The Sheikh King's Chosen queen

11: The Harem Of Zazzar

When she woke the following morning, the mystery light was forgotten. By nine she had enjoyed breakfast in the kitchen with chef Yafi and his team of giggling cooks and was dressed and waiting by the time Amara walked into the sitting room, accompanied by Zarif who was in the traditional dress and armed with his Ipad to start working.

Chanteel had done some thinking since leaving New York and taking Murat's advice decided to take advantage of the opportunity afforded to her.

"Ready to work?". She asked Zarif who smiled, eager to begin after all he had his uncle to prove wrong.

For the next few hours, Chanteel explained what were her interests. She was a lawyer, a damn good one too, and wasn't about to change that just because she had moved halfway across the world to a country that didn't accept women as equals. She intended to manage her firm from Zazaar, video conferencing, Skype, there were a great number of ways to get it done.

First order of business, she pointed out was learning Zazaari Arabic, that meant tutors. Zarif had already accumulated a list of prospects that would be arriving later that day.

Secondly, Chanteel wanted to learn Zazaar inside out. It's laws and customs, it's politics and history. She would familiarize herself with the movers and shakers of Zazaar's big names, The Elders Council.

It meant books and thousands of hour reading. She would do more after speaking with Murat. She'd no notion of what was and wasn't permitted where she was a concern.

Both Zarif and Amara encouraged her to spare ahead with her plans, emphasizing the need for her to learn all there was to know about Zazaar and it's people. Chanteel was curious as to why that is, and if they knew something she didn't, cause she had this feeling they did. Luckily for them, lunchtime arrived and they couldn't give an answer and she left for the nursery.

Fatima and Beau were waiting for her in the nursery. Beau's first night in Zazaar was uneventful. He had taken to his new environment with little difficulty. As babies usually did. Chanteel spent three hours playing with her son and making a list of items that needed to be purchased for Beau; clothes and the like. She promised to return before his bedtime so she would bathe and read to him, a nightly ritual that they shared since his birth.

It was around four in the evening when she returned to her room to discover Zarif along with ten strangers of both sexes. Perspective tutors.

" Good evening, ". She said as Zarif translated on her behalf." Thank you in advance for coming here today and under such short notice. The reason you're here is to be interviewed for a position as a tutor. I leave it upon my assistant Mr. Northam discretion in selecting the best Zazaar has to offer. " she spoke and watched reactions as Zarif repeated her words for their understanding. As he finished everyone seemed eager to start. Chanteel clasped her hands." Then let's proceed shall we" she began.

Amara arrived with two maids and refreshments were served. For the next hour, she interviewed and debated with the group. Eventually, the number was narrowed down from ten to two. The first was Dr. Muhammad Al Mann, a professor of linguistic and History at the University of El Jazi, the home of the Elder Council. He was old, reserved and traditional to the core, not to mention he was a scribe for the council.

The second candidate was a woman. Miriam bint Dama A Ladd who was a lecturer at the palace school with more than twenty years experience. Apart from speaking Zazaar Arabic and English she also spoke French, German and Cantonese. An added bonus, she'd taught Murat.

They were both perfect, a bit tentative of her intentions, but willing to work with her. She decided to take them both, as each had a uniqueness to their teaching and skill she liked.

They both accepted the offer with alacrity. Miriam would teach her in the morning while in the evening Muhammad would tutor her on Zazaar and it's history, of course in Zazaari Arabic.

Chanteel Banks never made a half attempt at anything.

"Thank you both. I'm looking forward to the learning everything you've to offer" she said walking them out. Her classes begin nine sharp the next day.

"Now about attire " Chanteel faced Amara and Zarif. Zarif made several taps on his Ipad, which he was always attached to. He made her smile at his eagerness to please her. Amara approved that she was willing to dress like the women of Zazaar. Chanteel had no objections.

In fact, she loved the freedom the abayas and hijabs afforded. Even the niqabs weren't that bad. Instead of the more traditional black abayas, the younger generation was into wearing fitted abayas in bold colors with embroideries around the neck and sleeves. And so was she. Chanteel could be very tolerant when she wanted to be.

"The palace seamstresses will start at once "Amara assured her.

" And Chanel and Dior are on the palace accounts" Zarif informed giving another option. Chanteel waved him off dismissing that idea. She'd no intention of spending Murat's money. She may not have unlimited billions and Black Cards lying about, but she wasn't destitute either. She has always paid her way and that wasn't about to change now that she was living in a palace.

"I like Chanel and Dior, but that can wait, for the time being, and if I do decide to contact the designers I intend to pay my own way," she told them. Amara started to argue but Chanteel's mind was made up.

" Zarif what about a tour of the capital, can we do that tomorrow? I would like to see the capital".

" I don't see why not. I will ask Hashid to arrange it " Zarif said referring to the palace keeper.

