Even after Circe left, his words churned in her mind. She had no desire to surround herself with strangers, but she understood the necessity of forming alliances if she was to be queen.
That same afternoon she sat at a desk
and carefully wrote ten letters. Each one was brief, polite, and addressed to the most prominent families who had sent gifts. She invited their daughters or nieces—the women of suitable age and standing—to tea the following day.
The replies came back before sunset, every one of them eager.
By the following afternoon, the parlour in the queen's wing had been prepared for the gathering.
The room overlooked the southern gardens through wide arched windows that allowed the afternoon light to spill across polished floors. Velvet cushioned chairs had been arranged around several low tables decorated with silver trays of pastries, sliced fruits, and steaming pots of tea.
Ten noblewomen occupied the room.
