“I will take that under advisement, Ambassador Nemesia. Or is it General? I can never remember.” I stiffen, and he leers at me. The barb lands as intended.

“Let’s not pretend you don’t know I’m no longer an army commander. I don’t even lead Her Majesty’s Royal Guard.”

“What a shame,” Mazus says. “While we of course don’t believe females should engage in soldiering here in Velmara, you made for a unique adversary all those years ago. You really shouldn’t blame yourself for losing. You put up an excellent fight, for a female.” His eyes glimmer with malice. I only purse my lips, not allowing him to get under my skin. “Do you at least maintain your fighting skills? If you need a training space, I’d be happy to show you Prince Hawthorne’s sparring arena below the palace. I can’t return you to Queen Laurel weakened, after all.”

I want to say no, but I wouldn’t mind access to a space to train, especially if it’s private. “That would be most welcome, thank you.” The compliance makes me nauseous, but I endure.

He gives me a severe smile that pulls his features into a menacing expression. “I’ll see that you’re escorted there tomorrow.” He claps his hands, and servants appear, bringing in dozens of steaming dishes. Velmaran food is rich and full of flavor, and I hate how much my mouth waters during every meal.

Once the dishes are set and we both begin serving ourselves, Mazus resumes the conversation. “Now, tell me how your research is progressing. The librarians tell me you’re focused on the thayar flower and Thayarian history. Are you finding what you hoped you would find?” I take a large bite of food and chew slowly, buying myself time to think how to respond. It’s no surprise that the librarians brief him on what topics I request books on, but I don’t want to give him information he could use against Thayaria.

“My first goal has been to cross-check and compare the information from Thayaria’s own archives with those in Velmara, hence my interest in books on the thayar and my kingdom’s history. So far, the records are the same,” I explain, hoping the lie is believable.

“I see. A commendable strategy,” he says, “if it were true.” I pause while drinking from my wine glass, then set it down and stare at him. “Nemesia, come now, let’s not pretend the right hand of the elusive and secretive Thayarian Queen negotiated access to Velmaran archives and personally volunteered as the emissary simply to cross-check and compare information.” His eyes are bright with knowing. “No, I think you have a very specific and critical research question.”

Shit.