The Empty Ones (Fantasy Romance)

32. Don't swim against the tide

My most regarded Sahib,

as you figured, your wife, Salma and I are bound by a friendship that started a long time ago.
Since I have known her for so long, I can tell you that she is suffering. You must have noticed it too. What I also noticed is your love for her.

If we love someone, sometimes, we have to let them be free. By that, I mean only that Salma's mood will improve if she spends some time in the capital. You are, of course, most welcome, too, but if work keeps you tied to your province, you can rest assured that she will be treated with utmost care as part of my inner circle.

I finish the letter with a long array of boot-licking remarks.

Nadaria and the Almeidan lords left yesterday, but I haven't seen or talked to them besides that evening. That spark was enough, though, for me to come up with a plan. I had to appeal to him. He would feel important, and he would also gain some favour from her. Favour he desperately wants.

It was so strange to see that he seems to actually love her and suffer because of her disdain. The unfortunate part in this situation is that she sees him as the source of her misfortune and jailor, which isn't entirely wrong nor entirely right.

The new baby will arrive in a few months, probably three or four. If it will be magic bearing, Salma will gain even more favour in the eyes of her husband and by the way he is acting, even if the child will be empty, she will not be punished or disregarded.

And while all this swirls through my mind, I can't help drawing comparisons.

"I want this letter to be sent to Sahib Yatir, in the Province of Melh," I tell Hara.

She nods. I press a gold brooch into her hand. It's a random piece of jewellery. Since I didn't bring anything with me, someone, likely Lady Nefri, took care to acquire clothes and some jewellery for me. It's not my mother's or grandmother's, the Late mother of the Alsayid. Not that I complain or that it matters, it's just into something that shows the lineage of the Wayatashir as it could.

"Sell this. Give half to the carrier and keep the rest."

"Little Mistress, are you sure this is a good idea?"

No, I am not.

"I hope so."

"Good." She gives a decisive nod. She trusts me when I don't trust myself. Hopefully, it works because I have to do something.

Bea enters without knocking. They never do, even if I asked them to. Hara hides the brooch inside her pocket, bows, and is immediately out the door.

My handmaid is wearing a beautiful blue silk dress and matching jewellery. The stones on her necklace look expensive. According to Paisa, they were a gift from Sahin Fried.

I don't mind her more than Dara, but she is the one I know the weakness of.

The purple and red moon are in a quarter position, so tonight the Emperor should visit me. I shall find a moment to tell him.

"Mahrani Paisa is here," says Bea.

"Let her in, please."

I smile wholeheartedly when I see her. Now she visits me often, and it's the most pleasant moment of my day. Today, her curly hair is braided into a crown garnished with purple silk ribbons, the same colour as her dress.

She is so pretty. Now her pregnancy shows more; she is at the beginning of the fifth month.

"Girls, leave us," she tells the handmaid, and they listen without questioning. I am so amazed by the effortless display of authority I do not possess.