At Table Fourteen, Jolthar leaned back in his chair and picked up his wine.
"Milan."
"I see it."
"This is going to be spectacular."
"I am going to say it, this night will turn ugly by the end."
"It will be better if they don't end up catching their tails."
"They should; if not, we will miss a good show."
Milan looked at his mother. Sarojina's expression had acquired the very specific quality of a woman watching two loaded siege engines pointed at each other across a banquet hall.
She knew very well about the ladies of the Jade Palace and how fierce they become when they encounter each other. There are even factions inside the harem, but she doesn't associate with any of them. She doesn't like the attention. She just prefers to see her children and live a quiet life.
"Children," Sarojina said softly, "do not stare."
Every single person at the table stared.
Malyani, with quiet practicality, moved the wine carafe to the center of the table.
