Elara’s heart hammered against her ribs, but her posture remained a practiced slouch.

The uniform was starched to a stiffness that scratched the neck, a constant, physical reminder of the lie Elara was living. For three months, she had been Elara, the quiet, clumsy maid in the service of Lord Hadrian. In reality, she was Agent Sparrow, and the scratching of the fabric was the only thing keeping her grounded while she stole secrets from the most dangerous man in the Empire.