announces the technology, Yamado will likely side with us for a share of the prize.”
“Do you think he will?” Loch asked.
“No,” Bianca and I said at the same time. I waved her on. She said, “The only way he’ll announce it is if we are losing badly. If he defeats Rockhurst, he can corner the market for House von Hasenberg. Even if Rockhurst has the technology, if they don’t have the resource then they’re dead in the water.”
Bianca sighed and continued, “He’s waiting and watching to see how far along Rockhurst really is. He knows we have a superior force if they don’t have fast FTL drives in the majority of their ships. It’s risky, but the reward is too enticing for him to pass up.”
“Consortium politics are fucked up,” Loch said.
“Yes, pretty much,” Bianca said. She turned to me. “Speaking of, are you going to tonight’s party?”
“No,” I said. One of the benefits of debriefing was I got a free pass to ignore all social obligations.
“Lady Rockhurst is hosting.”
I groaned. “Why did you have to tell me that?”
“Why does it matter?” Loch asked. “I thought you all had parties all the time.”
“We do,” I said. “But High Houses don’t actually host evening events all that often. There are four major events per year, once per quarter. The three High Houses each host once and the lower houses all contribute for the fourth event. Otherwise, the lower houses host smaller parties, and those events overlap, which means it’s rare for all three High Councillors to be in the same place at once. But when a High House hosts, everyone shows up.”
“So if Ada wants to speak to Lady Rockhurst and Lord Yamado, tonight is her best chance of catching them both in the same place until House von Hasenberg’s gala in four months,” Bianca said.
“I don’t suppose it’s a masquerade?” I asked hopefully.
“No, it’s not.”
“Nothing’s ever easy,” I sighed.
“Taking Loch would be a mistake,” Bianca warned. “He will be recognized. Diplomatic immunity can only do so much, especially in a foreign House.”
She was right, of course. But I doubted very much that Loch was going to be happy to be left behind.
Most of the dresses in my closet were two years out of style. I flipped through them and tried not to worry about Loch. He’d stormed off in a temper when it became clear he wouldn’t be able to talk me out of going. I reminded myself that the Devil of Fornax Zero could take care of himself.
I pulled out a long silk dress in soft gray. A simple sheath dress with a timeless silhouette, it would be as fashionable today as it was two years ago. I tried it on and, miracle of miracles, it still fit beautifully. A slit up to the middle of my right thigh offered a tasteful glimpse of skin and also allowed me to move unhindered. Strappy black heels completed the picture.
Using the bathroom mirror for reference, I twisted my dark hair into an updo. It took a few tries to get it right—I was rusty. I used to be able to put my hair up without needing a mirror at all. For makeup, I decided on deep red lips and subtle eyeshadow that enhanced the blue in my blue-gray eyes. I double-checked the settings, then hit the application button and closed my eyes.
At the beep, I checked my appearance in the mirror. The stunning, elegant woman staring back at me looked like a stranger.
I put on my bracelet and necklace, then found a clutch big enough to hold a small blaster. Members of High Houses weren’t searched, which meant nearly everyone carried some type of weapon. The unwritten rule was that it had to be discreet. I’d never been to an event where weapons were needed, but even so, House members liked the additional security.
I paced in the living room while I waited for Bianca, trying to get used to wearing heels again. Nervous energy fluttered through my system. I wished Loch was here to kiss me goodbye and wish me luck. And a small, vain part of me wanted him to see me when I was all dressed up.
When the doorbell rang, I opened the door to reveal a subtly furious Bianca in a gorgeous blue-black dress. Before I could say anything, she jerked a thumb over her shoulder with an irritated huff. Ian Bishop stood a few feet behind her, dressed in a black tuxedo.
“Father believes we need a security