Four days passed after that dream, and everything after that one peaceful moment was black. No dreams. No nightmares- just never ending darkness. On occasion I would have such a dream of the laughter, but I could never understand when or where I would have heard something so beautiful, like a memory that eluded me.
After the first day of partying I opted out of joining Tus for the remaining four days, knowing that I would not find any entertainment in the company attending. Now, on the fifth day, for the first time in many years I began to feel nervous; anxious even. The sun's first rays filtered through the open balcony doorway, blinding me to its glorious light, seeming to foreshadow the day even before that it began. With my back to the sun, I study the far side of my room, having grown used to its plain brown color. Slowly I rolled onto my back, the distant sounds of the market coming to life with the morning sun; the preparations for the final, and most grand, day of the party had begun hours before the sun had breast the far horizon, but now things moved twice as fast as they had in the shadows of nightfall.
Closing my eyes, I to my shifted to my left and let the warmth of the sun fall upon my face. I slid my fingers underneath the plush pillow I rested my head upon it and tightly embraced it. In that moment- the smell coming from the markets, the sun, and wonderfully soft bed- I wanted nothing more than to stay here forever. Opening my eyes the golden rays, I quickly closed my eyes again, and thought back to the dream I'd had before. Golden light… Finding the resolve to sit up right I did so, stretching every muscle from its peaceful sleep and loving the feeling. I wrapped the thinnest of the covers around myself and moved to the open balcony the wind moving through my training clothes with ease.
Despite the servant's best attempts to dispose of my old clothes I still wore them, but only to bed to keep them from having heart attacks- they absolutely refused to let me leave the room if I was still wearing them. Which was fine, I mean I liked the room more than the rest of the palace at any rate. Shifting the bulk of the blanket from one hand to the other I dropped it upon the floor of the balcony and moved back into the room. My blonde hair moved freely, swaying with the motion of my body as I moved into the center of the room to begin my morning exercise.
Spreading my legs till they were past shoulder length, I brought my hands together in the middle of my chest. Forcing my knees outwards and my butt down, I felt the familiar tightening of my hamstrings; I continued to force my body downward until the pain in my legs became almost unbearable, and stopped and held the position. After a few, the pain passed away to a dull ache, to which I outstretched my arms in opposite directions, warming up those muscles for the next exercise. Returning to a standing position, I brought my legs together and leaned forward, dropping my arms so my palms lay flat against the cold floor. Allowing my back to stretch briefly, I swung my legs upward so that my toes now pointed to the ceiling in a single fluid motion. Suddenly the world I saw was now upside down and my arms screamed out in protest to the new weight they now carried. Ignoring the pain, I focused on tightening my core, as to keep my legs from swinging and held a perfectly straight vertical line. Pacing my breath and ever so slowly I began to bend my knees, bringing them down to my chest and tucking them slightly between my elbows and chest. Again holding this position for a long, drawn out moment, I then moved my legs back outward, returning to the straight vertical line from before. Bending my knees again I moved my legs in opposite directions, and suddenly sweeping them around in a whirlwind, forcing me to tuck and fall onto my back. I rolled quickly and returned to an upright standing position, fist raised at my unseen foe. Throwing punches left and right, even placing a few kicks, I dropped again to the floor, laying with my stomach on the ground this time. Taking a deep breath I then moved to a planking position, elevating my body off the floor so that only my feet and hands were left making contact with the ground. This position I held for a long time, feeling every single muscle in unison cry out as the burning pain raced along my arms and legs, igniting in my stomach. Pain is an illusion. Work through pain and you will find nothing will stop you. Zolm's cold voice echoed in my ears, forcing me to remain strong as my body pushed through the pain.
I repeated the process four or five times, increasing the time length of each small exercise in the routine, until a heavy sheet of sweat enveloped my body. My muscles shook from the intensity and every move threatened my collapse. Man. I'm out of shape. Rolling my shoulders I moved through the room again, making my way for the door hoping that maybe I would be able to sneak out for a brief moment in the early hours of the morning. Gently turning the knob so that it didn't make a noise, I quickly peaked my head out through the crack and was dismayed to find the familiar presence of the gold clad servants lining the corridor. I could make a break for it… however as I continued to look further down, I counted at least ten servants, five on each side, lined the corridor. I wouldn't be able to make a break for it without using any of my "special" skill sets. Sighing loudly, I pulled my head back inside the door, thoroughly annoyed at the Persian prince who insisted that I be kept under watch night and day to make sure I remained a complete secret from the rest of the court. Returning to the balcony I sat down on the warm stone, closed my eyes and began meditating.
