What made it worse was the knowledge that machine-heads had, for a very long time, been regularly employed as the pilots of interstellar craft throughout the Accord and beyond. Their implants allowed them to interface directly with such craft, and the idea of being a starship pilot had never failed to fill Gabrielle with wonder. Yet it had always been an impossible yearning.

Cassanas looked doubtful despite Gabrielles reassurances, pursing the lips of her long horse-like face. But Gabrielle glared at the old woman until she finally bowed in acquiescence, a flush of red colouring her withered cheeks.

Of course, Madame Gabrielle, Cassanas muttered, peering back at her with unmistakable hostility from below the yellow-and-black cap that identified her as an attendant.

The old womans eyes dipped briefly towards Gabrielles belly, swaddled beneath constricting sheets. In that moment Gabrielle felt suddenly, overwhelmingly certain that the old woman knew precisely what she was trying to hide.

But she also knew that Cassanas would say and do nothing, out of fear for her own sons life.

Even so, Gabrielle felt her heartbeat grow faster, her hands again forming into fists beneath the heavy linen, where Mater Cassanas could not see them.

She then thought of Karl proud, strong Karl Petrova. Despite all their talk, she had never really believed a day might finally come when all their dreams of escaping could be realized.

Youre scheduled to have breakfast with your advisers, before departing for Dios, declared Cassanas, clearly struggling to maintain her professional composure. She motioned with her eyes towards the door leading into an antechamber. Therefore I think perhaps we should get started immediately.

Of course, said Gabrielle, aware of the slight quaver in her voice as she replied.

She waited, as taught from childhood, until Cassanas had peeled off the sheets, before swinging her bare feet out and onto the cold marble floor. She then followed the old woman into the antechamber, where her robes of office had been laid out on a chaise-longue, ready for the morning ahead.

Cassanas picked up several items, draping them over one arm in preparation for dressing her charge. As Gabrielle watched her, she thought back on the endless mundanity of all the days of her life up until now, each day barely distinguishable from the last. She could almost taste the sights and sounds and smells that lay in all their rich and infinite variety beyond the choking confines of the palace.

I want to dress myself this morning, Gabrielle said on a sudden impulse.

The old woman looked at her, perplexed. Its against protocol to

Nonetheless, said Gabrielle, her jaw tight, I insist.

The old womans face flushed with anger. You wont be able to hide it forever, you know, she spat, her eyes dropping again towards Gabrielles belly. Thijs and the rest will find out about your little secret soon enough. Youll ruin the whole Pilgrimage, and the Ascension too