Radha

In an ancient Chinese palace, Radha, a girl from India, was separated from her family and brought here as a concubine to the emperor. She shivered from the cold and silently wept for her family, fearing what lay ahead.

Her bare feet were bloody, she was sweaty, and her head was bowed. A white robe hung over her head to protect her from the cold, and her hair was disheveled. She stood waiting with the other newly arrived concubines.

The harem's leader, Inyai, carefully examined everyone, choosing the most beautiful and refined concubines. Radha trembled with fear, realizing what awaited her. Anxious thoughts swirled in her mind: "I won't see my family again... The eternal intrigues of the concubines and the entire harem... What if the emperor is cruel... What if I can't find common ground with anyone?"

But she tried not to cry, holding back the pain, humiliation, and anxiety. Finally, Inyai lifted her chin, examined her carefully, and made her choice. The physician examined each of the chosen concubines one by one. After the examination, Radha felt shame and embarrassment, lowered her gaze, and closed her eyes.

Then the concubines were taken to wash and given clothes. Noticing her ethnicity, they gave her a sari, as discipline reigned in the palace and everyone was respected. Every ethnicity, as the emperor had ordered.

Afterwards, everyone was fed and went to bed. Radha huddled into a ball, pulling the blanket over her head against the cold. The concubines began whispering. One of them said, "I wonder which emperor?"

Another replied, "They say the Emperor is cold, distant, strange, but noble and values ​​discipline. He doesn't let anyone get close to him and seems uninterested in sorrows. Not that he doesn't care what happens, but rather that he's, well, untouchable. He has cold, penetrating eyes... But... Ah, so handsome. Okay, let's go to bed."

The third concubine added: "Tomorrow night, someone will be chosen and brought to the emperor. It's scary, yes... 1, or maybe 2, or 3, or the one who was given the sari."

Radha shuddered and closed her eyes, everyone became quiet, and soon everyone fell asleep.