Retreating far into the corners of my mind I filtered through all of my memories I was able to recall, stopping on one that I was fairly fond of. It was during my first day of training, well training with the men anyway.
I was easily outnumbered; five to one. In any normal situation I might have been scared out of my wits, but I knew these guys, I'd grown up with them, I knew how they worked. Even during my time training with the women, I would spend my free hours observing how they would attack, or defend, eyeing their weaknesses. However even with all of the observations I knew they wouldn't take pity on me because I was a woman, no because, they were trained to kill indiscriminately whoever got in their way. And right now I was in their way.
"Guys," I lowered myself into a mimicked fighting stance, watching all of their little movements. "you wouldn't hit a girl, would you?" My snide remark didn't make me any friends that day.
The first boy took a massive swing with his meaty fist at my face, but I saw the blow coming an easily avoided it, but misplaced my footing, falling into one of the boys standing behind me. Quickly he wrapped his fist around my arms and pulling them back leaving me open to attacks. Soon the other boys took advantage of the situation and began punching my stomach and sides. It was the worse pain I'd ever felt before that day, but the tides soon turned in my favor.
In their excitement, the hands that restrained me had gotten sweat allowing me to pull myself free from his grip, but not before I placed a well aimed kick at his groin. In a flurry of movement the boys kept their assault coming, though this time I was better able to block their hits and deliver a few of my own. When that last boy fell, and I was left standing, tattered and bloody, but still standing. Wheezing with a few broken ribs, and glaring at Zolm through a swelling eye, I spat out a broken tooth and a good amount of blood. All Zolm did was smile and fade into the background becoming nothing more than a shadow.
Though it was a rather violent memory, it was fond to me because it was the first time I'd proven myself to the men of our order- I was a force not to be reckoned with. From that day on, I stood alone, trained alone, and became stronger alone; I didn't need anyone, in fact I worked better alone than I ever did in a group.
The floor began to vibrate as people walked toward the door, alerting me to their presence long before they even opened the doors. Loud, heavy foot falls were followed by quick, lighter ones, telling me in an instant who my company was.
"Oh, what a grand day it is!" Tus burst into the small room, throwing the double doors outward in his own bliss.
"Hello your Highness." I spoke calmly, not affected by Tus' cheerful mood as he studied me from across the room. "Is there something I can help you with?"
"Have you already forgotten what day it is?" He moved across the room to stand behind me and gaze out onto the city below. "Today is your big day!" He offered me his hand to which I accepted. Lifting me to my feet almost too quickly he danced me across the room in an overly affectionate manner.
"Prince Tus, you wouldn't have by chance been starting the celebration a bit early?" I playfully pried myself his hands.
"No, of course not." He stumbled into the corner of the bed. "Okay, so maybe a little, but it is a grand day to celebrate! Come we must get you ready." Tus clapped his hands together, his face becoming suddenly very serious. At the sound of his hands clapping all of the servants who had previously occupied the corridor outside came rushing into the room.
"Whoa!" I brushed away their hands quickly as once again the fumbled to take off my clothes. It was like reliving the first day all over again. "It's only just become morning. Isn't it a bit early to start getting ready?"
"Goodness, no. You have a full day ahead of you, so the sooner we can start the better." He smiled playfully and glanced back down the open doors into the corridor. "However I have some…business to attend to, so I will be leaving you in their faithful hands."
"Of course you will." I smiled menacingly as he slowly backed out of the room, taking each door with his hands and closing them ever so slowly.
"Remember ladies- play nice!"
"I never thought that being pampered was an all day thing." I muttered under my breath after seven long hours of hair pulling, skin oiling, clothing options, color schemes, and finalizing accessories. I stood upon a pedestal with both arms extended out at my sides, allowing the servants to furry to and thro under my arms as the talked amongst themselves in a foreign language. Having dosed out for the last process, this time I had decided to remain keenly aware of what was going on around me. I gazed at the full length mirror standing before me at the reflection of some noble woman I dared not believe was me.
