Ruby, who had remained silent till now, finally spoke up, her voice barely a whisper, yet it carried a weight that filled the room. “Mistress, we may not have the ear of the emperor or the might to challenge the Empress directly, but perhaps there are subtler ways to reclaim your dignity and prove your innocence.”
Intrigued by Ruby’s sudden assertiveness, I leaned forward, my interest piqued. “What do you suggest?” I asked, the dim light of the candle flickering shadows across her determined face.
“We should gather evidence or perhaps find the real culprit who poisoned the Empress’s food. There must be someone in this vast palace who knows the truth, someone who has seen what we have not. If we can uncover the truth, not only could you be exonerated, but it might also sway the Emperor to
