Endowed with the magnificence of a Golden God, Shane is saved by his mistress from The Ceremony of Glorious Transformation. Yet, torn by so many conflicting emotions; his devotion to her; his fascination for her?there is also his love for maidservant Li-Me; and not least his own fearful degradation.

So deceptive is the opulent tranquillity of The Pavilion of The Divine Orchard Ladies and how fragile must his pathway be through the turmoil of petty jealousies and cruel perversities. Escape is impossible; survival an ever tenuous state.

Ruled by the devious Grand Lady, the Pavilion is a dangerous place for servants and royal concubines alike. Even so, neglected by the ageing emperor, The Honourable Sisters resort to alternative but forbidden pleasures. Resented and shunned by his fellow novice-eunuchs, can Shani rise above his unwilling role of a freak plaything to Their Royal Ladyships?