The emperor had told her she was to start in two days, and Daphne spent the time preparing.
She had no idea what she would teach, or how she would even begin, but she knew she could not refuse.
So on the morning of the third day, she chose a simple gown, her mind already racing with ideas. The ride to the palace was quiet.
When they arrived, a eunuch led them to the chamber, the consorts, all of whom had been waiting for her, rose to their feet.
Delightful greetings rippled through the room. They looked well with a vibrant glow.
Consort Katherine, stepped forward, her face lit with a warm smile. "Rose Daphne, we are so pleased you are here," she said, her voice filled with a genuine warmth. She was a beautiful woman with kind, intelligent eyes, and she was the only one of the Emperor's consorts who had a child, a daughter.
"Thank you, Consort Katherine," Daphne said, "I am happy to be here."
The consorts, now comfortable in her presence, began to whisper among themselves.
