Bought for the harem, p.19
Bought for the Harem, page 19
‘No! That is barbaric …’
Kasim turned and saw her. His shock turned swiftly to anger, his expression cold and forbidding as he strode towards her. His hand curled around her wrist as he grabbed her and began to propel her towards the palace. Behind her the punishment continued. She put her free hand to her mouth as the tears started to her eyes.
Kasim’s grip on her arm did not relent as he strode through the palace without speaking. Not until he reached their personal apartments did he look at her.
‘How dare you?’ he thundered. ‘You will never do such a thing again. Do you hear me?’
Harriet raised her head, looking at him defiantly. ‘I thought you were different. I thought you cared about others … but you are as cruel as the Caliph.’
‘Be quiet, Harriet. Another word and I shall have to punish you.’
‘What will you do to me? Leave me in the cells without food or water or beat me—as those poor men were being beaten?’
‘Those poor men as you describe them were some of the rebellious tribesmen. They were being punished as they deserved.’ Kasim glared at her. ‘What were you doing in the compound?’
‘I looked for Katrina, but she was not in her rooms. The gate in the harem gardens was open. I found my way to the compound.’
‘Were you trying to escape?’
‘What if I were?’ Harriet’s eyes flashed with temper. ‘What will you do with me? Beat me? Put me to death? Sell me to another master?’
‘Do not be ridiculous. You know that I would never be so cruel to you.’
‘Why not? I am just a slave like all the others in the palace. You forbade me to see Katrina and you threatened us.’
‘You should have told me what you saw and heard, Harriet. If Jamail is responsible, and I am certain he is—he will be caught and punished.’
‘Beaten like those men—’ Harriet saw the look in his eyes. ‘No, you will have him executed. How could you do it, Kasim? I thought you meant things to be different when you were Caliph.’
‘I am to be confirmed very soon. Kahlid no longer wishes to bear the burdens of state. It falls to me to administer justice. The men you saw being beaten were lucky. I could have ordered them put to death. I was merciful.’
‘Merciful?’ Harriet threw him a look of scorn. ‘You are not the man I believed you to be. I thought I loved you, but I did not know you.’
‘Then it is as well you discovered it in time,’ Kasim said. ‘You will stay here—and this time I mean it. When I have time we shall discuss what will happen to you.’
‘I am not a slave. I will not be treated as one.’
‘At the moment you are behaving like a spoiled child,’ Kasim told her. ‘Since you refuse to oblige me by remaining here where I know you are safe, I shall set a guard at the door. Until I say, you will not be allowed to leave these apartments. It is for your own good, Harriet. Had you obeyed me you would not have had to witness that beating.’
‘I could have run away,’ she said staring at him angrily. ‘You are just like all the others—and I hate you.’
Kasim stared at her for a moment, then inclined his head. ‘So be it. I shall leave you to reflect, Harriet. You have made your decision.’ He turned and left her. Harriet shivered as the chill slid down her spine.
What did he mean by that?
Chapter Ten
‘You are sent for, Lady Harriet.’
Harriet looked up from the sewing she had been concentrating on. For the past two weeks she had seen no one but her women and they had been subdued. The palace was in mourning for its prince and an atmosphere of gloom and apprehension had spread everywhere.
‘My lord sends for me? Am I to go to his rooms?’
‘No, my lady. You are to join the lady Katrina for a celebration of the victory. The period of mourning is over and the Caliph has an announcement to make.’
‘Oh, I see.’ Harriet sighed. ‘I do not think I wish to attend. I have a headache.’
‘The lord Kasim said that you must come. I am to have you dressed and taken to the courtyard whether you wish it or no. I would rather not to have to force you, my lady, but I must do as the lord commands.’
Harriet stared at her. Mellina was quite capable of carrying out her orders if forced. Kasim had forestalled her. She put down her needlework and stood up reluctantly.
‘Very well, I shall bathe and dress. You need not stand over me, Mellina. I know when I am beaten.’
‘The lord Kasim has had much to do, my lady. The burdens of state are many. Everyone is saying he will be a great and merciful Caliph and we are fortunate that he is to take Kahlid’s place.’
