Tales of Love and Power

Chapter 27

The Harem

Anakaztia spent much of her day in bed, contemplating the Dowager's words. She tried to sleep to escape her thoughts but, no amount of sleep could keep her from forgetting how she felt when the dowager called her a slave. She wondered if that was Abzalin also viewed her in this way. If he saw her as another one of the abundant women who belonged to his harem.

As these thoughts raced through her mind, she found herself unable to move from her bed. Hours passed by and remained motionless as if she was frozen in time. She didn't notice that the day had passed her by, and that evening came.

"Anakaztia," Yuruza said, entering Anakaztia's chambers. Her concern was showing as she observed Anakaztia's sleeping form. "Are you still ill? You've not left your room all day."

Anakaztia slowly sat up to speak to Yuruza. "No, I just wasn't feeling my best today."

Seeing her solemn expression, Yuruza understood the cause of Anakaztia's sadness. She sat near Anakaztia's bedside and ask her if her sadness was related to the mother dowager.

"I knew she'd be angry with me interfering with her plan to send Rumiza to his majesty. But I didn't think she'd be so cruel." Anakaztia said in a subdued tone.

"You've only been in the palace a little while. In time, you'll learn that all the royal women are like that. To them, everyone who isn't family is a subject or a slave." She explained calmly. "Without a son, your life holds no importance"

"No, a slave is still a person." Anakaztia bit back.

"of course, but you won't get anywhere by acting as if you're equal to them. Be submissive. Bow your head to them."

"You want me to act stupid?" Anakaztia asked.

"It wouldn't kill you?"

"Yes, it would," Anakaztia answered bluntly, before bursting out in a fit of laughter. As Yuruza joined her, she felt some of her aches melt away.

"If you are still able to make jokes, then I think you are feeling better. Anakaztia nodded her head before being interrupted by the sound of her own stomach's growl. The two laughed once more before Yuruza stood and said. "I'll get you a plate of food to eat. The chefs made the sweet cakes you like so much."

At the mention of the sweets she would usually love, Anakaztia felt herself being repulsed. "No, bring me some of the sour lemon cakes" Her request took Yuruza by surprise.

"You usually hate those. You always claim that they are too bitter."

"I am in a bitter mood. It's only fitting I should have bitter things," Anakaztia said with a joking smile.

Yuruza smickered at her joke. "I'm glad you're feeling better. You don't look like yourself when you don't smile." She said before leaving to bring Anakaztia her dinner. She returned soon after, carrying a plate of lemon cakes and a glass of water. As Anakaztia began eating the sour treat, she felt her sickness ease. "Thank you for this Yuruza." Anakaztia said with her mouth half full. "This is just what I needed."

As Anakaztia continued to snack, Yuruza's hands began fidgeting. It was unnoticeable at first, but soon, Anakaztia would notice her nervousness.

"Yuruza," Anakaztia called out, swallowing a piece of cake. "What's wrong? You seem tense."

Yuruza took a deep breath before speaking. "I didn't know if I should tell you or not but... when I went downstairs I saw Rumiza getting ready."

Anakaztia stopped her eating and her anxiety returned once more. "They're sending her to his majesty again. Won't you do something?" Yuruza had expected that Anakaztia would stand and run to the king's chambers without a second thought. She was surprised to see her remain sitting so still.

"No, if I stop her again then the dowager will send me away."

"So you'll just let her go to him?" Yuruza asked in disbelief. "I thought you loved him?"

Anakaztia looked up at her, vexed that Yuruza was questioning her devotion to Abzalin. "I do. Azlah as my witness knows how my heart breaks at the thought of him being with another. But if traditions are gonna change, it must be because he wants it." Anakaztia spoke the bitter truth and attempted to keep her true emotions hidden. "And whatever he wants, I will learn to live with it."

She wanted to believe in the words that she said. She attempted to make herself believe. But the greater part of herself knew that having to share Abzalin's love would hurt more than anything else she had faced in the harem.

Abzalin's chambers

The group of concubines once again danced for their king. Rumiza danced in the center of the others and attempted to capture Abzalin's attention. Her seductive smile never faded as she continued to dance.

But that night, Abzalin's focus drifted from their dance to the mirror Anakaztia had gifted him. He could see her reflection in the glass as if she stood in the very room herself. Bored by the group of concubines, Abzalin gestured Zukul to his side. "How long will this amusement last? I accepted this entertainment only for my mother's sake." He whispered to Zukul.

Zukul then responded. "I'll stop it immediately, your majesty." He gestured to the musicians and dancers to leave, and one by one, they left Abzalin's chambers. All except for Rumiza, who remained standing before Abzalin.

When Abzalin's attention returned to her, she sauntered towards him, removing the scarf wrapped around her waist. "Your majesty," she spoke up in a silky voice. Her hands traveled to her shoulders as she began to pull off her dress. "Your slave's only wish and dream are to satisfy you." As she pulled the thin strap off her shoulder and her dress began to fall, Abzalin held his hand up, stopping her from going further. "Enough." He said, looking away.

Rumiza was caught off guard by this. She did not expect him to turn her away. "You may take your leave," Abzalin told her coldly.

With eyes quickly filling with tears, Rumiza backed out from the room, holding onto her dress. "What happened Rumiza?" Supervisor Astrea asked, seeing Rumiza leave Abzalin's chambers.

"His Majesty didn't want me." She said, crying freely.

With a sigh of disappointment, Supervisor Astrea sent Rumiza back to her room. As she escorted her away from the golden path, Abzalin's voice could be heard telling Zukul to summon Anakaztia. A new wave of tears flowed down Rumiza's cheek, both in sadness and anger. She'd remember her humiliation and while it was Abzalin who turned her away, Anakaztia would be the one she blamed.