Semua Bab The Slaved Virgin Offering: Bab 51 - Bab 60

He shrugged. "She's fine. Even if it could affect her, she's powerful enough in her own right, and has friends and admirers in high places. Plus she keeps to herself now. Has since Troy fell....the Helen episode, not that last time." He shook his head and chuckled...still gazing off into some unknown distance. "Amazing how they just can't seem to keep that city in one piece. And they just keep asking for it." He smiled and looked down at her again. "The problem is: what works on our father, works on us...and it takes less effort to do so. Hence the concern, we're fine so long as no one knows our name or lineage...but it has come to light that some of us are known...which puts the rest at risk. She nodded. She was listening, but her mind was still else where. "So neither of your parents is human then." He was silent and she blinked, her eyes focusing back on his. She realized her hand was covering her stomach and she moved, pretending she was smoothing wrinkles from her dress. She sho

"Well...I'm sure my master wouldn't care all that much...but that is of little help considering he has only the two of us, and neither of us are professional musicians. I...I do know how to play...a little...but I'm no expert." Xanthippe had been her teacher, and an exacting one at that. If half her sister's criticisms had been accurate, then she was at the very best of middling skill. Her performances always too wooden apparently, even if they were technically correct. But then she needed only provide the notes...it would be the dancer they would be watching. Surely she had provided accompaniment for Xanthippe and no one noticed her playing one way or another. It was simply a means to an end, and served its purpose well enough."You'd be willing to help me?""Ah...yes, I'd like to help actually...but I'm not supposed to...participate...exactly.""Why not?""I don't know specifically." She chuckled, "Probably because I'm no good at it and would make both myself and my master look ridi

Calliope had noted that they were, in many ways, similarly attired, though the woman's hair and jewelry were far more elaborate. Calliope had continued to wear her usual braided knot, keeping to Lady Nagi's suggestion to keep as low a profile as possible. It was occurring to her that this might, in fact, be drawing more attention to her. If she were half naked like everyone else, no one would bat an eye. Funny how that worked."So you see my confusion.""It seems a logical enough conclusion, considering." She agreed, also recalling Lady Nagi's words to her the first night, and Demitri's for that matter.Where was he anyway? He'd been awfully elusive since they'd gotten here.She looked around but the hall seemed to be filling up rapidly as the primary guests and their own trails of slaves and companions joined the servants already in attendance. Demitri, if he was here, was not going to be easily found. With a sigh she gave up looking and turned her attention to the rest of the room.

She glanced back at him, feeling a twinge of guilt. She'd put herself in a rather awkward situation with this. She couldn't help but wonder how she'd managed it. It wasn't like her to be so impulsive, even when it was meant well. It wasn't that she was cold-hearted...but it had hardly been very pragmatic or wise to offer her services to a stranger, even for such a simple thing, not especially knowing that it conflicted with her Master's wishes. She could equivocate all she wanted about disguising herself or not 'competing' directly...but she wasn't so silly or blind that she could deceive herself that easily.It had been a little foolish...but it was done. She could only hope it didn't cause too much trouble. Perhaps she'd tell him afterward. It was easier to beg forgiveness after all...or so they say.Another glance told her he was in a surprisingly good humor...surprising considering the general company. It reminded her of his satisfied expression when he'd appeared earlier."You ma

She considered it a moment. "Perhaps if I act as if I'm the only performer, rather than accompaniment, they will let down their guard long enough for you to jump in and take over without interference.""It's as good a thought as any I've had. What do you plan on doing?""I haven't the slightest. I'm hoping my muse will strike me with sudden inspiration." She gave Penelope a wry smile then realized her expression was obscured by the veil. "But I'm sure I'll think of something." She added as assurance.She wasn't completely sure about it herself, but she was as confident as she could be given the circumstances. She'd lost count of how many times she'd played for her sisters, and more than once been party to some clever ploy to sway eyes in their direction. If she couldn't come up with anything between the corridor and the feast hall on her own, then she'd just fall back on some trick her sister Xanthippe, or even Helena, had used to use to pull the attention of the room.They agreed to