As the Empress and Ambassador reemerged Aisha and Kaya abruptly broke off a whispered conversation they had been having and returned to attempting to look sultry and available at each side of the throne.  The impression was ruined a little by Aisha trying to stifle giggles and Kaya occasionally holding up her little finger and then looking meaningfully at Aisha.  Gossip about the perfomrance of various members of the court occupied most of the harem's time but they were careful on this occasion not to let on which courtier had been the object of their derision.<br/><br/>Both made a visible effort to control themselves when the Seneschal shot them a dirty look and had more or less composed themselves by the time the Empress would have noticed them.<br/><br/>Aisha winked at Vincent and mouthed 'How long are we going to be?'