Crown of the Empire Chapter 1

The life of Elena, the first lady-in-waiting to Her Majesty, isn't so much about balls, corsets and fancy hats as it is court intrigue, secret service and life-threatening covert operations for the good of the Empire. For example, Elena's last mission was to safely recover stolen ancient relics. An unknown thief had ransacked the national museum and got away with the namesakes of the empire's oldest rulers. A team of detectives picked up a trail that led across the border, but then disappeared. The Queen summoned Elena.
"The items stolen are of paramount value to the empire and crown," she said in a slightly wavering voice. "We mustn't lose them."
"I understand, your Majesty," Elena answered, knowing full well the trouble spent acquiring them, and how much they meant to the Queen personally.