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Thread: Love of the Desert [[ShadyxHoudini]]

The prince watched as Tahirah knocked over the utensil and picked it up, presumably a result of being startled by his entrance. She stood up straight, the pleasing curve of her bottom disappearing under the linen folds of her garment. As she turned to face him, he was both disappointed to lose sight of the inappropriate side of her that he had been fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of, but at the same time, delighted to see the soft features of her bronzed face and to hear the smooth way she spoke. Dont worry about that goblet, he reassured her, but remembering that he should maintain the airs appropriate for a man of his stature, he added Like I said, just be more careful when the guests arrive. He looked in her direction for a few moments in silence, until it almost became uncomfortable. He wished she would tilt her head up just a bit, he wanted to gaze into those deep, dark eyes. He wondered what effect it would have on the girl if he were to stare at her in such way. He delighted in the thought that he had the power to melt her soul, maybe even drive her crazy, with an action as innocuous as a long gaze. How the emotions would be bottled up inside of her if she knew of his desires, yet was not at liberty to say or do anything in return! After all, he was used to young women eons above this slave girl in social stature being visibly intimidated by a mere greeting and flirtatious glance from him. But none of these women of high birth had ever made his own body tingle with emotion at the mere sight of them, as with this slave. I simply wanted to have an idea of how the preparations were coming along. Ill be back once all the guests have arrived, he stated. He turned and headed back out the door, but looked back at her before allowing the door to close. I wont keep you from your work any longer. With that he let the door swing closed, and walked back through the palace towards his bedroom again. He found a servant and asked him to draw a bath. After all, he couldnt come to the feast with the dank scent of the day's activities upon him. He soaked in the warm water once it was drawn, the scent of the salts in the water relaxing his muscles. He didnt linger long, before calling a servant to bring out his finest garments. He dressed in a purple skirt of fine linen, along with a white sleeveless linen shirt. He wore jewels finer than those worn earlier in the day, a belt of emerald and topaz set in gold, and a rubies and other jewels draped around his neck. He called for a servant to apply his makeup around his eyes, in the manner that all the princes wore for formal occasions, before setting his headdress on, and heading for the feast hall. Hamadi knew all of his guests would be assembled. As the host it would be fashionable for him to arrive a bit late. As the guards saw him coming, they readied the musicians who stood at the door. The door was opened for him, and he entered to a symphony of trumpets, harps, and other delightful music. He greeted each of his guests personally before heading to his golden chair which was awaiting him.
Thread: Love of the Desert [[ShadyxHoudini]]

Tahirah's head nodded lightly when he assured her that he wasn't too angry about the goblet while reminding her to be more careful when his guests arrived. She knew this well - to do something bad in front of the Prince was bad, but to do it in front of him and his guests was worse because then, as it had been explained to her, you were not only shaming yourself, but him as well. It was a sign of utmost disrespect and proper punishment was to be handed out. Punishment, punishment, punishment... She wondered when she would ever be awarded for her work. Never, she was certain - Tahirah had convinced herself that she wouldn't be complimented. ... If she knew what the Prince had thought about her she probably could have been pushed over with a feather from shock. If he had stared at her much longer just now in complete silence she might have not been able to resist a glance up at him. The farthest her dark brown eyes got to though was his knees which were partially covered by cloth. Her hands fiddled quietly in front of her as she waited for him to move, to say something. Her black hair shifted on her shoulders as her head tilted up a little just as he turned to leave. Her breath escaped quietly through her full, pink lips and she brushed one hand with the other, nodding lightly. I hope the evening goes well for you, my Prince, she said, bowing lightly and watching as he left, carrying his intoxicating smell with him. She sighed inwardly, letting her shoulders slump when he'd finally left. Soon after she turned back to the table and finished the flower arrangements and then helped with the draping of a nearby display table in linen cloth. Tahirah then went back to her quarters to change into something very clean - with guests about, even the slaves were to look as good as they could. When the first guests started to arrive, many of them family to the royals, she would ask them if they wanted anything to drink and promptly go to get them some. She also lead them to their seats to sit down. Once everyone had arrived, she knew it was the Prince's turn. Hearing the sound of the music, her head snapped up and she stepped backward behind his heavy chair, lowering her head as he passed. Sometimes when he walked by she wished she could just disappear - especially in such a public setting. Her head tilted up again once he was seated and she smiled lightly, the smell of sweet almonds and lotus floating into her senses once again. The scents throughout the night would be distracting, she thought - coupled with his which was by far the best, there were also the other royals and officials as well as the food. It would cause for certain distraction if she wasn't careful...
Thread: Love of the Desert [[ShadyxHoudini]]

