"And then we'd better show the Hindian dancers' performance accompanied by the trained tigers, right?" Wang Hu stared at a big scroll - the map of the main square of the Royal Palace where the performances were going to be held for the emperor's upcoming birthday.
"Yeah, but keep it a little shorter in time because I need to do my solo part too," Tiegan replied.
They were sitting at a round table and sipping some fragrant green tea. Their tigers - Hu's best friend, white tiger Xuebai, and Tiegan's new "sister" (as she loved to call her), red Bengal tiger Scarlett - were lying together, fondling each other, affectionate of one another just like their masters.
"Yes, you will have your solo time. Then I will join and we'll finish with a duet."
"Good idea. Write it down so you don't forget it." Tiegan chuckled and took a sip of her tea.
"Ugh, it was only one time I forgot to include the tigers-jumping-through-the-fire performance! Why do you think I'm forgetting everything?"
"Because you are!" Tiegan stuck out her tongue. "Go on, write the timetables down. I know you too well already."
Hu laughed:
"Ugh, okay, okay... I could never imagine it was so hard to be a Soutrailian's boyfriend..."
"That's because you've been raised as a mollycoddle prince and not as a free Maarian maiden like me."
"Why would I ever be raised as a maiden?"
Hu stuck his tongue out back at Tiegan. The latter burst out laughing:
"I meant not that, you dummy!"
Meanwhile, Tao was combing his long brown hair in his room. She had fallen into her thoughts:
To just imagine that all this time, he noticed me and liked me... He indeed didn't pity me back then, but just showed me his support. That was all I ever needed from a guy. He is truly something... If I didn't want to change the world while in this twisted empire of Wanglong, then I'd straightly wish to turn back into a girl and be forever with him. But, even if I do change now, we will still not be together, since he, as a nobleman, is not allowed to spend time with me, a peasant maid. I am of noble heritage, it's true, but it's not enough to stand on equal ground with a prince in this wretched country...
He heard a bell ring. He sprang up, threw the comb on the table, rushed out of his room, and appeared in his master's one. Shao was sitting on his bed with a bare chest and bare feet, wearing only black silken trousers. His body was muscular and scarred, his arms - strong and sturdy, his expression - wise but tired. Tamie's heart bounced with excitement as she saw him in such an awesome state:
He's... so good...
She quickly got a hold of herself and bowed down to him:
"You called me, master?"
"I did. My brothers are visiting the hot springs today, before the emperor's birthday comes. I thought I'd take you along since all of my brothers' private servants will be there. Hu is even bringing that white tiger of his." Shao chuckled.
Tamie widened her eyes - he wanted to take her on a princely get-together?!
Amazing! I will get more acquainted with all of the princes, and maybe, I'll manage to find out what that scum Di and his Ahil Khan are up to...
"It is a great honour for me, Your Highness!"
"Well then, let's go."
Tao bowed, grabbed his black bath-robe and put it on him. Shao adjusted it on his body and they walked out towards the hot-springs together.
YOU ARE READING
Gift of the Fox
FantasyIn the kingdom of Wanglong, slave girls work in the royal palace. Tamie Beanson, Tiegan Brown, and Liz Schettner are close friends with each other. They serve as water-maids in the palace and occasionally do some other work. They get to contemplate...