So this was the girl who had stolen the Sultan's heart! Who had kept him away from the harem all these dreary weeks. The girl sitting there by the distant doorway. The girl who would not come near him; whom he watched, yet did not go to.
Rayma scowled at Pansy's back.
Then she turned to one of the women attendants sitting near.
"Fetch that girl to me," she said, pointing to Pansy.
The woman rose, ready and anxious to do a favourite's bidding.
But the Sultan motioned her down again.
"She comes at no one's bidding, except mine," he said firmly.
Pouting, Rayma wriggled closer to him.
"May I not even call her?" she asked softly.
"The rule applies to all here," he replied.