‘Yes, I know it must be a heavy burden,’ Harriet said and inclined her head. As usual everyone knew exactly what was happening, even though the Caliph had not yet made his announcement. ‘I know Kasim has been busy. I have not seen him for two weeks.’
‘You should not have tried to interfere, my lady. Any other man would have had you beaten for disobeying him. Your lord was lenient. You should be grateful.’
Harriet did not answer her. She was well aware that she ought not to have been in the compound that day, and she should not have protested at what she saw. It had seemed such a barbaric punishment, yet she knew that had the Caliph still been in charge the men might well have been put to death.
‘Has the leader of the rebellion been taken?’
‘That I may not tell you, my lady. I know better than to speak of things that are not my concern.’
‘Very well.’ Harriet left her. She was thoughtful as she bathed and dressed. A part of her acknowledged that Kasim had been merciful in his way. He had punished the men, as he must if he wished to control the wild hill tribesmen for had he allowed them to leave unpunished they would laugh and think him weak. That would have led to yet another rebellion. Yet she could not accustom herself to the need for this constant fighting and all the pain and death that resulted from it. She did not know what the answer might be, and suspected there was none. The tribesmen were fierce proud people and once a feud was begun it continued, handed on from father to son. Kahlid had hoped to end it when he took Katrina as his wife, but her brother saw her as a means to an end—he wanted to take the Caliph’s place. If he was allowed to live he would no doubt continue to plot and scheme against Kasim and anyone else who stood in his way.
Mellina had brought her a beautiful robe of white silk embroidered with gold and tied with a red sash. Harriet stared at it thoughtfully. Kasim always favoured white and red. If she wore his colours he would think she had repented. She hesitated, then chose a robe of pale turquoise blue with a gold sash and hem. She chose a white and gold scarf to wear over her head.
Mellina looked at her as she emerged fully clothed, but though her mouth set in lines of disapproval she said nothing. Instead, she walked a little ahead of Harriet as they left the apartments. The eunuch who had been guarding the door since Harriet’s disgrace was no longer there so it seemed that her time of punishment was over.
‘Where are we going?’ she asked after a few moments. ‘This is not the way to Lady Katrina’s apartments.’
‘She is waiting with some of the other ladies in the courtyard. She is no longer the Caliph’s favourite wife. She has been sent back to the harem.’
‘Katrina is in disgrace, too?’
‘Not exactly.’ Mellina shook her head. ‘It is not for me to tell you, my lady. Everything will become clear soon.’
‘It is unfair of Kahlid. She has done nothing wrong.’
‘You speak hastily, lady. You do not know of what you speak.’
Harriet felt anger stir inside her once more. She had had time to regret her quarrel with Kasim, for it was true that she should not have been in the compound and in her heart she knew that there must be discipline.
She saw the small group of ladies waiting. Instead of the usual laughter and anticipation, they looked subdued and nervous, as if they feared what would happen to them.
‘Katrina, are you all right?’ Harriet asked as she joined her friend. ‘Why have you been sent back to the harem?’
‘Kahlid was angry because my brother was taken. He confessed his guilt and would not ask for mercy.’
‘Oh … what happened?’
‘Kahlid said he should be put to death, but I begged for mercy and—the lord Kasim ordered that he be sent to the galleys for a period of five years. Kahlid said that because he had favoured me above others my brother had thought he could rule through my son. Angeline has taken my place and he is considering what to do with me.’
‘Oh, Katrina,’ Harriet said. ‘He must know that you had nothing to do with your brother’s plotting.’
‘Kasim asked me to tell him everything and I did. Kahlid said that I would not be punished, but he would not favour my son above others. Yuri is Anna’s son. Today he will accept him in front of everyone—and Kasim is to assume the robes of the Caliph. Kahlid will retire, perhaps to another palace nearer the capital. He wishes to be left in peace to die.’ Katrina gave a little sob. ‘I do not care that I am no longer the favourite but I wish he would take me with him. I love him and would be with him to the last.’
‘Perhaps he will relent. He must know that you did not plot against him.’
