Botched Meeting

Emperor had tasked Jinse with the set up of everything and of course the Imperial expected the room to be perfect. His golden scaled hide would certainly depend on it. With Kaikoga's help exquisite outfits were picked out for each courtesan. Create from hemp rope and some with additions of silken fabrics. The mastiff knew the man was blind but that did not mean he did not or could not appreciate art. He had gone out of his way to provide a feast for the senses as well as the palate. Rich scents filled the air with oolong from the wafting tea pot. Billowing pleasant steam of woody and floral notes. Each servant stationed initially standing at either side of the door to greet the man and allow him to feel the outfits in a tactile way. The mastiff and his Empress at the end to welcome Biers into their suite. "I am glad you could come. Please meet the entertainment for the evening. You will find I spared no expense in the attentions to details." Vocals were warmer then normal and one might not expect that just a few days ago he had been enraged by the equine's wife. Black silk robes caressed the tatami mat floors as he shifted over to the seating arrangements. "Please have a seat when you are ready for the show. Lunch will be served shortly." He said as he settled himself at the head of the low tables.

Mingxia was, once again, in something she was uncomfortable in when it came to clothing. For some time she was comfortable, working in the kitchen to prepare a feast she had been requested to make. Good, this would show Emperor that she had more skill. He already saw she could fight and hold her own, that she had a small bit of military knowledge, but now she could showcase something else. Once all was said and done, she changed into the...attire...that had been set for her. "Oh goodie...something for me to burn once this meeting is done" was the thought she had after seeing it, but after putting it on, she wanted to burn it right away. Once all was said and done, the foo had done up her hair into a neat bun, bedecked with a pair of chopstick like hair accessories topped with sakura blossoms with leaf dangles. The tips of her ears could actually be seen. She had moved to the room where this was to take place and stood quietly in position and awaited her cue to bring in the meal. Mingxia watched as Biers was greeted, remembering the equine from her time in the pens and it made her smile as she stood silently. <<
(15:23:53) Mingxia: [Ming's attire, sorry, forgot to link: https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/517823522131804170/692574400419201064/84334240_146815763460033_8470022273901976600_n.png]

Ankha, In the half hour leading up to the luncheon, there had been a scrutinizing examination of the room and each attendant by the Empress. She'd fixed ropes and adjusted knots accordingly, as well as ensured the tables were set symmetrically to allow the flow of Harmony. Content, there was a distinct sense of satisfaction emanating from the Egyptian as she tucked herself against Emperor's side to greet their guest. In lieu of the present theme, her ample frame was artfully bound in pale rope and a shimmering silver cape bore the likenesss of wings draped upon shoulders. The light caught the golden sheen of her tattoos and occasionally, if one gazed close enough, the markings seemed to shift. Echoing the amicable greeting by her mate, Ankha made herself comfortable but her eyes swept over their Household, meeting each with a silent reminder to be on their best behavior. [will post as needed, doin chores]

Kaikoga was getting himself situated, the pretty mothfox was wearing something a bit more saucy today to match the afternoon entertainment theme, even if the Overseer was blind, if he wanted to touch, then he could get something very tactile to feel. The mothfox had his pipa with him, plucking a string here or there, making sure it was in tune appropriately for the afternoon's entertainment, a light flutter of those mothy wings of his while antennae twitched and he looked up at their honoured guest. He bowed politely to Biers, "Xiàwu hao." Strange hearing Mandarine coming from one who was very clearly Japanese. "Please, allow me to provide music at your and Shenshang's leisure." He set back to tuning his instrument, smiling.

