Murphy knew, of course, that Aurora had quietly slipped away while he was teasing Mo Ling.
He could even sense that she was in the pantry adjoining their private room, and he had a good idea of what she was up to.
"Your mother," Murphy said, his voice level as his gaze seemed to pierce through the walls, "is preparing a surprise for me."
Mo Ling nodded, though she didn't seem to fully understand. She sat properly in her chair again, placing her small hands neatly on her lap. But her eyes kept drifting toward the door, filled with anticipation.
About fifteen minutes later, the carved wooden door of the private room was pushed open again.
This time, there was no attendant.
Aurora herself came in, pushing a small, silver serving cart.
In the warm light of the room, her sapphire eyes seemed especially clear and gentle.
After stopping the cart beside Murphy's seat, she lifted the porcelain lid with her own hands.
