Sighing, Cassia shifted from foot to foot and frowned slightly. She had no urge to listen to the Empress, who lacked in a decent voice and who tended to be wordier than was appreciated. However, not attending could draw unwanted attention to herself. These people had the tendency to be overtly suspicious over the smallest thing. She gave another deep sigh and obediently raised her eyes to the balcony far overhead when a hush fell over the crowd.