KoC: Forewarned

Jamila dismissed the maidservants as they entered her private chambers. Casting an anxious eye around her surroundings, Hayrünissa noticed the glowing lamps in the wall-sconces, which gave the room a rich, if somewhat ominous, glow in the receding light. She had seldom entered the Sultana’s rooms; Jamila preferred to spend time outdoors, seated upon an airy balcony, or managing her affairs outside the Harem. Hayrünissa was somewhat surprised to note that the room was rather lacking in the luxury which a Sultana might lavish upon her interiors: the furnishings were well-made, but simple, the decoration minimal. Damask throws of blues and browns afforded one of the few embellishments, along with silver bowls filled with rosewater.

The Sultana made a sitting gesture as she unwound the fabric binding her hair, letting her dark tresses fall loose to her shoulders. Hayrünissa obeyed immediately, dropping upon a large floor cushion, while Jamila remained standing. Her expression was not one of anger, but it exuded her displeasure at the events which she had witnessed.

“Might I explain myself?” asked Hayrünissa meekly.

Jamila seated herself, arranging her legs elegantly. “There is no need. I understood what I saw.”

Hayrünissa had to words with which to reply. She looked down, uncomfortable and embarrassed.

“I also understand what you feel. It is hard to live the life you lead now. Promised to a man who you’ve never seen, and likely won’t see for some months to come. But, for your own sake, you must be patient.”

“It is too late,” Hayrünissa replied in a monotone, avoiding eye-contact in her shame. “I have been defiled.”

She stole a glance from Jamila after a few moments of silence. The Sultana’s face betrayed nothing. “That was not what I meant. Your mistake will be easily forgiven, as long as you do not reveal his identity. But you must be more careful from now on. Others will not look upon this as forgivingly.”

Hayrünissa looked up, surprised.

“I doubt that any quantity of forewarning from me will discourage you. If you feel you must risk continuing your attachment, then be more discreet.”

“I have no intention of ever seeing him again,” replied Hayrünissa truthfully.

“I do not think that it would be wise to cut him off completely. Men make foolish decisions when they’re scorned. For the sake of your reputation, you must continue the relationship—”

“Else he will have his revenge by confessing.”

“He would not implicate himself, but he could accuse someone else of his crime. You must be careful to keep him loyal to you, at any cost.”

Hayrünissa could barely believe her ears. The thought of keeping Hassan’s affection out of fear of his retribution was absurd to her. But she knew to do otherwise would risk everything.

Rearranging herself, Jamila smiled at her. “It is not much to ask, is it?”

Hayrünissa looked down. The task would have been easier if she loved him, but she wasn’t altogether confident of that. “Of course, Sultana,” she said, and the dreadful conversation was over.