I took a sip. It was good, which was hardly a surprise. Bacchus was lauded throughout the subsector for the quality of its liquors, and this was not the first time I had enjoyed a glass. Yet there was a faint aftertaste. Like the scent of mildew, it lurked beneath the delicate notes of honey-mead and sweet berries. But I could not ignore the faint but palatable bitterness. Though initially almost imperceptible, it was now all I could taste.

‘Please welcome her ladyship, Planetary Governor Ariani Dolos.’

Stylee had reappeared without my notice. Perhaps his prior employment was as a purse-slitter or assassin. Regardless, he stepped aside, and for the first time I laid eyes on the governor in all her splendour. She was tall. Taller than me, the effect accentuated by tapered heels and a gilded headdress complete with half-mask that covered her eyes. The piece stretched a foot above her head and would surely strain the neck of the most bullish soldier. I kept expecting her to topple sideways, but she glided towards me with remarkable grace. Her amethyst robes were, like mine, laughably oversized, the opulent folds a traditional style designed to display wealth and prestige.

She was an arm’s width from me before I remembered protocol, bowing as deep as I could with the blasted robes bunching around my waist.

‘Please rise, Propagandist Simlex,’ she said, painted lips forming a practised smile. ‘I am so sorry for keeping you waiting.’

‘Not at all, governor. I appreciate how busy you must be.’

‘Always,’ she sighed, taking a glass from one of the servants. ‘But I was determined to make time for a man of your obvious station. It is rare we receive visitors from Hedon. I was surprised to find I would be hosting you.’

‘I do apologise for the disruption.’

‘How quaint. So far you are the only one of my guests to do so,’ she said, eyeing the ground crew through the window. ‘Still, when the request comes from Governor Zanwich’s private office, how can I refuse?’

She sipped her wine, stiffening just a fraction as it touched her lips, before glancing to me.

‘Tell me, do they still favour our wine on Hedon?’

‘Yes, your ladyship,’ I replied, truthfully enough. ‘It still commands great interest and, if you will forgive me, exorbitant prices.’

She smiled. It seemed a little more genuine this time.

‘Yes, people will pay for the best.’

‘Indeed.’ I nodded, taking up my own glass. ‘Particularly given current shortages.’

I was not looking directly at her as I spoke, my gaze settling on one of the furniture-like servants. But from the way he stiffened, it was evident this was the wrong thing to say. I turned back, ready to offer the most obsequious apology, but she said nothing, merely smiling and raising her glass. If offended, she was exceptional at hiding it.