That you failed to bring your cousin away from the racing-track before he had made a fool of himself and his Clan does not surprise. He is as tenacious as he is misguided. It grieves me that his hold over you, the heir and hope of Korval, is such that you were persuaded to lend your countenance to the spectacle. It is to be hoped that you will soon see the unsavory influence Shan yos’Galan exercises over you and will distance yourself from him.” She paused to glare at both of them. “On that head, no more.”

“Ah.” Val Con rose and refilled his cup. When he sat again, both brows were well up.

“You have something to say on another head?”

The Right Noble pressed her lips together. “it is perhaps not a subject you would care to discuss in the presence of your cousin.”

“You intrigue me.” He glanced at Nova, green eyes dancing.

He turned back to his aunt. “Speak on; we listen eagerly.”

“Very well,” said the old lady again, eyeing Nova dubiously, and drew herself taut. “It has come to my ears that my nephew Val Con yos’Phelium has been seen in a common tavern near the docks in Chonselta city. Has, indeed, been seen walking late and early about town wearing spaceleathers…” Lady Kareen faltered under her nephew’s steady gaze and had recourse to her kerchief.

Nova sipped tea.

“Spaceleathers,” Val Con repeated gently. “And what should one wear, I wonder, when visiting common taverns?”

His aunt bristled. “Spaceleather is very well for working in space. No doubt it serves you admirably in your Scouting duties. But when upon Liad, one must dress according to one’s station. In the evening, one must always wear a cloak.” She took a deep breath. “That the Delm-to-be should be so ill-mannered—”

But Val Con wasn’t listening.

“Cloak,” he murmured. “Of course a cloak…” He came to his feet, made his bow and was all but running past Nova’s chair; his fingers barely brushing her cheek.