Page 87 of The Red Woman on Mars

I’m sorry, Mom. I’m sorry, Dad. I can’t do it. Not even for you.

“Xavier, could you help me prepare an argument?”

His face sobered, understanding the gravity of the decision. “Is that truly what you want?”

“It is,” Vivian whispered softly. She knew, suddenly, and with blazing certainty, that she’d never wanted anything more in her entire life.

“Then I am at your service.”

CHAPTER FORTY

Presentation Day

Vivian stared up at the Council building’s tall, imposing facade. A temporary gate surrounded the wide front steps, guarded by Arcadian soldiers in their fine red uniforms. Clustered at the gate, an exuberant crowd clutched signs that readTHANK YOU, RED MOTHERSandMARTIANS, FOR THE FUTURE. On the empty steps, adorned with tall planters of red hibiscus flowers, several reporters spoke rapidly into floating cameras.

Xavier touched her elbow, his face grave beneath his black top hat. “You can do this, Vivian.”

She raised her chin, feeling the weight of her wide-brimmed hat. “I know.” In the lovely crimson dress, with her silken skirts flaring around her ankles, a well of confidence brimmed inside her.

Xavier guided her to the front of the gate, coolly unperturbed when the soldier on guard straightened in surprise. “Good day to you. I am Counselor Dorsey, escorting Vivian Bowen to the Red Mothers ceremony.”

The soldier offered him a snappy salute. “Counselor Dorsey, sir. Happy to see you safe.”

The nearest reporter whirled. “Counselor Dorsey?” The camera floated behind her, copying her movements. “Where have you been the last four days?”

Xavier raised his chin, face expressionless. “I have no comment.” He bowed to Vivian and offered his arm. “My lady?”

Vivian took his proffered arm in a tight grip. In the past few days she’d taken on more challenges than she could have ever imagined. She could make a coherent argument in front of the Council.

“Try not to break my arm,” Xavier murmured as they walked up the long steps. Vivian winced and attempted to pull away, but he held her fast. “I’m here.”

Inside, Xavier directed her unerringly across the empty foyer. They stepped together through the wide double doors, flanked on the inside by two uniformed Martian soldiers, and into the Council chamber.

Vivian’s eye caught on the stunning pattern of bright blue and yellow tiles covering the high, domed ceiling. The opulent woodwork and sumptuous furnishings gave the room the impression of grandeur even though it was not particularly large. The double doors opened to a raised wooden dais standing unoccupied in the middle of the room surrounded by floating cameras. Facing the dais, several dozen elevated desks, half-filled with counselors, rose in a U-shaped pattern. The room was decorated for the wedding ceremony with ivy garlands studded with red flowers draped atop the double doors and tall floor vases on each corner of the dais.

On the open floor next to the dais, the remaining counselors and a few other members of the Founding Families stood paired up with the Red Mothers. The Earther women wore colorful finery, each with a fresh red hibiscus flower embedded in their elaborate hats. Their familiar, beloved faces were relaxed as they spoke with their companions. Vivian pictured Delilah among them, near Camille. A few weeks ago, she might have been chattering cheerfully with the other women.

First in line, Luz’s chin lifted to Wim, her lips raised in amused affection as he spoke. If Vivian won the argument today in front of the Council, would she rip her friend away from her hard-won contentment?

“Are you ready?” Xavier asked in a low tone.

Vivian clutched her hands together and jerked her head in a brief nod.

“Counselors.” Xavier’s deep voice rang through the chamber. He walked confidently to the dais. Vivian picked up the skirts of her red dress and hurried to catch up with his long strides. “I apologize for interrupting the Presentation Day ceremony, but the matter is urgent. May I present Miss Vivian Bowen, appearing before you as a citizen petitioner?” He said nothing more. After all, he’d promised the Intelligence to cease his vocal opposition to the Red Mothers initiative.

Vivian needed to argue her case alone.

Eyes swirled to hers and murmuring reverberated throughout the room. Luz caught her eye, and Vivian was bolstered by the sagging relief on her friend’s face. The floating cameras turned their full attention to her as she stepped up to the dais, only trembling a little. Every Council member’s eyes looked upon her, and none appeared friendly.

“You are out of order, Counselor Dorsey,” Secretary Yarrow snapped from her high seat overlooking the Council floor. “This Earther may not petition the Council without at least three members of the body to present her.”

The way Xavier clenched his folio told Vivian this was an unexpected development. She hadn’t read such a rule inAn Introduction to Martian Law. From what she’d learned, in the rare instances when an Earther had petitioned the Council directly, they’d benefited from a swell of Council support, not a single advocate.

Vivian bit her lip, looking around the sea of faces. Among them were her suitors and her sister’s suitors. They had evaluated her for her ability to bear them children, not for her ideas.

“I will present Miss Bowen.” Caspian stood and threaded his way down through the raised seating to join them on the Council floor.

Xavier clasped his friend’s hand familiarly, and Caspian gave her a bow. The three of them stood together, facing the Council.