Sultana's Legacy by Lisa J. Yarde Read Free Book Online Page A

witnessed Baraka’s increasing care and devotion to Faraj’s children without comment. While the concubine did not interact often with the boys Ismail and Muhammad, she seemed to delight in the seven girls Fatima had borne. She had often kissed bruised knees and fingers, or mediated the little quarrels that often sprang up between the children.
    In truth, Baraka’s attentions had privately unnerved Fatima. She worried for her children’s safety in the company of a woman who reviled their mother. Yet, she soon saw how her daughters responded to Baraka’s kind gestures. They referred to her as their aunt, with an affection they reserved for no one else, even Fatima’s sister Alimah who resided with them.
    Mumina squealed with delight and Baraka’s gaze sought her under hooded eyelids. Silent yearning flushed her face and glittered in the depths of her eyes. Then she glared at Fatima.
    “I did not mean for you to find me here, Sultana. I thought you would still be out riding with Prince Ismail until midday.”
    “You are a part of this family, Baraka. My girls adore you. You do not need my permission to be with them.”
    “I did not ask for it!”
    Baraka’s emerald gaze pinned Fatima for a moment before her stare fell away. “Still, I thank you for allowing me to be of use to them.”
    A cool wind encircled the women and Fatima rubbed at her arms beneath the silken tunic. “I see the ache in your eyes when you are with my daughters. You once wanted children of your own.”
    “Your husband did not wish it. He wanted to sire heirs only with you. I would not have been so foolish as to give him sons to rival your own.”
    “Why do you say that?”
    “Do you think I would allow any child of mine to be at the mercy of your offspring in the succession? No. It is better this way.”
    Vehemence embittered her tone.
    Fatima sighed. “Baraka, my sons would never hurt any child of their father’s blood. I had hoped you also understood that I would never do such a thing. Faraj may not love you, but he.…”
    “Is it not enough that you have the master’s love?” The concubine’s voice descended to a husky murmur. “The great Sultana must take every opportunity to remind me.”
    “Baraka, I did not mean….wait! Baraka, come back!”
    Fatima’s words floated on the empty silence in the place where Baraka had stood. The concubine’s sobs echoed as she fled inside the house.
    “My Sultana!”
    Dual calls echoed from the opposite ends of the house. Amoda’s twin sister Leeta came from the family quarters while Fatima’s loyal eunuch, Niranjan, the twins’ brother, entered from the narrow chamber that preceded the garden courtyard. Both bowed as they approached.
    Leeta whipped her graying braid over a thin shoulder. “My Sultana, I believe the silk merchant has arrived at the market this morning. I shall go to him.”
    Niranjan suggested, “Perhaps the Sultana would wish to see the merchant’s wares for herself?”
    Fatima’s gaze flitted from Leeta to Niranjan, who nodded. His dark eyes gleamed above crinkles in his leathery, sun-bronzed skin. She sensed hidden purpose behind his words.
    Behind her, Leeta looked over Fatima’s shoulder at him. “Brother, it has long been custom that I oversee the purchases of silk for this household.”
    “I am not suggesting someone should usurp your authority, my sister. Surely, the Sultana can judge the quality of the merchant’s silk for herself.”
    Fatima turned to Leeta and stroked her arm. “How does Marzuq fare this morning?”
    Leeta stopped glaring at Niranjan long enough to answer. “His fever has abated. He is still abed. I can summon him if you….”
    Fatima’s hold tightened. “Summon my sick steward from his pallet? Leeta, you must think me heartless. Tend to your husband this morning. I shall see the silk merchant.”
    Leeta inhaled sharply and shot a dark look toward her brother, before she sighed and bowed. “As the Sultana wishes.”
    Fatima