Hello all! I'm back with another chapter. If you paid attention to the details of my introductory chapter, you'll see that the story is heading back towards that direction. I'm introducing a new character here as well, who will be playing a larger role in what I originally planned for this story (hint hint) so I hope you enjoy reading this. As always, feel free to comment/let me know what you think. Also, please keep healthy and safe, wherever you are.


King Sherfiruz had assembled his army and headed out a few weeks later. Farah had been successful in contacting her uncles, and they had been quite agreeable to providing military support. They had sent a number of troops, and two commanders. After a few weeks, King Sherfiruz actually asked that the younger one, a man by the name of Aman, be sent to Babylon to serve as Farah's bodyguard. If Farah remembered correctly, he was about her age, perhaps a few years older, but he had risen the ranks quite rapidly. In his letter, King Sherfiruz praised Aman's combat skills, commented that he possessed wisdom and maturity beyond his years, and that he was gifted in the art of diplomacy. For this reason, he asked that Aman serve as personal protection for Farah and Yasmin.

The Indian kingdom had no qualms with this decision; in fact, they were relieved that one of their own was chosen to protect their princess in a foreign kingdom. Roshanak, on the other hand, seethed when she heard of this news. Sherfiruz being away was the perfect opportunity to strike out both Farah and Yasmin. The decision to put Aman in the palace placed her planning behind by a considerable number of steps. Now, she would have to focus on a way to eliminate Aman as well.

When Farah made her way to the room where Yasmin played and was being watched by Parisa and where she was to meet Aman, she was shocked to hear the laughter. Peering inside, she saw a man lift Yasmin gently and twirl her in a circle, eliciting giggles of joy.

So this is Aman?

He was tall, with a skin tone similar to Farah's. His hair was a few shades lighter than hers, and he had tawny eyes.

Aman also seemed to be enjoying himself, as he beamed back at Yasmin.

The scene warmed Farah's heart. How long had it been since she'd seen Yasmin this happy? Smiling, Farah cleared her throat.

Aman looked up, gently put Yasmin down, and bowed slightly.

"Lady Farah, my apologies."

"No need," replied Farah with another smile. "It looks like I should be the one apologizing for the interruption."

Aman smiled and shook his head. "No, my Lady, no apologies necessary from your end either."

He walked over to Farah and placed his hand on his opposite shoulder in greeting.

"I am Aman. As you already know, his highness King Sherfiruz sent me here to watch over you and the princess."

Farah nodded in acknowledgment. "Yes, I received his letter as well as the ones from my uncles. Tell me, are they well?"

"Yes, my Lady, indeed they are. They miss you dearly though and send their love and regards, as well as this-a taste of home."

Aman reached over to a small box and pulled out small, circular flower-shaped orange fried flour sweets soaked in sugar syrup.

"Imarti!" Exclaimed Farah with happiness at seeing her favorite childhood treat. "How did you manage to bring this?"

"Your uncles instructed the cook they sent with the troops to make some and send them with me." replied Aman, handing the treats to Farah.

Upon seeing the treats, Yasmin ran over to Farah.

"Pretty Zolbiya!" She exclaimed.

Farah laughed. "No, Yasmin. These are called Imarti. I know they look like Zolbiya, but they are a little different."

Yasmin looked over at Farah with an adorable pleading look that could rival that of a puppy.

"Can I pleeeeaaase have some?"

Farah sighed. This was the most active she'd seen Yasmin in days, but she didn't want to spoil the child's appetite.

"Alright, but we are going to share just one, Yasmin. Too much will make your tummy hurt."

Yasmin's curly blond head bobbed up and down with excitement as she nodded and sat next to Farah. Farah handed her half of one Imarti, while she took the other. While Yasmin gobbled hers down quickly, Farah took a small bite, closed her eyes, and savored the flavor. Persian Zolbiya were delicious, but they were a bit too sweet for her liking. The Imarti were just the right amount of sweet and just the right flavor for her. She was still savoring the flavor when she remembered Aman standing nearby.

"Oh, I'm sorry! Would you like to join us?" She said, holding out the imarti.

"No, thank you, My Lady. I'm not one for sweets myself." said Aman, holding up his hand.

"Very well," replied Farah. "and thank you for giving me a small taste of home."

"You are very welcome, my lady," Aman replied.

Farah looked up at Aman inquisitively for a second.

"If you don't mind my asking," she began, "I couldn't help but notice how happy you were playing with Yasmin. Do you have children of your own?"

Aman shook his head and smiled sadly.

"No my lady. I do love children-I'm the oldest of seven, but my wife and I have yet to have been blessed with any."

Pausing for a second, Aman hesitated before continuing with a look of sorrow on his face.

"In fact, we have lost several."

Farah looked at Aman with sympathy.

"Forgive me for bringing up a painful topic, Commander. I meant no disrespect."

"No, my lady, no disrespect felt whatsoever." He replied quickly before looking down.

Farah opened her mouth to say something else, but then caught sight of Yasmin yawning. Motioning to Parisa, she delivered Yasmin over to the maid.

"Alright Yasmin, it's time for your nap. Parisa will take you back."

