Sultana by Lisa J. Yarde

rule a man. He vowed no woman would ever hold sway over his heart. Burdened with a bride who could not be a true wife to him, he saw no reason to fear.
    The Sultan smiled and diffused the tension. “Commander, my household has prepared a reception for you and your highest-ranking officers this evening. Shall we adjourn until then?”
    When Umar assented, he nodded toward the Crown Prince. “Do as I have asked, son. Come, nephew.”
    When they left the room, Faraj trailed behind the Sultan. Before they reached the entrance, he looked over his shoulder. The Crown Prince still stared, fascinated with the girl. Oddly enough, despite her torpor, she seemed focused on him, too.
     
    After sunset and the observance of the fourth daily prayer, Salat al-Maghrib, Faraj accompanied the Sultan. They led the Marinid delegation to the gardens north of the palace. There, a feast awaited them, inasmuch to entertain their guests as to break the day’s fasting.
    A festive atmosphere already pervaded. Musicians played in a secluded corner. The Crown Prince arrived last, with his three younger brothers. Faraj wondered at his delay but could not allow himself further speculation, as the Sultan motioned for the meal to begin.
    The royal family sat on the left and to the right Umar joined five of the Marinid officers, including his younger, sinewy brother, Talha. Slaves placed dishes of lukewarm rosewater and a towel at each table setting. After everyone washed their hands and toweled them dry, the Sultan blessed the meal. The waiting slaves revealed the contents of great gold and silver platters inlaid at the edges with mother of pearl.
    Faraj ate with gusto, enjoying one of his favorite dishes, roasted lamb and rice stir-fried together with onion, lemon and carrot. There was flatbread and an eggplant dip, which the lemon juice made too bitter, in his opinion. Lentil soup and a salad of mint and parsley accompanied the main meal.
    Umar praised the Sultan on the taste of each dessert that followed, eating date balls and pastries with almonds, sugar and rosewater, or others with a mixture of sweet white cheese, nuts and syrup.
    While slaves removed the remnants of the meal, everyone dipped their fingers in the water bowls and dried them.
    The Sultan addressed his guests. “In honor of your arrival, I’ve chosen six of my most beautiful slaves, all virgin maidens whose perfection I’ve only seen, but never touched. Each of you shall take a slave for your pleasure. These women are my gifts to you.”
    The men murmured their appreciation and approval. Then the Sultan turned to Umar. “Join me on a tour of these magnificent gardens. Your men may remain and enjoy the hospitality of my household. My heir shallensure they lack for nothing.”
    He and Umar left the others, followed at a discreet distance by his bodyguards. Faraj chewed at his lower lip and stared long after they disappeared behind a row of juniper trees.
     
    When they returned to the banquet area, Faraj and the others stood to greet the Sultan and his guest. The Sultan remained cordial with Umar. But during the ritual of the water pipe which followed, Faraj noted whenever his uncle eyed Umar, the commander appeared flustered. He even dropped the pipe twice.
    The yawning Marinid officers prompted the Sultan to dismiss them. Slaves escorted them to their quarters and the waiting slave girls.
    The Crown Princeleaned toward his father. “What did Umar say, honored father? Will his master aid us against the Ashqilula?”
    The Sultan took the water pipe and inhaled deeply. “Umar told me that his master honors me as a brother of the Faith. However, he cannot pledge an alliance with me.”
    Sighs of dismay issued from everyone. The Crown Princeasked, “Did you appeal to his heritage? Our intelligence confirmed his mother was Andalusi, from near our home in Aryuna.”
    The Sultan drew on the pipe again. “I mentioned it.”
    “And he responded in what manner?”
    “His mother left