During the hour of six, Imperial Consort Jones pointed to a small dish in the center and playfully said, "My dear emperor, the wolfberry and glutinous rice cake you adore was made early this morning under my watchful eye in the kitchen."
The emperor squinted his eyes and affectionately grasped her hand, saying, "Rosalyn, you've really outdone yourself."
I quietly entered, lighting the freshly prepared incense for the garments Imperial Consort Jones would wear in the coming days.
Then, I stood outside with my head bowed.
"It smells divine."
The emperor buried his face in Imperial Consort Jones' shoulder, taking a deep whiff. "Rosalyn, you smell absolutely heavenly."
Imperial Consort Jones beamed, replying, "Then Your Majesty must visit more often."
I stood outside, poker-faced, listening to their flirtatious banter inside.
In just ten days, I had become a favored presence beside Imperial Consort Jones, and everyone called me "Ms. Yuna."
However, this did not guarantee my safety forever.
As the emperor left, he casually glanced at me and then smiled at Imperial Consort Jones, saying, "Rosalyn is a beauty, and your maid is quite fetching too, especially her eyes, which somewhat resemble yours."