The Ascent

In the hammam of the royal court, several women scrubbed Zefra’s body with oriental herbs reserved only for royalty.

The process had gone on for hours.

The diamond needed to be polished and cut before it could be placed delicately among the jewels.

First came the sugaring to remove unwanted hair.

Then layer after layer of perfumed oil, followed by a long massage to work the fragrance deep into her skin.

Her thick black hair had been carefully secured into a braid adorned with jewels.

She wore a green gown embroidered with gold thread, its neckline leaving her shoulders bare.

Makeup had been applied strategically to enhance her golden eyes.

“Hurry! Hurry!”

The chief eunuch urged the women along.

“The Crown Prince has been waiting long enough.”

At last, Zefra was escorted to his chambers.

She stood before him with her head bowed and her arms folded respectfully before her.

She had been instructed not to look directly at the Crown Prince unless he commanded her to.

But curiosity got the better of her.

Slowly, Zefra raised her eyes.

Their gazes met.

The Crown Prince stared at her for a moment.

His curiosity was piqued.

He had expected another beautiful woman brought into the palace.

A valuable addition to the harem 

He lifted her chin.

Then, with his thumb, he caressed her lower lip.

She submitted willingly to his every desire.

After all, she had been granted in a single night what some women in the harem had struggled for years to attain.

The favor of the heir.

The night passed in a blur of conversation and laughter.

They ate together, the Crown Prince even fed her with his own hands.

She sang for him.

She danced for him.

And they talked long after the palace had grown quiet.

By the following morning, Zefra could hardly stop smiling.

The Crown Prince had enjoyed her company.

More importantly, he wanted to see her again.

Word spread quickly through the harem.

The new girl had captured the Crown Prince’s attention.

Wherever Zefra went, whispers followed.

The other concubines watched her from the corners of their eyes.

Some looked curious.

Others looked openly displeased.

Zefra noticed them.

But for now, she found herself enjoying her newfound fame.

A eunuch approached her.

She had been summoned by the Queen Mother.

The Queen Mother sat with graceful poise upon several embroidered cushions.

The women surrounding her all wore magnificent gowns adorned with intricate embroidery and glittering jewels. They sat around her, watching her with admiration.

Zefra bowed.

“Your Majesty, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

“I have been told you were granted an audience with the Crown Prince, girl.”

Zefra nodded, a smile spreading across her face.

The Queen Mother, however, looked at her blankly, as though thoughts had crossed her mind that she refused to share.

“Foolish girl. It is nothing to be happy about. Watch your every step.”

Zefra’s smile faltered.

“Eunuch Salim, she should be assigned a handmaiden.”

With that, the Queen Mother turned her face away, making it clear that the discussion was over.