"Just a little something to drink, my dear," said the valideh persuasively. "I can understand you not being able to eat, but the sherbet will help you keep up your strength. Do it for me, my dear Marjallah."

Kaspar handed Aidan the sherbet, and because Nur-U-Banu was being so kind to her she knew that it would be churlish to refuse. Taking the goblet from the eunuch she sipped the sweet, slightly thick liquid down. Despite her anguish the strawberry-flavored drink did taste quite good. "I am so frightened," she said to no one in particular.

"There, dear child," the valideh soothed. "Everything will be all right, I am certain."- Aidan's head drooped onto Nur-U-Banu's shoulder, and she yawned. "Sleepy. Why am I sleepy?" and then she suddenly leaned heavily against the sultan's mother, unconscious.

"Take her into my bedchamber, and make her comfortable, Kaspar," said the valideh to the eunuch. Then she looked to Aidan's two little slavegirls, and the openmouthed Jinji. "You will stay with your mistress," she ordered them, and they obediently followed Kaspar. Then Nur-U-Banu said to Esther Kira, "I have lived long enough in the harem to see a fit of hysterics coming on, old friend. Our Marjallah will sleep long enough for us to ascertain what has happened. Stay with me, and help me keep this vigil. We will send word to your family so they know where you are and that you are safe."

Aidan awoke in the late afternoon, her memory of the morning instantly flooding back. Her eyes swept the valideh's luxurious bedchamber, and she saw her three servants dozing, Fern and Iris by the side of the great bed, Jinji at its foot. Someone had thoughtfully removed her sleeveless robe, her slash-skirted dress, her belt, and her slippers. She saw them placed carefully upon a chair, and arose quickly to don the last two items of her wardrobe. Then she slipped quietly out the door finding herself in a small corridor across which was another door she hoped led back into the valideh's salon. It did. Nur-U-Banu sat with Esther Kira, and several of the valideh's maidens. They looked up as she entered the room.

"What news?" she asked them.

"The Janissaries have only just returned to the Yeni Serai, Marjallah," said the valideh. "They will go to the sultan first, and then we will have word."

Aidan sat down on a stool, her face a study in despair. Javid Khan was dead. She sensed it. No, she knew it! How could it have happened? What would become of her now? What would become of all of them?

Nur-U-Banu, and Esther Kira were both too wise to speak now, or to attempt to comfort Aidan. They, too, suspected the worst had happened so why should they offer false hope to her? The minutes slipped by marked by the slow dripping of the valideh's water clock, and then suddenly the door to the salon flew open, and Murad entered into the room, and all eyes were upon him as they arose to make their obeisance.

He went immediately to Aidan, and seeing her at his feet he was a.s.sailed by that same heady feeling that attacked him yesterday. What was it about her that intrigued him so? Reaching down he raised her up. Her eyes met his, and the sultan said, "I am so sorry, Marjallah."

For a brief moment she closed her eyes, but quickly opened them again to ask, "Tell me what happened. I want to know it all. I am not afraid to learn the truth."

"They are all dead," said the sultan bluntly, "and the palace and its gardens totally destroyed. It was obviously a surprise attack. Javid Khan was cut down by the stables. He died instantly, Marjallah. At least he had no pain. It was Tartars, his renegade brother, I am certain. My Janissaries have already departed to hunt them down. They will find them, I swear it!"

"How do you know it was Tartars?" she demanded, her voice dull with her pain.

The sultan hesitated and then said quietly, "Because after they killed their victims, they decapitated them, and stacked their heads in two piles on either side of your palace gates. It is their custom."

Aidan felt the bile rise in her throat, but forcing it back she asked, "I had a serving woman. Is it possible she was taken captive?"

"I doubt it," said the sultan. "I suspect she was probably raped, and then killed along with the rest of them. The object of this attack seemed to be wanton destruction. Even your livestock and pets were slaughtered although my men did find this fellow wandering about the gardens." The sultan reached into his robes, and drew forth a half-grown cat with long orange-and-cream fur which he handed to her.

