Over the course of the winter, Tremere left to collect two more courtesans. He brought the first back not long after the worst of the first snowstorms were over. Her name was Lynet. She was a lovely young lady with soft brown hair and stormy gray eyes. She was slim and pale and had a melodious voice. She wasn’t very clever though, and when she learned what the other women did with their free time, she wasn’t enthused at the thought of having to read. Even Angharad was reading more these days.

“Why should I read anything?” Lynet asked when the women told her to find something to read.

“Because the emperor values cleverness and intelligent conversation.” Marin fixed her with a solemn stare. “A pretty face and a nice singing voice won’t impress him much. You’ll find yourself ignored and left to sit in the wing uncalled for if you do not read.”

“I learned that the hard way.” Angharad held up her pad. “I’ve found books that interest me, and I don’t like reading that much. I’m sure you’ll find something that appeals to you too.”

“I don’t see why I should cater to the emperor’s tastes.” Lynet scowled. “He should accommodate himself to the strengths of his courtesans.”

“That’s not how being a courtesan works.” Sayana looked at her with the same severe look Kyndra had given to erring students. “It’s never been the way our profession works. We cater to the patrons, not the other way around.” Lynet pouted but as the others were ignoring her, she sighed and retreated to her rooms.

A few weeks later, another young woman named Tekla was brought in as well. She, like Lynet, wasn’t overly clever. She had auburn hair and blue eyes, with an ivory complexion and a few freckles smattering across her nose. She was conventionally pretty and didn’t stand out when compared to the other courtesans. She too initially turned her nose up at reading but, like Angharad, when confronted with the fact that the emperor preferred clever women, she began perusing the archives.

They met for breakfast one morning. “Sayana, the emperor has called for you this evening. Fashion is starting to change again. You will be fine tonight, but we are going to have to redo gowns and day dresses again in the next few days. The winter festival is coming up. You will not be attending most of the events for it, but you will be attending the three high feasts so you will need to make sure you are in fashion. Lynet, Tekla, if you do not know how to eat with your veils on, I suggest you practice.” Arken looked at the two newest courtesans.

“What’s there to practice?” Lynet waved her hand disdainfully. “We just lift the veil, take a bite or a drink, and lower the veil.”

“Wrong.” Arken’s severe tone made her look at him with some surprise. “Your face cannot be shown at all at the feast. You have to learn to eat and drink under the veil. Marin, Ji-Hye, will you to work with Lynet and Tekla and see to it they understand the mechanics of eating and drinking while they are wearing their veils?”

“Yes Lord Arken,” Marin said. Ji-Hye nodded.

“Lynet, Tekla, I expect you to pay attention to Marin and Ji-Hye. If you do not master it, you will not be allowed to attend the high feast, which will anger the emperor.” Arken frowned at them. “He does not like it when his courtesans are not all present.”

Lynet glared at Arken, but he turned and went back to his office. Sayana joined the rest of the women for exercises. Lynet refused to join them, but Tekla agreed to do the exercises with them as well. They did their exercises and then headed out to the hothouse.

Sayana headed to her usual corner and sat down. She was looking forward to spending time with the emperor. She valued what time she got to spend with him. She thought about her gowns and which one she’d wear that night. She decided on a midnight blue gown. She had some dark blue beads with silver streaks in them that would set off the gown perfectly that she could put on the ends of the tiny braids she currently had her hair in. She idly wondered if she asked Arken for new jewelry if he’d allow her to pick out a few new pieces. She was getting tired of wearing the same sets.

Sayana got up and wandered back into the wing. Arken was alone in the main room. “Sayana, is something wrong?”

“I came in to ask you something.” She glanced at the door to make sure none of the others had followed her in.

“What is it?” Arken smiled.

“Are we allowed to request new jewelry?” Sayana hoped he’d say yes.

“Of course you are. Is there a certain piece you would like? Or did you want to look at the catalogue and find a new set perhaps?” He looked at her curiously.

“I’d like to look at the catalogue and find something new.” Sayana hadn’t looked at a jewelry catalogue since leaving the academy. She wondered if there would be a difference between the one in the courtesan wing and the one from the academy.

