amused her to note that even the Beysa had adopted local fashion, covering her
breasts instead of brazenly painting them. Of course, Molin Torchholder was with
them.
The Prince hurried forward, all smiles and warmth, glad to see her. Neither
Shupansea nor Molin appeared to share his enthusiasm.
“Cousin!” the Prince exclaimed over the noise of the celebration. “I’d heard
you’d returned to us. Why didn’t you come visit?” He wrapped his arms around her
and gave his favorite relative a gentle hug.
“Business, my Little Prince,” she answered, rumpling his hair in a manner that
made Shupansea frown. “There were things 1 had to do.” She glanced back at the
entrance, then hugged her cousin again. “Can we speak alone?” she whispered in
his ear.
Even as children they had shared confidences. The Prince didn’t hesitate. He
turned to Shupansea. “Excuse me a moment, my love, while I lead Chenaya to
refreshment. I’m sure Molin will see to your entertainment.” He gave the Beysa
no chance to voice disapproval, but caught his cousin’s arm and steered her into
the crowd.
“Now, what’s so important that it makes you wrinkle your face that way?” he said
when they were safely on the far side of the hall.
Chenaya swallowed. Until last night she hadn’t thought about her cousin, only
about scoring another point on Shupansea-an important point. “You know I love
you, Kadakithis,” she started, searching for the right words. “But you know I
love Ranke more.” It didn’t sound right; she was stalling and he could tell.
Lu-Broca’s voice boomed from the entrance. She caught her breath.