Jia made her way to the imperial hall, and her steps slowed as the full sight of it came into view.
The wide double doors were already opened, revealing a hall far more crowded than she had expected. Rows of officials, attendants, and palace physicians filled the room, their stiff postures betraying the tension hanging in the air.
The polished marble floor reflected the lantern light, making the whole space feel too bright, and too exposed.
Soft murmurs rippled through the hall like restless waves.
"What's going on…?"
"Has something happened to His Highness again?"
Jia's gaze followed the sound, and she spotted two maids peeking nervously from behind a carved pillar near the corner. They were whispering to each other before ducking out of sight whenever someone looked their way.
"Psst—!"
Jia turned to see Harry vigorously waving her over. He sat on the fourth row, keeping an extra seat just like he'd promised.
She slipped into the seat, smoothing her skirt as she settled in.
