Necklace

Zefra returned to her chambers with vivid dreams of travelling through the snowy peaks of Arkanshaw and across the deserts of Khalistan.

Naila was still waiting for her.

“My lady, you cannot go out alone,” she said with concern. “Tomorrow, the High Concubine, mother of the second prince, Sheikh, has requested your audience. Apparently, she has heard tales of your prowess in dance and song.”

Zefra wanted to read some more.

But now she had to represent the prince she loved.

And that was far more significant to her.

The following day, she adorned herself in a black two-piece dancing outfit decorated with chains bearing hundreds of tiny gold coins.

Bangles covered her wrists, and she left her long black hair loose.

The High Concubine and the ladies of Prince Sheikh’s harem sat waiting for a performance they would not forget for the rest of their lives.

The floor awaited her.

Zefra held her upper body perfectly still as a rapid shimmy travelled through her hips, setting the hundreds of tiny coins upon her costume trembling in unison.

The movement gradually softened into a slow circle, the shimmer continuing beneath it like ripples across water.

The performance continued as the audience gasped, applauded, and followed her every movement with growing excitement.

At the end of the performance, a jeweled necklace was suddenly thrown at Zefra’s feet.

She stared at it in confusion.

Such adornments were usually bestowed by the prince who presided over the harem.

And Zefra had already been assigned to a prince.

Confounded, she searched the room.

That was when she noticed a figure concealed behind one of the curtains.

Even through the fabric, the silhouette suggested a man of imposing stature—tall and broad.

Zefra’s stomach tightened.

Prince Siddin would certainly punish her harshly if he discovered that she had performed before another man.

Naila quickly snatched the necklace from the floor, grabbed Zefra by the arm, and pulled her away.

Zefra remained stunned as they hurried from the room.