The group of people who entered all knelt in unison.
Emperor Sinclair snapped at Queen Vance, "Shut your mouth! This is none of your business!" Then, he turned to the Empress Dowager with a placating smile. "It was my oversight, Mother. If you must blame someone, blame me."
One would have thought that such an apology from the sovereign would put the matter to rest, yet the Empress Dowager's expression didn't soften in the slightest.
"You were indeed negligent. But you are the sovereign, so I cannot punish you. I'll hold your wife accountable instead. Be seated."
Only then did the group timidly kneel on the floor cushions.
Ashley Bowen's mouth was slightly agape. 'I never knew a woman, let alone an elderly one, could command such authority.' Just moments ago, when she had been about to kneel, the Empress Dowager had quickly stopped her, saying that this wasn't the feudal era. 'So what was this, with Emperor Sinclair and his party all kneeling?'
