Thread: The royal harem of Rhodesia (DaveTheHuman x Poppy)

David listened to Sorrell explain the white and red garb worn by the women. Although all of the eight that remained wore red. He nodded and said I don't see the need for a dress code in a harem. This isn't the military after all. We will let the women wear the colors they choose. David felt it was a small change to the rules, but maybe it would be seen as a good thing by the remaining eight. Then Sorrell offered to gather the texts which dictated all of the rules. This was a delicate topic. Being born in the peasant class, David had never learned how to read. He was not ashamed of it, but his trusted advisors said that that fact should not be put on open display. He understood the reasoning behind it, so he replied to Sorrell with Yes, I would like to see them. Thank you. He noticed Sorrells eyes glance at the seats. Although he could not read text, he could read body language. David motioned for her to sit and he sat across from her. The man was finding Sorrell to be very formal with an unwavering sense of courtesy and respect. He wondered if that was due to her upbringing or life in the harem. He listened to what she had to say about the education in the harem and how some viewed the rules in place. When she finished he said, If you get a chance to speak with the eldest, I would like that. But I'm curious about the conditions you mentioned. Are there rules or customs that you believe should be changed? Please speak freely, I can sense this place brought a great amount of fear to some of the women. I'm hoping to remove that. The two talked for a long time, and David could feel Sorrell was opening up to him. He liked her and felt if she hadn't been in the harem, she would make a great leader in any field she chose. However, dinner was nearing and David needed to speak with one of his advisors. He rose and said Sorrell, thank you very much for the tour and all of your wisdom. I hope to see you at dinner. With that, the two departed and David called for an advisor. An older man in his sixties named Byron Forsyth entered the living area and bowed. Your highness. David motioned for him to sit and said The dinner tonight will be filled with several dozen women who will be returning to their lord fathers. I want them to leave with a sense that their new king is better than the last. If that can be achieved, I feel the kingdom will be able to heal faster from this civil war. Byron smiled, thinking to himself that David was a natural leader. He was smart and honorable. Were it not for his illiteracy, Byron felt he would be of little use to the king. It sounds like you require a speech of confidence. I've had a few ideas in my head, we will see what you like. For the next half-hour the two sat and tweaked the speech he would give during dinner. The two knew that every word was important. Even if the women forgot what he said, they needed to leave with a sense that King David was a just ruler and was here to stay. When the speech was well-practiced, David said to Byron Oh, Sorrell will be bringing me some texts on the various harem rules. Could you go through them and note any rule that seems out of the ordinary or too strict? I trust your judgement. Byron nodded Of course, your highness. I've often wondered what the rules were myself. This harem has been around since almost the start of the Rinali line. David patted Byron on the back, and together they went to the banquet hall were dinner was ready to be served. When he entered, David felt that all were in attendance. The eight women that chose to remain where at the end of the table near his seat, while his advisors were sprinkled in with the women who were to depart the harem. David could see the strategy is the seating. He stood at the head of the table as everyone stood and said Thank you all for joining me. I wanted to have one dinner with us all together to see you off properly. I wish you all safe travels and hope we can meet again someday. David kept it brief for now. The speech could wait until later. Right now, he knew everyone was likely hungry from the late meal. The man understood that preparing a meal for over a hundred people took some time. He took his seat, and everyone followed. David smiled, looking at each of the eight women who he would get to know a great deal more and perhaps bear him children. As the food was brought to the table, warm from the fires, his eyes caught Circe's. He gave her a smile and asked Do you happen to remember me? He hoped the question did not embarrass her. David did not imagine she would remember a peasant stable apprentice.