“If we hurry, we may be able to get it delivered before you have to get ready to see the emperor this evening. Let me get the catalogue for you.” He disappeared into his office for a moment before returning with a pad. “Now, do not go overboard and request a huge amount. A new set now and then is allowed. Replacing all your jewelry at once is not.”

“I only want a few new pieces to go with my blue gowns. I’ve been wearing the same ones for a while now, and I wear them more often than most of my others. I’d like a little variety there.” Sayana took the pad.

“Take a seat and have a look.” Arken gestured to one of the chairs.

Sayana sat down and looked through the catalogue. At first, she was overwhelmed by the sheer variety she saw. There was far more here than in the academy selections. Then she saw how to search for specific items and narrowed the search fields down considerably. She selected a set that came with some new combs, a new necklace, a new bracelet, and some new earrings made from sea stones. Arken returned and she showed him her choices.

“Our jeweler has all of these in stock so we should have these up here shortly. This is fine, Sayana.” Arken took the pad back. “I will put in the order. You go back out to the hothouse.”

“Yes Lord Arken.” Sayana rejoined the women briefly and then wandered back to her corner.

“Why are you so special that you get chosen before me and Tekla?” Sayana looked up from contemplating the tiny flowers blooming near her to find Lynet staring at her.

“I am a scholar, as are the rest of the courtesans here. We will all probably get called before you. Even Tekla will get called before you because she is reading. Lord Arken does report to the emperor on what we do. If you start reading, you’ll improve your chances of being called.” Sayana knew they’d all explained this to her several times. It seemed the woman was refusing to listen, much as Angharad had in the beginning.

“I shouldn’t have to bore myself to tears just to get a chance of being called to the emperor.” Lynet’s whining was getting very tiresome.

Sayana shrugged. “It’s his decision, not ours. This is what he’s told us pleases him.”

“How boring.” Lynet flounced off.

Lunch came and Lynet and Tekla were forced to put on their veils. Marin and Ji-Hye put on their veils as well and patiently began to teach the other two courtesans how to eat and drink with the veils on. Lynet kept trying to just push her veil aside, earning her a slapped hand and a stern lecture from Marin. Tekla was more open to learning from Ji-Hye, and she made some progress.

Sayana prepared herself for her evening in the usual fashion and put on the new jewelry, which had arrived on time. The Imperial guard showed up and Sayana followed him through the maze of corridors to the emperor’s chambers. Vasco was with him, and it was clear they had been arguing about something. Vasco glowered at the emperor. He turned to see who had come in. “You have not called for one of the new courtesans.” His voice was flat and angry.

“I told you and the council you may have forced me to take on two new courtesans, but you do not dictate whether or not I will call on them,” Karis snapped. “I will get around to calling for them when I feel like it. Right now, I do not.”

“I will see you in the council chamber tomorrow, Your Imperial Majesty.” Vasco turned and headed out.

“That man aggravates me to no end,” Karis muttered with a frustrated sigh. He waved his hand, and the Imperial guard left the room. “I know I should be rid of him permanently. However, I remove him and people start dying. I cannot afford the loss of life.”

“You are the emperor, Karis.” Sayana took off her veil and looked at the frustrated man in front of her. “Execute him for treason because he is acting against the best interests of the empire. You don’t need to prove anything for that. It’s your word against his and you are the emperor.”

“That would work.” Karis looked thoughtful. “I would have to do it without him knowing I was planning it. Otherwise, he would start assassinating people I am close to just to prevent me from executing him. I will have to think about that option.”

“Don’t think too long or you’re going to lose your empire to him.” Sayana didn’t know why she was offering political advice to the emperor. She was a courtesan, not a courtier.

“You have a point there.” Karis shook his head. “I do not want to spend our time together talking about him. You look beautiful this evening, Sayana. Is that the new jewelry you ordered today?”

Sayana turned so he could see the full view of the necklace. “It is. I had this dress in mind when I ordered it. It’ll work well with most of my blue gowns, but I wanted something different for this evening because I was tired of the same old thing every night.”

“You look stunning.” Karis came over and took her hands in his. He guided her over to the couch and sat down beside her. He didn’t let go of her hands as they spoke of what she’d been reading. The two talked for hours, and he never once let go of her hands. Sayana felt a little thrill. She wasn’t going to tell the women about this gesture. It was as private to her as knowing his name was.

