Abra The Sultan's Concubines

Abra had never been invited into the royal harem of the Sultan before, but she was eager to meet and know the legendary women sequestered behind its guarded walls. Aside from being the Sultan’s private family quarters, the harem also served as a kind of high-end girls' university. The most intelligent and beautiful women of the empire were brought there to receive the very best education available. Although technically slaves, they were rigorously trained in literature, music, poetry, and art. Their schooling was strict and took up much of the day. Those who were not chosen as the Sultan’s concubines were treated very much like daughters of the imperial household. After nine years of service, they were granted the freedom to leave. Very few
She had lost her mother, and now it seemed, she had lost her husband, too. With little adult companionship of her own, she grew bored and listless. Hers was a life cut off from the outside world, yet apart from the vibrant and bustling community within the Imperial gates. For Abra, the Sultana’s invitation offered the promise of new friendships, perhaps even, a life of her own.
She settled on a blue tunic beaded with pearls and a muslin veil she secured on her head with a gilded, feather headdress. Then, she dressed Klark. Her blue eyes shone bright against the glittering gold fabric chosen for her; igniting her golden hair like a veil.
The party itself was much grander than Abra had ever seen before. Fireworks filled the sky and reflected above the sea while steaming trays of veal, duck, and mutton were ferried out from the royal kitchens. An orchestra sat atop the pavilion, entertaining the women with flutes and harps. While dancers undulated to the music with brass bells swinging from their hips and ankles.
As Abra shuffled along, she realized there must be several hundred women living there, along with their small children, as well as servants and maids. The ladies of the harem included Persian beauties, Christians, Jews, and foreigners from the farthest reaches of the
“I take it this is your daughter,” the woman grasped Klark’s chin between her fingers and tilted her head side to side as she studied her. “Very pretty, isn’t she?”
Abra winced.
The Sultana summoned a young servant with the flick of her wrist. “Take this girl to the garden to play with the other children,” she said without bothering to look at the servant as she spoke. “I have a message for you.” She turned her attentions back to Abra. “I think you’ll be pleased.”
“A message?”
“From the Sultan,” she continued casually. “It concerns your daughter.”
“Klark? What about her?”
“It’s been decided that she’ll be educated inside the harem alongside other royal children.” Sultana paused for a long moment. “She’ll be schooled in music and poetry, language and literature.”
Abra blinked incredulously. “She will be in safe hands, rest assured,” the Sultana tried to sound reassuring, “and receive the very best education the empire has to offer a young lady.”
“I don’t quite understand.” The Sultana sighed wearily, then tilted her long neck back. “Your husband has been loyal to the Sultan,” she explained unenthusiastically. “Loyalty has its