The Envoy, Her

"The Envoy, Her" by H. B. Fyfe is a science fiction story from the 1950s that dives into the tense relationship between a mighty empire and a planet fighting for its freedom. It centers on Emperor Vyrtl of Pollux, who, after crushing a rebellion on Jursan, meets Daphne Foster, the Jursan envoy. At first, Vyrtl doesn't take Daphne seriously, but he soon finds himself drawn to her sharp mind and looks, creating a complicated situation where romance and politics get tangled up. As they talk peace, Vyrtl finds out Daphne has been using advanced tech to show him an enhanced image of herself. This discovery shakes up how he sees her and himself. In the end, Vyrtl decides to keep Daphne at his court. He values her not just as an ally but as a symbol of perfect ideals. This shows how chasing such dreams can give new purpose to a life that felt empty. The story looks at what's real versus what's fake, the weight of being in charge, and the human need to connect with others in a real way.