AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“On the contrary,” said Cassia, “I appreciate the opportunity to get to know all of you and learn about how you came here. It has opened my eyes.”
“Actually,” said Eudokia, “you missed the point.”
“What Kia is trying to say is that tonight was meant to put you at ease, and if that’s not the case, we hope we can help you see things differently.”
“I’m saying she missed the point. Cassia didn’t come all the way to Orthros to mince words, did you, Cassia?”
“Well,” Menodora assured, “it’s true you needn’t speak with us as if we’re courtiers. We’re Lio’s Trial sisters.”
Lio’s, yes, and Xandra’s. Not Cassia’s. Their love and loyalty for each other predated her visit here by more time than she could fathom.
No matter how long she tried, how could she ever be equal to so much shared past?
“Thank you for your concern,” she said, “but the princess’s party was a triumph. No one appreciates what she accomplished tonight more than I do, I assure you.”
“I think,” Menodora cautioned, “you are perhaps appreciating a little too much.”
“I beg your pardon?”
“You and Xandra are making an admirable effort, but alas, it has backfired on both of you.”
Eudokia nodded. “We are here to clean up the mess, as good friends do when a spell blows up in your face.”
They saw right through Cassia. But she would indeed continue to make an effort, and perhaps one day, her own feelings would heed her insistence that she bore Xandra no ill will, for the princess did not deserve it. “The princess deserves my utmost respect and admiration, and she has it. Not only because of her incredible fortitude in dealing with such difficult magic, but also because I have seldom seen a plot so gratifying or so well-played, and with such strength of character.”
Xandra was wonderful. That’s what made this so hard.
“Xandra would be very happy to hear that,” Menodora replied. “Your opinion means a great deal to her. That’s why she was so determined to have a chance to talk with you before the party. She wanted the two of you to get off on the right foot.”
Why should Cassia’s opinion mean so much to a princess of the Hesperines?
“Here.” Eudokia held out a small, silk-wrapped bundle. “Allow me to give you my welcome gift. It is entirely inappropriate to present to you when the embassy visits House Hypatia for Mother’s circle tomorrow night.”
Cassia had no choice but to accept the gift. She unwrapped the crimson silk and ribbons to reveal a pocket-sized book.
“It’s theDiscourses on Love,” Eudokia said, “and it’s full of treats to reward you as you learn Divine.”
“Kia,” Menodora fretted, “we are here to offer Cassia our friendship, not embarrass her back to Tenebra.”
Eudokia grinned wickedly. “Have you heard of the work, Cassia?”
Yes, when Lio quoted the erotic text to her in bed. “It’s an important collection of Hesperine literature, I understand.”
“A classic for the ages,” Eudokia said.
Cassia tied the book to her belt with one of the ribbons. “This is exactly what my library needs. I inherited the most popular Tenebran volume on this subject from my sister, but I have exhausted its usefulness.”
Even as Cassia’s cheeks flushed, a chuckle escaped her. Suddenly the three of them were laughing together.
Menodora drew a flute out of her sash. “I was going to give you my welcome gift at the party tonight, but you weren’t in the mood for Tenebran court dances.” She played a strain of music.
The familiar notes brought Cassia’s heart into her throat. “The only song Lio and I have ever danced to.”
Menodora tucked the flute away. “An encore is in order when you come to House Kitharos.”
Cassia was silent. She had been wrong. Even worse, she must admit it to these kind, brilliant Hesperines.
“I misjudged,” Cassia said. “I thoroughly mistook your intentions tonight. That is unlike me, but—no excuses. I owe you an apology.”
