Tales of Love and Power

Chapter 25

Abzalin

"Your majesty," Zukul said, addressing him. "The Dowager Mother has sent these concubines to entertain you."

Abzalin looked at the seven concubines who stood in front of him with their hands clasped and their heads bowed. Their hearts raced uncontrollably as they trained for nearly a month to have this very moment. If all went well, one of them would be favored.

This was what traditions dictated. No one woman could hold the king's attention for a prolonged period. Abzalin had a duty to have many heirs and for that, his attention would need to be directed to the other women of his harem. Though Abzalin hadn't thought of another woman since he met Anakaztia, as he looked at the women in front of him and opened himself up to being seduced.

As the concubines began their dance, Abzalin looked among them to see who he'd give his favor to. They all had a common thread between them, and that was their beauty. They had all mastered dance of seduction and paired with their looks, they could enchant any man, even one whose heart was attached.

As their dance continued, one concubine stepped forward, capturing Abzalins' attention. Her dress was an alluring shade of scarlet, and her top exposed all but her breast. The split of her skirt revealed her legs as she stepped closer to Abzalin. She wore bells on her hips and ankles that clinked with each step she took.

Her hips swayed slowly and alluringly, commanding Abzalin's attention. As the music quickened, she began spinning around her hips, continuing to click from side to side. The wind gathered under her skirt and lifted her skirt, exposed her legs. When the music slowed, so did she. But throughout the dance, her eyes never strayed away from Abzalin. She smiled at him with desire in her eyes, her hands reaching out to him. As the dance came to its end, she knelt directly in front of Abzalin.

Though slightly out of breath, she smiled to herself immensely as she saw a red silk fall next to her. She had managed to do what Hazeda couldn't. She picked up the silk fabric and stood with the other dancers and musicians as they were dismissed. As she stepped into the hall, she presented the red cloth to Lady Dazya, who nodded at her approvingly. "You've done well Rumiza. The Dowager will be pleased with you." Lady Dazya turned to address Supervisor Astrea. "Tomorrow night Rumiza will serve his majesty. Supervisor Astrea, I want you to take care of this personally. The royal dowager wants nothing to go wrong."

"Understood, Lady Dazya." Supervisor Astrea replied.

"Take these ladies back to their chambers." The concubines curtsied to Lady Dazya before returning to their shared chambers. After dismissing them, Lady Dazya went on her way to inform the Royal dowager. By that time, the music in the gardens had softened, and the noblewomen sat in small groups conversing among themselves.

The gardens

The audience of noblewomen couldn't help but be fascinated by Anakaztia. One of the noble ladies had invited her to sit with her and she accepted eagerly. Hekaza was a matriarch of the faith. She held the title of Priestess Mother and was highly respected among those who believe in Azlah. Anakaztia couldn't help but wonder why a woman like Hekaza would want to take time to talk to her.

But they sat together and spoke at length. Their stories had many similarities, often reflecting the other. Like Anakaztia, Hekaza was also orphaned, very young. They sold her as a slave and she spent many years going from one master to the next. After many years, she was sold to the Red Priestesses. There she excelled in the fire magic and rose among the ranks up to Priestess. While she remained a slave in status, her life was far from impoverished. Much like the women of the royal harem, her every need was fulfilled so long as she performed her duties.