Aiyue: The Kirin had been summoned by both Emperor and Empress for some sort of function and had been told that she was to wear... an intricate weaving of ropes? The young female stood before the Emperor as he and an interesting mothfox applied pink and black ropes in a way that covered the important bits, but still left a great deal exposed; which was exactly how she was feeling. But she dared not to question her Emperor and Empress, she had vowed to herself her first night here that she would obey every command given to her and do what she needed to do so she earned and retained their good graces. She had taken it upon herself to decorate her hair though, a half-up-do with vines she had made herself wrapping around the base of the hair that was to be kept up and away from her face, cherry blossoms and rosebuds weaving their way through the hair that was left down and draped over her shoulders to provides some sort of coverage. She stood off to the side in the room that the meeting was being held, awaiting her instructions on where to place herself once things got started. <end. "Attire">

Biers had come as requested. It was rare that the man took a meeting outside of the Tether, but then again, usually he did not take meetings with Emperors. He'd arrive in a carriage, opting for appearance over function. He'd be greeted by the emperor and his wife, not to mention a whole array of what he assumed were servants, introduced to him as the entertainment. He would of course shake his friend's hand, as well as Ankha's. The others would receive a nod of the head, though they'd remain free of scrutiny otherwise. As much as Biers hated to admit it, this was a new locale and he did not know the layout of it. This made movement harder. "Jiuqi", he addressed the emperor, "Do you have someone who can serve me and guide me to my seat. I do not wish to break anything." He would never accept this as help, but if it was a service to him, then that was easier to swallow. If he did assign someone to him, the the overseer would soon be taking his seat. "Show?", he echoed the emperor's words. "I thought I was here on business." Not that he minded either way.

Emperor silently appraised each of the courtesans as they made their presence known each in their own way. Lucky for Biers he did not have to go very far outside of the Tether as his suite was directly build into the side of the Golden Moon. An approved expansion from the Rah himself, after he had offered to take the weight of the repairs from the heavy rains that plagued the Tether last season. Hearing the request he would nod his head though obviously that might go unseen. "Yes Mingxia will tend to you. She will be serving the food this evening." Waiting then for him to be settled into a seat. "Yes well a bit of pleasure first." He found that it would help break the ice and any tension their last run in had caused and perhaps make the Overseer more willing to cooperate. It was an olive branch to say that their friendship still stood. "Plus I would like your expert opinion as I would like to offer these types of services to the public. It will be helpful in sustaining funds for the war that is constantly brewing back in Taigoria. So I am giving you the first performance...exclusively and free." Wasn't the Emperor so generous? "Aiyue...come to the center. This one is under consideration as a concubine." He explained. Giving a nod towards the kirin to indicate that she could begin her performance. -e-

Mingxia did her best not to fidget when it came to the ropes being adjusted a little and she held back her disgust for the rope attire as best she could, keeping that sweet, welcoming smile to her lips. When it was someone she knew, then there would be some joy. For a moment, her eyes glanced to Kai and she grinned, but the look from Ankha was easily understood. Hearing her name, she looked and moved with ease and grace towards Biers' side. "This way Overseer. It is a pleasure to see you again after all this time." Yes, she remembered the equine quite well. A gentle touch and she'd take his arm and guide him to a seat. "Here you are Overseer." Allowing him to lower himself down and then stepped back. "There is some oolong tea, sake and some whiskey as well. Which would you prefer first Overseer?" When spoken, she would come to make sure his choice was served.

Biers would place his hand on Mingxia's shoulder when the Emperor surrendered her to guide him. "Indeed", he said when she commented on how good it was to see him again. He only had a vague recollection of her, though, but it did not cost to be polite. He'd soon take his seat. Refreshments were offered and Biers's choice would be obvious. "I will take the whiskey." He nodded when the Emperor spoke on debuting a show that was going to help provide for his war effort. "Sounds good", the overseer said, as he introduced one of his servants trying out for courtesan. The overseer folded his hands in his lap and turned his attention on to the performance. Truth be told, he was not particularly looking forward to discussing Elvyra's behavior with this man, so the longer he could postpone it, the better.

