"I cannot breathe," I wheezed, gripping the edge of the wooden dressing screen. "Yua, if you pull that sash one inch tighter, my ribs are going to snap."
"You must look perfect, My Lady!" Yua insisted, tugging the deep purple silk cord around my waist with surprising strength for someone so small. "The Emperor's concubines are hosting this welcome tea. It is a battlefield of silk and smiles! You must know exactly who you are facing."
Yua quickly tied off the knot and stepped around to face me, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper.
"The woman hosting is Lady Kiku," Yua explained, her eyes wide. "She is Second Prince Jin's mother. With Crown Prince Ryu stripped of his title, Lady Kiku acts like she owns the inner palace. Sitting next to her will be Lady Renge, Ryu's mother. She used to be the Emperor's favorite, but since her son was disgraced, the other women have been circling her like vultures."
"I would rather face the bone giant again," I grumbled.
