The Thistle and the Flower

Tavi Malek has a dilemma. His fortunes have foundered thanks to his fondness for drinking, gambling, and whoring, and now both he and his family are destitute.

Penniless and desperate, Tavi turns to his younger cousin, Yuel, for help. Though four years Tavi's junior, Yuel is the young master of an expansive estate: the sprawling Thistledown Manor, which is surrounded by lush gardens and full of hard-working servants.

Though Tavi and Yuel's sides of the family are estranged, Tavi hopes his younger cousin will have enough kindness in his heart to extend an olive branch. He throws himself upon Yuel's mercy, asking whether he will employ him as a servant - but things don't quite go according to plan.