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Allegra laughed at my expression. “Indeed, the very same. I see you remember him, my dear.”
    In such a manner did we renew our acquaintance and Allegra shared such news as she had heard from Terre d’Ange, none of which, to my relief, was noteworthy. It was not until evening, after we had dined and Imriel had been installed in a bed in one of the villa’s many guest rooms, that the discussion turned to our purpose here.
    “You must be wondering-” I began.
    “Phèdre.” Allegra cut me short. “Twelve years ago, your warning saved Ricciardo’s life. If not for that...” She shook her head. “We are in your debt. If Ricciardo were here, he would say the same. Whatever aid you require is yours. I don’t need to know your purpose.”
    “I think you do, my lady,” Joscelin said quietly. “We’ve incurred the Queen’s displeasure, and she may not look favorably on those who aid us.”
    Allegra Stregazza shrugged. “When has Ysandre de la Courcel ever looked favorably on the Stregazza? Not that we haven’t given her ample reason. But Terre d’Ange wields less influence in La Serenissima than once it did, and Ysandre has a name for being fair. I do not think we need fear her displeasure for repaying a debt of honor.”
    “Nonetheless,” I said. “Joscelin’s right. And if anything goes awry, better you should know, Allegra.”
    She glanced toward the marble stair leading to the upper floors of the villa. “It’s about the boy, isn’t it? He’s Prince Benedicte’s son.”
    “You knew?”
    “Only because Ricciardo saw his mother unveiled in the Temple of Asherat when you ... interrupted ... the ceremony of investiture. He described her to me.” She smiled faintly. “He said it was as well women’s beauty held little sway over him, or he would have feared her even more than he did. I have that, at least, to be thankful for. Are you ...” Allegra hesitated, “... are you planning to return him to her?”
    “No!” Joscelin and I said in unison.
    “Asherat be praised.” She sighed. “I was afraid to ask.”
    We told her, then, something of our plan, and the adventures that had befallen us since we left La Serenissima a year and more ago to pursue the Name of God in Menekhet. A shortened version, to be sure, but enough to widen her eyes. There are few people in my life I trust implicitly. Allegra Stregazza was not one of them, but she came very close to it.
    “You’re right to fear Melisande’s influence,” she said somberly when we had finished. “Cesare never did, and Lorenzo Pescaro ... well, his interest lies in ships and trade, and little else. No one knows what truly passes in the Temple of Asherat-of-the-Sea; no one except the priestesses and eunuchs, and they’re a close-mouthed lot. But I have heard rumors, this year past. You know I continue to work with the Courtesans’ Scholae? They hear things no one else does, though I suppose I don’t need to tell you that, my dear.”
    “Rumors?” I inquired.
    A servant entered the room to replenish our glasses of rich Caerdicci red. After months without, it was a luxury beyond words to drink good wine. Allegra thanked him graciously, waiting until he left. “Rumors,” she said, then. “Of a secret cult of worship.”
    “Of Melisande ?” My voice cracked.
    Joscelin merely swore.
    “She took the Veil of Asherat the minute she entered La Serenissima,” Allegra said. “She claimed sanctuary and has endured exile in the Temple without complaint for twelve years. She is a mother bereaved. And though few have seen her face, her beauty is renowned. It takes little more to spark the beginnings of a legend.”
    “She is also,” I observed, “a convicted traitor condemned to execution.”
    “So Terre d’Ange claims. It is easy for people to disbelieve, here. Whatever allegations have been made of her, nothing was proved in La Serenissima.” Allegra’s expression was grave. “They are rumors, nothing more. But you are right to fear.”
    “Wonderful,” Joscelin said sourly, putting his head in his hands. “So now we worry that some Serenissiman fanatic will declare Melisande Shahrizai the living avatar of Asherat-of-the-Sea and set out on a holy mission to destroy her enemies?”
    “No, love.” I smiled at him. “That’s why you and I are here.”
    We talked long into the night, the three of us, and Allegra agreed to the arrangements I requested. I slept poorly and woke early, spending my time composing a reply to