Imperial Spy by Mark Robson Page A

venture out into the city, then I insist you take an escort – for your own safety, you understand? There are those amongst my people who have lost
loved ones recently. Blood still runs hot with thoughts of vengeance. Let’s not give unnecessary chances to those who might do something foolish in the heat of the moment.’
    ‘That sounds a most wise precaution, your Majesty. Until tomorrow,’ Femke replied, once again dipping in a deep curtsy before turning and walking out through the door that Veldan was
quick to open for her.
    The Chief Butler led her to the West Wing of the Palace and showed her to a suite of rooms on the first floor that boasted luxury greater than any Femke had ever enjoyed. Even when playing the
role of Lady Alyssa, Femke had never inhabited an apartment like this.
    The living area was huge, with beautiful chairs and tables arranged in a casual fashion around the room. Rich hangings and exquisite paintings adorned the walls, whilst a soft, thickly piled and
intricately patterned carpet covered the floor from wall to wall. There were two bookcases laden with many leather-bound volumes, a writing bureau and a large open fireplace. The grate was set with
kindling and a good supply of logs was stacked in a special recess in the wall nearby. Oil lamps, both in corner stands and on available surfaces, promised plenty of light in the evening and
generous vases of flowers and bowls of fruit, together with other small snacks, were evident around the room. The bedroom and the bathing rooms were yet more sumptuous. Femke was hard pressed not
to laugh when Veldan asked if the rooms were to her liking.
    ‘They are most comfortable, thank you, Veldan,’ she replied, careful to keep her voice composed and her face perfectly straight. ‘I would like to take a bath, if that would be
possible? Could you arrange for someone to bring hot water for me please?’
    ‘No need to have it brought by hand, Lady Femke. We have some clever people in Mantor. One of them earned a knighthood some years ago when he developed a system of pumping hot water
through pipes directly to the baths. I’ll send in someone to operate the pump for you and your bath should be full in a few minutes.’
    ‘Thank you, Veldan, I will watch the procedure with interest. If this pump proves as efficient as you say, I would like to meet this knight. Do you think he would consider a commission to
fit the Imperial Palace in Shandrim? I’m sure his Imperial Majesty would love to stop all the staff traipsing around his Palace with pails of water.’
    ‘Who knows, my Lady, who knows?’ Veldan said with a wry smile. ‘If you desire anything else, then please pull the bell rope in the corner.’
    ‘One last thing, Veldan,’ Femke called hastily as the butler started to leave. ‘Where are the rest of my party quartered, please?’
    ‘They’re in the South Annex, my Lady. The guest quarters there are not quite fitted to the same standard as these, but I can assure you they will not find their accommodation
wanting,’ Veldan replied. Looking around her room, Femke did not doubt his word.
    ‘I’m sure you’ll look after them admirably, Veldan. I was merely thinking I would like to talk with them occasionally. I will have instructions for them during our stay,
concerning preparations for our return,’ she said, her expression warm. Then she dropped her voice into a mock conspiratorial whisper. ‘Mainly in the form of a shopping list of
souvenirs.’
    ‘Of course,’ Veldan said, clearly amused at her confession. ‘Simply ring the bell. Your room servant will lead you there at your request.’
    ‘Thank you kindly, Veldan, you’ve been most helpful.’
    ‘My pleasure, Lady Femke.’
    Veldan departed and Femke marvelled again at the size of the huge sunken marble tub in the bathing room. It would afford her more of a swim than a bath, she decided with a shiver of
anticipation. It amazed her that something so heavy would be fitted