“By now I suspect you’ve realized that the Traementis reputation for insularity is well-earned. But it’s possible I can give you something to sway them.” “Out of the goodness of your heart? Which is, no doubt, the same reason you gifted me that mask at the Gloria.” The mask had been a whim, but even Vargo’s whims were calculated. He’d seen the sparkle in her eyes when she donned it. His real gift hadn’t been the mask; it had been liberation from whatever made her hesitate to buy it.
