I wondered at that. "Aren't we at peace? I thought the war only lasted a year —"
"We're only at cease-fire. There's never been an alliance between their Family and ours from the time of the Coup. The whole city will wonder: is this a prelude to peace? Are these younger Diamonds emissaries?
"If anything — anything! — should happen to Jon and Gardena while they're in Spadros quadrant, so much as a hair on their heads harmed, the cease-fire could be broken. And we're not ready." Tony turned away, his hand to his forehead. "We're nowhere near ready. My father will be furious."
"Should I cancel the dinner?"
Tony shook his head. "It's much too late for that now." He stared at Gardena's place at the table. The color drained from his face, and he almost sounded afraid. "I will not sit beside G
