Shadow Puppets

Meili awoke with the light. Tricky was back beside her bed. She peeped outside her tent. Bai Li was gone, and the blanket lay neatly folded.

Manni appeared and hurried her back inside the tent. "Young Miss! Don't step out before you've dressed!"

Meili allowed Manni to take charge of her preparations for the day. She knew she wouldn't be joining in any hunting. In the afternoon there was the planned visit to the Empress's tomb.

Manni had selected a creamy gold silk dress with a high collar, embroidered with cornflower blue wild roses, the stems and leaves depicted in gold thread. It was pretty but tasteful and understated. A matching delicate gold headband with blue enamel blossoms made her look young and fresh.

"Manni, sometimes I wish you had a beautiful young mistress to lavish your attentions on," laughed Meili, as Manni finished her work with a delicate pink lipstick. "You're very clever."

Manni was speechless. Her lower lip quivered.