Aiyue: After she had been adjusted by Ankha, Aiyue's head snapped up as she had slightly started to daydream and go through a routine of sorts in her head. "Yes, My Emperor." She bowed softly before she came to the center of the room and took a slow, deep breath. Closing her eyes, Aiyue began to hum. She knew that standing still as she had done for Emperor during their private meeting would not be good for her during this showing of the Emperor's courtesans. She nodded to Kaikoga to signal that she was ready when he was to begin, and once he began playing, she would start humming along with the tune he played. Slowly, she swayed from side to side, circling her outstretched palms in close circles to each other. They began to glow and those small buds started to sprout from the centers of her hands. As Kai's music continued, Aiyue's dance became more dynamic in her movements; and as such, it allowed for more flowers to grow from the vines that were growing literally out of her palms. Not only that, but also from any foliage that would happen to be placed around the room. <end>

(16:07:05) Kaikoga would begin to play some music for those gathered. Ke would remain standing and skirt around to make sure what he played was easily heard by all. After all, the mothfox prided himself on three things: his looks, his silks and his music. The look he got from Ming, he shot one back with a smirk and a wink in her direction, strutting his stuff in that ensemble he wore.

Ankha understood Mingxia's discomfort but it could not be helped, she would have to endure and maybe be rewarded for not fidgeting too much later. Large ears twitched to the rich baritone of her husband's voice, the preface for the luncheon laid out to be a show and talent display. "Perhaps it might be prudent to provide a description of what is being showcased," she would say in a muted voice for her mate's consideration. Taking into account the Overseer's blindness, she was not certain of its severity but commentary would probably be useful. Aiyue's song and dance, with the plant magic being the first time Ankha had seen such, is intriguing to observe. Not that it shows on her docile expression, picking up a cup of tea to sip.

Emperor was pleased that so far everything seemed to be falling well into place and no one appeared to be bumbling around; that would have been very embarrassing. He wondered how Aiyue would do on the center stage. The mastiff had only taken her in a few days ago but like everyone else she was expected to work well to maintain his protection, food and shelter. When the overseer was seated and ordered his drink he would give a nod towards Ming. "You can bring out the first course along with it. I will have my tea spiked with a shot of whiskey." Which was his usual. "Ankha likes her wines." Shifting his eyes over to Kaikoga who was testingly plucking at the strings of his instrument. Then roaming his gaze back towards Biers. "Feel free to get up close and personal should you need to and give any criticisms you might have. I can take it." He mused at the thought. The possibly such was an invitation might welcome harm to his ego but well he was offering on this rare occasion. Taking the jackal's words into consideration. He tutted and gave a stroke to his beard in thought. "Hmm...Kaikoga can you play as well as narrate?" It would be odd for him to speak business and having to stop and point out each action...so perhaps he was not the one that should be doing that. Though he would describe the room and setting. "You are in our suite which is an expansion of the golden moon. I call it the west wing. The walls are red, the trim of floorboards is in golden filigree. There is a hanging teapot just off to the side of your table. Along the walls are relics and antiques of the orient and on the other side are Egyptian decorations. Ambient warm lighting cast by paper floor lanterns and paper screen doors." He let the imagery to soak in for the man. As Aiyue began and eyes followed her motions as the foliage began spreading out from her.

Mingxia stood behind and to the side of him, keeping out of the way. The look from Kai had made her chuckle silently. Ah, this could be good. Once Emperor and Ankha were seated, she turned her gaze slightly towards the mastiff and when he'd cue her to, she would move out to get the food. When Emperor spoke, she bowed her head. "Of course Shengshang." Turning, she moved off and, with a nice, smooth sway of her hips, she moved off. Returning, she brought a rolling cart out and stopping before each seated, she placed a bowl of won ton soup, a plate of three egg rolls each and with said egg rolls were two smaller bowls, one with duck sauce, the other with a spicy mustard. Before Emperor, a cup of tea was placed, some whiskey having also been added. Ankha received her wine and Biers his whiskey. Once poured it was placed near him and if he were keen on the scent, he'd come to find it was he very brand he enjoyed quite a bit. How had she come to acquire that? She'd tell if asked. Mingxia stepped back once all was in place. <<