" And a tour of the harem Chanteel "

Amara encouraged. She had finally agreed to call her by her given name instead of Ms. Banks, it had started to irritate.

" Do I really need to? " Chanteel pouted. She wasn't looking forward to meeting Murat's family just yet.

" That's a good idea" Zarif added "There's enough time now. I will leave to consult with Hashed about the arrangements for the tour. See you tomorrow Chanteel".

He headed for the door.

"Wait Zarif! Why don't you join us?".

She asked.

Amara looked alarmed. Zarif chuckled. Seeing the confused look on Chanteel's face he clarified. "Men are not permitted in the Harem, without the King permission and his attendance or....". He paused looking at her in that odd way like before.

"Or? ".

" Or with the Queen's permission ". Amara stated.

" Oh". Was all she could say.

Zarif smiled waving as he left.

"Bye Zarif" Chanteel shouted after him and he chuckled. She was beginning to believe that having Zarif around wasn't such a bad idea even if he was Ahasif's nephew.

"Are you ready? "Amara asked ready to begin the tour of the king's harem. Chanteel stood brushing out her loose fitting slacks." Might as well get it over and done with "

Amara lead the way to the elevator and they headed down one floor. They came out in a foyer boasting two grand central staircases, a huge chandelier with thousands of twinkling lights and of course art deco that was tasteful.

The Harem Of Zazaar was stretched over three floors and more than half a mile long, Amara explained showing Chanteel the common rooms. It was bigger than a five star hotel and included everything one would expect to find in a hotel and more. Much much more. It was self sustained, equipped with shopping centres, boutiques and galleries.

The walls, floors and ceiling were pink, white and royal purple marble.

Endless halls opened up onto commodious sitting rooms and lounges each more spectacular and luxurious than the last and decorative with sweet scented floral arrangements.

There're a total of forty apartments, complete with suites of three and four bedrooms and bathrooms. And ten private guests suites that were separated down an adjacent hall way equipped with its own private saloon, state of the art kitchen and lap-pools.

The women who lived in the harem could dine in the lavish restaurant off another self contained kitchen and congregate in one of two dining rooms.

Chanteel watched women gathered in groups watching movies in a cinema room, even stretched out across chaises while a familiar soap opera showed on a huge TV. Others lazied about while reading in a library or in one of several sitting rooms.

There was an amphitheater and a spa. The only room she didn't get to see was a ballroom that wasn't open or has been used since the last queen.

There's never a shortage of activities at the harem.

There were tennis, and badminton courts, a golf park, a polo field with an enclosed spectator stand, a stable with Zazaar's prized Arabians , a gymnasium, gardens filled with desert palms, exotic fruits and scented flowers and spices, there were also parks.

"I'm speechless, " Chanteel said after the tour was finished. They were standing in one of the smaller lounges that was vacant presently.

No one would ever say Murat didn't pamper his family to the extreme.

Every whim and need was catered to. The women were living a royal life.

" Yes. It's beautiful. Since its construction, there has been many additions. Each Queen has added her own desires. The harem has been remodeled twenty tim..... "

Amara was interrupted by a loud shriek. Chanteel jumped startled and turned around to see what was the commotion about.

" Allah! " Amara whispered shaking her head. Chanteel just watched as four women paused as they enter the room. Four of them were staring staggers at her. The ring leader, it appears to be was shouting in Arabic. Her voice echoed off the walls drawing an audience.

Chanteel was momentarily stunned to move by the girl's hostility. And her beauty. She wasn't more than nineteen years old and was tall and limber nearly reaching Chanteel's 5'10. Her hair was black as night cascading down her back to slim waist. Her eyes were pools of malicious brown.

Amara said something, obviously trying to calm the girl down. Unfortunately to no success.

The girl kept shouting and even Chanteel who didn't understand a word that she was saying knew that the girl was screaming insults. If she's mistaken it was confirmed by the look of horror on Amara's face and the shock ones from the spectators.

If this had been the streets of New York or New Orleans for that matter Chanteel would have clocked the b***h out already. But she this wasn't the hood and her ghetto knuckle fighting days were over.

Besides she had a feeling Murat wouldn't be too pleased that she punch his relative out.

"Amara, what is she saying? " Chanteel asked the older woman who was speaking to the now screaming girl.

Chanteel watched as dozens of women crowed the exit, watching with a mixed expression of worry and surprise. Her emerald green eyes went back to the girl, who was now pointing and clearly rebuking the sight of the American.

Her eyes narrowed.

Blood pumped so loudly she heard it in her ears.

"Amara! "

This was crazy. This little ratchet was going to get knocked out.

" It's nothing. Please come let's return to your room" Amara was pale and shaking. Chanteel got really pissed. What had the girl said that caused Amara to look so shattered?