‘He says that my brother would have used Ahmed and me to claim power,’ Katrina gave a little sob. ‘I wish that I had not born a son. If my child had been a daughter, Jamail would not have plotted to seize power through him.’
‘Hush, do not blame yourself,’ Harriet said and squeezed her hand. ‘Perhaps once today is over the Caliph will relent and take you with him when he retires to his seclusion.’
Katrina forced a smile. The women were being beckoned to the courtyard, where awnings had been set out so that they could be sheltered from the hot sun. Glancing to where the Caliph sat, Harriet saw the young boy she had first met at the slave auction. It was such a strange story. He had been stolen from the Caliph as a babe in arms and was restored to his father more than ten years later. She saw that Kasim was sitting on the Caliph’s right hand and her heart caught. When he glanced at her she tried to smile, but her lips felt frozen. His eyes went over her and he frowned as he saw she had chosen to wear turquoise rather than the beautiful robes he had sent her.
Harriet felt a pang of regret, because she had disobeyed him. It was churlish and she wished that she had worn his colours, but it was too late for regrets.
The women took their seats. The display of dancing, music and various acts of skill and daring were performed, as she had seen before. Then came the parade of the Janissaries. They put on a show of daring, riding bareback, leaning from side to side with no hands on the reins, and standing on the horse’s back. After the cheering died down, the Caliph rose to his feet and a silence fell over the courtyard. It seemed that today there were to be no matched pairs and no wrestling. Watching the Caliph, Harriet noticed that he seemed a little frail and she understood why the celebrations were so much shorter than usual. He raised his hand and everyone held their breath.
‘My people and friends,’ Kahlid said. ‘We have mourned our prince and he has gone to the arms of his ancestors and God. He will live in Paradise. I had hoped to see him rule after me with the lord Kasim to guide and counsel him as his brother and joint Caliph, but he was taken from me.’ He paused, his face grey with grief. ‘I have lost a son—but a son that was lost to me many years ago has been returned to me. My friend and adopted son Kasim found him and brought him back to me. One day he will be your Caliph, but until the day when he is old and wise enough to rule over you, the lord Kasim will be Caliph. He is my chosen heir and he will take command completely from today. Tomorrow I shall leave you and retire to pray during my last days. I ask you to give your loyalty to the lord Kasim.’
For a moment there was silence, then a burst of cheering from the Janissaries, which was gradually taken up by others around the courtyard. The Caliph smiled and sat down, Harriet thought a little shakily, as though his strength was almost done. She thought that the past two weeks and his grief had aged him and he was noticeably ill.
Kasim stood up as the chanting began. The Janissaries were clearly delighted that one of their number was to be their Caliph, and Harriet realised how popular he was. He held up his hand and silence fell. They respected as well as liked him.
‘My friends, I am honoured by the Caliph’s trust and I shall do my best to lead you wisely and with justice. The lord Kahlid has been my true friend and I—’
What Kasim was about to say was lost as a man broke from amongst the people and started towards the dais. A gasp of horror went up as the long knife in his hands was seen and his intention became clear.
‘No, Jamail!’ Katrina cried, jumped to her feet and started running towards him. ‘You must not. This is evil and wrong.’
‘Katrina!’ Harriet saw that she meant to throw herself at the would-be assassin and prevent him from his murderous intent. It was like a slow agonising nightmare. Harriet saw Jamail’s arm go back and the cruel blade slash at his sister’s breast. Immediately, she was on her feet and running towards Katrina.
‘No, Harriet!’
She heard Kasim’s anguished cry, but she had reached Katrina, who had fallen to her knees and was clutching her shoulder. Her brother’s blade had slid off the heavy jewellery she wore, cutting into her shoulder, and blood was pouring from the wound.
‘Katrina,’ Harriet said, kneeling beside her. She tore off her head covering and pressed it to the wound. ‘You will be all right. It is but a flesh wound …’
Feeling a rough hand on her arm, she was hauled to her feet and held by a fist of iron. Staring into the maddened eyes of the escaped prisoner, Harriet held her breath and prayed. She must be calm for Jamail had lost all reason. Yet she must try.