Biers would let the Emperor speak, letting him explain the stage to him. It'd be impolite to interrupt him. Biers would not. However, when the man had finished, the overseer would speak. "My friend", he began, carefully yet with obvious conviction. "None of this is required. I no longer see the world that way, so you don't need to describe it as such. As for the performance..." He sucked in a breath. How to put this? "I enjoy it in a different manner now, but asking me to judge if the rest of the world will appreciate it...? I would suggest you find someone with a more traditional way of seeing things?" He would of course enjoy the food and drink that Mingxia brought and with his secret aura vision, he was more than capable of enjoying the performance on his own level. He hoped he'd made his sensibilities clear without being too rude to his host. "By all means, continue as you had planned. There's no need to describe anything to me." He took a large swallow of whiskey from his glass. "And if there are things to discuss, perhaps we should get to them sooner rather than later." After all, his eyes may be ruined, but there was nothing wrong with the overseer's tongue and ears.

Kaikoga played his music, though her paused, antennae wiggling a little and his ears twitching, "Do you really need to ask that, Shenshang?" He smiled, bowing, while he kept playing his pipa. He would very quickly begin to narrate things for Biers, to help paint a picture for his mind as to what is visible. The bard was good with words and descriptions, as what would be very expected of a bard, or so one hoped. And the mothfox would deliver in spades. He would describe everything so the Overseer could "see" what was happening. Of course, that was providing Biers could split his attention enough for the "described performance" that was going on.

Aiyue continued her dance, though the amount of energy she was expending this afternoon was far more than she had the day she first met The Emperor. Whenever Kai finally finished playing his song, Aiyue stopped her dancing. She slowly closed her palms, which caused the vines to disappear, but allowed the plethora of flowers to float to the ground. The extra growth from the foliage that had already been in the room slowly grew back into itself as if it had never been there. She bowed deeply to Emperor and Ankha, turned to Biers and bowed to him as well, before turning to Kai and bowing to him while also blowing a gentle, innocent kiss in thanks for accompanying her with his beautiful music. "Is there anything that the Emperor and Empress would like for me to do?" She asked; her chest heaving and falling quickly, signaling that she was clearly out of breath at this point.

Emperor dipped his head towards Ming as the food was brought out and served. Loosely watching Aiyue as he also took in how Biers countered the offer for narration. Though seeing Kaikoga was already in the middle of starting it he'd let him finish as not to cut him off and would simply make a hand gesture to indicate anything further revolving that topic wouldn't be needed. As had been requested by the guest. "That is fine enjoy it how you will." A wrinkle of his snout but that was the only mild pang of mild annoyance. After all the mastiff would still be enjoying his own prepared eye feast for himself then. No real harm done. Taking up the warm porcelain cup and pressing it to his lips. Taking a gulp of the blended brew. "Very well... to business then." Eyes training on Aiyue. He still expected her to continue dancing. Then flicking to settle on the Overseer. "You know...probably better than most aside from my own household. Emperor I do not take well to being publicly ridiculed. In my Kingdom such things are seen as a crime. I have killed for far less. Though you are my friend and I would never wish direct harm on you or your wife." He took a pause to allow the weight of the situation to come to a head. Sipping again at the beverage. Keeping himself calm and collected. The pleasant notes of the bard's musics keeping the beast soothed and level minded. "I would suggest some form of reprimance to settle this slight against my family." And as Aiyue's dance came to an end he'd wave her off to collect herself, as he waited a reply. Unfortunately the food remained untouched as the meat of the situation came to light.

