The sun was dwindling over the purple mountains of Katara, and

somewhere a couple servants were shouting and pointing at a distant

silver speck chasing rapidly across the sky, probably a migrating

dragon.

Princess Machiko pulled shut the doors to her balcony with a sigh,

retreating to the warmth of her private chamber. She faced a

dilemma. Her father the Emperor had sent her a polite note written

on rice paper, ordering her to appear at tonight's formal state

dinner. She knew the dinner would be dull since the note had said

that several prospective suitors, including the barbarian Prince

Han, would be there. The dinner, as usual, would begin precisely at

sunset, with a ceremonial procession.

Normally she would obey her father's orders without question, but

earlier she had been sent another, more secret message, delivered

in a beautifully jeweled box. Left where only she would find it,

the box had been wrapped in pink silk and hidden next to her head,

on her pillow, when she awoke this morning.

The note, written in flowing religious script, read: "Perfect

blossom, admired from afar. Tonight this lover would admire your

petals, count your thorns, in the secret places of your garden. At

sunset, by the silver pagoda near the dragonfish pond, your humble

gardener awaits."

It was possible she could go to the dinner, then claim a headache,

and return to her room early. She had done it before, and she might

still find her secret lover in her garden. On the other hand, the

Palace grounds were dangerous and her mysterious visitor might not

wait for long.