The faint clatter of porcelain echoed softly as Ananya set down her empty teacup.
The first rays of light were breaking over the courtyard, painting her chamber in pale gold.
She had just begun to untie her cloak when the door burst open — no sound of footsteps, no shadow crossing the threshold — only a sudden rush of cold air and three familiar voices overlapping in panic.
"Ananya!"
Fen Yu appeared first, her translucent form nearly flickering from agitation. "He's here—he's here!"
Wei Rong followed, face pale but fierce. "The Emperor—his carriage—already past the second gate! We saw him ourselves!"
Li Shen was last, calmer but grim. "He rode without escort. Only two attendants and his banner hidden. This isn't a formal visit."
Ananya's hand stilled halfway through removing her hairpin. "The Emperor?"
Wei Rong nodded rapidly. "Yes! At this hour! And the guards at the outer courtyard are practically bowing through the dirt. He's heading this way!"
