All eyes were on the Empress as she made her way boldly towards the large cage in the middle of the stage. They were all gripping on their chairs whether the cats would actually choose the Empress.
On the other hand, the two cats were making a fuss inside the cage non-stop. Others thought otherwise, but to Hui Lan, there was a small smile on her face. That smile, it did not escape from the Elder's sharp eyes.
Many who had their eyes on the cats couldn't help but worry at first, but when they saw that the two wild cats were still hissing and snarling as the Empress walked closer, they could feel rest assured that it would definitely not be the Empress.
...Tut tut, what could an unfavoured Empress do? Even, she was not favoured by the son of heaven, and with these two cats, she wouldn't stand a chance.