The Golden Lotus: Excerpt

The rhythmic patter of rain outside and the soft glow of the brass oil lamps soothed a mind worn by too many concerns, lulling the High Prince toward thoughts of pleasure.

His wives, having enjoyed his attentions the last three nights, did not enter Rahmad's mind as he mulled over possible partners, for though all were beautiful and obedient, he did not wish to endure the ceremony that always attended him whenever he entered the harem. Fathering children should not require such fanfare, not when he had already sired half a dozen sons and as many daughters.

I do not desire a woman tonight. This eliminated two akeshi from his mental list, leaving him with three names. Saril makes too much noise in bed, Penthé is not quite what I desire tonight, and the eunuchs tell me that Jahan is unwell. Rahmad sighed and gazed over the quilted edge of the divan to the latticework screen, through which he could smell the rain falling in his private garden. Perhaps I shall have to take a woman after all.

A fourth name then came to mind. With a smile, Rahmad remembered that he had not called upon the young man since the evening of his triumph, and then, mindful of Tanariq's strained nerves, had given him a place of honor among his guests but had not touched him. A hostage has the honor of his host's company. He has been left alone long enough, and he has yet to learn that I mean him no harm.

Summoning a eunuch, he gave the man instructions and sent him to the akeshi quarters. Other servants moved in and out of the room, bringing wine and scented water, while Rahmad lounged on the divan, picking over the delicacies on the tray before him, and waited for the vizier of the bedchamber to appear with the partner he had requested.

Tanariq entered, wearing a robe of pleated amber silk that flowed like honey against his body, and the simple gold necklace that Rahmad had given to him after the triumph. At a signal, he came forward and knelt at the edge of the carpet as the vizier and servants withdrew. The door closed, leaving prince and bed slave alone in the dimly lit room.

"You look well," said Rahmad, speaking Juvan. Now that his hair had begun to grow out, Tanariq's appearance had improved from when he first arrived. Hunero also reported that he did as he was told and caused no trouble. "Come and sit beside me. I have not seen you in some time."

Tanariq climbed onto the divan, but did not raise his eyes until given permission. "What is your pleasure, sir?" he asked softly. Whether he realized it or not, under the graceful gestures and words, his reluctance still showed.

Rahmad picked up a goblet of chilled wine one of the servants had left and offered it to Tanariq, who politely refused. "It occurred to me that I have never asked what talents you possess. My other akeshi dance and play music. Do they do such things in your land?"

"Yes, but you would not like our songs or dances," replied Tanariq.

"Have you ever heard me say so?"

Tanariq dropped his gaze again. "No, sir, but you have never asked me to do anything but demonstrate the arts of love."

So he thinks I am a desert savage who is only capable of fucking him senseless. We will see about that. Rahmad was grateful that Tanariq was much older than the prepubescent akeshi the Juvans seemed to prefer. Taking him as such would have been like bedding one of his own sons, and thus too indecent a thought to contemplate.

"Ah, but that is not true," he said, laughing. "I have only lain with you once. The other times, I merely wished to enjoy your company. I am certain you have other talents, and you should not assume to know what pleases me. Here in Tajhaan, a prince's akeshi always come from the ranks of the nobility, from families who offer their younger sons to prestigious schools, or meet misfortune at the hands of their rivals. I am sure it is similar with akeshi in Juva as well, and that you also come from a good family, since I made it clear to Prince Senesret that I would not take a peasant or menial laborer in his place."

When Tanariq clasped his hands tightly in his lap and looked away, Rahmad realized he had broached a delicate subject, though at the moment he could not determine if it was the mention of his family or Senesret that caused his reaction.

"My parents were wellborn," murmured Tanariq, "but I left them a long time ago and could not tell you anything more. I had good training, and was fortunate to have a kind master."

"Your master was a boy," said Rahmad. "He could not possibly have pleased you."

"That does not matter. I am there for his pleasure."

"No, you are here for mine."