She bowed forward, awkward in the movement. ‘Greetings, sun king. Were he here, I am certain my father, First Consul Aristocles, would give you his wishes for health and prosperity.’

‘Rise,’ Solon said. He frowned at Kargan. ‘Do all her people speak like this or does she have a speech impediment? I can barely understand her.’

Chloe climbed to her feet and stood uncertainly. ‘I have lived all my life in the one city, the place I call home, sun king. My people all speak as I do.’

‘I can see, Kargan, that I cannot accuse you of preparing her words and actions. Not only does she not know how to behave in front of the king of kings, I address a question to you and she answers.’

‘The women in Phalesia exercise many liberties, Great King,’ Kargan said, scowling at Chloe.

She recalled the words of the eunuch. She had to do anything she could to get a modicum of freedom. If she were treated as other women, she would never escape.

‘If you are so willing to speak, girl, tell me of your homeland,’ Solon commanded.

‘My . . . My homeland is a peace-loving nation—’

Solon interrupted her with a wry chuckle, holding up a hand. ‘A peace-loving nation with well-trained soldiers carrying good steel, a sizeable fleet of war galleys, a defensible harbor, and stout walls on all sides. Unless, girl, you tell me my loyal servant Kargan is lying?’ His amused expression vanished in an instant. ‘Choose your next words carefully. The punishment for deceit is death by impalement.’

Chloe swallowed. ‘Phalesia is peaceful but powerful. We have a city forming the nation’s heart, but several villages give tithe also. Compared to many other Galean states, we are prosperous. We produce the finest ceramics in the world and our silver coins are used as currency from Tanus to Sarsica.’

She stopped there, but Solon nodded. ‘Continue.’

‘If you return me to my father there can still be peace and trade. We have wine, wheat, barley, marble—’

‘What of gold?’ Solon leaned forward, his penetrating eyes staring directly into hers. ‘Is there much gold in your land?’

‘We use silver for coinage—’

The sun king waved a long, delicate hand. ‘Whip her.’

‘Wait!’ Chloe cried. ‘We have some gold. Small items of jewelry—’

Solon held up a hand once more. ‘Enough. I have no time for her dissembling. I tire.’ He winced, and his shoulders slumped. With more time for inspection, Chloe saw dark shadows under his eyes. ‘Kargan, you may leave, and the girl also. I will question her at another time to gain her view on the things you have told me.’

He gestured with his manicured fingertips and Chloe saw a guard coming for her. Kargan scowled again at her, leaving the room with angry strides.

As she was led away, she realized she had survived her first encounter.