FF: The Emperor's Harem [Ch6 p.14] - Page 9

Work trips can be fun provided you aren't sick.

I was in my eight month of pregnancy, my belly ready to pop any minute. For those eight months, I managed to hide it well behind loose fitted suits and layers of winter sweaters. But with spring approaching and my body contracting the seasonal flu, it did not take long for the news to spread like wildfire around the harem. Soon, the begums came in herds ready to greet, snark, or express their jealousy. I was tired of the accumulating stale air and envious energy in my room. But before I could step out, he showed up wearing a bright smile on his face. No, he was beaming, shining in the silver sun. He was radiant, giving direction to everyone in the dark. Now I knew why I carried the torch for him all this time. He was the love of my life and no matter how hard I tried to deny it, no matter how much he changed, I couldn't help but love him. I only had eyes for him. With his aura this awe-inspiring, how could I look away? So I stared, I stared until he shook me awake.

"Begum", he called me. Even though I was a mere slave. "I will marry you before you give birth. You've made me a happy man, you've made my only wish come true so, so I will make sure my children live like princes. They won't be bas***ds, I will promise you this".

Was this ideal happiness? Far from it. But I was content. As long as their is love, titles don't matter. Even if it is one sided, I will take it.

"They...they are twins. One girl and one boy", I unconsciously said aloud. "The due date is around the 20th. You'll be around right?"

"Yes", he pulled me into his embrace but suddenly held back. "How do you know?"

"..."

"How do you know what we're having? You even know when you're due?"

"That...I...well...I...guessed. I mean calculated the date but I really want a boy and a girl".

"Shehenshah, if I may", an older woman dressed in all white approached us. From the attire and gate, I could guess she was one of the court ladies.

"Aadaab Kaneez, hum Maham Anga hain".

So it was that cunning advisor the history books talk about.

"I am sorry to ask this Shehenshah but how do you know for sure the child is yours? I've heard she had a husband and a son before she was captured. Could it be that she was with child when we enslaved her?"

If Jalal was angry, he didn't show it. Instead, he looked at me for justification. History has witnessed countless cases of injustice and they all share one thing in common- the burden of proof always falls on the woman. Especially if she is accused, she has prove her innocent lest she desire death. And this time it wasn't just my life at stake, I had a family to worry about.

I immediately knelt before them. "I have a clean heart. For the past four years, I have only loved one person. I have only been with one person. I know you won't reciprocate and you don't have to but I love you Jalal".

His eyes widened from the shock. As I gathered my peeled open scabs closer to my heart, Maham Anga pulled me back up. Suddenly, my breath became so shallow I was wheezing.

"Your name is a prayer".

My senses were overwhelmed, my eyes closing under bright light. My ears were ringing with his name. "A call to return to my true being. Your existence is divine, like eternity glistening in a sea of mortals. Just your image is enough. I don't need anything else".

I watched his distressed frame rush to my rescue. Blood began gushing down my thighs. Soon I was standing a pool of scarlet, holding on to dear life. He tried calling my name but he couldn't remember. He couldn't remember who I was. "Begum, kaneez, begum", he yelled repeatedly.

"Koi hai! Hakeem!"

His cries caused chaos all around. I pulled on his sleeve and said my last words. "Promise me that you will live well, live happily when I leave. I will love you in my own way. Promise me that you won't disrespect my love. Stay alive for me. That will be your gift to me. Goodbye Jalal".

With that, I lost my last thread of consciousness. When I became conscious again, my lids were too heavy to open. Or perhaps, they were closed shut. This is what death must look like. Having the desire but not the means to wake up. Even though I was dead, my mind still went back to my family. I hope my twins are okay, I hope Sooha is alive somewhere. I hope Jalal pulls through.

Tip. Tap.

The sound of water drops shook me out of my spiral of thoughts. I attempted to twitch my fingers and I could feel them move with command.

"Doctor, doctor! My wife...my wife", a familiar voice could be heard nearby.

A stranger soon forced open my eyes and shone bright light into them.

"Can you hear me?"

"My kids?"

"She is awake. We're going to run some tests Mr. Mohammad to find out what is going on. But congratulations on this miraculous comeback!"

I was too tired to look around but my calls for Sooha were met with a two soft, rhythmic voices.

"Everything is going to be okay. Sooha is here. I am here".

"Mommy".

maybe she is dreaming? think on that😆

haha I just love to torture you all. I am not sure if my muse wants it to be a dream.

I will do as he says😉

Truth is, every time I lean toward a happy ending my muse pulls me back into darkness. puts up a good fight😆

I dunno what I am going to do next but somebody is going to be jodha's bitch soon. count on that!

you are welcome love.

I am still firm on my belief that phoenix of the desert is better.

this story has way too many flaws in my eyes

but if you say so then, I believe you😆