The Glass Palace

The king is hidden away in his mansion in Ratnagiri and never makes public appearances. His four daughters now wear saris instead of Burmese clothing and speak the local language. Dolly is the only one of the original servants who remains with the royal family.

Every morning, the king watches the fishing fleet through his golden binoculars and, one day, he notices that a storm has taken one of the ships. The king watches over the bay constantly, becoming something of a local legend. He is the first to notice the arrival of the monsoon season and first to spot visiting steamers, which bring him pork and other delicacies. 

When a plague hits Ratnagiri, Dolly must deal with the fallout. She strikes a deal to have workers live near the compound, forming a little village away from the disease. By the time the plague subsides, fifty families live around the royal compound and deify the queen.

An English governess is hired and she teaches Dolly and the youngest princess her language. Dolly enters into a relationship with Sawant, the family’s trusted servant, until they’re caught by the First Princess.