"Oh, enlighten me then!" Heena said, throwing her hands up. "What deep mystical purpose is served by making my husband cook dessert?!"
"That's for you to discover," the Duchess said serenely.
"I hate you so much right now," Heena muttered.
"I love you too, dear," the Duchess replied. "Now, are you going to let His Highness complete the ritual, or are you going to stand here complaining all morning?"
Heena looked at Larus, who gave her a helpless shrug that clearly said 'I'm just as confused as you are'.
"Fine," Heena said through gritted teeth. "FINE. He can cook. But I'm staying here to supervise."
"Absolutely not," the Duchess said immediately.
"WHAT?! Why not?!"
"The ritual requires that the consort prepare the dish without the Empress's direct observation. You'll wait in the dining room."
"That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard!"
"Nevertheless, those are the rules."
"I'm the 'Empress'! I make the rules!"
