Everything Under the Heavens (Silk and Song)
Page 22
‘For all concerned. But especially for you. Alys Swann, it would be a shame indeed to see such spirit broken and such beauty marred.’
‘They would torture me into converting?’
‘The emperor will not be with an infidel.’
‘Perhaps it is best to put me on the blocks and sell me to the highest bidder.’
He folds himself with surprising grace and suppleness to sit before me cross-legged so that he can look me in the eye. ‘The emperor is always the highest bidder, Alys Swann; even if the price he pays is not monetary. You will not understand this, I know, but believe me when I say that I dare not sell you elsewhere. Moulay Ismail would hear of it and have my head. Young women of such striking appearance are too rare a commodity in our markets not to draw attention.’
‘Then keep me here as a servant,’ I challenge.
‘It is not possible. I am sorry, but we must pass you on. You are a prize fit for an emperor, and for the emperor we shall prepare you.’
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