Page 67 of Claiming the Tower

For her part, Hereswith watched the patterns, thinking back to the conversation she’d had with Electra. Some people here had fallen into habits that were far too rigid. Shattering them would do no good— it would be a blow of misdirected anger. But perhaps, given a little opportunity, there might be a chance to make something new out of something crumbling. Hereswith could see a place or two, where a death in the family— sad though it was— gave a new shape to the remaining family members. A new freedom, she thought, in a case or two. A new cage, in at least one. Two, at least, like her own life, where the balance was more complex.

The dance finished, and Marcus escorted Bess back to where Hereswith was sitting. Her lover was out of breath, roses in her cheeks. Marcus bowed, and disappeared again, with a murmur that he’d be back soon.

Bess beamed. “We have been plotting.” She kept her voice quiet, and there was no one terribly near them just now.

“Plotting?” Hereswith raised an eyebrow.

“Your upcoming birthday. You should have a pleasant one this year, and Marcus had several useful thoughts on what might be appealing. May I plan it without telling you?” Bess held up a finger. “Entirely in keeping with mourning. Though I have plans for future years. A nascent list.”

Hereswith could not quite prevent the shiver up her spine, and she did not want to. “I rather like the idea of you having plans for future years. Yes, you may plan and surprise me.”

That, apparently, was a far better gift than the gown or the invitation to be here tonight. Bess beamed, near enough glowing. “Grand. Now, shall I fetch you a cup of the punch? It will give me a chance to circulate and consider who you might wish to speak with sooner rather than later. Perhaps bring someone back with me?”

“That would be excellent, thank you.” Hereswith nodded. Bess beamed again, then disappeared off into the crowds, a flash of her blue gown visible here and there. Hereswith watched her go and then returned to watching the movement of the people. She could see the landscape begin to play out. She didn’t yet know all that was growing upon it, or all that might be nurtured. But she could get a sense of the options. And, with a little luck, a sense of who might be an ally in the weeks and months and years to come.