Now Shoka was all alone with her prince. Suddenly nervous, she began fidgeting with the hem of her top, wishing the gods would grant her eloquence in the presence of such a handsome royal. Taro noticed her discomfort and gently tugged her hands away from the material.

"Don't be shy, this is your new home now." Still holding onto her right hand, he led her down the long halls, past numerous doors where sounds of laughter and voices, men and women, floated out to the new slave's ears. After what seemed an eternity, or maybe it felt longer because his hands were so warm and he was so close, Taro stopped in front of a wide paper-screen door. No sounds came from this door; it was very quiet when he slid back the screen and stepped inside the room. A wave of cool air hit her, and she followed the prince warily, afraid she had been taken to a wing of the harem.

**blink** Shoka opened her eyes wide, gasping in awe at the sight that awaited her. If this was part of the harem, the royal family would be bankrupt by now; did every slave get such elaborate accommodations? Was this even where she would stay? Forgetting her fear, she walked around the spacious room, touching the gilded oak bedpost and plush red cushions strewn across the soft low mattress. Only about three inches separated the frame from the floor, in the traditional Yamani style. Across from the marvelous bed stood a tall glass case filled with precious trinkets and carefully handcrafted sculptures of Yaman, the god of the islands, along with tiny waving cat figurines, jade fisherman statues, and rosewood bowls. Hanging from the walls were beautifully stitched tapestries depicting graceful cranes with snowy long necks and clever gold eyes on a bright red background. A long low table made of dark glass was pushed into the middle of the room, set already with ivory utensils and a tiny bell to ring before eating for good luck and the hopes of more good meals to come. A wide rosewood wardrobe stood in the corner of the room with gilded handles on its double doors. Walking over to the wardrobe, Shoka carefully opened one of the doors and saw several lovely cloth kimonos already folded and waiting for some lucky girl in a pile. After her thorough inspection of the wonderful room, Shoka turned to Taro with her eyes shining and a tentative smile on her face.

Seeing his new slave smile lit his heart on fire, and he smiled back at her, noting with glee that she was finally warming up a bit. He spread his arms wide, indicating their surroundings.

"So, how do you like it?"

For a minute, Shoka was lost for words. Upon finding her tongue, a million things gushed out at once. "Oh, Heika-sama, it's beautiful! I've never seen such luxury! Is this where one of the princesses sleeps? Is that real jade? It's so pretty!"

Taro laughed and held up his hands to cut off the flow. "One question at a time, Browneyes." She blushed at his new nickname for her and fell silent.

"First of all, this isn't where one of my cousins or sisters sleeps, this is the room my father presented to me as part of his birthday gift; it was meant to house the personal sla-servant he told me to buy. If you ever want to see one of the royal suites, you'll have to meet my oldest cousin, Chisakami. She's a third house princess and one of the nicest in the palace. She even has a bonsai garden in her room."

"In her room?"

"Of course. You could have one if you like, but let's wait until you're situated here first."

Shoka murmured her thanks, knowing she would never be able to express her gratitude in words. Taro was just happy to have seen her smile for the first time, and the lost look in her eyes seemed to have diminished quite a bit. He motioned towards the wardrobe.

"Pick a gown you like and I'll send in another maid to help you with your hair and a bath. If she asks, there's hot water in that room through there"-Taro pointed-"and after you're done, she'll bring you to my father's study."

"T-the emperor?"

Taro looked slightly amused, but his tone was kind. "Yes, my father the emperor. Don't start worrying again, no one can hurt you here as long as you're my property." He winced on the word 'property' but Shoka didn't seem to notice; she had breathed a sigh of relief yet her face was slightly paler. Taro nodded to her and turned towards the door.

"Ano.Heika?"

He turned his head, looking at her expectantly.

Shoka gazed down at the floor, then up at the prince's face, blushing furiously. "D-domo arigatou. Thank you, Heika," she offered, bowing low from the waist with her palms on her thighs. Taro's mouth curved up and he inclined his head once before leaving her in the spacious room by herself. It was only until after he left that she began to cry.