Little Truths

"…atchoo!" 

Beyond the smoke rising from the steamy waters of the beautiful bathing pool of Aiyun Palace, through the hazy veil of tantalising crimson silks that fluttered down from the ceiling to flirt with the clear waters beneath, a pale, slender beauty let out a rather unbeauteous sneeze. 

By his side, his ever-faithful servant knelt, soaking a hot towel to prop on his head. This young eunuch took to his task with all the severity of a Taoist priest creating a talisman that could ward off the evil chill. 

"Master, you're going to take ill at this rate." The admonishment in Xiao De's tone was only rivalled by his worry. 

Yan Zheyun tilted his head back until it rested against the cool, sculpted marble (1). He brought a hand up to rub at his temples, uncertain whether the throbbing headache that had commenced shortly after he'd left Liu An's palace had more to do with the dilemma the little prince had created for him or his Lin Daiyu (2) disposition.