A flicker of irritation crossed the new womans features. It is strange that we are a House as old as the scholars or the weapon smiths, or the players or merchants or the builders, and yet people talk of us with such shame. Still, I am used to it, and it is shame that I have come to talk to you about, Princess.

I have nothing that I need to be ashamed of, Lenore said.

That is true, Meredith replied, but perhaps there are things that you need to be protected from.

I dont know what you have in mind, but

Please hear her out, Lenore, Orianne said. You might not approve of Meredith, but she has given me plenty of good information before now, and what shes come to me with… well, you need to hear it.

That was enough to make Lenore pause. She knew Orianne would only have her interests at heart, and shed heard that the House of Sighs was sometimes a place where people said things they shouldnt. As much as Lenore wanted the older woman out of her presence, she knew she should listen.

Wine? she said, and one of her maids brought out a glass. Meredith took it and sipped it.

From the vineyards of Helast in the south, she said. Not bad.

You know about wine? Lenore said.

About all the luxuries and pleasures, Meredith replied. But that is not what you want to hear from me, is it?

What is it youve come to tell me? Lenore asked. And what do you want in return? Coin?

Ordinarily, it would be coin, Meredith said. I can hardly be ashamed about asking for that. Today though… consider it a wedding present.

Lenore didnt trust that. A woman like this wouldnt do anything unless there was a payoff for her.

What do you have to tell me? she repeated.

Meredith smiled in a way that said she knew the effect she was having. Simply this: your pristine, loving, faithful husband-to-be? He was in my establishment last night, surrounded by beautiful girls… and boys.

Lenore froze.

In that, he was rather loose-lipped, Meredith said. He spoke about you, dear, about how he wished he didnt need to marry you, but that his father was insisting, for the connection to royal blood. Apparently, theyve argued about it.

Lenore shook her head. No.

Yes, Meredith said. Of course, hearing the truth can often be a shock, but

No, Lenore snapped, her body rigid with tension. No, I dont know why youre doing this, but I will not hear these lies!

Meredith shrugged and set down her wine glass. Believe what you want. I have done my part in this. Im sure youll see the truth in time.

Lenore went to slap her, her anger getting the better of her, but Meredith caught the blow.