Well, that was good. If the Condesce wanted it, then it needed to be kept away from her. Di didn't normally think on such simple terms but her view of their Empress was pretty straightforward.

"In doing that, you did. You went against her," Di spoke, trying to be careful with her wording, "and I'm sure that caught her off guard." Doubtless the Condesce expected Signless to be nothing more than an obedient servant. Di gained some pleasure in imagining her anger--pleasure that quickly faded when she remembered it had been taken out on Signless.

"What was it that she wanted?"