Ankha kept to her tea for the time being, the heat and herbal mixture soothed the distant storm of her temper. There was more than one reason for the luncheon and while she could have enjoyed a little more time with the entertainment, there was business to discuss. A particularly tense and unpleasant topic, one that provoked her ire from the memory alone. The Empress set down her drink as Aiyue's dance came to an end and food is served, her appetite not particularly prominent at the moment. Ankha tilted her muzzle as Emperor reflected on Elvyra's rudeness and her sharp emerald gaze fixed on the Overseer, "Your wife has been in your family for a long time now, there is little reason or excuse why her racism persists. Neither can it simply be explained as her nature," she added in, mindful to keep her voice neutral. "It is a poor reflection upon you and your house, Biers. Elvyra's behavior is unbecoming for a woman of her status and you know this." Ankha would offer no further remarks after that, unless she felt it necessary that is. There were far crueler things the Empress wanted to say but she was far too experienced a diplomat to bring them to light.

Biers did not miss the wrinkle of annoyance in the Emperor. He understood it. It was only natural to prepare something, be excited about it, and then be told that it was for nothing. It was not for nothing, of course, as Biers had tried to make clear that he did enjoy it all, just differently. He'd let it go unspoken further because the topic switched to his wife. He sighed and drained the rest of whiskey from his glass. "I figured you'd want to talk about that", he said to Emperor. That the man made such casual reference to killing people for offenses to his name did seem to annoy Biers. "Jiuqi", he said, "I have to remind you that while you are on Guildereim, you are on neutral territory. Your titles and lineage, impressive though they may be, will not matter much if that line of thought it continued." Of course, Biers did get immediate reassurance that the man did not wish harm on him or his wife. >
(17:13:03) Biers > "A reprimand?", he asked, echoing the sentiment. "What did you have in mind?" Eyes shifted onto Ankha when she spoke. "The situation is far more complex that you think it is", he offered, trying to keep his tone of voice even, polite, but having a difficult time hiding the fire behind it. "My wife..." He paused, wondering how much he should really speak aloud. "She has many layers to her. And do not get me wrong, many of her views are wrong, I agree." He gave what she'd said a few moments more consideration. "I do not consider Elvyra to reflect too poorly on my house", he concluded. "I am proud to have her by my side. She's a woman of great fire and determination. She just channels those towards the wrong goals. I have been trying to guide her."

Aiyue bowed once more to Emperor and Ankha as she was waved off. She went to a corner of the room to catch her breath before asking Ming for a cup of tea herself, she was so unsure of what her station here as a concubine was until she had formally met with Empress Ankha alone. When she received the tea, she bowed from her neck to Ming sweetly and made her way to sit behind Emperor and Ankha on the floor just behind them. She was unsure what the three of them were talking about, so she kept her opinions to herself and simply perpared herself for a second dance should she need to.

Mingxia watched for any signs from the three that they needed something. While she had been told little as to what had happened, she knew it was not something good. Her tongue quiet, she would be a good minion and be seen and not heard unless she herself was asked a question. Listening though to what Emperor and Ankha spoke of, she was now curious as to what had happened fully to bring this about. She did not know of whom they spoke of, but mention of 'wife' made her blink. The Overseer had married? And to a feline? Gods may they never have children. She had never met the feline, so she couldn't give opinion. Remaining where she was stationed behind Biers, she was still and silent as stone.

Kaikoga continued to play music, though ceased narrating as he was told it wasn't needed. Of course, he would to as instructed, this was the Emperor's court away from court. He would simply be the auditory entertainment for the time being as business was discussed.

