Masquerades - Kate Novak [122]
Victor remained standing silently in just the right spot to cast a shadow over the account book.
Finally the elder Dhostar asked, "Is there something you need?"
"Many things," Victor replied smoothly, inwardly pleased that he had managed to make his father ask him. "But first and foremost," he said, "I need to know if you have changed your mind about attending the masked ball this evening."
"You know I have not," Luer retorted, snapping off the last word like a dry twig. "You are consorting with the help. It's no different than being caught in a compromising position with a chambermaid. I will not be seen appearing to endorse such a relationship."
"I think you should reconsider," Victor stated. "This evening Alias is going to unmask the Faceless."
The croamarkh's forehead creased deeply with concern. He set down his quill pen and closed his account
book. "She knows who the Faceless is?"
"She is very close," said Victor, "and she'll have the proof she needs by tonight."
"Why hasn't she come to me with this information?" Luer demanded. "That's what I hired her for."
"Why hasn't she?" Victor parroted. He shrugged. "Perhaps consorting with Jamal and her little troupe has given her a flair for street theater dramatics. Will you reconsider coming tonight?"
Luer shifted uncomfortably in his seat, remaining silent as he considered his options. After a few moments, he shook his head. "Send for her. She must tell me first. I can't have half the nobles up in arms if she is wrong."
Victor frowned down at his father. "She can tell you in private at the ball," he argued.
Luer's face clouded with anger. He rose to his feet and shouted, "I will not attend this cursed ball! Send for Alias now!"
A look of rage spasmed across Victor's face, but the croamarkh was not unaccustomed to his son's temper. Luer held his ground. In a moment, the younger Dhostar mastered his emotions, and his face transformed back to a mask of civility.
Victor lowered his eyes to the table and whispered, I'm sorry, Father. It's over now."
"I should think so," Luer snapped. "These tantrums are beneath you. Now do as I ask, please."
Victor shook his head sadly. "I mean it's over for you. We know that you're the Faceless."
Luer's face turned scarlet, and for several moments, though his mouth moved, he seemed unable to reply. Finally, the words exploded from him, "That's preposterous! If that's what this cheap sell-sword thinks, I want her here now, before she does any more damage!"
"That's what she will think, and she has proof." Victor produced the key he'd shown to Alias and explained, "I found this among your possessions. It's the key to the former lair of the Night Masters and the Faceless."
"I never saw that key before," Luer declared.
"So you say, but I do not think that Alias will believe you."
"We'll see about that," Luer growled. He reached out and yanked on the bellpull. Almost immediately Kimbel appeared in the doorway.
"I want you personally to fetch Alias and bring her here immediately," the croamarkh commanded the servant.
Kimbel looked at Victor. The younger Dhostar shook his head. Kimbel entered the room, closed the door behind him, and stood before it, silent and still.
The veins in Luer's face throbbed visibly. "What is the meaning of this?" he demanded.
"Tonight," Victor explained, "Alias, under my direction, will identify you as the Faceless, leader of the Night Masks. Enough evidence will be found among your possessions to offer proof of this accusation." The young noble slid around the desk and put a hand on his father's shoulder. "There is still a way out for you. A ship to Mul-horand is putting out to sea tonight just before the ball. You can take passage on that ship, leaving a document behind that will abdicate leadership of House Dhostar to me and recommend me for the post of croamarkh. I, in turn, will ensure that these awful revelations are never made public."
"If you believe me guilty, why would