Shaherazade's Daughters

by Sameena K Mughal

  During their first year of marriage, the Sultan of Yemen passed on and Prince Ali and Princess Fatima became Sultan and Sultana of Yemen. The Sultana became his main support as he struggled to run a kingdom through his grief. She became a sign of hope for the people as well, and over the years they came to love her as they loved Sultan Ali.

  Unfortunately for her husband and her subjects, she was only to spread her light for a short while. When she died suddenly, her husband knew he could never find another like her. So, he didn’t even try.

  As the years drew on, he realized that he wasn’t going to live forever and that he must choose a successor. He knew leaving the nobles and vizier to their own devices could potentially lead to civil war. He decided he must clearly name a successor, and he must not delay.

  Being the smart and intuitive leader he was, he knew he could not mention his plan to anyone. The nobles could be transparent flatterers on a normal day. When they had a reason, his insides hurt from all the sweetness he had to stomach. In fact, the more he observed the nobles the more amazed he became at their self-involvement, petty intrigues, and backbiting. He wondered how any of them had enough energy left over to do their jobs affectively. Yet, he also knew that the powerful almost always manage to stay in power, no matter how insipid and uninspired they may be. An immutable fact of history, past and present.

  His next hope was the vizier. The vizier was a pragmatic and rational man who did not involve himself in the pettiness of the nobles. Yet, the Sultan observed to his dismay that the vizier did not have the humanity to rule.

  One day a woman came with a hungry and sick child. Someone from a traveling caravan had cheated her of her money, so she could not feed the child. The vizier told her there was nothing he could do without evidence and reprimanded her for not being more careful. Then, he sent her away without a word of concern for the child. This indifference displeased the Sultan, for he cared very deeply for his subjects. As soon as the woman was sent away, to the vizier’s surprise (due to the fact that he did not know he was being observed) Sultan Ali called her back. He returned whatever money she lost (which was a small amount), and ordered the guards to escort her and the child to the Palace dining hall for food then to the Chief Physician for treatment. The Sultan then proceeded to reprimand the vizier, just as he had reprimanded the woman.

  “Cassim, how many years have you been in my service?”

  “These thirty years, I’d say, Sire.”

  “And in those thirty years how many subjects have I talked to in the manner that you just talked to that woman in?”

  “None, Sire,” he responded, embarrassed.

  “So tell me, what prompted you to handle the matter in that fashion?”

  “Sire, we can’t have subjects bringing cases without evidence. It is a waste of time.”

  “I see. So tell me, is it a waste of time to even inquire about the welfare of a poor woman and a sick child?”

  “Sire, we can’t give charity every time a subject runs into a bit of bad luck.”

  “How often has anyone come here in her state in twenty years of my rule?”

  “Not often, Sire. Praise be to Allah. This is a prosperous kingdom where no one suffers needlessly.”

  “So I think we can afford to be charitable when the occasion requires. Don’t you, Cassim?”

  “Yes, Sire. You’re quite right. Forgive me.”

  “Ask Allah for that, not me,” he responded in disgust.

  For some months after this incident, the Sultan pondered the matter alone. He thought of the Princes of neighboring kingdoms, but he was concerned that the needs of his people would come secondary to the needs of their people. He then thought of the Commander of his Armies, but he knew that his military leaders had no interest in affairs of the state.

  One day, as he was wandering around the palace still pondering on who his successor should be, he happened to pass by the library. He couldn’t help noticing one of his maids reading one of the books in his library. It was a book on science, and she seemed enthralled with it because she seemed not to notice his coming into the room.

  “Enjoying that Anisa?”

  She was so startled and frightened that she instantly dropped the book and tried to run away. The Sultan stopped her.

  “Anisa, come back!”

  She had no choice but to turn around and stand before him. She couldn’t even look up at him.

  “My dear child, what are you so frightened of?”

  “Sire, forgive my boldness. I’m so fond of reading, and you have such a wonderful library…” she said hurriedly.

  “Boldness! I’m glad someone besides myself reads them. Alas, they will be sorely neglected after I’m gone.”

  “You’re not angry, Sire?”

  “Of course not. I would be very interested in knowing your thoughts on that book you so unceremoniously dropped on the floor,” he smiled.

  “Forgive me, Sire. I’ll get it right away.”

  “Stop asking my forgiveness. You’ve committed no crime. Tell me, child. Do I strike you as the sort of man who would become angry over such small matters?”

  “Sire, I can understand a great many things, but I don’t claim to understand royalty, nobility, and the feelings of those who define themselves as such.”

  Her forthright response pleased him very much, but Anisa was afraid she may have gone too far the moment she said it. Sultan Ali assuaged her fears right away with a smile and a laugh.

  “Have you finished reading the book, Anisa?”

  “Nearly.”

  “When you have, please inform me. I would like to know your thoughts on it.”

  “Surely, Sire.”

  As he walked out of the library and she stood with the book in her hands, Anisa couldn’t help but be amazed at the Sultan’s extraordinary reaction to discovering her in his library reading. She always knew of the Sultan’s humanity and kindness, but she never expected for him to talk to her almost as an equal. After all, a king is a king and a maid is a maid. Each knows their place and their reality.

