Blue Dragon

where to put them. In about half an hour dinner will be delivered. There is a dining room next to the front door, or you may wish to eat on the balcony.’ He gestured towards a side table. ‘There is an extensive list of hotel activities on the table. We have a small cinema and bowling alley in the country club at the centre of the resort. Of course you have full use of it. The Princess,’ he said with a bow to Simone, ‘can call me if you require anything. I have informed the concierge and housekeeping that you are to be exceptionally well cared for. If you need anything, do not hesitate to call them. You have an open account at the resort shop.’ He spread his arms and his blue eyes flashed. ‘My resort is yours. Enjoy.’
    I went to him and took his hands. ‘Thank you so much, Qing Long.’
    The Dragon smiled and nodded. He shook my hands away gently. ‘Rest. Look around tomorrow. If you wish to go to the islands, my little boat is yours.’
    He saluted Simone, then me, then swiftly turned and went out.
    Simone jiggled. ‘I want to pick a room!’
    ‘Well then, let’s have a look,’ I said. ‘Ms Kwan will need a room, your dad already has a room, so that leaves two rooms. Looks like you and me are sharing, Simone.’
    ‘I’ll sleep on the sofa,’ Leo said. ‘You take a room of your own, my Lady.’
    Both Simone and I laughed at that. I gave Leo a push, ribbing him. ‘Those are two-seaters, Leo—you folding yourself up to sleep? I don’t think so.’
    The suite was enormous. It had a luxurious living room in the centre, with a dining room behind it, and a huge balcony with a spectacular view over the water to the islands. The room was expensively decorated in shades of maroon and cream, with generous use of exotic Borneo timber.
    We looked at the remaining two bedrooms. One had two single beds, the other a queen-sized bed. Not really much choosing necessary.
    ‘This isn’t right, my Lady,’ Leo said as I directed the demon to put his bags in the room with the large bed. ‘You should have this room. It’s not fitting for you two to share.’
    ‘Simone and I are having a girls’ sleepover party,’ I said. ‘There’s a television with a video in here, and we’ll be staying up late and watching Sailor Moon and Cardcaptors . I saw videos for rent at the concierge desk.’
    Simone jumped up and down and clapped her hands.
    I dug Leo in the ribs with my elbow. ‘You can do it instead, if you like. I’m sure you’re a big fan of Sailor Moon .’
    Simone’s little face was serious. ‘Do you like Sailor Moon , Leo? You can come and watch too, if you like. Sailor Mars is my favourite.’
    ‘Not Sailor Jupiter?’ I said. ‘She does martial arts.’
    ‘Nope,’ Simone said, her eyes sparkling. ‘Sailor Mars lives in a temple and does magic stuff. That is so cool . I wish I could do magic stuff like that.’
    I glanced at her. She was serious.
    ‘I think I’ll skip it for just one night, ladies,’ Leo said, also perfectly serious. ‘Maybe another time.’
    ‘Okay, Leo, if we find a really good video I’ll lend it to you,’ Simone said.
    Leo bowed. ‘My Lady. Now will you two go out and let me unpack? I do not want Lady Emma anywhere near my clothes.’
    Simone dragged me out and we showed the demon where to put our bags.

CHAPTER TWELVE
    W e had breakfast on the balcony the following morning. The Dragon provided us with a vast range of tropical fruit, Western-style eggs, vegetarian congee for John, and four different types of tea. One of the demons hovered to serve until I sent it out.
    John and Ms Kwan were both subdued.
    ‘Is ten days enough?’ I said.
    They nodded silently.
    ‘How long will you hold the charge?’
    Neither of them looked at me or said anything.
    ‘Okay, whatever,’ I said. ‘We’ll talk about it later.’
    Ms Kwan sipped her tea. John didn’t move.
    ‘Emma, take Simone into the pool and around the resort today,’ John finally said, his face grim. ‘Leo, stay here with us. Stay nearby. Just for today.’
    ‘My Lord,’ Leo said. ‘I was about to request the day anyway.’
    I glanced at Leo. He wasn’t eating. He held a cup of water.
    ‘Is it that bad?’ I said softly.
    ‘The ulcer’s come back and spread to my throat,’ he said, just as quietly. ‘It’s very painful to eat. Anything except warm water is very painful.’
    John sat straighter, suddenly brisk. ‘Emma, sit next to Leo and take his hands. Let’s get the Lion eating.’
    Simone