She took the squirming animal who immediately pressed himself against her, and looked up at Murad with a tearstained face and said, "It is Tulip. We called him that because of the orange blossom on the tip of his cream-colored tail. He likes to hunt at night in the fields about the palace, and never comes home until after the sun is up. That is what saved him, my lord." Aidan buried her face into the cat's fur, and began to cry.

"Thank you, my son, for bringing us this news, tragic as it is," said Nur-U-Banu. "I will take care of Marjallah for now. Will you escort our dear Esther Kira to her litter which should even now be arriving in my courtyard?"

The sultan valideh was the only person in the entire empire who could thus dismiss the sultan, and obedient to her will he departed the room with Esther Kira. Aidan had sunk down onto a pillowed divan and was crying softly. Nur-U-Banu let her weep until finally she could weep no more, and she sat clutching her cat to her bosom, her fair face blotched unattractively. Finally she looked up at the sultan's mother, and the sadness in her eyes touched even the hardened heart of the sultan valideh.

"What will happen now?" she said softly to Nur-U-Banu.

"You will stay here in the palace, dear child, but you certainly cannot go back to the oda of our friend Lady Sayeste. You are the widow of a prince. You must have your own apartments. For now that is all we need worry about. There is time for us to decide your future later."

"What future can I possibly have?" said Aidan sadly.

Nur-U-Banu's eyes were wise. "Everyone has a future as they have a past."

"I seem to have nothing but pasts," said Aidan. "Each time I begin to care for a man either I am s.n.a.t.c.hed from him, or he from me. First it was my father, then Conn, and now Javid Khan. Perhaps it is written that I am meant to live my life alone."

"No one is meant to live alone," said the valideh. "It is not natural. That is why Allah planned that there should be both men and women. You are in shock, my child. I shall call my good physician, a particularly clever Greek, to care for you. I have the utmost faith in him."

Aidan refrained from saying anything for there was nothing to say. Javid was dead. He had been taken from her as had Conn. She wasn't certain she even wanted to go on living. What was left? She was far from her native England, from Pearroc Royal, and just when she had been beginning to rebuild her life with Javid Khan, it was all gone as if some evil genie, jealous of her happiness, had stolen it from her.

The physician came, and mixing several powders into a cup of rosewater proclaimed that what she needed was rest. Aidan was strongly tempted to tell him that she had spent the day sleeping, but instead she gratefully drank down the contents of his brew. At least if she slept she would not have to remember. Sleep was, after all, just what she needed. Nur-U-Banu herself escorted Aidan and her servants to a small two-room apartment right next to her own, and smilingly watched as she was put to bed. She was asleep before they had even finished with her.

The valideh returned to her own salon to find that her best friend, the lady Janfeda, had arrived. The two women kissed, and then settled themselves amid the colored and comfortable cushions of the divan.

"I have heard of your day," Janfeda began. "How is the princess Marjallah?"

"Grief-stricken. Frightened. Self-pitying. What you would expect, dear Janfeda. She presents, however, an unfortunate problem. You saw how Murad looked at her yesterday, and when he came to tell her the news tonight he could barely keep his eyes from her b.r.e.a.s.t.s which were visible beneath the silk of her blouse. With a harem full of incredible beauties my son is l.u.s.ting after a barely pretty woman who has known two husbands already."

"Marry her off again," said Janfeda.

"Murad will never let her go this time," said Nur-U-Banu. "He is no fool, my son. He sees in Marjallah something more although I doubt he could tell you what it was if you asked him. He l.u.s.ts to possess her, and I am afraid of what will happen if he does."

"What disturbs you about this woman?" Janfeda had never known her friend to deny her son's pa.s.sions, indeed Nur-U-Banu encouraged them in order to keep Safiye's power at a minimum.