When his servants came in and reminded him of the time, he led her into his bedroom. He was slow and gentle with her, taking as much time as he could and drawing out their time together as long as possible. When they were through, he held her in his arms for a few minutes before letting his servants help her dress.

“Good night, Sayana.” Karis’ voice held something more than simple friendliness.

“Good night, Karis,” Sayana replied, a mixture of emotions plain in her voice.

Sayana returned to the courtesan wing. “How was it?” Marin asked.

“Lord Vasco was there when I arrived, and they had been arguing.” Sayana sat down and removed her veil. “He was out of sorts for a little while, but I was able to distract him by talking about what I’ve been reading. We had a wonderful conversation and had to be reminded about the time by his servants. We passed the rest of the time in the usual fashion, and he sent me off.”

“It must have been hard to get him distracted if Lord Vasco was there right when you arrived.” Ji-Hye shuddered. “That man frightens me.”

“He frightens me too. It took a few minutes to get him to focus on our conversation. Once I was able to do that, it became easier to get him to relax.” Sayana thought back to the fact he never let go of her hands and felt that same thrill.

“I am glad to hear you were able to calm him down, Sayana.” Arken joined the women. “Vasco can agitate anyone. I am sorry you had to encounter him again. I know he is not pleasant to deal with.”

“He mostly noticed me only to comment that the emperor hadn’t called for Lynet or Tekla.” Sayana looked at Arken. “I’m not sure he identified me in particular, just that I wasn’t one of the new ones.”

“Good,” Arken said. “We do not need him knowing who you are by name. I am certain the emperor will call for Lynet and Tekla when he is ready. We just have to be patient. Now then, ladies, Sayana is back which means it is bedtime. I would highly recommend heading to bed. Sayana, do I need to remind you to go to sleep tonight? I have caught you up late twice now.”

Sayana shook her head, the beads clacking together with the motion. “No need to remind me tonight. I’m very tired.”

“If I catch you with your light on again, I am going to make you give me your pad before you go to bed. I will give it back to you at breakfast in the morning. You simply cannot be up late reading.” Arken frowned at her.

“Yes Lord Arken.” Sayana headed for her rooms and called for her servants.

Time passed quickly and the two weeks of the winter festival rolled in. The women were quite bored for most of those two weeks. Only the three high feasts broke up the monotony of their existence, and the feasts went as the ones for Founding Day had gone. Lynet and Tekla learned how to eat veiled, so they didn’t embarrass themselves or anyone else.

As the third high feast drew near, Sayana sighed to herself. For once it would have been nice to get a gift for the winter festival. Then again, she didn’t know what she’d have asked for, so it was probably best that she didn’t have any gifts.

Arken came in on the afternoon of the day before the final high feast. “Ladies, the emperor did not forget you for this winter festival. He was just waiting for the last of your gifts to arrive. I have them here.” He gestured to the servants carrying packages. “Come and get your presents.”

All the women gathered curiously around Arken. He passed them around, naming who each one was for. Sayana’s was the smallest, but she didn’t mind. She was anxious to see what it was. She opened it up and saw it was a data cube. She went and got her pad and popped it in the reader.

“‘Dear Saya, can you believe it? The emperor himself contacted me and asked me to write to you. He said you were missing me and Kal and Eon and that hearing from us would really make a great winter festival gift, and could I tell you everything I knew about what was going on in our lives? Well, I can definitely do that.

Eon is excelling in his studies. They’re talking about sending him to Palenope to continue to pursue his education as he’s running past all the others our age and they think he’d do well there. It’s a sister academy to Atania, only a week’s journey away, but it would kickstart his plans for studying at different academies, so he’s excited for the opportunity. It’s also got some advanced classes he’s really interested in. They’re just waiting for clearance from the academy on Palenope and then I think they’re going to send him. The Head Administrator was saying most likely in the spring. I’ll miss him but I think this will be good for him.

