“This is not a good time, sir,” she said. Amilia could hardly believe she was saying no to a noble lord. “The empress is indisposed at the moment. Please understand.”

“But of course. My apologies. Perhaps I could have a word with you, then?”

“Me? Ah, well—yes, I suppose that would be all right.” Amilia stepped outside, closing the door behind her.

Amilia expected the earl would make his issue known right then, but instead, he began to walk down the corridor, and it took a moment for her to realize he expected her to follow.

“The empress is well, I trust?”

“Yes, my lord,” she said, glancing back at the door to the dressing room, which was getting farther and farther away.

“I’m pleased to hear that,” the earl said, and then suddenly added, “How rude of me. How are you feeling, milady?”

“I’m as well as can be expected, sir.”

If Amilia had not been so consumed with thoughts of the empress, she would have found it funny that an earl was embarrassed by not immediately inquiring about her own health.

“And it’s beautiful weather for the festivities today, is it not?”

“Yes, sir, it is.” She forced her voice to remain calm.

Nimbus, Anna, and the cobbler all appeared and rushed down the hall. Nimbus paused briefly, giving her a worried look before entering the dressing room.

“Allow me to be blunt,” the earl said.

“Please do, sir.” Amilia’s anxiety neared the breaking point.

“Everyone knows you’re the closest to the empress. She confides in no one but you. Can you—Have you—Does the empress ever speak of me?”

Amilia raised her eyebrows in surprise. Under ordinary circumstances, the earl’s hesitancy could have seemed quaint and even charming, but at that moment, she prayed he would just get it out and be done with it.

“Please, I know I’m being terribly forward, but I’m a forward man. I would like to know if she has ever thought of me, and if so, is it to her favor?”

“My lord, I can honestly say she has never once mentioned you to me.”

The earl paused to consider this.

“I’m not sure how I should interpret that. I’m certain she sees so many suitors. Can you do me a favor, milady?”

“If it is in my power, sir.”

“Could you speak to her about gracing me with a dance this evening at the ball after the banquet? I would be incredibly grateful.”

“Her Eminence won’t be attending the ball or the banquet, sir. She never dines in public and has many matters that require her attention.”

“Never?”

“I’m afraid not, sir.”

“I see.” The earl paused in thought as Amilia rapidly drummed the tips of her fingers together.

“If you please, sir, I do need to be seeing to the empress.”