"Our Vizier is... currently indisposed. She hasn't emerged from her chambers for three days and two nights, and even her husband has yet to be granted access inside. So I must apologize on their behalf as the Eldest Scholar of Khisba, Sultana, that this table is rather... barren of important inhabitants."
The older lady from before gave a deep bow to the Sultana, who was lounging on the throne, slowly and methodically peeling one of the apples that rested on the large golden platter in the middle of the table, and her current actions were giving the woman a high amount of anxiety as she waited for an answer.
Whew~