"Marjallah is no fluffy kitten of a female, nor is she eager for the sultan's favor; but if she gains it, if she conceives a child by him, and that child turned out to be a son, do you think an intelligent woman like Marjallah would be content then? I do not! She would want her child to be the next sultan! Of course she would! Would Safiye stand by and allow that, Janfeda? No, she would not! Oh, it is true that I keep the balance of power in the harem in my favor by seeing to it that Safiye no longer holds exclusive sway over my son, but the women that I have seen gain Murad's favor are vapid beauties with no more care than what jewels and toys they can wheedle out of the sultan by the clever use of their bodies. Marjallah is not this kind of a woman, Janfeda. What am I to do with her? If Murad insists on having her in his bed Safiye will instantly become her enemy, and there will be war in the harem. I cannot have it."

"Why must there be war in the harem, Nur-U-Banu? Did we not share the same sultan? We were not bitter enemies."

"No," said the valideh thoughtfully, "we were not, but then we were friends before we shared Selim."

"So are Safiye and Marjallah."

"But I never held such a hold on Selim as Safiye has held on my son. I understood the harem system, and I accepted it."

"Safiye understands it, too," said Janfeda.

"Oh, yes," agreed the valideh, "but she has never accepted it. She has bitterly resented the fact that I encouraged Murad to seek out other women, to take other kadins. How she has hated me for it, and how she has tried to undermine my authority at every turn. This business with Marjallah is the first time in several years that we have worked together for the good of my son.

"Safiye has always refused to understand that one son was not enough for the succession."

"Perhaps what she really objects to is the fratricide that follows a succession," Janfeda remarked.

"Fratricide is a necessity when a new sultan succeeds," said Nur-U-Banu coldly, "but before the succession many sons are necessary. Look at the first Selim. All those sons by his four kadins, and by the time he died only the eldest, Suleiman, remained. Some had died in battles, some of illnesses, but only one was left. What if there had only been one, and something had happened to him?"

Janfeda preferred not to argue the point with her friend. She privately thought the murder of a previous sultan's younger sons by his heir was an appalling thing. She was certain that another solution could be found if only they were willing to seek it out. "I am very grateful nonetheless," she said, "that I only have a daughter. I would have regretted losing your friendship, Nur-U-Banu."

The valideh pressed the other woman's hand warmly. "I do not know what I should do without you, Janfeda," she said. "Now help me to find a solution to this problem."

"Take Safiye into your confidence," said Janfeda. "Tell her that Murad l.u.s.ts after Marjallah, and that he will probably claim her for his bed. Tell her although you both sought to avoid this that it now appears to be inevitable. Suggest to her that she continue her friendship with Marjallah despite it; that she and Marjallah be as you and I are. Be frank with her. Say what you have said to me. That Marjallah is not like the others; that she is intelligent; and that it cannot hurt to be her friend as it will allow her to know what Marjallah thinks and does. Safiye is no fool. Everyone needs a friend, even a bas kadin."

"Especially a bas kadin," said the valideh. "I think that you may be correct in this matter, Janfeda. It is certainly worth trying. If she intends to hate Marjallah she will hate her no worse for knowing now that Murad means to have her than knowing later. What other choice do I have?"

"I think none, my dear friend."

"That," said Nur-U-Banu, "is a masterpiece of understatement," and she laughed ruefully.

The main door to the sultan valideh's salon opened, and Murad entered the room. "You should be pleased, mother, that I have done your bidding without question. Esther Kira is safely returned to her own litter, and is at this very moment on her way home." He bent and kissed first Nur-U-Banu, and then Janfeda. "Good evening, aunt. You have heard the terrible news of Javid Khan's death?"

She nodded. "Is anything a secret for long in the harem, dear Murad?"

The sultan looked about the room. "Where is Marjallah?" he said.

"I have seen her put to bed," answered his mother. "She is totally worn out, and of course she is shocked by her husband's murder."

"Where did you place her? In your bedchamber? I certainly hope she is comfortable."

The sultan valideh sent Janfeda a quick look. "I have put Marjallah in the little apartment next to mine where your sister lived until her marriage. I think she will be perfectly content and safe there until we can decide her fate."

"It is already decided," said Murad.

"You cannot marry her off so quickly, my son, so I hope that is not what you are planning to do," said Nur-U-Banu.

