Let us go in and eat." So they went in, and while they sat at their food suddenly they heard a noise, and looking up, perceived by the light of the lamp that women were crowding into the room led by two eunuchs.
Tua drew a dagger from her robe and sprang up, but the head eunuch, an old, white-haired man, bowed low before her, and said: "Lady, you can kill me if you will, for I am unarmed, but there are many more of us without, and to resist is useless.

Hearken; no harm shall be done to you or to your companion, but it is the King's desire that one so royal and beautiful should be better lodged than in this place of traffic.

Therefore he has commanded me to take you and all your household and all your goods to no less a place than his own palace, where he would speak with you." "Sheathe the dagger and waste no words upon these slaves, Daughter," said Asti.

"Since we have no choice, let us go." So after they had veiled and robed, they suffered themselves to be led out and placed in a double litter with their pearls and gold, while the King's women collected all the rest of their goods and took them away together with their servants, leaving the house quite empty.

Then, guarded by soldiers, they were borne through the silent streets till they came to great gates which closed behind them, and having passed up many stairs, the litter was set down in a large and beautiful room lit with silver lamps of scented oil.