Chapter 16: The Price of a Voice

Nina's POV

Alessio told me about page two at breakfast, and I did not cry or shout.

I put down my cup and asked what time the council ate supper.

"Nina, no."

"What time?"

"Eight," he said. "At the Montanari house this month. It's the rule."

"Then I'll be there at eight."

"They'll eat you alive."

"They can try," I said. "I've been eaten before. By better."

He did not stop me.

He drove me to the iron gate himself, and he stayed in the car, because I had asked him to.

I walked up the Montanari drive alone, in the black dress, with the olive stub in one pocket and the wallet in the other.

A manservant opened the door and stared at me.

The dining room was long and yellow, with candles in silver stands.

The twelve old men of the council sat down either side of the table.

Domenico Montanari sat at the head in his camel jacket, carving a duck.

The chair on his right was empty.

I understood it was Ilaria's, and that she was not coming.

"Signorina Esposito," said Domenico, not rising. "What a surprise."

"No, it isn't."

The old men looked at their plates.

"I know about page two," I said. "I know a Ruffo bride has to be vouched by a Montanari voice before this council. I came to ask you for yours."

The room was so quiet I heard the duck fat spit on the plate.

Then Domenico began to laugh.

It was a warm, round laugh, and the old men shifted in their chairs.

"Forgive me," he said, wiping an eye. "The girl who took my daughter's place at the Ruffo table comes to my own table to ask for my name."

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