Lei worked diligently preparing the Kumari for the meal. She dressed her in a grey dress that fell from her shoulders like the silvery ocean just outside the palace. Her hair was left down in ringing curls, a fiery crown of glory no metal ornamental headdress could compete with. Although Bae was exhausted you wouldn't know it from the look of her. They'd had a brilliant day but it had been physically tiring. She had caught the sun too, leaving a slightly pinkish glow to her skin.

She ...