“Is that my shirt?” Nyx squinted. “What did you do to it?”

Eris crossed her arms. “I pinned it. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to make a call.” She strode over to the communications board and keyed in a number through to the palace switchboard on Myndalia. When the deep male voice picked up, Eris transformed into Zoe. “Maximus, darling, it’s been an age!”

Clo looked appalled. <Darling?>

Eris flashed her the scythes out of view of the vid-screen—the universally rude symbol of a curved index and middle finger.

The man’s voice went from formal to friendly. “Zoe, is that you?”

“Of course it’s me, you handsome creature. How are you? How is the weather? Have you killed anyone recently?”

Every question was spoken at exhausting speed, but Maximus, the royal weapons tester, only laughed. “Not nearly enough these days. Hopefully, that truce doesn’t go anywhere, or I might be out of a job.”

Zoe’s laugh was husky. “Well, darling, that’s what I’m calling about. I saw the announcement on the vid-screen and of course I don’t have a personal opinion, you know, because I’m not terribly learned at politics, but I thought it might be important to go into negotiations with some protection for the Archon. You never can trust those dreadful Evoli, am I right?”

Maximus made a sound of agreement. “That’s what I always say. What do you have for me?”

“A beautiful weapon, you gorgeous man. My very best. But I need to show it to the general directly. I know that’s not the normal protocol but, well . . .” She paused for dramatic effect. “It’s to do with Project Harpy.”

The man sucked in a breath. “How did you—”

“Never you mind, Maximus. You know I have my secrets.” She tapped the side of her nose. “Put in a good word for me, then, won’t you? You’d be the one to let the general know I’ve solved his problem. That might work out well for you.”

Maximus was quiet on the other end. She could almost hear him thinking it through, weighing up the glory with the risk of death. “All right. I’ll see what I can do. Give me a moment.”

Maximus’s line went out with a small beep, and Eris held her breath. Off-screen, Ariadne bit her knuckles, and the others were pale with nerves.

A few minutes later, the weapons tester spoke again. “General Damocles said he will speak with you during the palace ball tomorrow evening. I’ve put your invitation through to the Oracle.” He gave them the code to pass through the gates and bypass the main security queue.

“You’re a star, Maximus!” She made a kissing sound.

When the transmission ended, Eris dropped into a chair and put her head in her hands. “Kill me.”

“Was the real Zoe like that?”

“Unfortunately, yes.”