made.”
“And you, of course, will emphasize my suitability to continue as Captain.”
“Naturally. That is why I offer advice: If you have any question of sending Ronan for debriefing within the next twelve hours, I would seriously reconsider.”
“Ronan has no objection to speaking with the Council if they’ll guarantee his continued good health.”
“I am, as you have so often pointed out, merely an observer. I am not privy to the Council’s decisions.”
“Is that really true, Janek?” She descended several steps. “I don’t believe it for a minute.”
“I would avoid such speculation, Captain. It might not be wise, or healthy.”
“Are you threatening me? I would strongly advise—”
A man-sized blur appeared behind Janek, and a moment later he was dangling off his feet. Ronan held him casually by his lace collar and slowly lowered him again, one arm locked around Janek’s throat.
“You are right not to trust this one,” Ronan said, gazing up at Cynara. “Shall I kill him now?”
* * *
Chapter 12
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The shock on Cynara’s face made clear her answer even before she spoke. Ronan released Janek and stepped aside. He scrambled out of Ronan’s reach.
“It will be very difficult,” Janek said, rubbing at his neck, “to convince the Council that this savage is an ally.”
Cynara’s eyes lit. “Ah, now we speak truth. You’d best leave, Ser Janek, before I decide to let Ronan have you.”
“As you wish, Captain.” He bowed military fashion and strode back toward the dining hall.
“Well,” Cynara said. “Your timing is impeccable, Ronan, but your technique needs some refinement.” She descended the remaining steps and took his arm. “Does my father or Jesper know you’re here?”
“No. I came—” He hesitated and moved closer to her, searching her eyes. He did not need to read her expression to know what she felt; she shouted it at him, all the suppressed anger and humiliation and pain her pride would not permit her to reveal. She had learned to hide her feelings from the world, just as he had.