The Gnorlian embassy was a bustle of activity. Had been for weeks. It had only gotten worse after the Qevahri had so blatantly defied, then humiliated the Imperium. And that was nothing compared to what was to come.

Thiari walked up the stairs and into her office. She checked she was alone and locked the door behind her. Stepping up to the back wall, behind her desk, she pushed slightly aside the painting that hung there, revealing what looked like a safe. But that was only for show, in case anyone thought to look there.

She tapped a code on the metallic panel, and a distinct clink followed. She let go of the painting. It fell back into place as a section of the wall blurred and faded.

With a sigh, Thiari walked through the opening into a small, dark room. The lights flickered on as she pulled a chair and sat, staring at the TriVid screen in front of her. She heard a whoosh when the wall behind her became solid again and shuddered. If anything went wrong, she’d be entombed here and nobody would ever find her body. Even if they guessed her location, no one but her had the code.

It was silly, though. What could possibly go wrong?

She reached out to touch the screen. It lit up under her finger. As she leaned back, an image formed. The silhouette of a man, his face hidden by a black hood.

“You are late,” said a raspy voice.

“I’ve been busy.”

“That is no excuse.”

“In case you hadn’t noticed, people are fighting over Rimzana. It’s a mess down here!”

“And I have you to thank for that.”

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She frowned but said nothing.

“Is everything ready?” the man asked.

“I have a team leaving for Bernice in an hour and another headed for Assalin in five. As you requested.”

“And the Children of Wrath?”

“They could not be bought. However, I planted one of my own within their organization. It will take time, but they will be swayed.”

The hooded man clicked his tongue. “Things need to happen in a certain order, Thiari. I will not tolerate any slipups!”

“It is not my fault if those lunatics will not listen to reason!” she snapped. “And why would you need them? Haven’t you created enough chaos as it is?”

“No.”

“And why are you doing all this, anyway?”

“You dare question me?”

She pursed her lips, holding back the retort she so badly wanted to scream at the guy.

“That’s better,” said the man.

He leaned back in his chair, but the room around him was too dark to make out any details. She wouldn’t even have known he was a man if it hadn’t been for his voice.

“What about Bregg?” he asked.

“Last I heard, he had gone down to Qevahr. With some luck, he was caught and executed. I don’t like that he knows so much about me.”

“I do as well.”

Thiari clenched her fists. “I am well aware. What else do you want me to do?”

“That’s a good girl. Your next mission is to make an official announcement.”

She tensed at this. “Up until now, you’ve asked me to use my resources. But this is different. I cannot—”

“You will do exactly what I ask you to do. Or would you rather I told the Ruulians what you did to them? Or should I tell your family about your past?”

She grimaced. “And what kind of announcement do you want me to make?”

“That you fully support the High Noort’s claims.”

“What? That could draw Gnorlia into the war! Isn’t it enough that I sent her that damn book?”

“No.”

“It would destroy me! My people would perceive me as a traitor. I cannot do this.”

“And yet, you will.”

“Do not ask this of me!” she pleaded. “I would be of no use to you anymore.”

Though she could not see the man’s face, she could imagine him smirking at her. It was infuriating.

“And why would you think that, little one?”

She hated the way the man spoke to her, as if she were a child.

“I will be demoted and shamed. Possibly jailed or even executed.”

The hood shook from left to right.

“None of that will happen. Now, do as you are told, and you shall be rewarded.”

The face disappeared and the screen went dark.