Prologue
9.
The colors in the garden faded, the indigo brilliance of the sky gave place to mauve, blending into gray blue. The sun slipped over the earth's sharp rim, the moon rose, the stars came out. Shadows slipped in and out among the firs, but still Frozen Pearl Lake shone like a jewel of ice.
The Amah seemed not at all surprised at Prince Shou's continued absence, for eunuchs had conveyed his wishes to her. And she followed out her instructions zealously, for she had no wish to be sent away, parted from Yuhan. She was well aware that this would be her fate if she deviated in the slightest from her role. She was not dismayed by the knowledge that Prince Shou was a sensualist. Perhaps it was as well; it meant everlasting security for both of them. Obedience is the lot of women. To be loved extremely is a privilege of which any woman might be proud. Calmly she went about her task of preparing Yuhan's bath.
The marble bathroom that adjoined the sleeping room was austerely simple but of a dignified elegance. The bath itself was level with the floor. Eunuchs filled it with warm water that they carried in large earthen jugs. Then they withdrew, though one lingered for a moment to sprinkle a small quantity of an Arabian perfume into the water. It had a pungent fleshly odor that excited the nerves.
