As soon as they arrived to where the empress was, they could see that people were gathered. Sitting on a platform were the emperor, empress, the empress dowager and just a little below it are the prince and princesses, the emperor's consorts and concubines. There were instruments at the center, and it seemed like a performance was about to be started.
"Your Highness, the two young ladies are here as you ordered," said the maid who brought Belle and Ree.
The empress raised her head and looked at Ree directly with a face void of expressions. Ree was dumbfounded, and thought that it was the end for her. She was so stupid to have offended a royalty. Now, she could not only blame herself. Seeing her being stiff, Lady Belle held her hand to somehow give her some comfort.
"Do not worry. The em
