The Debt of Tamar by Nicole Dweck

been several hundred women living there, along with their young children, servants and maids. The ladies of the harem included Persian beauties and ladies of the Caucuses, Christians, Jews and foreigners from the furthest reaches of the empire.
    Reyna spotted a woman strutting towards her and immediately recognized her to be the Sultan’s Beloved, Nur-Banu Sultana. Her dress and beauty far outshone that of any other lady in the harem, signifying to all her celebrated rank. The Sultana, in whose honor the party was being held, wore a jade-colored gown of silk, dotted with a sparkling array of diamonds sewn on with threads of gold. On her head was a feathered headdress and a sheer veil that did nothing to hide her beauty, but on the contrary, added an iridescent sheen to her porcelain complexion.
    “You must be Doña Reyna,” Nur-Banu Sultana said frostily as she approached.
    Reyna bowed low from the waist. “I am humbled, Sultana.”
    “I take it this is your daughter.” Nur-Banu took Tamar’s chin between her fingers and studied her for a long moment. “Not bad,” she concluded matter-of-factly.
    Reyna winced.
    The Sultana summoned a young servant with the snap of her fingers. “Take this girl to the garden to play with the other children,” she said without bothering to look at the servant as she spoke. “I have a message for you.” She turned her attentions back to Reyna. “I think you’ll be pleased.”
    “A message?”
    “From the Sultan,” she continued casually. “It concerns your daughter.”
    “Tamar? What about her?”
    “It’s been decided that she’ll be educated inside the harem alongside other royal children.” Sultana Nur-Banu paused for a long moment. “She’ll be schooled in music and poetry, language and literature.”
    Reyna blinked incredulously.
    “She’ll be in good hands,” the Sultana tried to sound reassuring, “and receive the very best education the empire has to offer a young lady.”
    “I don’t quite understand.”
    The Sultana sighed wearily, then tilted her long neck back. “Your husband has been loyal to the Sultan,” she explained unenthusiastically. “Loyalty has its rewards.”
    Reyna lowered her gaze.
    “Come.” Nur-Banu smiled casually. “In the morning, my man Jaffar will arrive at your villa to collect your daughter.”
    “And my husband?”
    “Your husband will be pleased,” Nur-Banu continued matter-of-factly.
    “But Sultana,” She dropped her voice to a whisper. “What if he refuses?”
    The Sultana tilted her head and furrowed her brow before letting out a long, hard cackle. “Why would he do that?” She seemed genuinely confused.
    “It’s just that he’s always had his own ideas about education. I know he’s already secured a place for her in the Hamon school this coming year.”
    “The decision has been made,” the Sultana explained. “I thought you’d be pleased,” she continued in a tone so sweet, it was nearly sickening.
    Just then, an enormous blast sounded in the sky and the two women looked up instinctively. Flurries of fire dissipated over the sea like gold dust sprinkled from the heavens. “Spectacular, isn’t it?” The Sultana marveled at the fireworks display overhead.
    “Yes, Sultana.” Reyna’s voice was barely a whisper.
    “Most things at Topkapi are.” She eyed Reyna suspiciously then headed away towards the crowds that had come to greet her.

10
     
    For a long moment, José sat motionless, glaring at his wife. His fist came down hard, rattling the spoons, jugs, and porcelain spread over the polished wood tabletop. “It’s the father who decides how the daughter will be educated!” His expression was livid and his white-knuckled fingers were curled into tight fists.
    “I’m sorry.” Reyna’s voice was low and rigid.
    “This is not what I wanted. I always thought, I always planned…” His voice trailed off. “Dr. Hamon’s wife runs a perfectly suitable girls' school. That’s where I wanted her