[Lavinia's POV — Imperial Gardens, Tea Ceremony Day]
The imperial gardens had never looked more deceitfully serene. Rows of roses glistened with dew, fountains danced under the sunlight, and gilded tables were lined with pastries so delicate they looked like tiny pieces of art rather than food.
But serenity? Ha.
"WHAT do you think you are doing?!" Sera's shriek sliced through the air like a dagger.
I leaned casually against the marble balcony rail, Marshi lounging beside me like a furry god of judgment. Below us, maids scurried like terrified ducklings while Sera stormed between them, skirts flaring, a clipboard in one hand and a vengeance hotter than dragon fire in the other.
"That vase—" she jabbed her fan like it was a spear at a poor trembling maid, "—belongs on that table, not here! Are you trying to give me a stroke before I've even reached thirty?! FIX IT!"
