“Yes, I’ve heard him do so.”

“Well, it is time for his gloating to end. He has always used underhanded means to keep me and mine bound to this band because of our gift of insight. I never told you, but when your mother announced that she was going to live with her Gajo, Ivan came to me and promised he would kill her before he let her waste her talent on those not of the blood—unless I agreed to bear another child to replace her. I was past childbearing years at the time, but did that fool take that into account?” Maria snorted.

“I take it you must have agreed?”

“Of course.” Maria grinned. “I have never had any difficulty lying to Ivan Lautaru.”

“Did he badger you about it?”

“No, there was no need. We learned soon enough that your mother was pregnant with you, and Ivan convinced himself that she would return to us with her child, which is why we did not leave that area. It is the longest ever that we have remained in one place.”

“But why do you want me to marry Nicolai now? You have helped me to avoid it all these years. What has changed your mind?”

“My mind is not changed, Anna. I said nothing about marrying Nicolai, just that you must marry.”

Anastasia’s eyes widened, for this had never occurred to her. “Marry someone else? But how can I, when I have been bought and paid for?”

“Marry someone else among us? No, you cannot. It would be the gravest insult to Ivan. Nicolai would never accept such an insult either. He would kill whoever you would choose. But a Gajo would be another matter.”

“A Gajo?” Anastasia said incredulously. “An outsider not of the blood? How can you even suggest it?”

“How can I not, child, when it is your only alternative—unless you wish to live under Nicolai’s fist the rest of your life?”

As earlier, Anastasia shuddered. She had long known that she would leave the band first, before she would submit to Nicolai. And what difference, leaving or marrying an outsider? Either way, she would be leaving.

She sighed. “I suppose you have a plan, Gran? Please tell me that you do.”

The old woman patted her hand with a smile. “Of course I do, and a very simple one at that. You must bewitch a Gajo into asking to marry you. Then you must convince the band that you love him. Love makes the difference on how this will be viewed. One can betray one’s people and all that one believes in, for love. This is understandable, acceptable. You must be convincing, though. If it is thought that you do this just to avoid marrying Nicolai, then the Lautarus are insulted. You will do as your mother did. For her it was real. She really did love her Gajo. For you it will be a lie, but one used to escape the future you say you cannot accept. And perhaps, if you are lucky, it will not remain a lie.”