“I would entertain such a request, given the leave of her Majesty the Queen.”
“Of course, Lord. I would expect that.”
“Very well. Now, as to your purpose here.”
“My request for audience with the Queen?”
“Yes.”
Again the silence. Josh waited, willing his own thoughts to be still, willing himself to wait out the other man without need for action, without need for approval.
“You seek to disguise your thoughts, a beginning to be sure. You have come to request her highness"s help.”
Josh smiled.
The gaze remained fixed to the distant hills. “You have a proposal involving an exchange beneficial to both parties.” The Chancellor smiled faintly. “The substance of that exchange remains hidden. Yes, Lord King Josh, it is within my power to extract that information, despite your having a diamon
