Changes

''By Royal Command'' follows on from Mary Hooper's first book about Elizabethan girl spy Lucy, [[''At the House of the Magician]]''. After saving the life of Queen Elizabeth I, Lucy has become a permanent fixture as nursemaid to the two daughter's of Doctor John Dee, magician and alchemist to the court. Tomas, the Queen's fool, has told Lucy that she can expect more spying missions in the future. In the meantime, Lucy busies herself looking after her two young charges, helping Mistress Midge prepare meals and keep house, gossiping with her friend Isabelle, and dreaming of Tomas' silvery-grey eyes. To keep her espionage skills sharp, she eavesdrops on conversations between Dr Dee and his scryer Mr Kelly and investigates the ghostly noises in the house. It seems Dr Dee and Mr Kelly have plans afoot.