Is AI cheating ?

[SurvivalistMerc]

I don't get the sense that the AI is cheating either.

I've moved forces of archers into an undefended province the same turn he moved illithids in. Would he have done that if he had known that an incredibly cheap missile force was on the way?

I've also assassinated pretenders with empoisoners before. Without items. And no guards. Surely he would have added guards to his pretender if he was aware of my assassination attempt, right?