He was older than she had expected. Frail, even, but as he approached, the golden monkey's fur stood up on end, and the daemon lightly pressed his claws against her leg. It was a warning that Mrs Coulter didn't need. She had chosen a public place for a reason; she didn't know yet what powers the Porter had given him.

She smiled and graciously extended her hand towards him. "Yes. And you must be Palpatine. I hope it wasn't difficult for you to get here?"