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

By the time Scarlett and Arthur returned to the banquet hall, the dead eunuch’s body had been removed.

The doors remained sealed, and every servant was being questioned. The nobles had returned to their seats under imperial command, though fear and suspicion had repl