Yasmin yawned and nodded without protest.

"I can play with Uncle Aman again sometime, can't I, Ammi?"

Farah's eyes widened in shock. Clearing her throat, she struggled to get out an answer, but only one thing went through her mind.

Uncle? Uncle Aman, well, that's somewhat understandable, but Ammi?...Yasmin addressed me as Ammi?

"I...yes, Yasmin, you can play with him again when he has some time."

As Parisa led Yasmin away, Farah let out a huge breath and shook her head.

"I can't imagine where she learned that." she muttered to herself.

Aman looked over at Farah with an interesting expression on his face.

"Is that the first time she has addressed you that way?" he asked gently.

Farah nodded. "Yes, I suppose so. Her mother's-Lady Anemone's passing was quite recent."

"Then she is quite blessed, as are you."

Farah looked at Aman wordlessly.

"You must have mothering qualities for her to address you as such. The love of a mother, the love of a child-both are blessings and are the most pure of loves."

"I suppose you are correct" responded Farah slowly. She looked at Aman curiously.

"I lost my mother when I was a bit older than Yasmin." explained Aman, almost as if he had read the questions in her mind. "I was raised by a woman who cared for me if I was her own. I can't remember a time I didn't call her Ammi."

Farah's curious expression turned to recognition, and she looked at Aman, finally nodding in understanding. She and Aman had something in common.

"I also lost my mother when I was young," she said softly, "but there was no single caretaker who I could bring myself to call Ammi. I guess I am fortunate that a child with no blood relation to me freely wishes to address me in that way."

Pulling herself out of her own thoughts, Farah sighed.

"I should head back and check on Yasmin. It was a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Commander."

"Likewise, Lady Farah. Good day." replied Aman with a slight inclination of his head.


"And the little princess opened her eyes, and found herself in her room again, surrounded by all of her dolls." said Farah.

Yasmin smiled, clutching her own doll tightly as Farah finished the story.

"Alright Yasmin, time for bed." said Farah, tucking her blankets around her.

"Ammi?"

"Yes, Yasmin?"

"I love you, Ammi."

At that moment, Farah's heart melted, and she leaned over to kiss Yasmin on the forehead.

"I love you too, Yasmin."

As Yasmin drifted off into sleep, Farah found herself watching the child with amazement.

"The love of a mother, the love of a child-both are blessings and are the most pure of loves."

Aman's words appeared in her mind. Indeed, he had been correct. Yasmin occupied a very special place in her heart. When Yasmin had said those words, Farah could not describe the feeling of warmth that filled her up, and her eyes grew wet.

"My Lady," said Indrani, interrupting her thoughts. "Your dinner," she said, placing a plate of food in front of Farah.

No sooner did Farah turn towards the food when she felt an intense wave of nausea overtake her. Clutching her mouth and her stomach she made her way to a chamber pot in the corner of the room. Violently, she retched into the pot, gasping as she emptied whatever was in her stomach, including the Imarti from earlier.

"My Lady!" exclaimed Indrani in alarm, rushing over. "Are you alright?"

Farah sighed as she sat down, wiping her mouth.

"I've been feeling off for some time," admitted Farah. "Perhaps it's the stress of everything that has happened."

Indrani had Farah lie down, and placed a cool cloth over her head. When Farah met Indrani's eyes, she saw a curious expression there.

"Indrani, what is it?" She inquired, raising her eyebrows.

Indrani looked at Farah with an extremely serious expression.

"My Lady," she began carefully, "when was your last bleeding?"

Farah frowned. "Well, I don't think I've had one since-"

Realization dawned on Farah, as her eyes flew wide open.

"Could I be…?

She could not bring herself to say it out loud.

Could I be pregnant? Is that why I've been feeling off? Is that why I have been feeling this way when I look at Yasmin?

Instinctively, her hands went to her abdomen, which was free of any bulge.

For now...If I'm pregnant, there will come a time when I can no longer hide it. And Roshanak...

Farah's brow knitted with worry.

"My Lady, you need to calm down" said Indrani gently, as she stroked Farah's forehead. "It won't do you or the child you might be carrying any good to stress like this."

Farah let out a ragged breath. "You're right, but this is so..so.."

"Unexpected?" provided Indrani. "My Lady, forgive me for being so bold as to say so, but that is not uncommon. It can happen after only a single….ah...encounter."

Farah found her face growing warm at Indrani's words. She was too embarrassed to comment on Indrani's statement. There was one other thought though, that surfaced in her mind.

"Is there a good way to...confirm it?" she asked?

"Well," began Indrani, "there is one way. It is not perfect, mind you, but it has been correct more times than I can remember."


Several days later

Farah felt her heart race as she waited for Indrani to return. Today was perhaps the day that she would find out if she was indeed with child. Indrani had obtained some wheat and barley seeds and had placed them into two sacks inside of a large box. She then had Farah urinate into the bags over the course of several days. Indrani had told her that if either of the seeds sprouted, there was a good chance that she was pregnant. Supposedly, if the wheat sprouted, the child would be female, and if the barley sprouted, the child would be male. If neither sprouted, it was likely that she was not pregnant. Farah took a deep breath and silently prayed.