As Hamadi approached the regal seat awaiting him, it took every fiber of his being to keep his attention focused towards the enormous table, facing his guests, and not at the petite figure that hovered behind the seat. It angered him that he was unable to function as he wished without thinking of her . As he took his seat, he detected a trace of a scent that he knew was hers. It was familiar, comforting in a way. He had smelled it at times when they were alone, so he knew it could belong to no one else. He could only describe it as the scent of clean skin and hair, mixed with a touch of the perspiration of hard work. Before the feast could begin in earnest, the young prince would, of course, be expected to say a few words to his guests. He stood in front of his chair, looking at the lavish feast spread before him. Plates of fresh fruit such as figs and dates surrounded the outer edges of the table. Large red grapes overflowed from baskets all over the table. Honey sweetened cakes were on a large tray in the center, with some vegetables nearby. Trays of various kinds of meat arrayed the inner part of the table. There was duck, fish, goose, and goat meat. It was the best food Egypt had to offer. And of course, plenty of vats of barley beer and wine were on a separate table to the side of the room in great quantity. My brothers, sisters, and friends, I am honored to have you here at my feast this evening. I desire that each of you enjoy yourself to the fullest. I have arranged for the best food and drink, and the finest musicians to play for us so that we may dance. He glanced over at the musicians. The harpists were still there, but the more formal trumpets had been replaced with tambourines and cymbals, more joyful instruments, meant for dancing. Have a wonderful evening. Should you need anything, dont hesitate to ask any of my servants , he graciously offered. Speeches were not his favorite, and he only did it out of obligation, and said no more than necessary. Encouraged by the sight of his many friends, he cheerfully took a fish and placed it on his plate next to some leeks. Now emboldened, he turned to Tahirah, anxious to prove to his friends how little regard he had for her, although of course, they knew nothing of any unusual feelings he had for her, and were aware of nothing needing proving or unproving. Girl, fetch me a glass of wine, he demanded, no longer dignifying her by the use of her name. He looked on with approval as everyone began eating, and cheerful conversation filled the room. While he waited for his drink, he picked up a conversation with a cousin about the upcoming holiday dedicated to the goddess Isis.
Thread: Love of the Desert [[ShadyxHoudini]]

Tahirah's deep eyes closed as the Prince spoke, listening more to the flow of his voice than to the actual words. After all, they didn't apply to her. She was no more a guest here than the food was. Even still she stood and waited patiently for him to see and receive his food. It wasn't long before the conversations around the table began and the room was abuzz. Guests raised their glassed for person-to-person toasts, more or less to say a humble hello, as well as to indicate that they needed more to drink. It was only her and two other servants that wandered the room to wait on them - Tahirah was told to hover around the Prince. Not close enough to be eavesdropping on his conversations but not so far that he had to yell to get her attention should he need her. This also meant servicing his most valuable and honored guests, of course - those that sat closest to him were, in fact, closer to him. She was treading on thin ice... Hearing him call for something, her head snapped up even though he hadn't said her name. Her eye twitched lightly from this - she was used to him saying her name, but knew better than to be disturbed by it. Right away, my Prince... she said and reached out for the glass, swiping it from his place setting so that she could fill it. The smell in the room was just as intoxicating in the corner with the drinks as it was by the table. Everything smelled so wonderful and all she wanted to do was have one juicy grape, maybe a tender slice of goat... But she would get none. Shaking herself from her daydream she filled the Prince's glass with wine, enough to be discretionary. Carefully she carried it back to his seat, moving slow enough not to spill but quick enough that he wouldn't get angry with her. Realizing he had struck up conversation there was no interrupting him, even to tell him she had brought his drink. Suddenly she found herself in a bit of a spot, however. Did she wait by his side holding the drink until he took it from her, making her look like she was listening, did she reach between them to place the glass down, or did she put it on the wrong so that he was forced to reach over his plate of food to grasp the goblet? Clearly the second option was out - if she reached between them while they were speaking, she'd be soundly and verbally attacked, if not physically later. The lesser of the two evils seemed to be the third option and so she moved to his other side another step and set the glass down, whispering a quick, Your wine, sir, before stepping back a bit, glancing around for anything that needed to be done. As she stepped backward she nearly bumped into someone and blushed, even wincing already - even if it was a slave, the staff running into one another at a function did not look professional. Even still, she hoped the Prince had not noticed the almost-accident.
Thread: Love of the Desert [[ShadyxHoudini]]

