THE DANCING GIRL

Chapter 9

NOOR waited in front of Sher Rakim's doors, her fists tight around the shawl over her shoulders. It covered her, mostly. It was better than nothing, at least.

The doors opened and she walked in, clutching the shawl even tighter. The doors shut loudly. Noor flinched.

"There you are, my little lamb."

She turned to see Sher Rakim approaching her, holding a goblet, probably full of wine. He ran his eyes up and down her body.

She forced a sultry smile and let the shawl drop to the ground. She had on her usual nightly costume, but she'd styled her hair and done her face in a dark, hazy manner she'd seen Nazrat do on occasion. She had on gold jewelry, more than she usually wore.

Sher Rakim definitely liked it.

"Did you know, little lamb, I can play the flute?"

"I didn't know that, Sher," Noor said coyly.

Sher Rakim grinned. "Today, I'd like you to dance for me. Me alone, with no one else watching."

"Will you be playing, Sher?" Noor asked, lowering her eyelids and peering at him through her eyelashes.

"Of course, my little lamb," Sher Rakim said. "Come."

She shuddered as soon as he turned his back. Little lamb? Ugh. She followed him to a little sitting area, giving him a shy look once he turned around again.

He sat down on a mass of cushions, grabbing a flute lying next to him. So he'd planned the whole thing.

She managed to hide her disgust at the look in his eyes as he started playing, and instead smiled at him and began swaying her hips.

Sher Rakim wasn't lying. He could play the flute. He made it as suggestive as he possibly could. Noor had never heard something so revolting.

She gave him a show, playing her part perfectly, telling herself it was all for Amir and the other servants the entire time.

Sher Rakim dragged the song along for so long. She could hardly bear it.

He ended it, finally, though, and Noor stopped. She'd never, ever been so relieved to stop dancing.

"How beautiful, lamb," Sher Rakim said, rising. "Wait here."

Noor clasped her hands behind her back as he turned and walked over to a dresser. He opened a drawer, swaying slightly, and pulled out something. He turned, and Noor let her eyes drop to his hand.

He was holding a small, cloth pouch, with what were clearly coins inside, clinking against each other as he walked.

"Here, lamb," Sher Rakim said, holding out the pouch.

Noor took it with a grin, her smile faltering slightly as she realized how light it was. She gave him a look, letting slight confusion come over her face.

"Ah, ah, ah, lamb," Sher Rakim said, taking a step closer. "Don't look so disappointed. Every time you come, I'll give you a little more."

"Thank you, Sher," Noor said, glancing down and then back at the Sher's eyes. How many times would she have to come to this room?

"Come back in a week," Sher Rakim said, reaching out a hand. He trailed his hand down the side of her neck.

Noor tilted her head to the side despite the shivers going down her body. "So long, Sher?"

"I've found," Sher Rakim murmured, "That the best prizes are the ones worth waiting for."

Noor gave him a coy smile and dipped her head. "Permission to leave, then, Sher?"