Episode: 9
Juniper arrives at the Royal Arts Bureau to begin her work, but a rival dancer and her followers immediately confront her. The woman mocks Juniper and threatens her new job. Their argument escalates into a physical slap until the bureau manager breaks it up. The rival demands that Juniper join the upcoming dance trials. The manager agrees and orders her to dance. Her rival warns her that failing before the Emperor means execution.
Juniper walks into the Royal Arts Bureau. A leading dancer blocks her path with several followers. The rival dancer mocks Juniper's appearance and background. She insults Juniper directly and tells her that her new job is not safe.
The argument between Juniper and the dancer turns violent when someone strikes a physical slap. The bureau manager walks in and stops them immediately. He reprimands both women for causing an uproar right before the scheduled dance trials.
The rival dancer speaks up and demands that every instructor take part in the trials, including Juniper. The manager listens to her demand and agrees. He orders Juniper to dance in the upcoming trial with everyone else.
The rival approaches Juniper again to taunt her about the trial. She tells Juniper that the Emperor himself will watch the performance. Then she warns Juniper that a single mistake on stage will cost her her life.
“Belive it or not, with just one word from me, Hendrix will immediately kick you and that little burden out the door.”
“Since you've joined us, you must follow our rules. You go too.”
“Make a mistake performing before His Majesty, and you'll lose your head.”
The episode ends with Juniper standing alone in the bureau. She looks visibly anxious as the danger sinks in. Her rival has trapped her in a public trial where any misstep means death. Can Juniper prepare in time to survive the performance before the Emperor, or will her rival's scheme cost her her life?