Harem by Colin Falconer Read Free Book Online Page B

stood on guard on either side, their yataghan s drawn.
    Hürrem took a deep breath. This was the moment she had gambled everything for. Be calm, she told herself, you do not have to beguile him; just accept his seed and let it flower into freedom.
    The Kislar Aghasi threw open the doors and led her inside.
     
    ***
     
    Hürrem looked around in awe.
    The walls were decorated with Iznik tiles; peacock blue, orange and viridian in dazzling patterns of flowers and fruit. The ceiling rose to a high dome and below it censers on long golden chains glittering with turquoises and rubies. There was a fireplace shaped like a copper pyramid, and oil lamps glimmered in niches on the walls.
    The bed was on a raised platform in the corner, hung with a canopy of green and gold Bursa brocade, supported on columns of fluted silver. There were quilts and cushions of crimson velvet, every one of them laced with pearls. Tapers burned in platinum candlesticks at the four corners.
    Suleiman reclined on a divan of shimmering gold velvet. He wore an apple-green robe and a turban of pure white silk with a clasp of heron feathers and an emerald, the size of a baby's fist, glinting from the folds. One arm stretched languorous along the back of the divan. He looked faintly bored.
    The door shut gently behind her as the Kislar Aghasi crept from the room. They were alone.
    He stared at her for a long time in silence. She could almost hear him thinking: What have they done to you?
    She should have trusted her own judgment. She had allowed the Kiaya to humiliate her yet again.
    She untied the robe and let it slip to the floor, then unfastened the diamond buttons of the kaftan and pulled it over her head. She ripped off the diamond necklace and tossed it on top of the robe with the earrings. Finally she loosened the pearls from her hair and shook it free.
    When she was done, she had on only her chemise and harem trousers. She pointed to the rich pile of garments at her feet. 'The Kiaya of the Robes chose my wardrobe personally. Of course, these days she is half blind.'
    He shrugged. Why doesn't he do something, say something? she thought. And then it hit her; he was as much at a loss as she.
    She must shake him from this torpor and she knew only one way to do that. She fell to her knees, covered her face in her hands and started to weep.
    'What is wrong?'
    'Lord of my Life, why did you choose me? There are so many beautiful girls in the Harem. I am not good enough for you. I know nothing about love or men.
    He rose from the divan and put a hand on her shoulder. 'Please, get up.'
    'I am too ashamed. You think I am ugly.'
    'I think you are … delightful. It is just that when you came in … you are right, the Kiaya must be half blind.'
    She let him lift her to her feet. She looked up into his face, searching for a clue to what he was thinking. 'I never wanted this,' she whispered. 'I am frightened.'
    'Any girl in the Harem would change places with you right now.'
    'Then let them. They are far more beautiful than I.'
    'Hush now. Come and sit down.' He led her to the divan and sat her down beside him, without letting go of her hand. 'I think you are quite exceptional,' he said and stroked her cheek.
    She moved her head slightly to trap his hand between her cheek and her shoulder. 'What should I do?'
    'Just be yourself.' He took her face in his hands, almost shyly. He brought her face towards him and kissed her. He tasted of wine. I have learned your first secret! she thought.
    He pulled her towards him. His fingers gripped her shoulders so hard it hurt her. Yes, you like that, don't you? she thought. The Shadow of God Upon the Earth was a man like any other; he wanted to hear his woman moan a little.
    He pushed her back on the Divan, tore at the pearl buttons of her chemise. She surrendered to him, murmuring softly, almost as if a man loving her could somehow bring her pleasure.
     
     
     

Chapter 12
     
    Now she was iqbal , Hürrem was given an allowance of