Mistress of the Night - Don Bassingthwaite [50]
"It was nothing more than my duty," he said, but smiled anyway and set the wineglass down. "And a terrible duty it is to keep me a moment longer than necessary from the company of the charming Lady Monstaed!" He raised her hands and kissed them, then smiled again. "And I must compliment you again on your fine new ring. So many other women of your station disdain amethyst as gaudy, but you wear it so well."
"Oh, you tremendous flirt," laughed Variance. She smiled with wrinkled lips. "But tell me, what kept you at Moonshadow Hall? What has been happening there since we spoke last?"
CHAPTER 7
Feena leaned forward into the breeze that blew through the carriage window. Julith clicked her tongue in gentle disapproval, and Feena grimaced and sat back, swaying slightly with the carriage's motion.
"A high priestess isn't allowed fresh air?" Feena muttered under her breath.
"A high priestess can have fresh air," Julith replied, " but she should try not to mess up her hair."
Feena wrinkled her nose and asked, "How much longer?"
Julith peered out the window herself, but Feena noticed that she was careful to avoid the breeze.
"We're almost there," the dark-haired priestess said. "Now remember: watered wine only and drink it sparingly. Merchants and most nobles will bow to you, but you bow only to the Nessarch of Yhaunn, if we encounter him. Treat clergy as equals, whatever their faith or station. Only sit down to converse with someone who's already seated. Stick to minor topics. That's safest. If you really need to start a conversation with a scholar or a mage, ask about their research but be careful-they can usually talk for hours. You don't need to discuss city politics or temple policy. This isn't that kind of-"
"I'm not going to remember all of this."
Julith squeezed her hand and said, "You'll do fine, Feena. Don't worry. If there's anything you need to know, I'll be right beside you."
"I'd rather you were right in front of me," Feena grumbled.
It was only half a jest. Her stomach was knotted. Julith had permitted her only a very light dinner that night, and Feena was grateful for that.
The carriage turned and its rattling progress slowed then stopped. Bright lights shone through the windows. Julith took a deep breath as footmen scurried outside.
"Are you ready?" she asked.
"No," Feena grunted, "but it's too late now, isn't it?"
The carriage door opened. Feena rose into an uncomfortable crouch, then stepped out as Julith had taught her-head and shoulders first, arm extended to take the hand of a waiting footman, then feet, down to the step-stool placed for her convenience, unfolding gracefully as she cleared the door.
She managed it all without tripping on her shoes or her dress.
"Well done," murmured Julith from behind her as she stepped down from the carriage herself. "Let's keep going."
Feena nodded and moved forward. Small steps, she reminded herself. No need for long strides.
The white walls of the mansion of Ammanas Aum-leagarr, patron of Yhaunn's arts and host of the city's most lavish parties, loomed above them. Tall lanterns of glass and bronze lit the great entrance arch; within it, smaller lanterns marked a path up a broad flight of stairs. The sounds of talk, laughter, and music floated down from above. Other guests to Ammanas's party were drifting up the stairs as well. For a moment, Feena felt crushed, hemmed in like a sheep in a pen, even though she could have swung her arms wide without so much as touching anyone. She froze.
Julith took her arm and drew her gently onward.
As the stairs rose into the open again, she spoke to another footman. The servant cleared his voice and announced, "Moonmistress-Designate Feena Archwood and High Initiate Priestess Julith Harkspur of Moonshadow Hall!"
Feena climbed the last few steps and the night opened up around her. Below the perfect, delicate bow of Selune's waning crescent, more lanterns shone on the raised flower beds and tiled paths of a garden terrace. Along the