The Panther and The Pearl by Doreen Owens Malek

Author:Doreen Owens Malek [Malek, Doreen Owens]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Gypsy Autumn Publications
Published: 2012-04-23T16:00:00+00:00

Kalid was sitting in his audience room, listening to a farming report that was less than riveting, when Achmed tapped on the door and then pulled it open cautiously.

“Come in,” Kalid said to him.

The khislar advanced into the room and waited, his arms folded across his chest.

“We’ll continue this in the afternoon at one o’clock,” Kalid said to his minister of agriculture. The man rose, gathered up his papers and bowed his way out of the room.

“What is it?” Kalid said to Achmed.

“You asked me to report to you on Sarah’s activities in the harem,” Achmed replied.

“And?”

“And she just had a tussle with Fatma.”

Kalid stared at him, then began to smile. “Tell me what happened,” he said.

By the time the khislar was finished relating the story Kalid was laughing openly.

“I can’t believe Sarah punched Fatma in the nose,” he said, chuckling.

“I saw the evidence myself. Fatma’s nose is already swelling, it may be broken.”

“Have Doctor Shakoz look at it, he’s back from his trip.” Kalid was still smiling, but the khislar was stone faced.

“I see that you don’t find this incident amusing,” Kalid added to Achmed.

“No, master. I must maintain order in the harem. If these women are allowed to go unchastised I don’t know what mayhem will result in the future.”

“All right. Send Sarah to me.”

It was only a few minutes before Sarah arrived, dressed simply in a shift with a gold trimmed caftan belted at the waist, her hair still damp. They had not seen each other since their last altercation, and Kalid drank in the sight of his favorite hungrily, noting that her face clean of the harem’s usual makeup made her look like a little girl. He shooed away her escort and then sat back in his chair as she stood mutely before him.

“Achmed is very upset with you,” he began.

Sarah said nothing.

“He told me that you punched Fatma in the nose.”

“After she tripped me.”

“That’s very mature.”

“Are you going to instruct me about maturity now?”

“I’m going to instruct you about decorous behavior. It was my former impression that this sort of tiff was beneath you.”

“Well, maybe I’m learning how to get along around here. I’ll reduce myself to whatever level is necessary to survive.”

“Fiery words from a proper Boston miss.”

“I don’t think I’m so proper any more. You’ve seen to that. And I’d like to know what you’re planning to say to Fatma. Is she going to receive a lecture too?”

“I’ll deal with Fatma in my own way.”

“I can just imagine what that might be. Please tell your paramour if she tries anything like this morning’s stunt again she’ll wind up with a shiner.”

“What is a shiner?”

“A black eye. What do they call it in England?”

“A poke,” he said.

“Well, if you don’t want your Titian haired trollop to receive a poke, tell her to leave me alone.”

“My Titian haired trollop?” he whispered, wide eyed.

Sarah stared at him balefully. “Oh, you are a snake. You’re enjoying this, aren’t you? Throwing me in with Fatma, on her home territory, and letting her toy with me.

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