He felt the poniard against his spine just as his dagger loosened the ornate wax seals, granting him access to the secrets within. A voice -- softer than he expected -- fluttered against his ear. “I don’t think Her Majesty’s correspondence is meant for you.”
He turned, dagger still in hand. “I assure you, I have only Her Majesty’s best interests at heart. This treaty is a sham. An excuse to bring foreign armies to our lands; alien navies to our ports.”
She smiled grimly, drawing a sword to pair with the poniard. “She knew. That’s why I had to kill her."
Image Credit: David Kohlmeyer