The Game of Kings (The Lymond Chronicles, #1)

by Dorothy Dunnett

Truth’s nothing but falsehood with the edges sharpened up,

intentions. Habits are the ruin of ambition, of initiative, of imagination.

Versatility is one of the few human traits which are universally intolerable.

Nothing arouses suspicion quicker than genuine, all-round proficiency.”

You choose to play God, and the Deity points out that the post is already adequately filled.