  Anisa had always known her reality. She was a servant. She was the daughter of servants. She was intelligent, yes, but an intelligent maid. She had no aspirations of being more. As long as she could read any book she could get her hands on, she expected nothing more.

  When a person who expects nothing receives something so unusual, it is a rather remarkable event in an otherwise unremarkable life. So, she told her mother when she returned to their quarters.

  “Mother, do you know what happened today?”

  “I couldn’t possibly guess.”

  “No, you really couldn’t. I spoke with the Sultan!”

  “He caught you reading in his library, didn’t he? I warned you about that!” she said irritatedly.

  “He did, but he was happy to see it.”

  “Happy? About what?”

  “He was happy that someone other than himself was enjoying the books.”

  “Are you joking?”

  “No. He actually wants to discuss the book when I’ve finished with it.”

  “Why would he want to do that?”

  “Not everyone finds me as dull as you do, Mother,” she said with a smile.

  “Anisa, my dear child, you know that is not true, but why would the Sultan want to discuss literature with a servant? The only conversation I’ve ever heard of between servant and master is the giving of orders and the accepting of orders. No more. No less.”

  “I don’t know, Mother, but I’ll be intrigued to find out.”

  “The Sultan is a noble and decent man, but we are who we are and he is who he is. Don’t forget that. I’m sure he won’t.”

  “You’re such an optimist, Mother,” she said, in a sarcastic tone.

  “I’m a realist, child. Optimism is a luxury I can’t afford.”

  Later, when Anisa was finished with the book, she informed the Sultan. She had a lively discussion with him on its content, and he was pleased with he
r quick mind and passion for knowledge.

  They both enjoyed the discussions they had after reading books. In this way, the Sultan deliberately removed himself from his search, as he felt that a break was in order or he would lose his mind.

  So the Sultan and Anisa continued in this fashion until one day, their literary discussion focused on a book that discussed political strategies. He was enjoying their lively discussion when Anisa said something that planted a thought in his mind. Enlightened as he was, this thought was a surprise even to him. What she said was this:

  “Sire, although I agree that the best ruler rules with practicality and humanity, but I would also say that he must have an awareness of the destructive nature of human beings but have faith in their ultimate goodness.”

  With this statement, he thought: Could this girl possess the balance that I have been seeking? The thought struck him so much, that he dismissed her to think it through more thoroughly. Anisa thought his change of manner was unusual, and she became concerned that she had displeased him in some way.

  Little did she know that it was quite the contrary. So many thoughts raced through his mind. She was intelligent and thoughtful. She saw right through to the heart of a matter quickly. Once she decided something, nothing could change her mind. So many times the nobles would change their opinions just to be in league with either himself or whoever they wanted to please that week. Anisa never did that. She was flexible and open to other opinions, but she showed strength of conviction.

  She showed humanity as well. He observed her in her everyday dealings with others and saw real affection and care in her.

  But could she maintain her conviction in the face of a stoically pragmatic vizier and perpetually conniving nobles? Would the people follow a former servant? Even if they did, how long would it be before one of the nobles simply killed her? His kingdom could be made or undone, so he had to tread carefully.

  He decided that the only course open to him was to make her his ward and introduce her in court. In this way, he could see for himself whether the spark he observed within her could erupt into the flame that one needs to rule. Deep in his heart, he was hoping it did because there would be no other choice.

  Sultan Ali went to Anisa’s mother the following day. Her mother sent her on an errand when he arrived causing Anisa much irritation. She knew this impromptu meeting was about her, and she thought she had every right to be there. However, her mother thought otherwise, and Anisa knew how implacable her mother could be. So she took her irritation and went.

  When the Sultan went to her mother to inform her of his intention to make her his ward, he was quite surprised at her reaction. What he expected was joyful gratitude. What he got was righteous indignation. One would think he offered to make her a concubine by the way her mother fired questions at him.

  “Sire, may I speak plainly to you?”

  “You may.”

  “What do you want with my daughter?”

  “I would like to give her opportunities that she may not have otherwise,” he said.

  “Why?”

  “She is a remarkable young woman, Ayesha.”

  “Sire, since when do Sultans take such an interest in servants remarkable or otherwise?”

  “Haven’t I always taken an interest in my servants?”

  “Inquiring after health and family is one thing. Offering patronage is another.”

  “Ayesha, what exactly are you afraid of?”

  “What will she do in the courtly world? This is the only world she knows. I’ve seen how some nobles, viziers, even Sultans operate. I’ve seen snakes with more mercy.”

  “Do you think I wouldn’t protect her? I would treat her as my own daughter.”

  “What will she do when you are no longer there to protect her? Will she be the next sultan’s concubine?”

  “She will be the sultana if I have my way!” As soon as he said it, he regretted it. He hadn’t planned on telling her, but she had riled him so much that he lost his reason for a moment. She had that affect on people.

  “Are you mad, Sire?”

  “Ayesha, you go too far.”

  “What of it? You are proposing forever altering and possibly destroying my daughter’s life. Even if I find myself under the executioner’s sword I will speak my mind!”