Although the prince was in a spirited conversation with his cousin, it was impossible for him not to, at least subconsciously, be aware of Tahirahs movements. Therefore, when she placed the glass on the table to his side, he was immediately aware of it, although her scent was now much more difficult to pick up, with the delicious aromas wafting through the room. He didnt acknowledge her, of course, out of respect to his guest, and with his back turned to her, didnt notice her near mishap either. In fact, it seemed as if no one did, as they were all involved in some kind of conversation. However, when he reached for his wine glass, he realized that he had to reach all the way across his plate in a very unmannerly fashion. Turning to her, he demanded Is this the kind of service that you were trained to provide? Placing my drink so that I have to reach across the whole table to get it? The conversation across the room hushed a bit, as all eyes were on Hamadi and his slave girl. He said nothing further to her at the time, although he noticed that many of the eyes of his guests were now watching her every move, squinting with disapproval at her, as if to confirm the correctness of their hosts reprimand. Hamadi soon stood up from his seat, making his way around the room to have some conversation with each of his guests personally. He enjoyed a long conversation with Neema and Faji, his newlywed cousins. As time wore on, the food was enjoyed by all, and the drinks flowed freely. Servants removed empty plates, and returned with fresh ones. As he sipped his fourth glass of wine, he stood out on one of the several balconies overlooking the lush courtyards, talking with a friend he had shared many tutored lessons with as a youth. As they talked about old friends, and mischievous incidents from childhood, the princes attention shifted from the cool night outside, back into the feast hall. He noticed that several of his guests had started to dance in the open area, the musicians picking up the volume in turn. His gaze shifted to Tahirah, clearing dirty plates and utensils from the large table, looking quite exhausted, and a little forlorn, he thought.
Thread: Love of the Desert [[ShadyxHoudini]]

Tahirah had held her breath for a minute before realizing that the Prince was far too engaged in his conversation to notice her stumble and for that she was grateful. When he turned to reprimand her, though, she stopped breathing again for a minute and just waited, putting her head down to the sound of his voice. It was clear to her without even looking up at that a few of the guests had turned to look at her as the conversation got quieter. It didn't last too long, however, and soon enough she was called away on some other tasks. She brought in water and some other food as well as china and dinnerware that was freshly washed. At one point she was carrying two large casks of wine to the table. Each one weight a good amount and were full. She wove carefully around people, excusing herself quietly as she passed. Suddenly stopped by a guest she held the casks in her shaking arms and nodded when they asked for another glass of wine. Right away, she managed before hobbling over to the table. She put both of the pots down on the ground and wiped her brow quickly with the back of her hand. Grasping one of the clean glasses, she filled it with sweet wine from the spout of one of the already open pots. Carefully she walked with it, but a sudden glint of something caught her eye and she turned her head away for just a moment... In the few seconds it took her to look away, the stone under her feet seemed to become unnaturally uneven. Her sandal caught on something, maybe a guest but more likely just her own clumsiness from not paying attention. The smash of the cup against the floor was almost deafening, at least to her. She felt herself on the ground, knees already slightly sore from the scrape. The soreness of her knees, however, would not prepare her for the soreness that would be her behind or back, she was sure. Because she already knew she was in trouble she took a second to hang her head before lifting herself from the floor in an attempt to reclaim the glass. How had she ever been so careless as to trip and drop it? Tahirah was both angry and ashamed of herself but also knew that the worst would be the disappointment from Hamadi. Luckily Tahirah had not gotten the wine on anyone - it simply fell on the ground and spilled over, but the embarrassment was still there.
Thread: Love of the Desert [[ShadyxHoudini]]

Hamadi was still on the balcony when the crash resounded through the room. In the midst of the music and conversation, the cup breaking on the floor really wasn't that loud, but it was enough for the young prince to peek his head back into the main hall to investigate. At first, the hum of the guests only lowered a bit in terms of volume, but once all eyes saw Hamadi enter from the balcony and stare, it gradually lowered to a quiet hum. Although he had not seen exactly what happened, it was painfully obvious that somehow, Tahirah had tripped and fallen, breaking the glass she was carrying, and spilling its contents onto the floor. His first reaction was pity and concern for the young woman who clearly occupied a soft spot in his heart. But all he could do was stare for the moment as she hung her head in shame, the pain and embarrassment written all over her face. To break the silence, his cousin Thabit, a prince himself, called out from the other side of the room. Can you believe the carelessness of this slave? After you already kindly reprimanded her once this evening? She is deserving of strokes! How many will you have given to her? Hamadi thought for a moment that his dear cousin did not even question whether she was deserving of a lashing, but only how bad of a beating it should be. He thought that his cousin had a point. After all, he had warned her once. And it certainly would not be appropriate to make excuses for such a lowly creature. After all, she was privileged to be allowed in the company of royalty, and needed to behave in a deserving manner. None of this actually added up to the prince, but he needed to rationalize it somehow. She should be lashed in the courtyard below, so we can all testify that it is carried out properly, another cousin called out. Hamadi looked out the balcony, at the courtyard clearly visible below, well lit by rows of torches. Hamadi walked to the guard at the door, trying to look as confident as he could. Go fetch the headmaster of the slaves, he instructed the guard. The few minutes until his arrival was quite an awkward wait. Several guests started up some quiet conversation, but Hamadi stood alone, desperately trying to avoid looking in Tahirah's direction at all. Once the headmaster arrived, Hamadi pointed to Tahirah, and did all he could to keep his voice from quivering, as he said in front of all present This slave has been careless and disruptive more than once tonight. I think she is deserving of ten lashes in the courtyard below. My guests need to be satisfied that she is punished properly.
Thread: Love of the Desert [[ShadyxHoudini]]

