The grand doors creaked open, the sound echoing throughout the silent hall.
Several men entered the chamber, two of them dressed in elegant royal attire while the others wore plain robes, their expressions grim with purpose.
They bowed deeply before speaking in unison, their voices solemn.
"Greetings, Your Highness the Empress Dowager, Her Highness the Luna Empress, and the esteemed royal concubines."
Empress Dowager sat upright, her regal bearing demanding silence. Her eyes, sharp and unyielding, scanned the faces before her.
"You know why you've been summoned," she said coldly. "You will test the tonic immediately."
Without a word of protest, one of the royal physicians stepped forward. His movements were measured as he accepted the carved jade bowl from Sorayah. He opened the lacquered case at his side, revealing a series of fine glass vials, powdered reagents, and delicate silver tools used for testing toxins and spiritual compounds.
