“Well, it’s lovely,” Ravenna said, wondering why Fortuna was in her room. Was it only to insult her?
Somehow, she didn’t think so.
“You will also look lovely,” Fortuna promised. “No one will notice the lack of shine in your hair.”
Ravenna had known a girl like Fortuna back home. Valuing status and prestige above everything else, she cared too much of other people’s ideas and opinions of her, and because of it, she tore down the people in her close circle to make herself feel better, look better. It was the mark of a weak and frightened mind.
Fortuna’s cold hands slipped the pearls around Ravenna’s neck. “How did you come by these bruises?”
Ravenna inhaled sharply as Fortuna tightened the necklace. Not enough to cut off her breath—but enough to serve as a marked warning. Several thoughts flooded her mind. Where was her dagger? It hadn’t fit inside her shoes. And then: What reply could she possibly make?
“Saturnino has shared with us that your progress with the stones has been negligible,” Fortuna continued nonchalantly, as if she were discussing the fabric of her gown. “His stories about you are terribly amusing.”
Ravenna had expected nothing less, but even so, hearing of his reports back to his family sent a feathery shiver across her skin. “Are they?” she asked dully.
“If you do the work, then he won’t have to punish you,” Fortuna said softly.
It took every ounce of control Ravenna possessed to keep her expression blank. Fortuna believed it had been Saturnino who had marked her. But he had never hurt her. Not even when she had tried to escape from the inn. It had beenshewho had tried to hurthim.
Ravenna had a lie ready for her. “I’m trying.”
Fortuna secured the necklace. “You have many siblings, don’t you, in Volterra?”
Apprehension gathered across the back of her shoulders, tightening them into a severe knot. “Why?”
“I seem to recall a little girl? She was your miniature in appearance.”
Outwardly, Ravenna kept her expression perfectly neutral. But inwardly, her thoughts raced. She hadn’t known how closely Fortuna had observed her family. In fact, she had seemed bored by the competition proceedings, impatient to leave the city and return to the comforts of the palazzo.
“You ought to invite them for a visit.”
Now the reason behind Fortuna’s visit to her room was all too clear. Ravenna curled her hands, hoping to hide their sudden tremor.
She managed a curt reply. “I’m afraid they’re much too busy at the inn this time of year.”
“Nonsense,” Fortuna said, as she tugged at a braid, laying it flat against Ravenna’s neck to better cover the bruise. “I always feel a bit more fortified when my family is close by,” Fortuna said. “Like I could do anything. I certainly accomplish more. Perhaps their presence will help you in your work.”
Ravenna’s mouth went dry, recognizing the threat. Fortuna—or the rest of her enchanting family—would have no qualms using her family as leverage against her. She didn’t know what horrifying methods they would employ, but she could guess.
And all her guesses sickened her.
Desperation clawed at her. She would doanythingto keep them safe. She’d have to find a way of sending them a message. But on all sides, Ravenna was trapped. She couldn’t leave the palazzo through the front door, she couldn’t send mail with the post. All her methods would have to be done in secret, while she was being observed, controlled, threatened.
It was enough to make her scream.
She fought her frustration, the rising panic filling every single one of her thoughts, until she could calmly reply to Fortuna. “There’s no need to bring them—I’m quite focused, I assure you.”
“I’m glad to hear it,” Fortuna replied, turning Ravenna around so she could look her in the eyes. She had infused them with warmth, a predator convincing its prey that it was safe from harm. “But I’ll have an invitation ready just in case.”
She stepped back to better examine Ravenna closely. When her sharp gaze had traveled from her feet and up to Ravenna’s face, it was only then that she let a tiny smile of approval cross her painted mouth. “You’ll suit. Shall we go down?”
“I’m ready,” Ravenna said, feeling anything but.
Capitolo Venticinque
Ravenna paused at the entrance to the great hall, taken aback by the glimmering splendor. Moonlight bathed the space in a silvery, incandescent glow, illuminating the painted high ceilings depicting mythological heroes battling sea monsters, taming hydras, and exploring forested trails. Glistening sculptures made of spun sugar sat on top of shimmering silk tablecloths that rippled gently from the cool breeze coming in through the windows. Glass-paneled doors opened to a paved patio, adorned by a large fountain at its center. Guests chatted merrily in intimate groups while a small ensemble played a gentle melody on lutes and harpsichords.
A prickle of awareness nipped the back of her neck.
