“No, no, of course not!” Ileana agreed. “But I would like a report from the Generals on what troops we have at our disposal and I would also like to know, as early as possible, the numbers and, of course, the intentions of the Pallikares.”
There was a little silence before the Prime Minister answered,
“I regret, Your Royal Highness, that we find our espionage in this particular has not proved as effective as we might have hoped.”
“What do you mean – not effective?” Ileana asked sharply. “I understood that the branch of the Army specialising in intelligence is considered extremely efficient!”
The Prime Minister looked embarrassed and Ileana demanded,
“What has happened?”
“It is extremely regrettable,” the Prime Minister replied, “that after Colonel Bartik died, nobody was appointed in