Emperor glanced to Ankha as she would add her own piece into the mix. As she had also been quite affected by the malicious words. Finishing down the tea in a harsh gulp as Biers delved into the fact his titles did not mean much upon the island. "My influence is far reaching. I do not fear the repercussions. I merely restrict myself for sake of decorum and to keep hold of my networking. A long life can be lonely without good friendships." He had to admit. Giving a clench to his jaws as he willed himself to shrug off the blow to his Imperialship not holding meaning. He was not going to go down that rabbit hole as such would be a pointless argument in which no side would win. He folded his arms, allowing them to disappear inside the lengthy sleeves of his robes. "As you might say Biers...but I beg to differ. That you did not publically condone that her actions were misplaced and did not reflect your thoughts has left many in that public space to think that was alright. Not saying anything is nearly the same as agreeing with the action." He stated with a light huff of breath...keeping steady. "I am sure asking her to apologize publicly would be refused...?" It was both a statement as well as a question. As he was assuming that the man wouldn't be able to get her to. "If not then what would you be willing to offer us in apology on her behalf?"

Ankha refrained also from adding into that rebuttal of their titles meaning little on the crescent island but she could sense the discontent from her husband and rested a hand on his arm in quiet understanding. A brow quirked when Biers' mentioned the issue was far more complex but she clearly did not believe him. Racism was a learned behavior and it could be unlearned through appropriate education. Ankha shifted where she sat and the hand that rested on her mate? It tightened, a subtle hint that her temper was itching to rise to the surface. "Layers, complexities?" She echoed, "There is no excuse for her uncouth manners. She can keep her views to herself in public, that is not difficult to do." The Empress' voice was cold and she hummed an assent to Emperor's remark that Biers' silence at the time had been as if he condoned the feline's words. A public apology was far too light in her opinion but that would be made clear later, when she and her mate were alone.

Biers would hold out his empty glass to Mingxia, for the way Emperor and his wife spoke made it sound like he was going to need another day. What the emperor said was that he was playing nice so long as Guildereim did what he wished and did not fear repercussions if it did not. That could potentially be a serious problem. He tried to address it in a different way. "Then why do you even care what my wife things, let alone what she says, Jiuqi?", he questioned. "Your position is stable, she's not going to disrupt it." He heard Ankha's words and snorted, though immediately realized he was once again forgetting his manners. "Believe me", he said to Ankha, "This, I have mentioned time and again." Usually in silence, by squeezing Elvyra's knee. Rome was not built in a day. He turned his attention back onto the Emperor. "I can see why a public apology from my wife might seem like a good idea", he said. "But think about it. Do you think she'll hold her tongue?" So then he was presented with that vital question. What could he offer in lieu of an apology from the feline. "Why, nothing, my friend", he told him, perhaps shockingly so. "I do not speak for my wife. Do you speak for yours?"

Mingxia could only imagine the disruption that had happened, but until she was told fully, she said nothing on the matter. When the glass was held up, she moved forward and was quick to retrieve it. It was a simple gesture and therefore she moved to refill the glass with the whiskey. Returning with it, the glass was returned to the Overseer before she stepped back into place once he accepted it. However if the glass was no accepted, she would remain in place holding it til such time the equine did take it. Oh dear, this didn't sound like it was going to end well.

Emperor furrowed his brows at the comeback. Feeling his muscles tightened up and Ankha having applied some pressure to his arm keeping him at bay. "The name of my household's reputation and how those in public see me matter much. Would you simply let anyone talk to you any way they like? You share position here in the Tether. You know what the weight of that feels like. Having to keep such a presence about you. You would not like to appear weak to the slaves in which you evaluate. I am sure if the shoe was on the other foot...you would have written a note telling me of any in my household's behavior. If I am to be held to the island's laws and etiquettes...then so too should yourself and those within your household." He couldn't really control his fur from bristling with irritation at this point. He had thought they were friends and now it seemed that Biers was rather alright with whatever his wife did..and that she would be allowed to do whatever without any consequences. "I am the voice of my household. Should there ever be a disruption that anyone of mine has caused then yes I would step up and take responsibility for their actions. They would hear about it from me...and the public would know that it has been corrected. If I did not then I would be seen as weak and unable to control my own home and those within it." His muzzle lips wrinkling. "I worry that you may not care for this friendship any longer. If you can not provide anything....nothing at all. Then at least have her steer clear of my household. We ignore her and she ignore us. I would not like this to be escalated any further." The mastiff didn't want things to have turned sour as they did but it was quite clear the power she held over the man and it made him look weak that he would not do anything to try to amend the issue.

