Shaozu's mind was full of conflicting images. He thought of striking her down at almost the same moment as he thought of sweeping her off her feet, he thought of tearing the clothes from her body at the same time he thought of burning the flesh from her bones. He sat utterly still, breathing evenly, watching and waiting for the impulses to fade or to at least make some kind of sense.

She was beautiful. Being near her filled him with pleasure. He hated her.