Coraset took in a deep breath. The royal palace loomed higher in front of them set within its own set of walls. Brochudo got into a long line of limousines and cars as they waited to be checked at the palace gate.
Coraset readied herself. She wondered if she would be able to pull it off. She wasn’t so sure.
P ART 3
C HAPTER F OURTEEN
“Scan your forefinger,” a brunette commanded from behind a table.
Coraset placed her finger on a square fingerprint machine. It beeped an agreeable jingle.
“State your name,” the brunette remarked after she read the name on the screen.
“Coraset Prescott,” she answered as she looked around at th e entrance hall.
Bureaucrats were dressed in their finest attire from majestic headdresses of f eathers and sequenced appliques, flowing gowns and suits, to equally expensive heels and leather shoes. People stood in lines awaiting their turns for their identifications to be confirmed so they may enter the great hall of the first Doric temple.
A black woman name Sekai came from behind the brunette signifying for Coraset to follow her. Coraset took one last glance back at Malie, who had a subtle smirk on her face, before rounding the table to follow the woman.
Sekai led Coraset into the elaborate decorated great hall that expanded as far back as half a football field. Marble columns stood on both sides of the room, equal in diameter and length apart. Erato red banners with gold tassels trim hung high near the ceilings and draped in the middle with streamers flowing gently. Erato’s national flag hung in the distant wall stretching from ceiling to floor behind the Chancellor’s chair. Tables were dressed in the best of ivory linen tablecloths and elegant flower bouquets. The floral centerpieces spread over their bases creating a stunning show of natural color in the midst of fine china and silverware. The center floor was cleared, shining from being waxed, with expertly detailed images of cherubs, falling petals, and linear curves and decorative flares.
Coraset barely had a chance to take in the opulence before she was taken to a side room, where other women waited. She surmised they were all in the bid to be in the harem, as well. There were nearly a hundred women in different sizes, heights, and ethnicity. Most were in groups whispering and giggling. There were others that stood alone, lost in their thoughts. Perhaps they were afraid, nervous, or guarded about their decision.
Without a doubt in Coraset’s mind, she did not want to be there. She’d never been the type of person to be second hand choice to any man. She had to be first and foremost, or there was no relationship. Just standing in the room made Coraset angry inside. She couldn’t understand why any woman would fight for a man or wait on one that wouldn’t do the same for her? Why be with a man where on any given day you’re not even considered because other women demand his attention. She settled near the window in the short span of the rectangular room. No one noticed her.
Sekai left the room, and before long the door came open with another young woman stepping inside. She had a baby face with soft blue eyes, tiny lips, and a small nose. Her hair was alive with uncontrollable blonde curls that had a tiger lily hidden within it. The blue dress she wore was ill fitted, and she fussed to keep the spaghetti straps on her shoulders. When she turned to walk, the young woman slid on her heels and hit the floor. Laughter erupted in the room, and the young woman had to pick herself up off the floor with heated red cheeks. Coraset wanted to help her, but she didn’t want to draw attention to herself. The girl stumbled to the nearest corner, and she cried into her handkerchief she’d pulled out of her small purse. Coraset stole a glance at her from the corner of her eye, feeling pity for her. Why was that young woman even there? Who was she anyway?
Sekai came back inside and announced above the women’s
Coraset readied herself. She wondered if she would be able to pull it off. She wasn’t so sure.
P ART 3
C HAPTER F OURTEEN
“Scan your forefinger,” a brunette commanded from behind a table.
Coraset placed her finger on a square fingerprint machine. It beeped an agreeable jingle.
“State your name,” the brunette remarked after she read the name on the screen.
“Coraset Prescott,” she answered as she looked around at th e entrance hall.
Bureaucrats were dressed in their finest attire from majestic headdresses of f eathers and sequenced appliques, flowing gowns and suits, to equally expensive heels and leather shoes. People stood in lines awaiting their turns for their identifications to be confirmed so they may enter the great hall of the first Doric temple.
A black woman name Sekai came from behind the brunette signifying for Coraset to follow her. Coraset took one last glance back at Malie, who had a subtle smirk on her face, before rounding the table to follow the woman.
Sekai led Coraset into the elaborate decorated great hall that expanded as far back as half a football field. Marble columns stood on both sides of the room, equal in diameter and length apart. Erato red banners with gold tassels trim hung high near the ceilings and draped in the middle with streamers flowing gently. Erato’s national flag hung in the distant wall stretching from ceiling to floor behind the Chancellor’s chair. Tables were dressed in the best of ivory linen tablecloths and elegant flower bouquets. The floral centerpieces spread over their bases creating a stunning show of natural color in the midst of fine china and silverware. The center floor was cleared, shining from being waxed, with expertly detailed images of cherubs, falling petals, and linear curves and decorative flares.
Coraset barely had a chance to take in the opulence before she was taken to a side room, where other women waited. She surmised they were all in the bid to be in the harem, as well. There were nearly a hundred women in different sizes, heights, and ethnicity. Most were in groups whispering and giggling. There were others that stood alone, lost in their thoughts. Perhaps they were afraid, nervous, or guarded about their decision.
Without a doubt in Coraset’s mind, she did not want to be there. She’d never been the type of person to be second hand choice to any man. She had to be first and foremost, or there was no relationship. Just standing in the room made Coraset angry inside. She couldn’t understand why any woman would fight for a man or wait on one that wouldn’t do the same for her? Why be with a man where on any given day you’re not even considered because other women demand his attention. She settled near the window in the short span of the rectangular room. No one noticed her.
Sekai left the room, and before long the door came open with another young woman stepping inside. She had a baby face with soft blue eyes, tiny lips, and a small nose. Her hair was alive with uncontrollable blonde curls that had a tiger lily hidden within it. The blue dress she wore was ill fitted, and she fussed to keep the spaghetti straps on her shoulders. When she turned to walk, the young woman slid on her heels and hit the floor. Laughter erupted in the room, and the young woman had to pick herself up off the floor with heated red cheeks. Coraset wanted to help her, but she didn’t want to draw attention to herself. The girl stumbled to the nearest corner, and she cried into her handkerchief she’d pulled out of her small purse. Coraset stole a glance at her from the corner of her eye, feeling pity for her. Why was that young woman even there? Who was she anyway?
Sekai came back inside and announced above the women’s
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