  “Don’t be so dramatic, Ayesha. When was the last time I executed someone?”

  With that she laughed and shook her head. She was still difficult to convince.

  “Only when I am convinced of her ability to rule and maneuver will I name her my successor. If I feel she is not up to the task, I will arrange her marriage. Neither you, nor Anisa will serve in my kingdom again. Both your stations will improve no matter what the outcome may be.”

  “It is not her station I am concerned with. It is her spirit, and I will not have it broken. However, I will trust you.”

  “I will not give you cause to regret it. And I am sure I can trust you. Not a word of this to anyone including, Anisa.”

  “Of course, Sire.”

  He knew he could trust her. As he walked away, he couldn’t help but be surprised and awed by Ayesha’s indomitable spirit. She had worked as a servant in his kitchen for years, but he never knew her to be so forthright. He was a bit relieved as well because if Anisa had even some of the same spirit coupled with her astute mind, she could rule. With this, the sultan was comforted. Exhausted, but comforted.

  The sultan and Ayesha had decided that she would come to live at court in a week. During this time, Ayesha could prepare her daughter for what lie ahead of her and spend time with her. She knew no matter what the outcome Anisa would never be the same.

  When Ayesha explained Sultan Ali’s proposal to her, Anisa had a gamut of emotions. She was at once shocked and invigorated. Then, she was fearful. Inwardly, Ayesha was glad that Anisa was unaware of the sultan’s intentions to make her sultana. The idea of being a ward at court was making a strong impression on her mind. Luckily, Anisa reconciled herself to the idea quickly. A door to a whole new world was waiting for her to open and walk through. She was uncertain of what was on the other side, but she would handle it whatever it was.

  The last few days with her mother were wonderful and bittersweet. Anisa knew as well as her mother that she would never be the same. Her life would never be the same. They realized that even though they didn’t always see eye to eye they really enjoyed each other’s company. On their last evening together, Ayesha imparted some words of advice to Anisa.

  “Anisa, you will see and experience things you never could have imagined. Things your father and I could never have imagined. No matter where you go never forget or be ashamed of who you are at this moment. Never see yourself as a common servant. There is nothing common about you and just because you’re a servant doesn’t make you common. Commonness isn’t in one’s station, but in one’s spirit. Always remember that.”

  “Mother, I’m not sure I understand.”

  “You will, my lovely girl. You will.”

  The day finally came for Anisa’s new life to start. As she walked away from her mother, she really started to feel what a formidable woman her mother was. Often, Ayesha could be difficult, even impossible. Yet in that instant, Anisa realized how strong she was, and that same strength she had passed on to Anisa just by being. She knew she would need that strength to survive in this foreign world she was about to enter.

  The sultan was quite happy to see her. He sent her into the harem right away to be properly attired. When she was finished getting ready, she came before the sultan. He couldn’t believe how regal she looked. He thought that she at least looked like she could be sultana. Hopefully, she can act like it as well. Then, he took her to Honor Hall to present her to the nobles and vizier.

  “Now Anisa, don’t be nervous at all. I am right here with you.”

  When they entered Honor Hall, they were met with stares and whispers. The vizier looked sullen as usual. Anisa felt a sudden feeling of nausea and wonder
ed if she should turn around and return to her mother. But she caught hold of herself, and walked through and took her place behind the sheer veil with the other ladies.

  The sultan then presented her as his ward. The whispers continued. The sultan ignored them and proceeded with business as usual. When everything was concluded and all the nobles departed, the vizier approached the sultan.

  “Sire, I find it curious that you’ve chosen a ward. May I ask the reason?”

  “Well, Cassim, you know Anisa and her parents have served me well all these years. Anisa is a very bright girl as well. I enjoy our discussions.”

  “That’s very well, Sire. But many servants do their jobs well, but you don’t take their children as your wards. Why this girl?”

  “Why not this girl? Indulge an old man with no children of his own. Will you?”

  “Of course, Sire.”

  With that, the discussion ended. Cassim knew there was something more going on than what the sultan was telling him. Yet, he questioned the sultan no more because he knew the true nature of things would reveal itself as it always does. He was patient enough to wait.

  He would wait a rather long time. For the sultan had no intention of revealing his intentions to anyone, particularly not to his vizier.

  As time went on, he found himself feeling more and more confident in his choice. Anisa was transforming into a sultana. Her tutors were impressed by how quickly she grasped things. She was logical and could bypass unnecessary detail quickly. She was a patient listener. She knew when to listen and when to speak. She was kind to everyone but was not weak. A fact the nobles came to know soon after she was presented at court.

  One day, when the nobles were still whispering their conjectures about the nature of Anisa’s presence, Anisa overheard two of them.

  “A servant a sultan’s ward? Indeed, she must serve very well.”

  “I didn’t think the old sultan had it in him.”

  “Gentleman,” Anisa said, “I suppose a servant becoming a part of court is rather unusual. But it is no more unusual than nobles roaming the servant’s quarters at odd hours of the night. It must be true what people say about servants becoming the masters.”