1637: The Peacock Throne (31) by Flint Eric & Barber Griffin
Author:Flint, Eric & Barber, Griffin [Flint, Eric & Barber, Griffin]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Action & Adventure, Fiction, War, Alternative History, Science Fiction, time travel
ISBN: 9781982125356
Google: uAX6zQEACAAJ
Amazon: 1982125357
Goodreads: 55711563
Publisher: Baen
Published: 2021-05-04T07:00:00+00:00
Harem precincts
âWhat are you smiling about, Salim?â Dara asked as Salim and Firoz approached the slightly raised dais the emperor sat upon to watch the fights.
âSultan AlâAzam?â Salim asked, stopped in his tracks by the emperorâs tone. He glanced about, relieved there were only four slaves in earshot of the conversation, though all of them were visibly tense.
Daraâs expression was stone. âYou smiled. I ask what it is you are smiling about.â
Salim bowed, deeply. âSultan AlâAzam, I smile because I am happy in your service.â
âYou are, are you?â
âIndeed I am, Sultan AlâAzam.â
âSultan AlâAzââ Firoz began, attempting to deflect the emperorâs wrath.
âWhen I want you to speak, eunuch, I will command it,â Dara said, glaring at Firoz.
Firoz prostrated himself. âForgive me, Sultan AlâAzam,â he mumbled.
Dara ignored Firoz to focus his anger on Salim. âSo, what is it about serving me that pleases you?â
Reeling a bit from the sudden vehemence of Daraâs attack, Salim struggled to find words that would not make him sound like a sycophant. âI have found many challenges in your service, Sultan AlâAzam.â
âSuch as dishonoring my sister? Mocking my hospitality?â the emperor barked.
âYour sââ Salim began.
âYes, my sister: Begum Sahib. No doubt you found it a grand challenge to sully her with your touch. First to suborn my servants then to inveigle me into pliant placidity.â
The war elephant chose that moment to trumpet once again, making everyone but Dara flinch. Salim could only shake his head, stunned at the scope of these baseless accusations. Had he not known better, he would have thought someone had been whispering vile rumor into the emperorâs ear.
âSay this, at least, of Salim Gadh Yilmazâs honor: he made no effort to lie to me when confronted with his shameful impropriety.â
âLie? Suborn? Impropriety?â Salim asked, anger cutting through his surprise and making each word louder and sharper than the last. âI have not lied. I have not touched your sister. I am your faithful and obedient servant. I would not disrespect you nor your sister!â
Dara scoffed. âI know you met. I know you desire her.â
Unable to answer that without betraying his feelings for Jahanara Begum and condemning himself, Salim took a deep steadying breath and said slowly, âSultan AlâAzam, I am not your enemy.â
âThen what areââ Daraâs angry retort was cut short by a groan. He surged erect, walking toward the edge of the dais. Salimâs gaze caught Daraâs contorted expression. No longer angry, it was bewildered, eyelids closing unevenly. Then, the emperorâs entire body convulsed. Moaning, he toppled forward, falling atop one of his body slaves with a heavy thud that frightened Salim more than the unreasoning anger of a moment before.
While Salim struggled, first to comprehend what had happened, then to thank God Dara had not fallen over the balcony, Firoz leapt into action. He pulled the emperor from the tangle of slave and silks.
Salim broke free of his stupor and barked at a slave, âFind Gervais or the up-timer physicians!â
Firoz eased Dara onto a set of cushions and commanded some order out of the trembling slaves.
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