Taming Poison Dragons (68 page)

Lu Ying bowed her head in assent. She seemed about to speak but thought better of it.

‘By the way, Dr Shih,’ said Wang Bai with a smile.

‘Knowing Lu Ying as I do, I am quite certain your reward will bring nothing but joy. Rest assured, suitable financial arrangements shall be made. A small monthly stipend for food and other necessities. As for luxuries, well, you must hope Lu Ying decides all her former extravagances are at an end.’

Still smiling, Wang Bai strolled from the room. Dr Shih was left on his knees, staring at the beautiful girl beside him. She did not notice. For her, he hardly existed. He became aware of a disturbing fragrance in the air and realised it came from her person – a musk, deep and beguiling. He quite forgot Cao waiting for his return to Apricot Corner Court. He even forgot his twin brother, Guang, facing Heaven’s judgement in Wei Valley hundreds of li to the west – in lands occupied by the Mongol invaders.