Imperial Spy by Mark Robson

gold crown. He sat straight, his eyes bright with intelligence.
There was no place for unnecessary lies here, Femke realised.
    One close aide, two armed guards at the door and a young man who could be the King’s son sitting to one side, she noted. And Veldan, she added, completing her mental list by accounting for
the footsteps behind her.
    ‘Your Majesty, his Imperial Majesty, Surabar, the
new
Emperor of Shandar, sends greetings and offers gifts of compensation for the recent unwarranted invasion of your Sovereign
territory. He wishes to convey his apologies on behalf of the Empire and to seek a way of initiating a new era of trade and cooperation with Thrandor,’ she announced, pleased that she managed
to inject both confidence and warmth into her tone. With a wave of her hand, Sidis, Kalheen and Phagen stepped forward and opened the boxes of treasure they bore.
    Femke was gratified to see the slight raise of the King’s eyebrows, indicating genuine surprise at the contents of the small chests. Surely Krider, or one of his other servants, would have
briefed him on the contents of the chests, she thought. But apparently not, she concluded. Unless the King is a better actor than I am a judge of expression.
    She noticed the King glance across at the young man with fair hair who sat to one side of the chamber. The slightest of nods from him brought a smile to the King’s face. I wonder what that
was all about? Femke’s mind raced with possibilities. From that look, the young man seems in too superior a position here to be the King’s son. Could the youth be Lord Shanier, the
Sorcerer who outwitted Lord Vallaine and destroyed the Shandese invasion force? He looks younger than I am! Femke knew she looked younger than her twenty years unless she deliberately disguised her
age. Perhaps this man was the same. He appears too young to be a threat, making him all the more dangerous, she mused to herself. Youth had often proved a useful deceptive tool when hiding her
abilities, so she found a certain empathy with the young Sorcerer – if Sorcerer he was.
    As a mistress of disguise herself, Femke could appreciate the benefits of Shanier’s apparent youthfulness, but she knew it was possible she was not seeing Shanier’s true appearance.
Lord Vallaine had fooled everyone, Femke included, into thinking he was the Emperor of Shandar for months. If the rumours were true, Shanier wielded powers of sorcery even greater than Vallaine.
Who could say what he was capable of?
    ‘Lady Femke, I gladly accept these tokens from Emperor Surabar and I shall in due course provide you with a suitable response to his overture of peace. These last few months have been
difficult times for us all, but Thrandor has always tried to court peace with its neighbours. I would do my subjects a great disservice if I were to turn aside such a proposal now. Be welcome in my
Palace. Veldan will find you suitable quarters. I’m sure you’re tired after your journey and I understand you’ve had no time to rest since reaching the city. Go and rest now.
We’ll talk again tomorrow. I would like to hear more of Emperor Surabar, and would value the chance to learn of his plans for peace and increased trade.’
    ‘Certainly, your Majesty,’ Femke answered, still smiling. ‘Thank you for your kind welcome. It is most generous, given the wrongs inflicted on you by my people recently. I
place myself at your service for as long as I remain here, your Majesty, though I fear my stay will be brief on this occasion. His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Surabar, is keen to hear your reply to
his offer of peace, and I am bound to his call.’
    King Malo inclined his head in acknowledgement, pursing his lips a little before replying.
    ‘I understand, Ambassador. I would wish the same given his position. For now, though, be welcome. You may wander the Palace and its grounds at will, for none will harm you within the
walls. However, if you or your men wish to