The bells of the imperial palace did not ring often.
When they did, the entire capital listened.
Three clear tolls echoed across the city that morning, rolling over rooftops and stone streets, slipping through open windows and market stalls, reaching even the quietest corners of the noble districts.
By the second toll, people had begun to whisper.
By the third—
They already knew.
This was not routine.
This was not ceremony.
This was judgment.
Messengers moved swiftly through the palace halls, carrying sealed orders stamped with the imperial crest. Servants stepped aside as they passed, lowering their heads instinctively.
The words were simple.
Unmistakable.
"All daughters of the Empress are to attend court."
No explanation.
No reason.
No room for refusal.
In the noble districts, letters arrived with equal urgency.
High-ranking officials.
Key witnesses.
Clergy.
All summoned.
All expected.
And as the decree spread, so did the murmurs.
