I shiver, fear coating the inside of my mouth, and remain silent. The emperor laughs again, “Get up, my beautiful desert blossom, come sit with me.” I do as I’m told, moving behind him to the couches. He pats the cushion next to him and I sit. This isn’t what happened the last time I was called, when I was used and quickly dismissed.

“What is you’re name, beauty?” he asks, his eyes searching my face. He plucks a nut from a nearby bowl inlaid with precious stones, and pops it into his mouth.

“O-Orchid.” I whisper, barely audible. He nods, then puts his arms around me.

“Orchid, hm? My wives are jealous of you, Orchid.” He twirls his index finger in my long hair, which hangs loose tonight. “They are ugly city girls, their beauty is not exotic. They know it is the desert girl, the river valley beauty, or the temple virgin that I long for.” I lean against him, as I know he wishes. “There, beauty, that’s better.” He pulls me into his arms, holds me against his chest, and strokes my hair. Then he carries me away.