A knock sounded on the door, drawing me from the throes of sleep. “My Lord, may I come in?”

“Hmm,” I grunted, throwing off the covers as the door opened to reveal Stephen, my servant and eyes and ears among the people. The morning sun filtered through the curtains, blinding me as I clambered out of bed.

As quick as always, before my feet could touch the ground, he’d placed a pair of slippers underfoot.

“I take it your trip was successful, my Lord,” Stephen said, his voice ...