‘If you kill me, you are dead,’ she said sounding much calmer than she felt. ‘The Caliph has been merciful, but—’
‘Be quiet woman of Satan,’ Jamail spat the words at her. ‘You may have bewitched the lord Kasim, but you will not cast your spell on me.’
‘Let her go.’ Kasim’s voice rang out strongly. ‘Let her go, Jamail, and face me like a man.’
‘Why should I? You will kill me—but first you will see your woman dead.’
‘I will make you a promise,’ Kasim said. ‘Face me in combat and win and you will gain your heart’s desire. If you kill me, you will be Caliph in my stead.’
‘No …’ Harriet moaned, but she was thrust away with such violence that she fell to her knees. Mellina came and dragged her away. Two other ladies were supporting Katrina, hurrying her inside the palace. ‘I must stay here,’ Harriet insisted. ‘I must see my lord fight. I must be here if he needs me.’
One of the Janissaries had thrown Kasim a shield and sword. Kasim gave the order and another sword and shield was cast into the arena for Jamail to pick up. Kasim had pulled off his long tunic, his muscles rippling beneath the golden skin as he stood prepared for battle. Stripped to the waist and wearing only his leggings and boots, he held his shield in his left hand, the long curved sword he favoured in his right.
Jamail had swooped on his weapons and turned to face Kasim, his eyes glittering. He rushed at Kasim violently, clearly hoping to take him by surprise, but Kasim was ready and thrust him back with his shield. They broke, circled and eyed each other warily, then Jamail rushed again. Once again Kasim met his wild swings with his shield and thrust him so hard that he staggered back and almost fell. Kasim could have rushed on him, but he waited, letting Jamail right himself. This time he approached more cautiously and they circled each other, then Jamail lunged forwards. Kasim met his thrust, but brought his left arm up sharply so that Jamail’s shield spun out of his hand and went skittering away. One of the watchers picked it up, but did not return it to him. He growled and placed two hands about his sword hilt, rushing at Kasim once more. Kasim threw down his own shield and battle was joined.
Harriet’s heart was in her mouth as she watched, listening to the ring of steel against steel. She had hardly dared to watch Kasim fight in gladiatorial combat, but now she saw the difference. The bouts Kasim had won had been between friends, fighting for the love of skill and testing each other’s strength. This was a fight to the death.
Jamail was strong, but she had begun to see that Kasim’s cool head and his skill was giving him the upper hand. He was wearing his opponent down gradually. Jamail was sweating, his thrusts becoming wilder and wilder as he tried to inflict a deadly wound on the whirling fighting machine that was Kasim. As the minutes ticked away he matched Jamail’s every attempt to pass his guard, feinting, parrying and avoiding the wild thrusts that were now becoming noticeably less and less effective. Now Kasim’s superior skill was showing. He was like an avenging god as he struck blow after blow, forcing Jamail back step by step until his back was against the wall.
‘Kill him … kill him …’ the chant started as the crowd scented victory.
Harriet held her breath as Jamail’s sword suddenly went skittering from his hand and then he fell to his knees in the red dust of the compound. He raised his head, looking up at Kasim defiantly, as if daring him to kill him. Kasim’s sword hovered, then he lowered his arm.
‘You are not worth staining my sword with your blood. You will go to the galleys until you die,’ he said and turned away.
Harriet felt the tears spring to her eyes. ‘Kasim,’ she whispered and began to walk to meet him. ‘Kasim, my love.’ Then, seeing that Jamail had a blade in his hand, she screamed, ‘Behind you! Murder …’
Kasim turned, but before he could act one of the Janissaries had thrown a spear. It pierced the traitor through the heart and he fell forwards, the blood oozing from the fatal wound. Kasim glanced at Jamail’s prone body for a moment, then turned back to Harriet as she rushed towards him.
‘Now do you understand why it is not always wise to show mercy?’
‘You should have killed him,’ she said and tears began to trickle down her cheeks. ‘Forgive me, my love. I didn’t know. I didn’t understand …’
