The message arrived just before noon.
The Empress was still in her courtyard, the sun warming the stone tiles, when her maid hurried in, breath light but expression careful.
"Your Majesty," she said softly, bowing. "A message from His Majesty."
The Empress paused mid-motion, fingers still stroking the cat curled in her lap.
"…Read it."
The maid unfolded the small slip of paper. "His Majesty says he will be eating lunch in Your Majesty's courtyard today. He requests that the food be prepared by you."
For a brief moment, the courtyard fell utterly silent.
The Empress stared at the cat.
Then she sighed.
"So," she muttered, more to herself than anyone else, "the promise begins."
The cat blinked up at her lazily, unimpressed.
The maid hesitated. "Shall I inform the kitchen staff—"
"No," the Empress interrupted. "I'll do it myself."
The maid bowed, relief flickering across her face. "Yes, Your Majesty."
As soon as she left, three familiar figures drifted into view.
