Imperial Spy Read Online Free Page A

surveyed
the results in the mirror.
    Lady Alyssa was one of her favourite alter egos. Quite why Femke enjoyed playing the part of the attractive but obnoxious young Noblewoman so much, she could not say. The fact that Alyssa always
lived in luxury was part of the reason, though by itself this did not explain the attraction. Femke had often posed as other wealthy characters and enjoyed similar comforts. Perhaps it was the
secret enjoyment of seeing the outrage on others’ faces at Alyssa’s utter selfishness. There was something deliciously naughty about insisting that the owner of the Silver Chalice,
Versande Matthiason, bring Alyssa’s bags up to her personally, and demanding that Versande’s daughter serve as her personal maid for the duration of her stay.
    The Silver Chalice was one of the oldest buildings in Shandrim, giving it character that was lacking in other expensive inns in the city centre. Her room was beautifully decorated and Femke
luxuriated in walking barefoot on the soft, thickly piled carpet. Everything about the room had been designed tastefully. The pictures of Nobles and horses blended with the rich, dark wood
furniture and the deep reds and greens of the carpets and curtains. The bedcovers were of a creamy white with beautifully embroidered flowers, giving the bed a fresh, inviting look. The sheets had
been perfectly pressed and folded with precision around the ample mattress.
    It was hard to find things to complain about, but in her role as Lady Alyssa, Femke knew that it was both necessary and expected. Femke had Versande remove one of the pictures from the wall,
declaring that she found one of the gentlemen in it offensive, as he appeared to be smirking at her wherever she went. She also had him remove a vase of flowers that she described as vulgar. In
fact it was one of the most beautiful displays that she had ever seen, but Alyssa was renowned for her irritating nature and Femke was determined not to disappoint.
    Versande did as he was asked without question, for he knew of Lady Alyssa’s reputation both for being a difficult guest, and for having a very deep purse. He was always willing to overlook
the nuisance factors and eccentricities of his guests when they paid well.
    Femke relaxed in the luxury of her room and waited until the rest of the Nobility were sure to have received their invitations to the coronation. With a mischievous heart she kept up a string of
impetuous demands throughout the afternoon. It was easy to justify as character maintenance, but it was also deliciously enjoyable.
    First she enjoyed a steaming hot bath, which naturally had to be at exactly the right temperature, requiring several adjustments with first hot, then cold and then hot water. After this she
dried herself with soft towels, which she insisted were pre-warmed. Then she ordered dahl and was delighted to receive a wonderfully aromatic brew served with warmed cakes and a generous helping of
whipped cream. Even Alyssa would have difficulty finding complaint with this, Femke decided, as she allowed the hot liquid of the dahl to dissolve the light cake on her tongue.
    A gentle knock at the door sounded not long after she had finished, and the serving girl who had brought the dahl entered.
    ‘Was that to your satisfaction, my Lady?’ she asked shyly, her head down as she recovered the tray.
    ‘It was adequate, thank you,’ Femke replied haughtily. ‘Tell me, girl, do you have a dressmaker on the premises? I believe I’m going to need a new outfit for tomorrow, so
I shall require someone to make one for me tonight.’
    ‘A dress by tomorrow?’ the girl squeaked, a mixture of incredulity and horror in her voice. ‘I’m not sure there’s anyone here who could do that, my Lady. But
I’ll ask Father. Perhaps he will know of someone.’
    ‘Oh, I’m sure he will,’ Femke declared confidently. ‘He seems like a competent enough fellow. After all, there must have been others who have needed