Then Zanny and Zardria were led in, the Empreena in a peplos of the deepest royal blue with a black velvet trim. She wore the traditional veil, dyed blue, which, when lifted, would signify her awakening into womanhood and acceptance of the responsibilities of ruler. Zanny looked small and fragile next to her niece, and she was clothed in a peplos of white, the colour of mourning -- also traditional, to signify the death of her leadership and the birth of a new one. Anala felt sure, watching the Empress's face, that Zanny knew as well as anyone that the death of her rulership was not the only one she would suffer. The bellica felt a small twinge of pity for the woman, but ruthlessly pushed it aside. I cannae be wasting me energy on one who'll so soon be dead, and is in no position to beg fo
