XVI: The Lady Sriva’s Embassage explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Loyalty and Betrayal

  Sriva's secret mission to undermine Prezmyra's plans and secure the expedition for her father reflects themes of familial loyalty and political betrayal.

• Pride and Hubris

  Corsus's drunken presumption to bribe the King with his daughter's beauty demonstrates overweening pride and a dangerous misjudgment of the King's character.

• Magic and Sorcery

  The King's earlier threat to 'transmew' Sriva into a mandrake alludes to the supernatural powers associated with Witchland's rulers.

Characters to notice

• Lady Sriva

  Acts as her father's emissary, using her beauty and charm to petition the King for an expedition to Demonland under Corsus's command.

• King Gorice XII

  Receives Sriva's late-night visit with suspicion and authority, ultimately seeing through her father's scheme and rebuking her.

• Duke Corsus

  Sends his daughter to the King to secure the expedition for himself, acting out of drunkenness and political rivalry.

• Lady Zenambria

  Sriva's mother, initially reluctant but eventually helps fetch Corsus; she expresses moral outrage at Prezmyra's perceived infidelity.

• Lady Prezmyra

  Mentioned as a rival who plans to petition the King for Corund to lead the expedition; her words and actions are overheard and reported by Sriva.

• Corund

  Referenced as Prezmyra's husband and the intended general for the expedition, currently away at Orpish.

• Laxus

  Mentioned as having arranged a meeting with Sriva on the terrace, but she stood him up.

• Corinius

  Briefly mentioned by Corsus as a possible alternative to lead the expedition instead of Corund.

Key passages

• “She trembled and said, “O my Lord the King, I hope you will indulge and pardon in me this trespass. Truly I marvel at mine own boldness how I durst come to you.””

  Sriva nervously asks the King to forgive her audacity in seeking a private audience so late at night.

  Highlights Sriva's fear and calculated humility before the King.

• ““I too would serve you, O King. And I came to ask you how.””

  Sriva offers herself as a servant to the King, seeking a way to prove her loyalty.

  Shows her strategic approach to gain the King's favor.

• ““Were I a man, I had come to you tonight and said, ‘O King, let us not suffer any longer of that hound Juss. Give me a sword, O King, and I will put down Demonland for you and tread them under feet.’ ””

  Sriva wishes she were a man so she could directly offer to lead a military campaign against Demonland.

  Reveals her ambition and the indirect nature of her influence as a woman.

• ““Lest another should first come to you, O King,” she answered. “Believe me, I know of preparations, and one that shall come to you in the morning praying this thing for another.””

  Sriva explains her urgency by revealing that someone else plans to petition the King for the same expedition the next day.

  Demonstrates her political intelligence and rivalry with Prezmyra.

• ““Girl,” he said, “who sent thee o’ this errand?” He rolled his eye upon her with such a gorgon look that her blood ran back with a great leap towards her heart, and she answered, scarce to be heard, “Truly, O King, my father sent me.””

  The King intimidates Sriva into confessing that her father Corsus sent her on this mission.

  Shows the King's dominance and his ability to see through schemes.