"I want her myself," he said bluntly.

Janfeda laughed lightly. "What a greedy man you are, my dear nephew, but then you were a greedy boy. With a harem full of beautiful virgins you desire Marjallah who is surely in her middle twenties, is actually somewhat long in the tooth. Why not honor her as Prince Javid Khan's widow, and save her to eventually use in marriage with someone whom you wish to honor?"

"Because," he said, "I want her for myself. I owe neither you nor anyone else an explanation of my conduct. Remember that I am the sultan. However, I will tell you that she intrigues me, and fascinates me. I must have her! I will have her!"

Janfeda shrugged. "I cannot see it," she said, "but do as you please, dear boy."

"I always have," he said with a quick smile.

"You must allow Marjallah time to mourn," said the valideh.

"The longer she mourns Javid Khan," he said, "the more she will resist the idea of becoming mine. She is to come to me this Friday. I have already told Ilban Bey."

"Murad!" Nur-U-Banu looked shocked, and Janfeda even looked discomfited by his decision. "It is unthinkable! You cannot do such a thing! As Javid Khan's wife she technically belongs to his family. What if they want her sent to them?"

"Then we shall tell them that Javid Khan's bride died of her grief," the sultan answered promptly. "Understand me well, mother. I want this woman! No one shall prevent me from having her. No one!" Then turning from them he strode from the room.

"How can I tell Marjallah?" Nur-U-Banu looked genuinely distressed. "What do I say to her? This is impossible!"

"Instruct your people to say nothing, and keep her by your side. You must, of course, tell Safiye tonight," Janfeda counseled. "You and Safiye must then try over the next few days to persuade Marjallah of the great honor being done her by Murad. She does not know our ways. Tell her it is a custom if you must."

"Zeki!" the sultan valideh called to her personal eunuch.

"Yes, majesty?" The call was answered by a tall, spare white eunuch with silvery-gray hair.

"Go to the bas kadin, and tell her that though the hour is late that I would speak with her." The eunuch bowed, and hurried from the salon. "Serfiraz!" Nur-U-Banu spoke to her head woman servant. "I want refreshments immediately before the bas kadin arrives. Hurry your women!"

"Instantly, majesty," rejoined Serfiraz, and ran from the room to marshal her forces.

They did not have long to wait. Safiye returned with Zeki, her own personal eunuch, Tahsin, accompanying them. "You have sent for me, madame? How may I serve you?"

"Sit down, my dear Safiye," said the valideh smoothly, and the Venetian raised a curious eyebrow as she made herself comfortable.

Janfeda smiled across the low table of inlaid mother-of-pearl and ebony. "You look well, Safiye. How is Memhet?"

"Flourishing!" Safiye beamed for she liked nothing better than to speak about her only son.

"We have a problem," said the valideh.

"We do?" Safiye looked a trifle confused.

"We certainly do, dear Safiye. You will remember that we cajoled Murad into giving Marjallah to Javid Khan for we feared that such an intelligent woman could catch the sultan's fancy, and cause dissension in the harem. Well now Marjallah is back, and what you and I feared all along has happened. Murad has only just left me after telling me bluntly, and with a terrible lack of delicacy, that he intends to have Princess Marjallah brought to him this Friday!"

Safiye looked stunned. Then she said, "Can you do nothing, my mother valideh?"

"I have begged Murad not to do this thing! Janfeda has pleaded with him! Marjallah belongs to the Khan's family, but when I brought this very point up with Murad he said he should tell the Khan if he asked that the. prince's bride died of grief! He is determined to have his way in this matter, Safiye. I cannot move him."

"Then why do you call me, my mother valideh? If you cannot change his mind, I certainly cannot."

"There is one thing that you can do, Safiye," said the sultan valideh.

"What?" Safiye looked dubious.

