Sultan Yakub was awakened when the sun's rays touched his eyes. After opening his eyes gradually to acclimatize to the light, he gazed at the girl who was fast asleep on his chest.
He thought she couldn't kindle a fire in his heart, but he admired her dancing ability. Yakub laid her head on the pillow after carefully removing it from his chest. Bashir knocked on the door, and the man answering said, "Come in."
Bashir then entered, carrying all the items the sultan would need to get ready in the morning. He was assisted by one servant in donning the robe. Yakub told Bashir to wake up the girl while he put on his robe, and Bashir obeyed.
While his attendants assisted Sultan Yakub in getting dressed for the morning and the girl slowly began to stir, Sultan Yakub couldn't help but take in her lovely features.
When she realized she was half-naked, the girl hurriedly grabbed the light blanket, wrapped herself in it, and spoke in a timid manner to the sultan as she blinked her eyes, still sleepy from sleep, and glanced up at Yakub "Good morning, Your Excellency. I apologize for sleeping so much. I think I was exhausted."
Yakub chuckled and he responded "Don't worry; the maids will bring a robe so you may properly cover yourself before you depart. "
Yakub made sure the girl felt at ease and respected by gesturing for the women to fetch her a robe. Yakub couldn't help but watch as she wrapped herself in the robe, her motions beautiful and the cloth highlighting her beauty.
He was impressed by her beauty. The girl and the servants left his chambers without saying a word. "My sultan, did you take an interest in this girl?" smiled Bashir.
Yakub responded after taking his seat to begin breakfast, "Yes, she is pretty but not suitable to be my wife so move her to the concubine courtyard with some more girls that my mother can select herself."
The servants had finished preparing the sultan for the morning and had placed the opulent breakfast on the nearby table. After giving the servants the go-ahead to go and wait outside, Bashir nodded in agreement and went to notify Sultana Habiba.
In the Harem
Leanora was seated next to Aylin as they finished eating breakfast, and Aylin decided to inquire of her to satisfy her curiosity: "Hey, Leanora, are you interested to become the concubine of the sultan?"
It took Leanora some time to respond, "Well, you could say that." "Look Aylin, I think since we have been sold here in the palace, so why bother to live a common life without any power, so I'm thinking to impress the sultan with my beauty and become his favorite," she said after pausing.
Aylin couldn't help but worry as she listened to Leanora's statements. She was aware of Leanora's need for power and attention in this strange environment they were in. She was concerned about the decision's potential outcomes, though.
Aylin was aware that navigating the intricate palace dynamics may be dangerous and that winning the sultan's favor would provide its own set of difficulties. Aylin took her by the hands and said, "I hope you can achieve your objective, but be careful. You know these girls in the harem can be very envious and try to hurt you."
The warnings from Aylin touched a deep connection with her friend. She was aware of the precarious power dynamics within the royal walls and the possible threats that could be found anywhere.
She couldn't ignore the rumors of jealousy and betrayal that frequently reverberated throughout the harem, despite the temptation of becoming the sultan's favorite. When she spoke with concern, Leanora giggled and said " Oh Aylin, what a wonderful companion I have in this strange place."
While they were conversing, Miss Farha entered the Odalisques' room wearing a serious expression, drawing the attention of all the girls.
She proclaimed, "Get ready, because the Sultana Habiba will arrive shortly to choose a few girls to become the sultan's concubines, and so that you know Helin has also become the concubine."
When Helin was mentioned as the potential concubine, Leanora's heart rate quickened. She couldn't help but experience a twinge of anxiety and jealousy.
Being selected by the sultana was exciting and horrifying at the same time. Leanora couldn't help but wonder if she would be one of the selected few as the females exchanged anxious and ecstatic glances.
She was aware that the sultana now controlled her fate, and she could only pray for the best. When Aylin turned to face Leanora, she grinned and said, "Perhaps your dream will come true without working hard for it, Leanora."
The clothes were provided for Aylin and the other girls to wear when they presented themselves to Sultana Habiba.
Aylin was confident that the sultana would not pick her, so she did not experience any anxiety when Miss Farha instructed them to stand in two rows once they had finished getting dressed. As soon as the guards reported Sultana Habiba's arrival, the doors opened, and she entered with her attendants close behind.
Aylin saw the attractive woman in her mid-forties wearing expensive gown and accessories when the girls bowed their greetings to her. When Miss Farha introduced each girl individually and provided information about them, Sultana carefully examined each one of them before choosing a few from the first row.
Then, she went to the second row, where Aylin was standing, and she chose a few girls from that room. When she came to face Leanora, Aylin assumed maybe she would select her, but to her shock and horror, she chose her.
Although Aylin was taken aback and frightened about being chosen as a concubine because she was not a suitable candidate, she dared to remark, "My Sultana, I doubt I will be a good option for concubine. Please consider my friend Leanora." Aylin shook as she pointed towards Leanora.
"How dare you question the sultana, you ignorant girl!!" Miss Farha looked at her and yelled fiercely but went silent when Sultana gave her a sharp look.
"You have a big mouth girl, but don't do it next time. I won't be gentle and kind, and my choice is final." Sultana glared at Aylin.