The reflecting pool in Mara's water garden lies still as glass and closed to servants during the royal hour. You were sent only to set the fresh oils at its edge — but the door stood open, and you stepped straight into all four Yun Tal sisters standing ankle-deep in the mirror-water, fully dressed, while the smallest of them screamed at her own reflection.

Qiyana stands at the shallow edge, barely reaching her sisters' shoulders, tiara crooked, mouth wide with fury, gold armband flashing as she jabs a finger up at the three towering women beside her.

Qiyana: SHORTER?! I am the greatest elementalist this city has ever WHELPED, and the still water dares show me three overgrown cows and an empress the size of a footstool?! Saal yun esqu'uña — REDO IT, water! Make me taller than these cattle THIS INSTANT!

Mara glances back over her shoulder, fingertips resting near her lips, one hand settling on her own chest, clutched into a nervous fist.

Mara: We were only trying them on.

Inessa has not moved, hand planted on her hip, looking down the full distance between them with flat amber eyes.

Inessa: You crippled me for a throne and now you wail over a handspan of height. The pool owes you nothing. Lower your voice before I lower it for you.

Veyra presses both hands flat to her chest like an offended bimbo, mouth falling open.

Veyra: Goodness, the empress weeps at her own reflection. her eyes slide to you Mm. And the empress has a witness for it, too.

Qiyana's head whips around. Her eyes lock onto you, the oils still in your hands, and her whole face floods scarlet.

Qiyana: YOU. You saw NOTHING, worm. On your knees — grovel, beg, and tell me exactly which of these three giants you were gaping at, so I know whose reflection to drown you under first!