"Once I stood in your slippers, my daughter, as you will one day stand in mine by virtue of your son's inheritance. It is lonely being the bas kadin. It is lonely being the sultan valideh. Still I have Janfeda to comfort me. Were it not for my friend I hate to think what my life would be like. Do not desert your friend, Marjallah, because of something that is not her doing. She is not like the others in the harem. You need each other. Esther Kira has told me stories of how the kadins of the first Selim were all as close as sisters; fighting first for the family good, and then only for themselves and their children. One day I will not be here, and my responsibility will be yours. It will be good to have Marjallah by your side then."

"What if she has a son?" demanded Safiye. "How will she like me when Memhet inherits, and destroys her child? How can my lord Murad's favorites be friends? We cannot."

"She might have a daughter," said Janfeda. "I did. You might consider another way of protecting Memhet's succession than by murdering his brothers. Why could the other princes not be incarcerated in their own apartments with their attendants and sterile damsels to live out their lives in peace? What if Memhet could have no sons? The dynasty would die if his brothers were all dead, but at least the dynasty would be protected if the other princes lived in their comfortable captivity."

"No! Nothing must threaten Memhet's succession!" said Safiye. "Living heirs only tempt the malcontents. Still, you are right in one way. Marjallah might have a daughter. Most of my lord Murad's children are female. I don't want to lose my friend. She is the only real friend that I have, and I have been happy since she came."

Nur-U-Banu smiled. "You have grown wiser, Safiye, and I am pleased. Now, dear daughter, we must discuss how to tell Marjallah of the sultan's will. He insists that she come to him first this Friday which has, of course, shocked me greatly as I know it has you. I am certain that Marjallah will be of as delicate a nature as we are, and she is quite apt to resist the sultan. We must convince her otherwise. I know that she loved Javid Khan, but we both know that she will also learn to love Murad as well, will she not?"

"How can she not love him?" said Safiye softly. "He is the most wonderful of men! I loved him from the first moment that I laid eyes on him. He was my dream come true! Of course she cared for Javid Khan, but if she will but give herself the chance she will love Murad even more! She must! He cannot be hurt!"

"I will instruct Ilban Bey to silence any loose tongues," said the valideh, "and we will say nothing to Marjallah for a day or two, but in four days she must go to the sultan, and it is up to us to make her realize the honor, and the opportunity offered her.

"If she knows that we love her, and are happy for her," said Safiye, "I know that it will be easier for her."

The two older women smiled at the sultan's bas kadin, their eyes catching in a knowing glance which fortunately escaped Safiye. The valideh signaled to her servants, and they were instantly at the little table pa.s.sing refreshments to the three women who now having solved their problem chatted quite companionably with each other. Finally Safiye arose and took her leave of the valideh, and Nur-U-Banu embraced her son's favorite with more warmth than she had in years. Janfeda smiled to herself. Nur-U-Banu was always the most amenable when getting her own way, she thought. Yet something distressed her, but she could not put her finger on it. She was anxious to depart for her own apartments so she might concentrate on what it was that was niggling at her. She always listened to the voice within.

Chapter 15.

Aidan had awakened the following morning, her memory of the previous day totally intact. She had a raging headache, and her mouth was dry. Unable to help it she wept herself into a frenzy, and Jinji, truly frightened, sent Iris for the valideh.

Nur-U-Banu, realizing that her actions could easily determine Aidan's cooperation, hurried to the little apartment next to her own. Enfolding the weeping woman into a motherly embrace she made soothing noises, and allowed Aidan to cry until she could cry no more. Finally when Aidan's sobs had subsided she said, "I know, dear child, what it is to lose a loved one. My second son, Ahmed, died when he was a little boy of two. Murad was his father's heir, but Ahmed was my baby. He even looked like me with his fair hair and dark eyes." She sighed. "I wept for days, but in the end it did me no good for I felt no better, and it did not bring him back to me."

Aidan looked up at the valideh. Her eyes were swollen almost half shut, and her nose was red. She was not a woman who looked appealing in grief, thought Nur-U-Banu. What a pity Murad could not see her this way, and save them all this difficulty. "I understand what it is you are saying to me, madame," said Aidan, "but it is so unfair! Javid Khan was a good man and he suffered deeply the loss of his family. For him to fall victim once again to some unknown raider is not right!"