Conspiracies and rising tensions

Esmé's glare told Lilli that the woman wasn't particularly keen on joking around and, while the paladin wanted to complain about the cold welcome, she knew that Esmé had become almost as stressed as she was.

"Yes, I'm late. Sorry for the delay, but Countess Agapov seemed particularly content to have a tryst in the bushes near our message drop off. I had to wait until she left. Though, based on those two you were talking to, I doubt me being on time would have saved you."

The Grand Dowager Empress grimaced but nodded. She could hardly blame Lilli for the frivolities of those in court, but that didn't stop it all from being a huge hindrance. Communicating without others overhearing them had immediately become one of their most pressing issues, and now that time was cut back even more.