and she had someone special in mind for
that.
Of course, Lowan Vigeles wouldn’t have approved, so all she told him was, “I
have a plan, Father.”
* * *
She awoke at sunrise after only a couple hours’ sleep. She could have used more,
but there was a lot to do. She had promised Daphne a new life. It began today.
But before she could stretch and climb out of bed Rosanda knocked quietly and
entered with a breakfast tray. Chenaya pushed herself up against the headboard
and gawked in utter surprise as the noblewoman spread a soft white cloth over
her lap and set the tray upon it. It contained several slices of cold roast
meat, fresh bread, and a rare Enlibar orange. There was a vessel of water to
wash it down.
“Aunt Rosanda,” Chenaya protested, “this wasn’t necessary. The men take care of
everything, or we see to our own needs.”
Rosanda shushed her. “I don’t mind, really. It’s been far too long since I
lifted my hand in a kitchen. I baked the bread myself early this morning.” She
blushed and looked away. “I thought I’d forgotten how. It used to be the duty of
every Rankan woman to bake bread, you know, but we’ve all become so spoiled. No
wonder there are stories that the Empire is crumbling.”
Rosanda turned to leave, but Chenaya caught her hand. “Rosanda,” she said in
confidential tones, “what happened between you and Uncle Molin?”
Sadness was reflected in the older woman’s features, but then she drew herself
erect. “Chenaya, no matter how long I live in this city of thieves and vipers,”
her eyes narrowed to angry slits, “I am still a Rankan. I can’t turn my back on