Pleasant Conversation

"Yes, your Majesty." I reply. "I've been studying architecture for some time back home, and..."

"Truly! They allow women the study of architecture in your homeland? That's fascinating."

"We're allowed much more than that", is what I want to tell him, but instead I just smile and nod. I don't want to seem out of place.

"Architechture is one of my passions in life. To design a building is, in a lot of ways, the same as building an empire. Without the proper plans and implementation, it will not stand the test of time."

"You have a natural talent for it, your Majesty" I say, trying to flatter him.

"This is the design for a new marketplace that I intend to have erected in the city square. The other scrolls there are more of my work, some of which has been built since I've been Sultan."

"I would be honored to look at them." I say, trying to sound demure.

He takes my hand and presses it to his lips. "Of course you may, my sweet."

We spend the next few hours conversing and looking over the numerous designs. The sultan is very proud of his work and I find that complimenting him on it puts him in high spirits. He explains how the other girls feigned interest in his works, but none took the time to truly learn anything about them. The conversation is light and pleasant, not at all what I expected.

Dinner is brought in for us, and it truly is a feast fit for a king (or sultan, if you will) I eat happily, and drink maybe a bit too much wine. After the food trays are removed, I am left alone with him once again, and am caught a bit off guard when he suddenly draws me into his arms.

"Haria..." he says, gazing into my eyes.

1. "Thank you for a wonderful evening." He kisses me lightly, and sends me off to harem to sleep
2. "I think we should get to know each other a little better." He kisses me deeply and leads me to his bedchamber

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