A/N First of all, I really want to thank RQueenLucyR and fiordineve for their continued support. A huge thank you to you!
I know this chapter is very short (barely 500 words!), but I hope you laugh once or twice.
Calormen, part III
Anyone who teases you loves you –Jewish Proverb
You have to tease your family. You tease the ones that you're closed to –Parvesh Cheena
That night, after the grandiose feast Cair Paravel had offered in honor of its new dignitary, the siblings retreated to their private chambers to discuss the events of the day. Of course, that day had been as busy as it had been awaited, because Calormene was a great empire, and their culture was terribly different, which made foreign affairs more than complicated. (Really, which country negotiates the trading of citizens?). Therefore, the need to form liaisons was imperative.
Praised be Aslan, the day had gone smoothly.
"What do you think of Ambassador Samir, Susan?" questioned the youngest king to his sister.
"Oh, he is a must awfully good man, very charming indeed. He didn't seem very troubled whit being among Talking Beasts and 'mythological' creatures, which is a rare trait among Calormenes, but excellent if he is to be an effective ambassador. Nevertheless, when he saw Laila and her pack of wolves… well, he was slightly jumpy"
"Sounds like a good chap."
"Let's wait until the trading negotiations begin, though". Mentioned Edmund
"You know, Susan, I stayed with the group of ladies that arrived from Calormen" Said Lucy, throwing a pointed look at her brothers. Her brothers threw each other a glance of embarrassment. "I learnt that Ambassador Samir has four wives –"
"Oh, Peter, why are you so red? Do you feel well,brother?" Asked sweet Susan, who for once was truly innocent regarding the problems of her older brother and the teasing of her sister. Yes, good Susan was completely clueless at the looks her siblings where throwing each other.
"Yes, Su" Replied the High King after looking to his youngest sister
"–three sisters, Four daughters (one of each of his wives),–"
"Ed! Why have you gone all white? Here, take this tea. By the Lion, you must sleep more, Ed!"
"Indeed, my royal brother, what happens to you? Do you feel ill?" asked, innocently, Lucy
"Nothing, really, my most beloved sisters" While stating this, Edmund tried and failed a glare at his younger sister. Oh, this was so sweet for Lucy!
"Good. Two of Ambassador Samir´s wives plan to work in the Embassy, as scribes, you know? Her older sister wished to be his secretary, but the youngest –she is around your age, Su! – asked if she could be my lady in waiting!"
"That would be a fantastic idea! We would get to know more about Calormene customs that way; do you think they would give me a few Calormene recipes? Tara, the cook, knows little about Calormen Cuisine"
"Maybe they would consent in teaching you."
"That's good, would you join me if they did?"
"Su, do you think Ambassador Samir would allow such a thing?" asked the eldest Pevensie.
"Why would he not, Pete? Ambassador Samir spoke highly of his family. But he did said it saddened him to have no sons yet."
"So said Ambassador Samir's mother, Su"
"Ed? Peter! SILVERSTAR! Hurry, get a healer, I think the kings are about to faint!"
A/N
If you laughed, please review, and if you didn't, constructive criticism will be much appreciated anyway! Thanks.
When I first heard about harems in the Islamic culture, I was scandalized. I wanted this fic to expose the horrid reality I had imagined. But when I kept investigating, I saw that all I had were misconceptions.
Now I know better: Harem means 'sacred' or 'prohibited' because harems were the place in an Islamic house where females lived, so it was only the lord of the house and his sons the males that could enter. Of course, 'cause you don't want strangers in your room!
Prejudice makes you see things under a bad light, but we must keep investigating and discover the true.
