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Chapter Four
Panting heavily, I inhaled deeply. The familiar smell of sweat and my mother's perfume (a cost effective way to smell fresher without the luxury of many baths) seeped into my nose. To most it is unappealing at best, but to me this smell signified home.
My brother was the first to peek his head out from his bedroom. His hair was a mess and his clothes were in tatters, but he had his sloppy grin, something that often charmed the bakers into giving him an extra loaf of bread.
"Jasmine!" he screamed, running into my already open arms. I held him close, taking in his heat.
"Koda, is Jasmine there?" my mother's clear voice sounded from her bedroom. Wearily, she walked out. The moment she saw me almost all the weariness from her face disappeared. She is beautiful. When I was a girl I was amazed by her, how someone so pure and wonderful lived a poor life. It just didn't seem fair. I often imagined her to be a queen in some far off land, never having to work again, she certainly deserved that. But, at least with the money the palace accountant sends every week she can afford not to work so hard.
"Mother!" I tried not to sound to desperate in wanting my mother, but I did anyway. It felt good to be in her arms. The months I had been away felt like years. Technically, I am not supposed to be here. The first scheduled break for me is in a couple of weeks, but I could care less.
"Ah, my flower, I've missed you so much! How has the cleaning been going?" she inquired. I couldn't exactly tell my mother I was going to exploit myself for money, so I told her I was doing a more honorable job, being a maid.
"Ummm…so far so good. Have you been getting all my tips?"
"Oh yes! Thank you, dear. Some days it's nice to take a break from everything." And you deserve it, I thought. I peeked outside, already the sky was turning a dark orange, it would be dark soon. How was that even possible? It seemed like I have only been here for five minutes.
"Mother, you know how much I would love to stay, but I'm not supposed to be here." Mother's face drooped and great sorrow filled her eyes.
"Yes, of course, my flower. But please, do return home soon?" Her voice held such a desperation I felt like I was going to burst into tears. I nodded quickly and fled.
The fiery sky brought all the clay houses to life, illuminating the streets. There were a few stragglers in the streets, luckily I wouldn't have to push past anyone to get back. Every day, at sundown, there's a roll call in our chambers. You would be surprised just how many girls in the harem get kidnapped or want to run off with one of their clients.
Oh no! The sky has already turned dark purple, there's no way I can make it! But I kept going, running furiously. There it is! The palace suddenly came into view. I skidded to a halt once my feet hit the worn marble floors.
I paused, heaving and trying to regain my breath. Suddenly, my mouth and nose was covered in a dirty smelly forearm.
"Well, what do we have here?" A menacing voice sneered. "Trying to sneak in after curfew? You may be pretty, but you're not getting by me! It's down to the dungeon for you, the sultan will decide your fate."
I lashed out my foot, trying to aim for his weak spot. But he was completely and utterly impervious to my attempts. He just kept walking, with me in tow, like nothing was happening. So, I resorted to screaming.
"Let GO!" I was screaming over and over. He stopped and turned around. All I saw was his hand twitch and my world went black.
