The Kadin - Bertrice Small [40]
They rose, and the agha, bidding them goodnight slipped out through a secret door behind the tapestries.
“Sleep well, dearest nephew,” said Lady Refet “I will return to guard your doves.”
“And you, dear aunt sleep well, also.” He escorted her to the door and watched as the eunuch guarding his harem passed her through into the next apartment.
Closing the doors to his own rooms, Selim clapped his hands for his body servant The slave divested him of his finery, and then, placing a soft wool garment over his master’s shoulders, slipped out.
Standing once again on the balcony, the prince studied the night sky. It was clear and filled to overflowing with bright stars. Breathing slowly, he allowed peace to fill his soul. He was now firmly aware where his destiny would take him, and he knew what role he must play to fulfill that destiny. He would be good Prince Selim, devoted to his father, his half-brother Ahmed, and his family. He would be unobtrusive but always known, and he would appear to be content with his portion. And then, when the right moment came, he would strike and take it all The empire would be his. The others were not fit to rule!
Iron had entered his soul. Turning from the night he reentered his room, lay down upon his couch, and fell into a deep, healthy sleep.
11
THE MORNING brought a clear blue sky and bright sun. A fresh, clean breeze wafted across the city, bringing with it the scent of early autumn flowers and ripe fruit. The crowded streets were in a holiday mood, for all Constantinople knew of yesterday’s events within the Eski Serai. Today Prince Selim and his household would depart the palace for their own province.
The more enterprising householders along the route of exit had sold seats in their windows and on their balconies and roofs. Those fortunate enough to have bought the places would have a fine view of the procession.
A murmur of excitement rippled through the crowds as the Main Gate of the Eski Serai slowly began to swing open. Necks stretched, vying for the first look at what was to come. It was a company of Janissaries in their red-and-green clothing, astride glossy brown horses and brandishing metal-tipped whips at the crowds to keep them back.
Next came Ali Hamid, the sultan’s crier, resplendent in orange silk pantaloons and vest, his silver-and-orange-striped cloak spread over the shining bay flanks of his mount, and an orange plumed turban upon his head He advanced his horse several paces out from the gate, stopped, and held up a hand A hush fell over the spectators.
“Behold,” he intoned in a deep, strong voice, “behold, o people of Constantinople, behold the loving kindness of our great sultan, Bajazet, the loyal servant of Allah upon this earth—may he live forever. Today his son Prince Selim, child of the sultan’s beloved late wife, Kiusem, leaves his father’s house in great honor. Look upon him, o people of Constantinople, and see the greatness of a parent’s love. Learn from the example of our great sultan, Bajazet.
“Behold, Constantinople, the six virgin damsels, each one more lovely than the dawn, that our prince takes with him. A gift from his sire, selected from the very harem of his father. His own free choice. Who among you has ever heard or known of such true generosity?”
A hum of approval ran through the vast gathering.
“See, o people of Constantinople, the many gifts sent from those who fear and respect our power and greatness. These gifts are to honor our lord’s youngest son. Look upon this spectacle well, and in the winter of your years tell your grandchildren of the greatness of our mighty sultan, Bajazet beloved son of Mohammed the Conqueror of Constantinople.”
The sultan’s crier moved his horse onward, stopping every few minutes to repeat his words. Behind him came the caravan bearing the fabled gifts. Flanking it were the prince’s household slaves.
A figure mounted upon a night-black stallion appeared framed in the vast gate. The crowds surged forward for