Imperial Spy by Mark Robson

Author:Mark Robson [Robson, Mark]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781471116544
Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK

CHAPTER TEN

‘Is that everything?’

‘Oh, yes, and a pair of scissors – I’m going to need a hair cut,’ Femke replied, finishing the list. ‘Thanks, Reynik. When you get back we’ll work on the details of the plan and think about where Danar and I are going to move to tonight. Try not to be too long. You’d better be back up at the Palace before it gets too late, or questions might be asked.’

Reynik nodded and raised his hand in a quick gesture of farewell before slipping out of the door. Femke gave him a grateful smile before reluctantly turning her attention to Lord Danar, whom she sensed was looking at her with his puppy-dog eyes. It was a novelty to be pursued romantically, and flattering that it was by a handsome, young Nobleman. However, it was also most inconvenient and inappropriate given the current situation. She could not consider allowing a relationship to develop, no matter how attractive and dashing he was.

Femke could not deny her attraction to Danar, though she would die rather than let him know how his charm had affected her. She had seen it catch the hearts of many other young Ladies of Court and had scoffed at their foolishness. If anyone had told her Danar would travel to Thrandor in order to pursue a relationship with a Lady before she had left Shandar, Femke would have laughed it off as ridiculous. He had plenty of attractive women at his beck and call right there in Shandrim.

He’ll have to wait, she thought ruthlessly. He’s come this far, so he’ll not give up easily. I wonder if my new disguise will put him off?

‘So, Lord Danar, I haven’t had the chance to ask why you came to Mantor with one of the Emperor’s best spies,’ Femke said aloud, determined to clear the air between them.

‘Please call me Danar. There’s no need for formality.’

‘Very well, Danar. So what did bring you here?’

‘Well, it was a bit strange,’ Danar answered, his lips twisting into his characteristic mischievous smile. ‘I was looking to finish a conversation with an attractive young woman who I met at the recent coronation ceremony of the new Emperor of Shandar. For some reason the young woman, who is known to the Shandese Court as Lady Alyssa, felt disinclined to meet with me after the ceremony, and proceeded to leave the city before I had a chance to persuade her to change her mind. I made some enquiries after her that eventually led me to have a conversation with Emperor Surabar. He kindly furnished me with a competent travelling companion and sent me here to Mantor.’

Femke sighed and looked Danar straight in the eyes. ‘Then you have made a wasted journey, Lor . . . Danar. The woman you seek does not exist. Lady Alyssa is a figment of your . . . no, of my imagination, created for a specific purpose. That purpose is not, and never will be, diverted towards a frivolous relationship.’

‘I know,’ Danar replied softly, his face still smiling.

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