Four
Victoria stared at the closed door of the harem, wondering if she’d heard the click of a lock, or if that was just her imagination at work. And did she really want to find out which? She supposed the good news was he hadn’t taken her to his own suite, which meant she would have plenty of privacy and space. A good thing, she thought, trying to find the silver lining in what might be a very dark cloud.
She turned so she could study the huge space. Dozens of rooms all flowed into each other. There were amazing tapestries on the walls and beautiful, handmade wooden tables. She crossed to one and touched the inlaid wood. Master craftsmen, she thought. How many months had it taken for just this one piece?
Had anyone bothered to document the furniture or artwork? If not, it should be done. A history preserved. Maybe, if the library had research books that could help, she could start. Assuming she wasn’t locked in here like a prisoner.
“There’s only one way to find out,” she murmured, as she crossed the stone floor. But before she reached the carved door, she heard footsteps.
She turned and saw a tall, older woman walking toward her. She was dressed in a flowing long dress that looked both cool and comfortable. Her gray hair had been piled on her head. Gold earrings dangled and there were dozens of bracelets on both wrists.
“You must be Victoria,” she said with a smile. “I was told you were coming. Welcome to the Winter Palace. I am Yusra.”
“Thank you.”
“We are all excited that the harem is back in use. It has been too many months of silence in these walls.”
That made Victoria take a step back. “You think trapping women inside these walls is a good thing?”
“Of course. The old ways must be preserved. Just because something is old doesn’t mean it doesn’t have value.”
“I agree with that, but I’m missing the positive side of being locked up against one’s will for the sole purpose of pleasing a man. How is that helpful to the women?”
Yusra frowned. “To be in the leader’s harem is to be given a privileged life. If one was fortunate enough to bear him children, then that woman would live here forever. Even if the leader got tired of her.”
“Not a great argument. Why does he get to say when he’s tired? Why not her? What if she doesn’t want to stay here? What if she wants to go out in the village and have a real husband and family?”
“Then she would go.”
“Just like that?”
“Of course. There is no lock on the outside of the door, Victoria. Only one on the inside, to keep out those who don’t belong. No woman has ever been kept in the Winter Palace against her will.”
Until now, Victoria thought grimly. Although she wasn’t here against her will. Not exactly. She’d offered herself in exchange for her father. She’d begged Kateb to take her instead.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I’m tired and everything is new and confusing. I wasn’t expecting…this.”
Yusra smiled again. “The harem is a beautiful place. You will find it such. There are many wonders, many things to explore. Come. I will show you.”
Victoria followed her down a hallway to several sleeping rooms. There were big beds with gauzy curtains and windows that opened out onto the gardens. Beautiful ceiling fans stirred the air and handmade rugs added color to the floor.
“I took the liberty of choosing this room for you,” Yusra said, entering a large space with French doors that led directly into the garden. “If you don’t like it, you may choose another.”
“This is very nice,” Victoria said, trying not to notice the very big bed—one plenty large enough for two…or even six. Kateb was unlikely to come to the harem. While she was here, she was safe. It was only when he called for her that she had to worry. At least that’s what she told herself as she felt nervous tension tightening her throat.
“Your things are here.” Yusra motioned to the suitcases along the far wall. “Will you need assistance unpacking?”
“No, thanks. I can do it.” After all, she’d managed to pack and unpack for herself for years now.
“I have also provided you with more traditional clothing.”
Traditional as in what?
Victoria followed her into a dressing area with a large closet and several sets of drawers. Long, flowing dresses hung in the closet. She touched one of the patterned sleeves and discovered the material was silk and decorated with impossibly small stitches. Each dress was more beautiful than the next, with swirls of color and fluttering sleeves. It was only when she removed one from the hanger and held it in front of her that she realized the fabric was completely sheer.
Her thighs started to tremble. “So, um, what do I wear under something like this?”
Yusra’s smile turned wicked. “Nothing at all.” She laughed. “You will enjoy these. I did in my day. The beading and patterns are designed to provide a little modesty for the woman and some mystery for the man. The fabric caresses the skin, reminds her of her lover’s touch. You’ll see.”
Too much information, Victoria thought as she quickly returned the dress to the closet. She wasn’t sure why she was the one blushing, but she felt definite heat on her cheeks.
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