Her golden hair was brushed smooth as it flowed down the full length of her back, only stopping at the small of her back. Firmly wrapped around her brow was a golden tiara, the center two circles wrapped around themselves. Precious blue gem stones rested just above her eyebrows, matching the larger stones she adorned as earrings. Two bands crafted from gold as well rested above her elbow, stopping just mid arm, though they were joined by three smaller bands on her wrist and one loosely clinging to her left ankle; but that was just about the only thing that clung loosely. The sheer white fabric of her dress left little to the imagination as is framed her well endowed chest with a deep cut down the front allowing most of her breasts to be seen without showing off any of the important features. The dress continued to cling to her body down to the hips where is became more free flowing with long slits running up her pale thighs as to allow movement with the swaying motion of her hips. Two bands of blue stones was all the kept the dress from descending down to a heap upon the floor; even though this clothing was clearly meant for a concubine of some fabulously wealthy man, as my eyes gazed at the woman she only looked to be nobility. Well clearly I was meant for gold and gemstones. I smirked as I admired my reflection some more, aware that I could get anything from any man I wanted dressed like this. Too bad this is nothing more than a pit stop on my road to freedom- I could get used to this lifestyle. Maybe. No, probably not. Sighing inwardly, I returned to watching the women as they seemed to be bickering about whether or not to put more things in my hair; at least that was mildly entertaining.
"I hope everything is alright in here?" Tus walked through the door unannounced, as usual, a small cache of beautiful women tailing behind him, almost dressing in a similar fashion that I was. Though my back was to him, in the reflection of the mirror I saw his eyes travel the length of my body, slowly taking in every detail.
"Why, dearest Tus," I gathered up the thin cloth and turned slowly to face the dumbstruck prince. "So glad you could join me in the torture room." I smiled coldly, but as Tus gazed at my face he remained speechless "What no witty response?"
"I find myself at a loss for words."
"Well I guess there's a first time for everything." Stepping down from the pedestal I could feel the eyes of the other concubines looking me up and down. "I see you brought a troupe with you as well. You didn't plan on trying to change my mind one last time did you?"
"Before this moment, no; but now that you stand radiating beauty in front of me I must ask you this one last time." He extended his hand outward a smirk lightly playing on his lips.
"My answer is the same that it was the day before- better luck next time." Laughing I turned back to the mirror, still not entirely used to seeing myself adored in so many jewels. If they knew I was a hassansin they probably wouldn't trust me with them either.
"Well, a man can always try can't he?" Tus laughed off the damage to his pride and came to stand beside me. "Truly, Garsiv will be a fool to turn you away.
"Yes, well, I'm kind of hoping he is a fool, remember?" I pulled on the cloth in an attempt to cover myself, becoming increasingly aware of just how much of my ass was really sticking out.
"You know…I feel like you're missing something." Tus studied my reflection for a moment, turning occasionally to look at me as if the mirror was somehow hiding something that could only be seen by actually looking at me. "Hmmm…ah! Yes. I know what it is. You there," he snapped his fingers at a nearby servant, an action that was all but unnecessary since ever servant in the room was focused on him. "bring me the River Stone necklace." Without being told twice the servant graciously rushed from the room and down the hall.
"Rive Stone necklace?" I asked glancing upwards at Tus, but all he did was smirk in his own content while I was force to await the return of the servant, pondering what Tus actually had in store.
Moments later the servant returned carrying a large, ornately decorated metal box. This is from the royal collection…I remembered reading detailed descriptions of the box during training when I was younger. Of course there were multiple boxes and this was just one of many I assumed, but the pictures drawn on the vellum were always of dazzling jewelry crafted from gold infused with precious stones and gems. However, Laleh, the simple goat farmer, had no idea what the box was or even meant; so there I stood with a dumb look on my face as the rest of the servants and concubines whispered among themselves in hushed excitement.
Pulling a key from his celebration gown, Tus unlocked the lid while also pressing down on a hidden latch just below the lip of the lid. The clicking and whining of mechanics underneath the metal gave away to the unlatching of the box. Security; nice touch. Only the most precious boxes were outfitted with these defensive traps intended to either destroy what was inside, or cause serious damage to the one breaking into the box. Out from within the velvet padding Tus pulled a necklace of such beauty I felt my heartbeat almost stop. A collar necklace of decent size, to which Tus had to carry with two hands, embellished with three rows of the same stone as my earrings and headpiece.
"Tus…I couldn't possibly." My voice was caught in my throat as he moved toward me, my eyes never wavering from the necklace.
"You but you can, and you will." As he placed the necklace upon my chest, I picked up my hair as Tus moved around to clasp the back. As the necklace rested on my neck, and the better part of my shoulders, I ran my finger tips over the cool surface of the stones allowing their calming sense to linger. "If only for one night- you will be a princess." Tus stepped back and I felt the long counter weight lightly bounce off my back. Releasing my hair I once more stood before the mirror and smiled. Tus was right- tonight I was a princess. And tomorrow I will be free. What harm could one last night of fun do?
