The sun was setting on the empire, casting a warm glow over the magnificent palace of the Crown Prince, where Crown Princess Cassiopeia sat at her desk, surrounded by stacks of papers and books when a knock came at the door.
"Enter," she called out, setting down her quill.
The door opened, and a messenger stepped inside, bowing low. "Your Highness, I bring an invitation from the Empress Dowager," he said, holding out a golden envelope.
Cassiopeia took the invitation, her eyebrows furrowing as she read the ornate script. "A dinner in the palace of the Empress Dowager?" she repeated. "And why was the Crown Prince not invited?"
The messenger hesitated, clearing his throat. "I-I'm not sure, Your Highness," he stammered.
Cassiopeia stood, her eyes flashing with anger. "How dare she invite