Kal got back a week ago, but he’s already talking about going out again. His patron loaded him with gifts before he left. He showed me a new bracelet he got from her. It’s very nice and suits him well. He told me Matron Hannelore and the Head Matron are already negotiating a new contract for him. There are three patrons bidding for him right now, he says. He’s excited. He doesn’t like sitting around doing nothing. He was pretty upset when he heard where you’d been sent. He told me he actually yelled at poor Matron Hannelore about why she’d let them take you. He’s settled down but I know he’s still not happy about where you’ve ended up.

I told him about the letter I was writing, and he said to pass along this message: Tell her to keep her chin up and if it gets too unbearable tell her to find some way to sneak a message out and I’ll come rescue her. I don’t know how he’d do it. I don’t know how you’d get a message out. But I’ve passed along the message. I hope you don’t ever have to rely on him to rescue you though.

As for me, I’m doing really well in my studies as well. They’re gearing my lessons towards someone who plans on spending her life teaching, so I’m getting a lot of classes on how to present ideas as well as pursuing some side interests of my own. I’m researching the founding of the empire and planning on writing a paper on it when I graduate. They don’t take you seriously until you’re a full scholar. I’ve got loads of notes though and I am excited to write my thoughts on the Founding.

I’m absolutely fascinated by everything I’m learning. I’d try to explain it all, but that would take hours and hours, and you’d probably still not understand. Then again, you might. You like reading. Trying to explain this to Kal has gotten me some blank looks and a lot of ‘I’m glad you’re happy.’ At least he’s checking in with us once a week, but it’s harder to talk to him.

I’ll close out this letter by saying we miss you and we still love you. Eon sends his love and his best wishes for the new year. Kallam does the same. We haven’t forgotten you and we never will, Saya. You’ll always be a part of us. Take care and try to find some fun in your position, if you haven’t already found it. Lots of love, Addie.’”

Sayana felt tears slide down her cheeks. “Is something wrong, Sayana?” Marin had noticed the tears. “Don’t you like your present?”

“I love my present more than anything he could have ever given me.” Sayana wiped her eyes. “It means more to me than any gift I’ve ever received.”

“What is it?” Angharad looked at her curiously.

“A letter from my sister.” Sayana held up the data cube. “News on the family I thought I’d never hear from again. This is more precious to me than my jewelry.”

“What a boring present.” Lynet gave a derogatory snort. “I got a new necklace. Now that’s a proper present.”

“For Sayana, this letter is worth more than your necklace.” Marin glared at the other woman. “To her, it’s not a boring present. You don’t have to be rude just because you don’t have family you care for.”

“Given that we’re not allowed outside contact with anyone, that letter is more valuable than a piece of jewelry.” Ji-Hye smiled at Sayana. “We get jewelry on a regular basis. But a letter from those we care about outside the wing? That never happens. This letter is a most precious gift indeed.”

Lynet scowled but said nothing. Sayana was pleased to hear that Kallam had come back safe and sound and was already looking forward to his next contract. The fact that they were already planning on sending Eon to a new academy to study, which would kickstart his study abroad plans nicely, thrilled Sayana. And the fact that Adjira was getting classes tailored to her life plan and was planning on writing a research paper when she finished her classes, that made Sayana happy to hear.

“Does everyone like their gifts?” Arken came over to where the women were now sitting. The women all chimed in about how much they loved their gifts. “The emperor will be pleased to hear that. Now, it is almost dinner time so go put your gifts away and get ready to eat.”

“Yes Lord Arken.” The women got up and headed to their rooms.

Sayana put her letter in her jewelry box and locked it up. That letter was more precious to her than her jewelry and she didn’t want to lose it. She smoothed her braid and washed her face and hands before heading out to dinner.

Lynet, Tekla, and Renate were all wearing new necklaces at dinner that night. The rest were dressed as they usually were. Dinner was a more elaborate affair than usual. “I know the high feast is tomorrow, but I thought you all deserved a treat tonight. I asked the emperor, and he approved my request,” Arken explained.

“Thank you, Lord Arken.” Marin looked delightedly at the table.

They ate their little feast and enjoyed it immensely. They talked and laughed and after dinner they relaxed and sang and played games, forgoing their books for the evening. They stayed up until Arken came and chased them off to bed. Sayana went to bed that evening thinking this was the most pleasant winter festival she’d ever had.