A petition with its seal unbroken has sat on my desk for three days now. I already know what words wait inside, before I've even broken the seal.

• Chief EunuchThe Imperial Seal still rests in its box. I won't take it out until Your Majesty asks.
  EliasDon't take it out. Today my own hand doesn't feel like mine.
• The Queen DowagerThree nights should be more than enough for it to ripen. A decision delayed too long wounds people.