Rising gracefully from her curtsy, Lady Reani settles onto the cushion closest to the Empress.
"Please accept my sincerest apologies for visiting you so late, Your Majesty," Lady Reani says, "I was preoccupied with overseeing my family's new manor arrangement here in the capital."
The Empress shakes her head, a fond smile on her face. "Such matters should be left to your matron. You're just like your late mother, always putting duty before self." Her voice holds a wistful note.
Just then, a maid enters, pouring steaming fragrant tea into porcelain cups for them both before bowing deeply and taking her leave. The Empress picks up her cup, blowing softly before taking a delicate sip and Lady Reani follows.
As the Empress sets her teacup back onto the lacquered table with a soft clink, she probes, "I am sure the young men in the South are all desperately seeking your hand by now. Have any caught your eye?
