Kalasin dimmed the lamps so a soft glow threw muted shadows on the walls. The sheer hangings around her bed added another haze of allurement to her artfully posed figure. A light breeze whispered around the curtains, and she closed her eyes for momentary relief. Six years, and she was still not used to the oppressive heat. Opening her eyes, she surveyed the room and her gilded body critically. Her hair had been coiled an hour ago, leaving Kalasin to dust herself with mica and clothe herself in Illusion. When Kaddar returned, they would conceive the heir the Empire needed.