‘It is a fair question, my lord, and I do appreciate the openness of it, compared to the conversations I have endured so far.’ She looked down at Chetta as they walked alongside each other, and Chetta was suddenly struck by the clarity of the other woman’s gaze. It very much felt like she was, for the first time, the subject of Indrinian Vass’ full attention. It wasn’t a particularly pleasant experience.

‘I value loyalty most highly, Lady Brobantis,’ Vass said simply. ‘House Xudine have amply demonstrated theirs.’ She looked up and ahead of them again, and the hint of her playful smile returned at the corners of her mouth. ‘Ah, is this our host I see ahead of us?’

Indeed, Chetta saw, it was. Governor Ezallien Taranthis was dressed in a magnificent coat of scarlet and silver, with a high collar that soared up even beyond the bald dome of vis head. Vis chain of office sat proudly on vis chest, and ve was holding court in front of the largest of the bonfires, with a gaggle of guests hanging on vis every word and laughing at appropriate moments.

‘My lord and lady of Brobantis!’ Taranthis said, turning and taking a few steps towards them with every appearance of delight, which could well have been genuine. Chetta had had little contact with ver beyond the occasional social function, and on the one hand their conversations had never been anything less than cordial. On the other hand, you didn’t get to be the planetary governor of somewhere like Vorlese without significant politicking ability, and Taranthis wouldn’t look to anger a powerful Navigator house without very good cause.

‘Your excellency,’ Chetta replied, bowing her head in what she hoped would be considered a respectful enough manner. ‘What a wonderful place you have created for the evening, as ever. May the Emperor’s light guide you.’

‘And you also,’ Taranthis said with a smile. ‘And, forgive me, your companion…?’

‘Indrinian Vass, rogue trader,’ Vass said, making another curtsey. ‘I have the honour to be the business partner of Lord Kennevario Xudine, your excellency.’

‘Ah yes,’ Taranthis nodded. ‘Be welcome here, Lady Vass.’ Behind ver, Chetta noticed a ripple of interest pass through the governor’s audience, disguised with varying degrees of success. One girl on the end was outright gawping, which was perhaps only to be expected: rogue traders were a comparatively rare breed, after all, and somewhat romanticised by those who had not travelled amongst the stars enough to meet one.