Page 96 of The Cinders

‘There we go, let me know when you’re in.’

Xian stepped into the billow of luxurious fabric, his arms still crossed, trembling all the more.He’d always attended to his own dressing in Kunming, only calling on Daiyu for the most complicated of robes.

‘Alright.You may draw it up.’

Fabric hushed, the gold chains tinkling lost beneath the rise of violins playing beyond the divider.Xian touched the stiffness of the middle section and was reminded of the gown Sir William had floundered about in.

‘His lordship admires the styles of the French,’ the attendant said, lifting the gown so Xian could slip his arms into the sleeves.

‘The French ladies, yes,’ Xian muttered, uncertain if the mandarin intentionally mocked him with this dress.‘But their men do not wear such dresses as this, I’m sure.’

‘His lordship takes no account of such things.His tastes are entirely his own,’ the attendant said.‘And I must humbly say, your highness, that a figure so fine as yours would do any piece of cloth an honour.’

Xian startled at her candour.‘You are being very kind to me.’He could not decide whether to trust it, though the restlessness around his bones had calmed since he’d stepped behind the divider.

‘As you have been nothing but kind to those of us who serve you here, your highness.It has not gone unnoticed.’

The gown settled on Xian’s shoulders, the fabric a caress against his skin, but the fit was tight, pressing at his chest.At least the high neckline and the fitted sleeves that lay beneath the outer draping layers would keep his scars hidden.

‘I have acknowledged their work, that is all.’

‘And yet, so many who enjoy the mandarin’s hospitality only acknowledge when errors are made.’She stood behind him, working at the laces to tighten the structured bodice.‘Now, be sure to tell me if this is too tight.’

The music stopped short.

‘Come on now,’ Mandarin Feng called into the silence.‘I promised an English nobleman I’d meet him down at the port and am already a half hour late.It is not good business to keep a wealthy man like Sir William Black waiting.’

Xian jerked as the attendant pulled vigorously at a lace.‘Sir William is not staying for the display tonight?’

A chuckle came from the room; snide and unpleasant.‘Has he enamoured you as much as the rest of my court, your highness?I shall have to keep you safe from his considerable charms if we are to keep you virtuous.’

‘I am not enamoured, my lord.’

‘Then you must be as immune to desire as I’ve been told.’His laughter came again, scattering gooseflesh across Xian’s skin.‘Even I might consider bedding the gentleman, he’s near enough to womanly for my tastes.But do not worry yourself, your highness.Sir William expressed an interest in seeing the fireworks being assembled for tonight.He is interested in importing fireworks to his estates in England.’

Xian opened his mouth to reply, only to glance down, and feel the word slide away.The gold overlay — patterned with curling ferns and dragonflies — was splendid, but beneath that the multitude of white layers were only a suggestion of material; fine as the veil that covered his face, but far more see-through.The fabric of his drawers was evident, as was the paleness of his legs.

‘How shall I wear underclothes, with the way this is?’he said, aghast.

Another lace was pulled, his waist cinched in.‘You can’t, I’m afraid, your highness.’

‘Am I to dance near naked?’he demanded.‘I will not.’

There was a pause in the lacing.‘There is a short panel there, perhaps you cannot see it?My mistress convinced his lordship it was necessary.She’s certain your…your most private area shall not be seen.’

Xian rushed his hands through the skirt, searching for the panel she spoke of.He found it, a sheaf of silk at the front only, and it was little wonder it took some searching for it was barely two hand spans wide.He thanked the gods he was not generously endowed, or else his most private parts certainlywouldbe seen.

‘The mandarin goes too far with this.’His cheeks scorched with heat; the vibration under his skin seeped into his bones.

‘I will speak with my mistress and see what else can be done.’Her whispers were more urgent now.‘But please, your highness, we must finish this quickly.His lordship’s patience grows thin.’

He recognised the hint of panic in her voice; he’d heard it, in others and himself, when tasks set by the marchioness were late in being done.

‘Very well.Will you tell me your name?’

‘Kai-Ming, your highness.’

‘Thank you Kai-Ming, I will be very grateful for all your mistress can do.’