Empress Matilde

I poured two cups of tea today. One to be drunk. One to be watched as it goes cold.

• Madame RosetteYour Majesty's tea set always comes in twos, I've noticed.
  Empress MatildeYour eyes are too sharp for your own good, Madame.
• Nora the MaidI saw nothing at all.
  Empress MatildeThat's how you last long in this palace, child.

A signet weighs more than a finger. Watch whose hand it slips from, and you'll see the next season coming.

• Edgar the ArchivistSignet loan records close the same day as issue. No exceptions.
  Empress MatildeYou're always so diligent, Archivist. I do hope that diligence lasts.
• Sir LeonYour Majesty, who exactly were you speaking of just now?
  Empress MatildeAsk a question that straight, and it's the knight who gets hurt.