The Prince's Harem by Megan Derr

Author:Megan Derr
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: bisexual, fantasy romance, prince, harem, royalty, queer romance
Publisher: Megan Derr

*~*~*

He looked straight ahead as King Shahjahan and Prince Aradishir walked down the hall, accompanied by the king's foreign concubine Witcher and Javed. They spoke in low tones, too low to catch, but Heydar was acutely attuned to the rhythm and tone of Prince Aradishir's voice. He could not have ignored it if he wanted.

It took everything he had to behave as a statue, a perfect royal guard. But he was still painfully aware that Aradishir did not once look in his direction, and ignored the hurt that caused. One week later, he should no longer care. He never should have cared at all.

He'd been a model guard ever since Yahra had pointed out he was a fool, pleasing his father immensely. That was all he should care about.

A model guard he might finally be, but he was also a miserable one. The only real difference was that he had finally accepted that no one cared if he was miserable. Heydar tried to put his mind elsewhere, pondering whether it was worth the hassle to sneak out to the city. He used to have such fun, and it would probably be good for him to get out, try to remember and enjoy the things he could have and finally stop moping over what he would never have.

"Heydar."

He jumped as he heard his name, spoken in Aradishir's beautiful voice. Stepping out of line, he swept a low bow, heart in his throat. "Your Majesty, Your Highness."

Aradishir smiled at him and beckoned him closer, then held out a sheaf of papers. He pointed to a paragraph and said, "How would you translate this section here? My father and I are not quite satisfied with the translation provided to us."

Startled, Heydar took the papers and read the indicated paragraph. "It's tricky to translate," he said at last. "This is a Havarin concept that does not have a clear translation in Tavamaran. The Havarins are very fatalistic, meaning they believe there is almost nothing we can do about what happens to us. Tavamaran religion and culture holds no such belief. 'There is nothing we can do, it is what it is' is an acceptable translation, but I always preferred the more positive 'we've done all we can, the rest will take care of itself.'" He bowed. "I hope my feeble efforts are of some use to Your Majesty, Your Highness."

"An excellent translation," King Shahjahan said with a warm smile. "I see all that I heard of your skills were not exaggerated, Heydar. Your father must be proud to have so brilliant a son."

Heydar flushed to think how proud Yahra generally was not, but said only, "Yes, Your Majesty."

"You have sisters, yes?"

"Yes, Majesty," Heydar replied, wondering what that had to do with anything. When the king just seemed to wait, he cautiously continued, "My sister Anisa is going to be married next year, and Fidda is due to be presented at court in four months."

King Shahjahan nodded and handed the papers back to Aradishir. "Thank you for your assistance, Heydar.

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