The palace servant’s tiny room in the wing was illuminated solely by the flame of a cheap, smoky candle. The air was damp. Lady Eltinia settled gracefully onto an oaken barrel, her skirt hitching up to reveal a brocaded shoe decorated with gems and lace. The stark contrast between her luxury and the barren room unsettled the person the dowager duchess had come to speak with.

“Well, Vasser, while the all-important husbands are out playing gods and trying to mete out the fate of the empire, tell me about your new master.” The woman’s soft voice rustled gently in the gloom.

“He isn’t my master, Lady,” came the regretful reply. He was a fair-haired young man who chopped off the ends of his words the way they did in Highligland. “I’m just his squire.”

Lady Eltinia shrugged.

“If you do everything we agreed, you’ll soon be a knight yourself—I’ll take care of that. Sir Vasser Dibrion…” Lady Eltinia let the title roll off her tongue before falling silent, giving him time to let the dream sink in. “But for now, tell me everything you were able to find out about Voldhard. You got your money in advance, after all, and keeping you where you are isn’t cheap, either.”

Pulling himself away from his musings, the spy nodded.

“I was selected as a squire, though just a junior squire, exactly the way you said. But I think the fact that I can read and do arithmetic means my position will change soon. I’m already getting close to His Grace’s inner circle, I’m running errands, and, best of all, I’m in the kitchen a lot. The servant girls love chattering over the food, so you can hear a lot of interesting things while you’re eating something good.”

“Get to the point. We don’t have much time, and I want to know everything.”

Vasser shook his curls and scratched his long, slender nose.

“The duke has a pretty large entourage. That’s unusual for someone who grew up in the Order—they’re usually very unsociable, preferring their prayers and weapons. Lord Gregor is focusing on the youth, getting the children of barons and counts close to him. Most are fighters who His Grace campaigned with on the border with Rundkar. But the most interesting person there is Aldor den Grauer, a landless baron. Those two have been friends since they were pupils in the Order. I’m not sure why, but Voldhard trusts Grauer like himself, even made him his steward. That surprises me.”

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“Why?”

Vasser shrugged.

“He’s older, he looks and acts like a southerner, he doesn’t know how to fight… Strange company for someone who can’t imagine life without battle. And they’re so close…”

Lady Eltinia’s eyes narrowed slyly. “Are you trying to say that young Voldhard likes men?”

“No, by Gillenai!” The spy waved his arms as much as the tiny room would allow. “The duke prefers women in bed. At least, I definitely know of one case, though I’m only going to tell you about that once I get the rest of my modest pay.”

Lady Eltinia pulled an embroidered velvet bag off her belt and held it out to the young man.

“I wouldn’t call it modest. You’re costing me quite a bit,” she muttered. “The things you do for gossip. All right, go ahead.”

Vasser’s eyes glistened as he weighed the bag in his palm.

“The ambassador from Latandal, Lady Irital, is currently in Ellisdor. That’s no surprise since she’s often traveling, though Her Grace is particularly fond of Highligland. This year, she’s been to Ellisdor three times, and only once on an official visit.”

The Ennian smiled knowingly.

“I imagine there’s a very good reason for that, yes?”

“I’m afraid His Grace is that reason. They often spend time alone.”

“How alone?”

“Completely alone. They’re very, very close, my gracious benefactress.”

Lady Eltinia’s brows shot upward in feigned surprise.

“So, you’re trying to tell me, my friend, that the intended spouse of the next emperor shares a bed with Voldhard?”

“Exactly. The day before we left, the duke visited the ambassador and sent the servant girl away. Needless to say, the girl didn’t listen, and instead decided to indulge her curiosity. She says they did the kind of thing you don’t talk about in decent society. She told me herself.”

“And what did that information cost you, my dear?”

“Surprisingly, my lady, I even enjoyed the process.” The squire’s face split into a proud smile. “You taught me well. But, I’ll admit, I miss Missolen. When are you going to bring me back?”

“Soon, my boy. For now, you’re needed in Ellisdor. Head back to Highligland and await news. I also need what you told me today in writing.”

“Certainly. And the servant girl who told me everything…”

Lady Eltinia nodded.

“Get her here when you have the chance. She’s a valuable witness—don’t let me down.”

“Never,” the squire replied, dead serious. “I’ll prove to you how grateful I am.”

The dowager duchess smiled indulgently.

“It turns out, I trained you well. Remembering your debts is good, my boy, and you’re doing an excellent job paying them back so far. I’m happy with you, Vasser Dibrion.”

“Should I give my letters to the usual person?”

“Yes. And now go before you’re caught. Until next time.”

The young man bowed respectfully. Lady Eltinia leaped up elegantly from the barrel and whisked out the door.

A minute later, the sound of her footfalls had faded. She’d gotten the information just as they’d agreed, all fair and honest—good money for good intelligence. But there was no agreement in place that Lady Eltinia was the only person who would benefit from the secrets he knew.

Vasser Dibrion was expecting a second bag of coins that evening.