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I sat. I had been so flustered at the unexpected summons that without thinking, I had carried with me the gown I was working on.

The matron folded her hands, ignoring the pile of fabric in my lap. “Something has happened to surprise me greatly.” She seemed to weigh her words. “Did anything unusual occur during last night’s dinner?”

I thought for a moment. “Not that I remember, other than the argument I overheard.”

She glanced down at a piece of parchment on her desk. “I ask because the Archidux Sebastianus has requested a visit with you this evening.”

My alarm must have registered on my face because she held up a hand. “Conversation only, and the visit will be observed.”

“Does this have to do with the bidding?”

The matron sat back and folded her hands. “Perhaps. Often our guests spend time meeting tirae through these visits before they decide to place a bid.”

“But then why is this so unexpected?”

“Because I have known Sebastianus for many years, and he has never before shown any interest in a tira. He never bids. In fact, I have heard him express very strong opinions against the custom.” She pushed back her chair abruptly and walked over to the window. The sun cast a bright glow onto the peaks. After a moment, she turned around and rested her long, elegant frame against the glass. “What I am trying to understand, then, is why he wants to have a visit with you.”

I remembered his fierce grip on my arm the night before. What did this rough man want with me?

The matron watched me keenly. “Can you think of any reason?”

I shook my head.

She appeared to turn the idea over in her mind. “He is a very influential man and a special guest of this house. He is accustomed to having his wishes granted. And yet, I do not understand this.”

A portrait of the matron as a young woman hung on the far wall. The artist had captured her in a sitting position, looking directly at the viewer with her intense gray eyes. Her hair was golden, wound up in the intricate braided style still worn by Corlivo courtesans. In the background, the same window we sat in front of at that moment opened onto an identical view of snow-capped mountains. The image could have been captured that very morning, if it weren’t for the matron’s smooth white hair and the lines around her eyes and mouth.

She followed my gaze as she returned to her seat behind the table. “That portrait was commissioned by my patron, many years ago. I’m sure it comes as a surprise to you that I was once a young woman also.”

“I didn’t know that you were once one of us.”

She smiled faintly. “We all must make the most of the opportunities given to us. Don’t you agree?”

I nodded, wondering what opportunity the matron had made the most of.

She sat back in her chair, crossed her arms, and seemed to consider me further. “All right. I am inclined to allow you to visit with the Archidux this evening. You will meet in a parlor here on the first floor.”

Anxiety washed over me at the thought of meeting the gruff Archidux alone.

“Beatrix will help you get ready. Go upstairs and find her. Be on time for once.”

I headed toward the door.

“Anna,” the matron called after me. “Please don’t let yourself be distracted from what you need to accomplish over the coming week. Nothing is as important as securing a bid. Nothing. And be wary of the Archidux. He is an unpredictable man.”

AT EIGHT O’CLOCK that evening, bathed and dressed, I made my way nervously to the small first-floor parlor. Like all the public receiving rooms, it had two comfortable chairs with small side tables facing a stone hearth. A fire crackled in the grate. Doors opened to a balcony and the mountains beyond. The sun was setting, and the peaks glowed deep rose and orange. Large bunches of purple and white lilacs placed on the broad mantel filled the room with their scent.

“Good evening.” Archidux Sebastianus stood up as I entered. Once again, he wore a well-fitting gray toga, this time with silver cuffs on both of his upper arms. He had small silver hoops in each ear.

I curtsied. “Good evening, Your Grace. It is a pleasure to be with you again.”

“Sit down, Anna. Nobody finds it a pleasure to be with me.” His good eye was a flash of bright blue.

I sat down quickly, already off-balance.

The glow of the firelight smoothed the hard edges of his features and revealed a youthfulness I hadn’t perceived before. Yes, he was still a young man—but scarred and roughened by circumstance.

“When you’re talking with me, you don’t need to stick to the prescribed conversation. You can say anything you like. Within reason.” He sat down and nodded in the direction of the doorway, which I took to mean that someone was listening.