As the banquet continued, filled with laughter and performances, Lili leaned toward the emperor, her lips close to his ear, her voice soft but teasing.
"Your Majesty," she whispered, her eyes sparkling mischievously, "I've prepared something special for you tonight. When the time is right, will you come and find me?"
The emperor turned to her, his gaze steady but filled with intrigue. "Something special, you say? You have my curiosity, my queen. I'll come to you."
