Settling In

"This way, Mistress." I follow him into the harem, and the door is shut and locked behind us. I am awed by what I find inside. Grand, high ceilings, large windows to let sunlight shine in. An archway leads to an outdoor courtyard with gardens and a large pool. On the interior, there are various fountains and baths, lavish furnishings and carpets, wall torches for illumination. "Welcome to your new home, Haria. These quarters are for you and the other girls of the harem. The sultan himself is the only other man who may enter here."

"Along the wall are various alcoves, where you will sleep on those nights you are not in His Majesty's bedchamber." I enter one of the alcoves, finding a small but opulent room, with a dresser, mirror, and a small couch for sleeping. There is a closet built into the wall, where several sets of clothing hang.

A young woman, wearing a midriff baring top and a rather sheer looking skirt, approaches us as we exit the alcove. "Hello, Munaf! Oh, is this the new girl?"

"It is."

"My name is Sefira, I am his Majesty's fourth concubine. The others are relaxing outside in the gardens, except for Mileena." she says.

"Pleased to meet you, Sefira. I'm Harry...um, I mean Haria." I say. I'm going to have to get used to that name.

"You can leave us now, Munaf, I'll show her around." He nods, and says "See to it that she bathes and changes." then turns to return to his post by the door. I thank him for his help as he walks away.

I follow Sefira to a small bathing pool on the side of the room. "Please, enjoy the bath. Would you like something to eat? After we get you bathed and changed, you can meet the others."

"That would be wonderful." I reply. Moments later, as I relax in the warm bathwater, a serving girl enters with a plate of food and a bottle of wine. She sets it down beside me, bowing, then leaves. I am impressed. The water has a fragrance of jasmine. The wine is sweet and flavorful. It feels like I'm at some kind of luxury day spa. I suppose, as far as slavery goes, I have it pretty good.

It feels good to be clean again. I haven't felt this refreshed or relaxed since this whole ordeal began.

1. Sefira approaches the bath with 2 other girls in tow. "Haria, I'd like you to meet the others."
2. Munaf approaches the bath. "The Sultan has called for you. Please get dressed and come with me."

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