I lounged on the edge of my massive bed in the emperor's private chambers, torchlight flickering warm across heavy velvet drapes and gold-threaded tapestries depicting conquests long faded.
The air thick with lingering rose incense from the atrium and the faint, illicit musk of my unbathed body—sweat-slick skin under the sheer crimson harem silks.
"Merol, how is the palace's condition during my absence?"
"Good."
The gold coin-belts cool against my bare midriff, cropped gauze halter rasping my raw nipples with every shallow breath, high-slit pantaloons clinging to thighs still tender from carriage jolts and deeper aches.
"Fine."
The sapphire veil hung loose now, draped over one shoulder like a conquered flag, golden hair braids loosening jasmine chains that brushed my flushed collarbone.