He looked on as she was roughly escorted out of the room, mustering a glance in her direction, enough to tell that her expression and body language had quite a defeated manner about them, her body visibly tensed up. A few moments later, her figure emerged in the shadows of the courtyard below. Certainly this was an unusual punishment, public lashings were rare, usually reserved for the most brazen offenses. Did she really deserve it, he wondered to himself? After all, she had done nothing intentional. Why had he not had the courage to disagree with his guests? As his friends gathered onto the three balconies facing the courtyard, they seemed more interested in the entertainment of the spectacle than actually desiring justice. He looked down at the other balconies, as a few of them pointed and snickered, their words unheard by Hamadi. Had they really just suggested this because they were just tired of dancing and drinking? Hamadi stood at the back of the balcony, behind his friends. He noticed that the man who would be administering the lashing picked a column in the most well-lit area of the courtyard. He knew that there would be spectators, and intended to give them a show. Once Tahirah's kalasiris dropped away, he held back a gasp the healed scars of her back were evident in the torchlight. He should have known that as a slave, she would have received punishments, but never desired to imagine her experiencing pain. Her body seemed so petite and delicate to him, although well-toned by years of menial work. He had imagined the sight of her body on many a sleepless night, but not like this. Although her slightly curved back was naked to the waist, and the shadows of one breast were visible beneath her outstretched arms and forlorn face, he could take no pleasure in this sight. As he turned to face the headmaster upon hearing his request, Hamadi heard the crack of a whip, followed by a loud feminine groan. He had to think for a moment just to be able to process the question. He knew that he would not be able to face Tahirah tomorrow morning. I... well... Yes, I suppose that another, better trained slave might suit my needs better. He held back tears before adding But please, don't assign this one to anything too unpleasant or menial. Despite her many mistakes, she tries hard. He turned back as the second cry echoed through the night. After the next, he peered over the heads of his friends to see three thin, fresh red stripes across her back. He turned away to the empty dining hall before letting a single tear run down his cheek, now that no one saw him. He listened, but resolved not to watch, as the rest of the cracks of the whips echoed through the cool evening, each followed by a resounding cry of pain.
Thread: Love of the Desert [[ShadyxHoudini]]

If she knew even a little bit of what he was feeling she might not have been so hurt - but she was certain he was just being cruel playing along with them. The worst was yet to come, of course - the lashings she could take. The wounds would heal and eventually her pride would return. What wasn't going to go over well, though, was her being taken from her servitude beside the Prince to be placed somewhere else - but his decree. As the fifth lick touched her delicate skin she cried out louder in pain. Six... Seven... Eight... Nine... And ten. At the feeling of the tenth lick her body slumped against the pillar. It was finally over and she breathed out, the guardsmen letting her rest for a few seconds, but more letting the crowd gaze at the three or four strips of blood that welled up and slowly trickled down her back. She'd had worse and these would seen heal and scar over, leaving another mark on her tanned skin. The torchlight of the courtyard made her back more dramatic than it actually was - the skin was lighter where she had scars in long, thin stripes criss-crossing along her spine. These were simply a few more to add to the pattern. Soon enough Tahirah was taken back to the slave quarters after pinning up her kalarsis again. With the party winding down, she was forced to stand and clean dishes as they came through - and would probably not get any food later that night. After the party was over and the clean up was done, the headmaster would come down to find her, looking at her sternly the entire time. He had his job to protect and though he liked Tahirah well enough, he could not disobey the Prince's orders. As per the Prince's wishes, you'll be reassigned to other work around the palace... Someone else will be assigned to him for the future , he said and turned away from her. Her heart sank. Why had she expected something less harsh from him? Him using her name or staring at her, even the smirk she'd seen on his face a time or two didn't mean anything - of course it didn't. How absolutely silly of her to pretend like it had. Even still, Tahirah was angry and ashamed of herself but she wasn't sure why - she had never really processed any of the Prince's actions toward her. After all, he had always looked down on her, literally and figuratively, right? They'd held a conversation or two, sure, but... The slaves were led to bed that night and the girls she shared a room with helped her clean up the wounds on her back and her knees before she fell asleep on her stomach. She'd be woken up the next morning with new chores - assigned first to bring linens into various rooms, then to do some cleaning. The Prince would be assigned another slave girl, Akila, to serve him from now on.