Ankha's large ears twitched downwards in a clear display of the jackal's displeasure and it might seem as if the room grew uncomfortably warm when one ventured near her. She reached for her tea and found only meager comfort in the herbal flavor, thickly swallowing the growl that bubbled in her throat in response to Biers' snort. Ankha deferred to her partner for the time being but she was terribly irritated with the Overseer's apparent disregard for his wife's behavior and offered nothing to absolve the insult. After Emperor's decision it was best to ignore Elvyra, which was something the Empress already did, she found the means to speak without letting her anger show. "Biers, I would like to think you are a reasonable man, there is time yet to make an effort to salvage this." She mused but did not hold out hope.

Biers would drain that new drink so fast, Mingxia could take the glass back with her. He heard the accusation in the emperor's voice and he could see the anger in his aura. "I am not the voice of my household", he said to the man in response to those words. "Elvyra and me share that role. She and me, we both have our flaws. And trust me, we fight over them often. Maybe one day, we'll both come out of this stronger. But in the meantime, I cannot apologize on her behalf, nor can I force her to apologize either." The overseer stood up. "I do care about this friendship, Jiuqi", he told the mastiff. "Almost as much as I care about my marriage. You're the one throwing it away over some harsh words." Ankha called him a reasonable man, hoping to find a way out of this mess. He turned his gaze onto her. "I can express your opinions to her", he told the woman. "I can explain how it is weighing on my friendships, my relations, my work... I can do that." He would look around for Mingxia's return, should she recognize that he was making his way to leave. "But if you are wanting something else from me, then I am afraid I have to disappoint. I'd like to leave now", he finished. He did not like leaving all of this hanging in the air, but tensions were high and points had been made by both sides that might need some mulling over. Time did heal all wounds, he had heard. This was festering now. Perhaps in a few day's time, they could look at things in another light.

Mingxia was surprised in how fast the glass had been drained, but then again she shouldn't have been. She'd seen others shoot back drinks just as fast. Things were not working quite right, she could sense this, but she contained her opinions for now. Returning, she saw Biers rising and moved to his side to assist in whatever way he needed her. "I am ready when you are Overseer." Spoken calmly and glancing to Emperor for his approval to move. This had been the first time she'd been this compliant in a while. Though it saddened her, such fine food was now going to waste. "Would...you perhaps like a bit of a to go basket of some of the food I prepared Overseer? It would seem a waste you did not get to try the rest." Sweet smile on her lips and perhaps a little hopeful she could send off the man with some of the food at least.

Emperor and Biers would just not be able to see eye to eye in this moment. Though the overseer explained they were equals in their marriage he could not understand how that made any of it alright. Ankha shared in a title with him and yet she would never make a move to embarrass him in public...not on purpose anyway. And if it had been brought to light he was sure she would apologize for it. As Biers mentioned he was the one throwing away the friendship his frown only deepened. Then finally..."I would appreciate you speaking with her then. In the meantime distance. Should anything else be said or done towards us by her...I fear I would not be able to hold in my anger about it as I had done today." And this was hard enough for him as it was. He was a temperamental creature who held a very fragile ego. He would stand as Biers would pardon himself and then clap his hands for the courtesans to be dismissed. Ming would likely be upset that none of her delicious looking food had even been touched. "You can send it on after him." He told to Ming to assure her that it would be utilized. But other then that he wanted his space.

Ankha's player has a budding headache, so Ankh'll stand with Biers' exit and bid him a good day. Once the Overseer had departed, the Empress swept out of the hall. Probably off to vent or pray, maybe both. [thank you! i gotta go get ready for work]