Twisting his mustache, he let his gaze travel up and down the shrinking queen with an effrontery that made her wince.
'By Ishtar, Taramis,' he said silkily, 'I find you more alluring in your night-tunic than in your queenly robes. Truly, this is an auspicious night!'
Fear grew in the queen's dark eyes. She was no fool; she knew that Constantius would never dare this outrage unless he was sure of himself.
'You are mad!' she said. 'If I am in your power in this chamber, you are no less in the power of my subjects, who will rend you to pieces if you touch me. Go at once, if you would live.'
Both laughed mockingly, and Salome made an impatient gesture.
'Enough of this farce; let us on to the next act in the comedy. Listen, dear sister: it was I who sent Constantius here. When I decided to take the throne of Khauran, I cast about for a man to aid me, and chose the Falcon, because of his utter lack of all characteristics men call good.'
'I am overwhelmed, princess,' murmured Constantius sardonically, with a profound bow.
'I sent him to Khauran, and, once his men were camped in the plain outside, and he was in the palace, I entered the city by that small gate in the west wall—the fools guarding it thought it was you returning from some nocturnal adventure—'
'You hell-cat!' Taramis's cheeks flamed and her resentment got the better of her regal reserve.
Salome smiled hardly.