"Your majesty has long had reason to suspect the loyalty of Thudos," Tomos reminded her, "and in the interest of your majesty's welfare and the safety of the throne, I am constantly watchful of the activities of this powerful enemy. Spurred on by love and loyalty, the noble Erot has been my most faithful agent and ally; and it is really to him that we owe the information that I bring you."
Nemone tapped her sandalled foot impatiently upon the mosaic floor. "Have done with the self-serving preamble, and tell me what you have to tell me," she snapped, for she did not like Tomos and made no effort to hide her feelings.
"Briefly, then, it is this; Gemnon conspires also with Thudos, hoping, doubtless, that his reward will be the beautiful daughter of his chief."
"That hollow-cheeked strumpet!" exclaimed Nemone. "Who said she was beautiful?"
"Erot tells me that Gemnon and Thudos believe her the most beautiful woman in the world," replied Tomos.
"Impossible! Did Erot see her?"
"Yes, majesty, he saw her."
"What does Erot say?" demanded the Queen.
"That she is indeed beautiful," replied the councillor. "There are others who think so too," he added.
"What others?"