Chapter 4

Disclaimer: I, sadly, do not own any of the characters from POTO

3 years later

Christine had become a quiet recluse after her father's death. The dimples on her cheeks have long since shown and her fathers violin has sat in the back of Sharma's shop forgotten and never played.

Sharma had insisted, however, that Christine continue her dance lessons. She had spoken with the dance master himself who then allowed Christine to continue for free. That had been two years ago. Now Christine, herself, has become a dance teacher allowing herself to teach the young ones of the town no charge. This allowed her time to pass quickly stealing her mind away from thoughts of her father. This however, was not the only reason why Christine wanted to be a dance teacher. She wanted to be one of the best dancers so that one day she could win herself into the sultan's palace during the sun festival. A perfect opportunity to seek revenge for her fathers death. The festival was celebrated throughout the town, and the Sultan himself allows for the best dancers, singers, and musicians to perform in his presence at his annual dinner party. It was said that the Sultan himself chooses one of the best of all of these performers and gives one of them the opportunity to perform at his private counsel. That one lucky fellow will either become the sultans private performer and will join the selected few, or they will gain popularity and fame and have their own school. Christine had none of these options in mind. She had been waiting for years and now the day has finally come, and she was ready.

Christine

Christine sat outside on the makeshift bench waiting for the time to fly by. She watched old Ramaya, the town medicine man, totter down the street with his cane coughing as he went along. The man had brought wonders to the people and had healed the deadliest of diseases. Even when when she herself had gotten Measles, Ramaya had healed her claiming it was with the aid of the Gods. Christine had grown used to the simple life here in town. Her old home had become abandoned for a while, until a young family moved in. They had asked her of course, and she let them know that if she moved back it would bring back painful memories. She glanced at Sharma who was inside and said,

"Are you sure you want to do this, beta. It could be dangerous. There is fierce competition and there are those out there that will do
anything to win the Sultans counsel!" Christine tilted her head back and took in the warm sunlight. She squinted at the sunlight and thought for a moment before saying,

"I have to. I want to see the man who killed my father. It is the least I can do." Sharma, who stopped cutting up the carrot in her hand said softly,

"And what do you plan on saying to him."

Christine turned her head and stared at Sharma. She had been thinking about that question herself.

What would she ask the Sultan? Would she ask, why he killed her father who had done nothing but live his solitary life. Or should she ask if he had gained any satisfaction in killing others and watching them suffer. Frustrated she wiped the tears from her face and stood up stiffly and said,

"I think its best if I should get ready. They will be coming to the town soon to get all of the performers."

Sharma sighed and said,

"Let me help you pack. You will be at the palace for three days so you will need some fine cloths. I have some that haven't been worn in years. "

Sharma led Christine to the back of her home and opened a chest full of what looked like old servants clothing. Pulling all of them aside, Sharma lifted the bottom of the chest to reveal several richly sewn saris with thick borders and bold colors. She lifted them out, carefully piling them on of Christine's lap and then turned to lift out a small box.

"These, have been in my family for years." Sharma said showing Christine the box full of glittering jewelry.

"Like you I had once dreamt of playing for the Sultan. That was when the present sultan's father was ruling. Alas, I never got the chance to fulfill that dream, but you beta….you have the chance of a lifetime, and you must not let anything stand in your way. Here take these, and go. I will pray for you."

Christine got up and collected her things carefully putting them into an old rice sack. She made sure to wrap her Sari's and jewelry into a separate bag before placing it at the bottom of the sack. That would be her lifeline. She must stand out. Her dance alone can bring a man to tears, but these saris help her stand out among the others. The Sultan must pick her. He must.

After collecting her things, Christine stood at the door of the house and bid Sharma good bye. Sharma, after kissing Christine's forehead said,

"May Lakshmi protect you always"

Eric

"Have all of the arrangements been made?"

"Yes sire", Nadir said.

Nodding Eric sat down on the awning outside the palace.

"Make sure all of the security is set in place as well. I will not have - any street rats- running about my castle."

"Of course sire"

There was a moment of silence before Nadir said,

"Eric, forgive me for being bold but when are you going to find a wife. You're turning twenty-seven this august I think it is about time you settled down, and besides that the Harem girls are getting restless. Just yesterday one of them was killed by another just for saying that she would like to be your wife."

Eric turned his steely glare to Nadir and said,

"That is none of your concern Daroga."

"My apologies sire." Nadir said before he bowed and left.

After watching Nadir leave, Eric stood up and walked over to the gardens observing how the servants arranged the flowers for the festival. He turned and muttered to himself,

"Let the festivities begin"

-Aladdin- street rats