The Empress's flawless, gentle smile twitched, threatening to crack under the sheer weight of Heena's threat.
"I was merely slightly busy with inner palace matters," the Empress said, forcing her voice to remain soft and placating. "It was nothing like that. I truly did not know you would grow so angry over such a brief wait."
Heena looked at the Empress and the terrified Head Maid, her expression completely calm.
"My sincere apologies, Your Majesty," Heena said, though her voice lacked even a fraction of actual remorse. "It is just that normally, when I am asked to wait for someone of high status, their attendants escort me to a guest pavilion. I am seated, served premium tea, and offered basic hospitality. I genuinely do not remember ever standing outside a closed door, waiting for someone to simply walk out."
