"Tricky-Wu!" commanded the Emperor.
The dog trotted obediently across to the man who he had come to know for treats and the respect his mistress accorded him.
There was no doubt in Tricky's mind that this man was the pack alpha.
The Emperor tossed a series of biscuit snacks to the dog, all of which Tricky caught in the air and swallowed with a quick snap.
Meili wiped the Emperor's hands with a damp cloth, and the man smiled in satisfaction.
This had become a morning routine. He had Tricky trained now, with a series of perfect catches, that became seemingly more difficult every day, and yet the dog seemed to master all of them.
Meili shook her head in affectionate dismay at the Emperor and her dog. They seemed to play off each other, daring each other to greater and greater heights of showmanship every day.
Chief Eunuch Feng motioned Meili over, "Master Tan is outside waiting to see you," he said behind his hand so his Master couldn't overhear.
