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until the first part of the proceedings was complete.
    And then, unexpectedly, Extepan and the other Aztecs withdrew. This only served to increase my suspicion of Parkhouse and the half dozen other politicians who remained with him. Lined up before us in their crisp sober suits and perfectly knotted ties, they exuded a self-seeking obsequiousness. Few had had especially distinguished careers before the invasion, but now they were ready to step forward where better men had refused to compromise.
    Parkhouse bowed before us, then straightened.
    ‘Your Royal Highnesses, we find ourselves in a most trying situation.’
    He was addressing me rather than Richard.
    ‘That’s putting it mildly,’ I said acidly.
    ‘None of us would have wished to have to face up to this kind of circumstance. Nevertheless, I believe that we must all try to make the best of it we can. For the benefit of everyone.’
    Richard made to speak, but I put a hand on his arm.
    ‘It would be most acceptable’, I said with great care, ‘if everyone could benefit.’
    I was going to make it hard for him, and he knew it.
    ‘As you may be aware,’ he went on, ‘we faced grievous difficulties during the governorship of Nauhyotl, Extepan’s predecessor. But now Governor Extepan intends a much more moderate approach, I’m pleased to say. He’s already shown his goodwill by freeing political prisoners and halting all summary executions. I believe he has genuinely humane motivations and doesn’t wish to cause any unnecessary suffering.’
    ‘I’m very pleased to hear it.’
    ‘I think he is sincere in his desire to give us a measure of self-government. It’s vital we grasp this opportunity and make every effort to see that the needs of our people are adequately represented. Compromise is necessary, I understand that. We cannot expect the Mexica to give us unlimited freedoms. But there is a middle way between that and absolute domination. If we all pull together, we can find that way.’
    It was a pretty little politician’s speech, delivered softly, in reasonable, persuasive tones. That he had used the word ‘Mexica’ rather than ‘Aztec’ was further confirmation to me that he completely accepted the new order.
    I was searching for a suitably scathing response, when Richard interrupted: ‘Are you going to be the new prime minister?’
    Parkhouse retreated a step, as if to deny that he would be so bold.
    ‘I am pledged to serve my country,’ he said, ‘in whatever capacity I can.’
    Again it was obvious that he was speaking for my benefit rather than Richard’s. And perhaps for others more important to him, too.
    ‘One has to admire the nobility of your self-sacrifice,’ I said. ‘I’m sure that the governor and his colleagues, whom I’ve no doubt are listening, will approve.’
    Parkhouse was at a loss for a moment. Then he said, ‘I won’t pretend I like the situation any more than you—’
    ‘Won’t you?’
    ‘Believe me, I searched my conscience long and hard beforeagreeing to participate in the electoral process. I feel we have a duty to those of our people who cannot protect themselves. If they have no representation, then we have no means of mitigating the severer aspects of the occupation.’
    It was futile to argue with politicians, I realized, to try to persuade them that your scepticism concerning their views might be well founded. Politicians developed habits of self-justification and certitude which were immune to logic or emotion: their rhetoric was like a blanket which they wrapped around themselves to keep out the bracing air of dissent.
    ‘I’m sorry,’ I said, ‘but I don’t approve. Are you expecting us to sanction the idea of a puppet government? We won’t do that under any circumstances.’
    I suppose I was trying to speak for Richard as well to prevent him from being drawn into the debate. But he said, ‘They’re only trying to help, Kate.’
    ‘We’ve been promised full powers in civil and judicial