"This isn't nothing. What is she saying and better yet who is this b***h? " Chanteel wanted answers and fast.

Amara took hold of her hand and tried to steer her away. Clearly, it wasn't going to be that easy. The screaming girl planted her self infront of Chanteel blocking her exit. Amara said something to the girl who then looked at Chanteel up and down then laughed. Several others laughed. A few shooked their heads in disbelief.

That's it!

"Will someone translate for me! " She called out walking up to the girl. She jerked back alarmed." Who are you and what's your problem? "

" She is Sheikha Talia bint Jupur, " a small woman said coming forward. She had amazing gray eyes that Chanteel admired." Her father is the Sheikh Faris ordering Zazaar Western Plains. There is a war on going within the tribes. " she explained.

" And what does that have to do with her attacking me? " Chanteel asked and her eyes picked up on the sudden shift of nervousness in some of the women, especially Amara.

What in the devil was going on!

The girl started speaking again. Chanteel looked at the other woman." What did she just say? "

" I....". The woman looked like she wanted to run.

"Tell me what she said!".

" She claims that she is to marry the king and that you will never be Queen ".

Chanteel was damn stunned that she didn't know what to say. She turned to Amara and the woman was crying silently." Is this true? Does your king intends to marry her? " Amara looked at her pleading with her to understand. She nodded." It's not official but the council has chosen"

"How long has since they chose? "

" Please allow the king to explain"Amara begged.

" How long!"

Amara sobbed. "A year and seven months"

Chanteel was floored.

A year and seven months ago.

Chanteel couldn't believe this s**t. She looked at the girl, princess or not, she was just a kid. And she was engaged to marry Murat.

She felt so many things that none made her feel better.

Hurt.

Betrayal.

Anger.

And most of all disappointment.

The girl was clearly staking her claim. Obviously, she felt threatened by Chanteel's sudden presence. She didn't blame her, in fact, had the situation been reversed she would be too.

Still, why did she feel that green-eyed monster sharping it's claws?

Had she hoped that Murat would have married her?

Maybe.

Wasn't that the point of her coming all this way? As much as she wanted to claim she did it for Beau, she couldn't. Deep down she came to Zazaar because he had made her feel things she had never felt before.

Clearly, she was losing her senses. And that pissed her off.

Chanteel brushed pass the women cursing herself for even believing that bastard.

Until she heard the words. And frozed.

"Leave Zazaar! You are not wanted here". Her English, which was hesitant and uncertain was still perfect. Talia bint Jupur stood there the image of a true Zazaari Queen. Regal and magnificent.

"And take the bastard with you!".

Chanteel saw red. Before logic and reason could return she walked up to the girl and punched her so hard, it ricocheted throughout the room.

Damn!

Now that's a b***h slap!

She turned and walked away not glancing back at the stunned crowed hovering over the princess currently passed out on the floor.

"s**t! "Chanteel snapped as she jumped into the elevator. Her arm throbbed from the punch.

Talk smack about me b***h but not my son!

She stormed into her room cursing the day she ever laid eyes on Murat.

Bastard had played her.

She called Zarif and demanded he get his ass here pronto. He arrived five minutes later.

"Is the king of Zazaar engaged to be married to Talia bint Jupur? "

Zarif paled. She couldn't look at him after that." No announcement has been made concerning princess Talia and certainly, no engagement has been announced as is the custom in Zazaar. However, it's a known fact that the Council has chosen the princess to be the next Queen of Zazaar. Hence her presence in the harem".

" And you didn't feel that I needed to know this? "

" I thought you did know. Honestly. Had I believed otherwise I would have warned you "

" Would have, really?" her eyes were hard and cold. Zarif quickly looked down then at her again.

"Yes"

"Then why am I here? His queen is picked out and she can give him dozens of heirs. He doesn't need me here! " she shouted.

" I can't speak for the king. But I am a man and I can speak from a man's perspective. If I fathered a son under the circumstances I would want him to. Beau is the heir to the throne of Zazaar, and that can't never be changed. However, his illegitimacy is a concern and I think the king will marry you too because of it".

"What do you mean to marry me too?".

" A Zazaari male can have more than one wife".

Chanteel stared at Zarif as if he had lost his mind.

More than one wife. What nonsense was this?

"Tell me you're joking".

"I am sorry, but it's the truth".

" Zarif listen to me carefully," Chanteel said slowly. " I want you to take me to the king".

"He hasn't returned to the palace since your arrival. He is delayed in El Jazi with his Council "

She hadn't expected that news.

She shooked her head. If didn't matter now.

" That's okay. Now I want you to call the airport and book me a flight out of Zazaar tonight".

He agrued and tried to reason with her but she wasn't having any of it.

She was leaving Zazaar at the first chance. To hell with Murat!