On one side of the rectangle table facing the merry sea of guests sat Yū Miko, ascendancy upon her brow, duplicity in her eyes, and a sour hostility about the lines of her mouth; to her right stood her son Taizong; and to her left, as it were, Shufeng's whole future lay: the Emperor's empty seat awaiting its owner.
The Second Prince sat in the chair at one end of the table, to his brother's side; regally, his back straight. And this time, on a regular chair! It was brought in to replace the wonky stool he sat on earlier that night and which was originally used by the servants in the kitchen.
Taizong immediately leaned close so only his brother could hear, "Mother is never going to forget the way you rudely spoke to her. No matter what mother says or how you feel, be mindful of your words."
The water dropped in the water clock beside them. Nine. Were was the Emperor? Why so late... He should have arrived by now.
