He felt himself grow aware of this place as a multitudinous possession, reality welded to prediction.  
Years ago, Livia and Manion's strong marriage had been envied by many noble families. Serena was their eldest child, but they also had twins two years younger: the calm and shy Octa and a sensitive, intelligent boy, Fredo. While Serena underwent political schooling, the twins were raised as close companions, though neither had the far-ranging aspirations of their older sister.