"Arshi…"
Arshi frowned as her younger sister, Amina, slightly reluctant voice interrupted her concentration on the list of things that she was working on. She had promised her adoptive father she would be ready to go to the palace by the end of the month, but so much had happened since her father and she had received the imperial decree. It's not that she found Amina bothering her, the two of them had a very close relationship and everyone in their manor knew how much she loved her sister a lot.
"I heard from the chambermaids you will be going to the palace soon. Is that true?"
Amina's brown eyes grew wider with excitement. Her deep curly black hair landed perfectly on her shoulders as she probed her sister to give out more information.
"Yes, that is correct. Father did not approve of the Sultan's order at first but he had no other choice but to accept the decree," she told her. "Although father said he supports my decision, he is still not too keen on the idea that I will be leaving home soon," Arshi admitted. "But, one day I will make him proud."
"I am sure he only has your best interests at heart, even though he has very odd ways of showing it. He is an amazing begetter." Amina replied with a smile.
"I guess you are right."
"Wouldn't it be preferable if... well, if I could accompany you to the palace and serve as your chambermaid?"
Arshi took a seat beside her. "What are you thinking? You're the daughter of Abdulkareem, the Grand Vizier's lieutenant. I could never make you my chambermaid, sister."
Amina tried her best to hide her disappointment.
"Well, being the daughter of a slave with no family claim, I may be sold at any time. My mother and I have been working like this our entire lives; perhaps if I went with you, I might be of use to you. Do you not agree?" She merely said what Arshi already knew to be true.
She was completely correct. In their country, it was the law that if a daughter is born from a female slave, she is likewise a slave, but if a boy is born from a female slave, he is not considered a slave. Because there was a child involved, Abdulkareem could only accept her mother as a slave concubine. He couldn't face the thought of chasing Amina's mother away or forcing her to get rid of his own blood.
Arshi looked at her.
"How are you, my little pearl?" her adoptive mother said gracefully as she entered Arshi's chamber.
"Hello madam," Amina meekly greeted.
Qanniyah, a forty-year-old woman with gorgeous but angry black eyes, gave her a nasty look. Her icy eyes were fixated on the little girl.
"I'll excuse myself, sister, have a nice evening, madam," she said, forcing a smile while avoiding direct eye contact with the lady.
Arshi nodded at her with a smile.
Of course, she was aware of the reason for the middle-aged lady's reaction to Amina, but since she adored her sister, she felt compelled to defend her.
"Mother, I've always been open and...and honest with you. Do you have to act like this every time you see her? She is merely a child."
"Ah! You claim she's a child. My little pearl, pay close attention: a snake is never thankful. Despite the fact that I bought her slave mother and treated her well, she betrayed me by seducing my husband. I wouldn't have had to look at her like that if she hadn't drugged your father and bored her."
"But mother, have you forgotten that I also used to be a slave?"
"Why are you being dramatic right now?" her brow furrowed. "'You're no longer a naive girl, Arshi."
"I am not being dramatic," she defended herself. "Surely she should have some rights as a person, a human being, she is not to be blamed for her mother's faults."
"You and Kaseem are my only children. You were nurtured and cared for by me "She wrinkled up her brow. "I've brought you something I'm hoping you'll like it."
Qanniyah extended a box and opened it to show Arshi what was inside.
Arshi flushed and glanced down at the cotton box containing a gold necklace with an aquamarine diamond pendant.
"It was your father's first engagement present to me. Isn't it lovely?"
"Mother, it's so lovely, but you really shouldn't be pampering me like this," Arshi complained, seeing her slender rouge-red haired adoptive mother's reaction in her white dress beneath her satin robe.
"I have to. It signifies bravery and also brings good fortune. Aside from what I've said, it's the same colour as your lovely eyes."
She put down her jewellery and began to move towards her adoptive mother, who was standing nearby, and hugged her.
"What is wrong my darling?"
"I am so afraid to leave mother alone; I never knew I would be leaving you so soon." her embrace grew tighter.
"You say that you've always been open and honest with me, Arshi, but that isn't the truth, is it?"
Arshi's heart skipped a beat. Somehow her adoptive mother had guessed what Arshi was thinking.
"Please, mother, I'm begging you for your guidance." In her anxiety to plead for her help, she had to act childishly. "Please, mother. I need you. There isn't anyone else I can turn to. The best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person."
"I thought you'd always wanted to marry the Sultan. Shouldn't you be rejoicing now that we've gotten the decree?" As she caressed Arshi's hair, grief seized her throat.
"Then you were mistaken," was all she could manage to reply. "I had not wished for such a command. I can't stomach the idea of living in that tyrant's palace." Even she could detect dread and anxiety in her voice, but how evident was it to her adoptive mother? Her embrace relaxed, and she sat on a stool by her bed.
Qanniyah could hardly believe what she was hearing.
"I understand, but I cannot change your fate, my child. The Almighty knows what he has planned for all of us."
Arshi was fully aware that women had no voice in the matter and that the Sultan's imperial order could not be overturned. Backing out meant death, and she couldn't face the thought of causing harm to her family.
Arshi understood that she could only obey royal rule and order and travel to the palace for the sake of her family.