Creeping towards the little gathering came Li Wen and another of the Prince's suite, a younger and even more active man.

The two came on tiptoe, crouching and moving warily, with the gleam of the tiger in their anxious eyes.

Maggie caught a warning glance from Nigel and looked away.
"You are my murderer!" Immelan cried hoarsely.

"It is through you I suffer these pains! I am dying of your accursed poison!" "If that were true," Prince Shan replied, with the air of one willing to discuss the subject impartially, "might I remind you of Sen Lu, who died in my box at the Albert Hall?
For whom was that dagger thrust meant, Immelan?
Not for the man whom you had bought to betray me, the only one of my suite who has ever been tempted with gold.

That dagger thrust was meant for me, and the assassin was one of your creatures.