If I am carrying a child, please let it be a female…

Indrani soon returned with the box. She opened the lid and untied the two bags. Farah closed her eyes and clenched her fists.

"My Lady!" exclaimed Indrani. "Look!"

Farah leaned over to look into the box. The bag with the barley seeds did not appear any different. In the other bag, however, she could clearly see a small stalk of wheat that had sprouted.

A girl…

Farah exhaled in partial relief, and she felt her the contents of her stomach calm at the same time. Over the past few days, she had accepted the fact that she was likely pregnant, but she had been stressed over whether the child would be male or female.

"My Lady," commented Indrani with a smile, "You are one of the few I have seen so relieved over the prospect of having a female child."

Farah shook her head. "I care not for my child to be involved in the struggle for the throne. At least this way, " she said, cradling her still unchanged abdomen, "she will be safe from most of that nonsense."

Farah and Indrani were suddenly interrupted by a rustle behind them. Aman came rushing in.

"My apologies, Lady Farah, I-"

Aman suddenly stopped, as his gaze focused on the stalk of wheat in the bag in the box and then to Farah cradling her stomach. His eyes widened, and his expression softened immediately.

"My apologies for the interruption, My Lady, I will be outside."

With that, Aman bowed slightly and left the room.

Farah looked pointedly at Indrani.

He knows...

"It's actually good that he knows, My Lady." commented Indrani, as if she had read Farah's thoughts. "He was assigned to guard you, and now he can do so more effectively."


Several months later

In the period following the confirmation of her pregnancy, Farah spent a fair amount of time keeping away from any prying eyes in the palace. The vomiting was enough to keep her away from appearing publicly, but she also knew that her absence would raise suspicion. And she could only hide her growing belly for so long. Whenever she was out, Aman took special care to trail her, sometimes discreetly.

Her extended absence from the palace public was not lost on Roshanak. It was not long before she received an invitation.

Her Majesty, Lady Roshanak requests your presence at a dinner banquet celebrating the Kingdom's recent success

Farah snorted and shook her head. Yes, there had been some progress-actual war had been thwarted, and she had heard that Sherfiruz would be heading back to the castle soon. However, it seemed idiotic of Roshanak to celebrate like this in the King's absence. Then again, Farah has deflected and excused herself from a number of the events that Roshanak had previously planned, so there was no evading this one. However, she was not going into this blind.


"My Lady, you must take extreme caution," said Aman as he read the invitation from Roshanak.

"I know," sighed Farah, cradling her rounded abdomen. "I wish I didn't have to go, but it is unavoidable at this point."

"My Lady, of course I will accompany you and protect you-both of you," he added quickly before continuing, "but we do not know what Roshanak has planned."

He paused for a moment, thinking.

"Perhaps you can wear a face veil of some sort."

"A face veil?" repeated Farah, raising her eyebrows. "I thought we were trying to hide my stomach, not my face."

Aman shook his head. "No, I meant to protect you from strong odors. If Roshanak suspects your ah-condition, I would not put it past her to try to confirm it at the banquet."

Farah nodded with understanding. Pungent odors had caused her to heavily vomit. Wearing something to filter out some of those odors might help.

"And she will probably try to get you to take some wine." added Aman. "You must avoid that."

Farah nodded once again. For a man, and one who was trying very hard not to use the word "pregnant", Aman knew so much about pregnancy, no doubt due to his wife's experiences, painful as they were for both of them. Farah made a silent prayer of thanks that Aman was serving as her guard.

"I owe you thanks, Aman Bhai" said Farah. As soon as the words left her lips, she realized what she had said. Eyes widening, she looked up at Aman, and his facial expression seemed to soften into an almost-smile. Indrani too, was fighting a smile.

"I'm sorry, Commander," Farah said quickly, "It's just that you've done so much for Yasmin and myself, I think of you as a brother. I hope you do not mind."

"No, My Lady, is the opposite. I am honored that you see me as family." responded Aman softly.

Farah relaxed. "Being away from home, it is difficult to have people you can trust. Indrani and yourself might be serving me, but I consider you both my family."

Indrani smiled and took Farah's hand, squeezing it gently.

Aman tilted his head slightly and spoke with a tone of sincerity. "I completely understand, My Lady, and I will do my best to live up to the respect you have bestowed upon me."

Indrani put her other hand on Farah's shoulder. "I will get to work making a special face-veil for you that will filter out strong odors. If asked for a reason, you can say that you have a lingering cough."

Farah nodded. Aman and Indrani were doing so much to help her and protect her. She had to do her part and show up to Roshanak's banquet, fully equipped and prepared.


Notes: Zolbiya =Jalebi, which is the orange/red, sugary confection that you can usually find at any Indian sweetshop. Imarti is a bit thicker, shaped differently, and is less sweet. Bhai = hindi/urdu term, usually for an older brother but can also be used as a term of respect for a male who is not related to you. The urinating on wheat and barley pregnancy test is actually Egyptian, as far as I know, but we'll just go with it for this story. :)