The grand banquet hall fell into an uneasy silence.

Hundreds of nobles stood beneath rows of golden lanterns, but no one dared speak. Their attention shifted between Harrison’s pale face, Tiffany’s barely concealed panic, and the Emperor seated high above them on the

The young eunuch kept his head lowered as he approached.

His robes were clean, his movements respectful, and the silver pitcher in his hands bore the mark of the imperial kitchens. Nothing about him appeared threatening.

Scarlett distrusted him immediately.

His shoulde

Scarlett followed the false guard through the western wing of the palace.

The noise from the banquet faded behind her. Music, shouting, and the metallic movement of imperial guards became distant echoes as she entered a maze of narrow corridors lit by only a few lan