Tus had this over the top extravagant idea all in place for when the time came to finally reveal myself to his brother; the six concubines he had brought with him would surround me as we were all draped in long black cloaks and walk through the doors as we were announced. Upon stopping in front of Garsiv, we would lower ourselves to our knees and then slowly I would stand my cloak unclasped as it fell down around my ankles. I rolled my eyes from underneath the safety of my cloak, anxiously waiting outside the large doors as the party raged on from the other side. I really didn't see the need for all of the theater when Garsiv was only going to say "no" and I would be on my merry way, riding off into the night. What if…no. No I will NOT be having these thoughts. Least of all now. I forced myself to return to the moment at hand and continued to work out my escape plan.
"Are you nervous?" One of the concubines whispered beside me, interrupting my line of thought. I glanced over at her and forced a smile.
"Nervous? No, of course not. The prince has turned away women of far greater beauty than myself. Why? Should I be nervous?" I hated to admit it but the growing pit of anxiety in my stomach only grew larger with each passing moment that I didn't know the prince's answer.
"Well yes, prince Garsiv has indeed turned away many women and never laid with anyone, or so I am told, however," her pause didn't really help as she let the word linger in the air for a moment. "if Tus has left you as the final gift then something about you must be special." And with that she turned forward once again leaving me with a million more questions and a deeper sense of dread. I had to fight the urge to ask her for more information, knowing that she would probably dance around the questions and leave me feeling even more hopeless than before.
The chatter behind the door suddenly became silent and the only sound I could hear was the pounding of a drum. No, wait, that's my heart. My palms became sweaty and my stomach queasy, as if something was trapped inside. It's almost time. What if I trip on my cloak? What if my dress falls down? What if I throw up? Taking a deep breath I calmed my nerves, and moved within my mind like I did every day when I meditated. This is no different than a sparring match. Watch your feet, watch your opponent, move like the air around you. You are but a leaf in the wind. I left my stomach settle and my mind come to a slow steady rest, as my heart beat began to slow as well. Slowly the doors opened.
All eyes were on me, but I kept focused on the movement of my feet, careful not to step on my own cloak, or those around me. I am a leaf on the wind. Practically gliding through the room, I felt the energy pulsate through every particle of everything around me. The drunk noblemen gathered around us, their eyes full of lust as they fought the temptation to reach out and grab one of the women dressed in black; The mystery of it all driving them almost to the edge. Coming before the stage, we stopped and bowed slowly as Tus stood before the crowd, clearly drunk.
"Tonight, ladies and gentlemen, on this final day of celebration I bring to you and our dearest birthday boy a rare, and exotic find." Raising a glass to the crowd they responded in like some shouting "speech" or other such nonsense to egg him on. "Not but a week ago I was traveling through the desert when I came across this beauty, alone and undiminished and I thought to myself- "well surely this must be a sign from the gods above!"". With his free hand he extended it to the group, the signal for me to stand. My muscles tensed up once more as I cautiously glanced up to look at Garsiv.
He sat upright on a large plush pillow with a goblet of wine clasped in his right hand. For the final day of celebration he had worn a high collared black tunic, neatly trimmed with light golden thread that ran through the collar and down the buttons in the front. His breeches were also black, of the finest material, but worn plain as they tightly tucked into his calve high boots. As the same on the first day he wore his hair pulled back into a braid and his facial hair was neatly trimmed. Hesitantly I stood up, but kept my eyes firmly pinned to the ground, and as my cloak fell to the ground I looked into his brown eyes.
In that moment, time froze. I could feel the eyes of every man and woman in the room leer at me up and down as I stood there before the royal family, but I didn't care. I was lost in the brown eyes of the man who was before me as he searched my eyes, a hundreds of different emotions washing through them in those slow frozen seconds. I saw everything as I looked into those eyes; the stars, battlefields, and such things that seemed to go beyond even my own comprehension. Afraid my knees would give out I lowered myself once more, surprised at the effect this man had over me. This man who I'd never met, this man who would send me away to never meet again. What are these feelings? A murmur running through the crowd caught my curiosity as I looked upwards only to find Garsiv standing on the stage before me his mouth slightly ajar as he continued to stare. Maybe it's the fact that I'm never going to see him again that I feel this way. Yes that must be it. I glanced back down at the ground, fully aware that Garsiv was still standing over me.
"Dearest brother!" Tus' voice broke the trance that had settled over the large room as everyone returned to whispering among themselves about the way Garsiv had reacted to the revealing of the blonde woman. "I fear if you turn this one away I may have-"
"I accept." The gruff voice echoed through the room as everyone again fell quiet.
"I'm sorry?" was the only response Tus could think of, as he basically voiced every thought in the room.
"I accept this gift."
