Innocent in the Harem

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She squared her shoulders and followed the eunuch down another corridor, past a group of dancers who swirled in circles, their veils and skirts clinging to slim legs. He took her into a smaller apartment, deep within the heart of the harem. “You will meet the valide sultana, Princess Mihrimah later,” he explained. “She governs the harem, along with the sultan’s wives. For now, I will take you to the vekil usta, Lady Murana. She will instruct you.”

Lady Murana was an older woman who wore robes colored a deep red while a white anteri tunic and úsalvar trousers were revealed beneath it. Her hair was hidden beneath a loosely fitted turban, and emeralds and diamonds adorned her throat and wrists. “You have brought me a new girl, Hakir?”

“I have, my lady. She has gained Prince Khadin’s favor, and he ordered her prepared for him this night.” The eunuch bowed and took his leave, while Laila was left standing with the woman.

Wrinkles creased Murana’s face as she walked a slow circle around Laila. “Remove the cloak,” she ordered.

Laila clenched the fabric tightly, and Murana sent her a cold stare. “If you are to survive this new life, you must learn to obey orders. The prince will not tolerate insolence, especially not from a slave.” Then the older woman softened slightly. “I know that the harem will be new to you, but you are among the blessed to be brought here.” She gently removed Laila’s outer cloak and inspected her, clucking her tongue with disapproval. With a sharp command to another slave, the older woman ordered food for her.

Once Laila had eaten, Lady Murana bid her to stand. “Come, and I will take you to the baths.”

The interior of the hamam was warm, with steam rising from the waters. Lady Murana gave her a pair of wooden clogs to protect her feet from the hot marble, and when Laila entered, she saw a dozen women talking softly to each other. Both dark-skinned and fair-skinned women sat amid the steam, their lush forms only reminding Laila of her own shortcomings. Her breasts were small, the size of apples, while her hips were too slender.

Laila sat upon a stool, to rest her aching feet while the blissful steam rose up around her. As she relaxed, the perspiration rose upon her skin, droplets sliding down her throat and down her breasts. She wondered if Khadin would try to touch her, and her nipples puckered at the forbidden vision. She crossed her arms over her chest, and the light pressure against the sensitive tips made her breath catch.

One of the other slaves spread a paste over her skin, then scraped it off with mussel shells, before rinsing her body hair away. They scrubbed her clean with a rough sea sponge and washed her hair. Last, the attendant poured several buckets of water over her.

It was strange to be bared this way before other women, but no one appeared disconcerted in the least. One woman stretched in the steam, sweat glistening over her nubile body.

Another slave brought out scented oils, and Laila jerked in surprise when the woman began to massage her. After the heavy steam, she closed her eyes, surrendering to the touch. Her aching muscles relaxed, and as the slave’s hands slid over her skin, she found herself thinking of Khadin once more.

He was handsome, with such piercing blue eyes that drew her in. Any woman would be honored to become his concubine. Laila shivered when the slave’s hands moved to her neck and shoulders, sliding down over her breasts to massage her stomach and lower back. A shocking ache of pleasure resonated through her body, down between her legs.

Though the slave was merely doing her duty, Laila found herself responding in a way she didn’t understand. Her body grew more sensitive, and goose bumps rose over her flesh as she was coated in fragrance.