Vykos was in conversation with a Forest Kingdoms girl Aisha had never bothered learning how to pronounce the name of.  Any name with more than three syllables was excessive in her opinion.  Seeing her glance though he waved her over.<br/><br/>"Her majesty has requested two of the girls to attend her.  Aisha, go with Kahayalistraline.  And smarten yourself up."  He tugged irritably at her top, adjusting it for maximum smartness.  "Go on.  Don't keep her majesty waiting.  Go, go."  He flapped his hands at them.<br/><br/>Aisha foisted her goblet on one of the guards she knew vaguely - "Drink that or I tell the grand commander I saw you with a drink.  Don't think I won't."  - then turned to head down into the castle and towards the audience chambers.  The Empress was talking with her Grand Commander so Aisha lifted a vol-au-vent from a passing servant and waited down the corridor until summoned.