The Captive Flesh by Cleo Cordell Read Free Book Online Page B

door, the guards stood aside. Neither of them glanced at the two women. The door was pulled to and slammed shut behind them. Marietta whirled, suddenly feeling panicky; there was such an air of finality about the dull clang.
    The slave waited patiently, silently, until she collected herself and walked forward.
    â€˜What is it?’ Claudine said.
    â€˜I … I don’t know. But this is not what I expected. It’s almost as if we are locked in. It seems a strange way to treat one’s guests.’
    Claudine smiled. ‘I expect it is the custom here. I find it all fascinating. I’m sure that Kasim is just being protective. Now stop worrying. I must confess that the thought of a bath and a place to rest has quite pushed all other worries out of my mind.’
    Marietta shrugged. Perhaps her friend was right. She too welcomed the thought of bathing. She realised how tired she felt. Her nerves seemed a little ragged, and no wonder after the spectacle and her response at the marketplace. They were led down corridors and passageways. Slaves hurried to and fro on various errands.There were many of them, of various races, and all women or girls. They hardly glanced at Marietta and Claudine.
    Marietta could not explain why, but she still felt uneasy. Though the surroundings were luxurious in the extreme, there was a cloistered feel about the place. Somehow it reminded her of the convent. The air smelt of sweet spices, perfume, and aromatic smoke. Once, as they crossed an inner courtyard, she glimpsed the town, framed in an open archway. It seemed very far away.
    They followed the silent slave across endless tiled floors and stone paving. It seemed a long time before they stopped at the entrance to a chamber. The slave bowed and gestured that they might go in.
    Marietta parted the beaded curtain that draped the archway. She and Claudine stepped into the most beautiful room they had ever seen. Embroidered silks framed the low divans, where a number of women reclined. Some were talking, others played board games or nibbled sweetmeats. Slaves served the women with dishes of food and drink.
    They were welcomed and drawn into the room. All activity stopped as everyone crowded around. Marietta smiled nervously, speaking words of greeting. Someone held out their arms for the concealing outer clothes. She and Claudine disrobed and a silence fell when the lovely pale faces were revealed. Then a great noise broke out as everyone began speaking at once.
    There was much giggling over the French clothes and hairstyles. Marietta stood uncomfortably while the women ran their hands over her hair, plucking at the spray of silk flowers and ribbons, drawing her pale curls through their thin brown fingers. But it was her clear-blue eyes that drew the most admiring glances.She smiled hesitantly, looking round with lowered eyelids, a becoming pink flush staining her cheeks.
    Marietta noticed one woman in particular, studying her with avid interest. But this woman did not smile with delight; instead her eyes were wide and appreciative. She was exotically beautiful. Her face, a perfect oval, was dominated by long almond eyes so dark they seemed to be black. A crown of night-black plaits was wrapped around her head and rubies glinted amidst the heavy coils of hair. Her painted red lips stood out against her astonishing white skin.
    After a few moments, the dark woman stood up and clapped her hands for silence. The noise subsided and the women drew away a little.
    â€˜I am Leyla,’ the dark woman said. ‘Kasim Dey asks that I take care of you until you become accustomed to our ways. May we know your names?’
    They introduced themselves. Claudine commented on how thoughtful it was of Kasim to think of their welfare.
    â€˜We shall not be staying very long,’ she added. ‘Just until our passage is arranged to Martinique.’
    Some of the women exchanged glances. Leyla looked warningly at them. She smiled. ‘Of