“If you want me to learn by example,” Raymond said, exasperated, “then why won’t you or Chairman Wenceslas let me meet King Frederick? I’m supposed to take his place one of these days, aren’t I?”

Watching the surveillance screens, Basil pursed his lips. I wouldn’t plan on that encounter anytime soon, Prince. Not until he was able to plan the event to his own satisfaction, to make sure everyone would be happy with the situation.

In the meantime, Basil had a team of official biographers working with image modifiers to compile a complete pictorial “history” of the young prince’s life: a blessing from the Unison Archfather, numerous shots of Peter with his father, King Frederick, fond remembrances from his sorely missed mother who had died long ago. All in all, it would be a very nice package, all the accoutrements of a royal upbringing.

Interrupting Basil’s careful study of the Prince’s activities, Mr. Pellidor entered the private alcove. The Chairman swallowed a sigh. Any moment of peace, however brief, was a precious respite. An interruption always came before long.

The expediter carried paperwork and an electronic report. Pellidor looked not exactly smug, but at least satisfied. He paused until Basil acknowledged him, then he spoke, intentionally keeping his voice low and confidential as he glanced at the surveillance screen, though the Prince could not possibly hear anything in his soundproofed instruction room.

“Mr. Chairman, all loose ends are now wrapped up with the young man’s family.” Pellidor extended the reports.

Basil set them on a low table. He took Pellidor at his word; the man had never failed him before. “Including Esteban Aguerra?” Raymond’s father had changed his name and voluntarily converted to Islam after settling down on the new colony. “Was he difficult to find?”

Mr. Pellidor shook his head. “My men have just returned from Ramah. Quite a peaceful planet, I’m told. They reported no special problems.”

Basil sipped his coffee again, savoring the sharp cardamom taste. “Good.”

On the screen he saw Peter apparently arguing with the Teacher compy. Frowning, he waved Mr. Pellidor to silence as he enhanced the sound to listen in on the conversation. With so much at stake, Basil intended to watch this Prince very closely to make sure no deviation was allowed to go too far.

Peter was their best hope for a well-trained, pliable successor.

Raymond Aguerra had recovered quickly from his induction into the Whisper Palace. Though he still grieved for the tragic loss of his mother and brothers, it must seem to him as if a miracle had occurred. But, like a suddenly spoiled teenager, Raymond had of late begun to show signs of unruliness and resistance, as if some deep unconscious part of him had already realized what lay in store.