retire.’ She smiled and bowed her head to our male companions, who all protested at our leaving. Giaconda opened her fan and concealed her laughing mouth. ‘Gentleman, we look forward to your future favours. Don’t we, Tarlo?’
Imitating Giaconda, I also opened my fan, a pretty golden one lined with diamantes. They flashed as the material spread. ‘Indeed we do, sister.’
Looping our arms, we left the men slowly, aware that every single one of them was watching. As I’d been taught, I swung my hips, pleased as my train (something else I learnt from a very friendly courtesan was also forbidden) rustled and swept its way across the floor.
We approached Signor Maleovelli and I saw he was listening to a conversation between the Cardinale and the foreign ambassador. The Cardinale gave us the barest of nods.
‘I am more than happy to explain to you what we’re doing to apprehend the Estrattore,’ said the Cardinale.
I willed myself not to react. To remain calm. I opened my fan again and began to wave it before my face. The Cardinale turned from me, annoyed that I had drawn attention away from him merely through my presence.
He kept talking to the ambassador. ‘And I would like very much for you to explain the religion of your country,’ he continued. ‘We once worshipped the gods. A long, long time ago. But our eyes were opened. We recognised the gods for what they were: a sign of ignorance, and those who claimed to be conduits to them nothing but charlatans.’ The ambassador stiffened. One of the young nobiles gasped at the insult. The Cardinale seemed unaware of the effect of his words. He stifled a yawn. ‘You will have to excuse me. It’s late.’ He glanced out the window. ‘Or should I say, early. We will talk, sir.’ He struck the ambassador on the arm in what was meant to pass as a friendly gesture, but could, in a different setting, be construed as aggressive.
‘Your grace,’ we all murmured.
With a brief bow, he left the group. We waited until he was gone from the room before resuming the conversation. Only then did I release my breath. Signor Maleovelli smiled at us. ‘Ah, belle. Lord Waterford, I believe you have met my daughter Giaconda and my ward, Tarlo. Gia, Lord Beolin Waterford is the ambassador of our newest ally, the country of Farrowfare. Despite what his grace, the Cardinale implied, religion is not the only subject to occupy Lord Waterford’s mind – he’s also interested in trade.’
‘Then he is a man of great interest to us, Papa,’ said Giaconda, staring over her fan at Lord Waterford, who flashed her what passed for a warm smile.
We both dropped into deep curtsies. Lord Waterford kissed the hands we held out to him, first Giaconda’s, then mine. Even through my glove, I sensed something about this man. Depths that his unassuming demeanour hid. This man had secrets.
‘Isn’t Farrowfare beyond the Limen, my lord?’ asked Giaconda.
I tensed. Mention of the Limen still had the ability to startle me.
Lord Waterford cast me a look, a frown between his brows. I forced my face into a smile as I extracted my hand from his.
‘Indeed it is, Signorina.’ He stepped closer to Giaconda.
‘I would love to hear all about it,’ she said. ‘Living so close to the Limen we’re always curious about its mystery, about what lies beyond its peculiar barrier, never mind within. You’re the first we know, apart from our infamous Bond Riders, of course, to come from the other side. It’s very exciting. We Serenissians are not able to survive within its space, not unless we surrender our souls. But you know this, sì?’
‘I have heard of your Bond Riders,’ said the lord politely. ‘My understanding is that they are no longer able to be, how would you describe it? Made human again?’
‘Vero. This is true. Without Estrattore to return their souls …’ Giaconda let her voice trail away, hoisting her shoulders and letting them drop.
I released my breath slowly. The conversation unnerved me.
‘I would very much like to learn about why it is your men can cross into Vista Mare and back again so … unscathed.’ Giaconda looked the ambassador up and down appreciatively. ‘Do you have to surrender your soul or is that still intact?’
Lord Waterford smiled. ‘I’m afraid that’s an official secret, Signorina.’
‘And what about opportunities for trade between our nations?’ asked Giaconda. ‘Is that a secret too? Or will you share that with me?’
‘That’s what we were discussing,