Augustus led her through the corridor, around several corners, and stopped before a door.
The door was wooden, light brown, with patterns carved into the handle.
He pushed it open and stepped aside.
"Saintess, this is your room."
An Li walked in and froze.
The room was huge, with a thick wool carpet spread across the floor, soft beneath her feet.
The bed was large too, with flowers carved into the headboard. The sheets were pale pink, and tiny flowers were embroidered on the quilt.
A dressing table stood by the window, covered with bottles and jars, combs, a mirror, hairpins, and hair ties.
A wardrobe stood in the corner, its doors open to reveal several dresses in sizes close to her own. They had clearly been tailored specifically for her.
Outside the window, she could see the temple plaza—gray flagstones, empty and quiet.
An Li walked over and flopped onto the bed.
The mattress was soft, her body sinking into it. The quilt's fabric was smooth and cool against her face.
She hugged the quilt, rolled over once on the bed, and let out a comfortable moan.
Augustus stood in the doorway, watching her back. The corner of his mouth twitched.
"Saintess, please rest first. This old servant will come for you tomorrow morning."
An Li did not answer. With her face buried in the quilt, she gave a muffled hum.
Augustus closed the door, and his footsteps gradually faded away.
Early the next morning, An Li was still dreaming. In her dream, she was eating a huge bowl of ice cream, filled with every flavor imaginable.
A knock sounded. She opened her eyes, and sunlight streamed through the window, falling across the foot of the bed.
She rubbed her eyes and sat up.
"Saintess, are you awake? Shall