Paiman had been willing to accept defeat when Alexander the Macedonian and his band of Greeks defeated King Darius in battle and had sacked Susa and the other Persian cities. He had initially been panicked when Alexander arranged for his men to marry some of the Persian noblewomen, fearing that Elaheh's father would haggle her off to some drunken Macedonian who would never be able to property pay homage to her splendor.
But Elaheh's sister had been given away, and for a short time he was able to take comfort in the knowledge that he could still hold her in his heart, his complete and total devotion to her would not be totally questioned.
But Alexander the Macedonian had been met with severe resistance by the Greeks when he tried to institute the customary Persian courtly practice of proskynesis, or obeisance to superiors. Because all were inferior to the king, members of the Persian court all bowed to their ruler. But the Greeks viewed this practice with suspicion, thought the Persians were trying to treat Alexander like a God. They believed any mortal who bowed to another was committing blasphemy. This confusion was doubtlessly compounded by the fact that the Persians also totally prostrated themselves before their gods. There was a constant threat of violence in the court.
Paiman was one of the servants in Elaheh's father's house. In public, he payed total homage to her father and the other noblemen in the house. But in private, he thrilled over totally submitting to Elaheh. He worshipped her with adoration, in a way that transcended the customary method.
He was afraid that the Greek soldiers would see the loving look in his eye, the total pleasure that overcame him, when he gave a socially appropriate bow to her in the courtyard. He shuddered to think about what would happen if they were ever disturbed when he visited her chambers. And yet, on this night, she had summoned him. Paiman had to overcome his fears to serve. To prostrate himself.
The stone was cold underneath his sandals as he crept through the house, carefully looking about him to make sure he was not being followed or observed. Elaheh's maidens knew to let him into her chambers and then waft to the parlor, never paying any heed to the animalistic grunts and cries that emerged from the inner bedrooms.
There were three of them in the sitting room tonight. They were all working on spinning and repairing Elaheh's clothes. She was always dressed so well. The maidens nodded at Paiman, permitted him to enter the inner chambers.
Elaheh was sitting on her bed, draped in slender fabrics. Her total softness, the sleekness of her curls, and fragrant aroma were apparent to Paiman from the doorway. He felt his cock stiffening at the thought of approaching her, but tried to remain alert.
Elaheh raised her gaze at the sound of his footsteps, and a smile brushed across her soft lips. "Ah, Paiman" she said. "Please, you may approach."
Paiman tried to walk carefully, tried not to let the thought that he was totally alone with Elaheh disrupt his focus, detract from his prostration.
Paiman kept his eyes on the stones, walked the nine steps from the door to kneel at her feet. Slowly, he lowered his arms to the floor, bowing his head in total submission. Slowly, the concerns over the Macedonian began to melt away as he succumbed to the sweet peace her presence brought him. His shouldered lowered into his position, he exhaled slowly, waiting for further instructions.
Then he heard Elaheh saying very softly, "You may wash my feet now."
