Page 162 of Blood Sanctuary, Part Two

She would not rub salt in his wounds by protesting. “Aren’t you on your way to enjoy the festival?”

“I thought to make myself more useful tonight.”

One of the Prince’s Charge walked through the light spilling from the common room. “Sir Benedict was kind enough to offer his assistance on our patrol. He is helping us keep the guest house secure.”

“I’m sorry you shall miss the festivities,” she said, “but that is a fine thing to undertake, indeed.”

Benedict gave a nod. “The danger is mostly passed, but the Dexion and his apprentice are still under house arrest. Orthros and Tenebra must keep an eye on Cordium together.”

“Thank you, Ben. You know how much your support means to me.”

He didn’t smile, and she could see on his face how heavy his heart was. “You aren’t taking part in the festival tonight, are you?”

The Charger’s patrol took him under another archway and out of sight.

In the silence, Cassia drew closer to Ben. “Yes, I plan to participate in the celebrations to the fullest.”

“You were only well enough to leave the Healing Sanctuary last night. Shouldn’t you stay in your new guest room and get some rest, Your Ladyship?”

“I’m feeling well rested, thank you.”

“I don’t know how you find it in yourself to be a good guest tonight. This festival isn’t like the others we’ve been to.”

“I must make a life for myself here in my adopted land.”

“Your Ladyship.” Benedict’s voice all but broke. “What kind of future can you have here, really? What occupations can there be for you? What companions?”

“I will have the future I make for myself. I intend to be happy.”

“The ambassador’s untoward admiration for you concerns me. You must take care he does not misunderstand your choice to remain here to do Kyria’s work. Do you need me to set him straight?”

“Not at all, Ben. I have made my intentions very clear to the ambassador. Why don’t you lay down your worries for just an hour or so and stroll through the festival?”

He shook his head. “I don’t feel like celebrating tonight.”

“Not even celebrating the victory of the truth?”

He looked away. “This Autumn Greeting seemed like a victory over the past for some of us.”

“Ben.”

That fetched his gaze back to her.

She gave him a look. “Can you deny there is another who is much more suited to partner Flavian in that dance?”

“Segetia needs a lady such as you.”

“But what about your friend? What does Flavian need?”

“Needing what’s out of reach never brought any man happiness.”

“Nothing is ever out of reach, Ben. That is the lesson of this Summit. Tell Flavian I said so.”

“I’ll do as you ask, Your Ladyship.” He bowed, then turned away and strode into the darkness after the Charger.

GRACE DANCE

No one dressed Cassiafor Grace Dance, and no one anointed her in scents dictated by tradition. Alone in her guest chambers, she bathed herself in cassia soap and perfumed herself with rosewater. It took her but a moment to slip into her new silk festival attire. The cassia blossom robe was as easy to wear as her own skin. The yellow silk shoes were as sturdy as they were beautiful, and the red-brown trousers would be so comfortable to dance in. She looked at herself in the dressing room’s luxurious, full-length glass mirror.

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