Morocco, 1802
Talise was terrified. She was being pulled along through the crowds of people. The sun was hot and too bright. It was nothing like her home in England. She was on a voyage to Jamaica when pirates raided the ship killing the men, and took her prisoner. She was to be sold to a harem.
The pirates viewed her as a prize. She had long hair like spun gold and flawless skin. She would bring the plenty of money no doubt.
The house was made of stone and marble. A fountain was in the front, with lots of blossoms around it. Servants were around, busy with their tasks.
A short man, wearing red and gold greeted them, and grinned at Talise.
"Ah, indeed a prize for my master "! He said and they followed him indoors , pulling her along. It was cool and refreshing indoors, and she sighed, thankful.
Talise was brought to a large room, full of people. Food was being served and there was a monkey sitting beside a man in a large chair. He was powerful, yet young. He held a wicked gleam in his dark eyes as he looked at her. Her heart began to race.
The short man went to him. "My lord, these man bring you a prize."
He stood and smiled. "She is a rare beauty. A treasure."
Talise swallowed hard. He came towards her. His fingers traveled along her jaw and down her neck. " Soft and sweet."
One of the pirates nodded. "And pure."
He looked at her. "I am your master now. I am Sheik Al- Bardi. This is my home."
She nodded, not knowing what to say.
The sheik asked her name.
"Talise."
He took out a dagger and she gasped. He began to tear her clothing off, and her pirate captors laughed. She stood naked before him. Before everyone. She felt like crying.
"Indeed a treasure." The sheik smiled and then an older man, with a soft face came to her. " This is the eunuch, Hamza. You will obey him."
Talise nodded and Hamza put a robe around her and led her away. Her legs were weak. She was hungry, tired and so afraid.
"You will be treated kindly, Talise." Hamza said. "But I beg you to listen and do as your told."
She began to cry, not able to help it. Hamza let her. "Cry your tears now, for you will not cry in front of my master."
"I am afraid." She whispered.
"With no reason. Here you will be pampered. And safer then with those band of pirates. You will only be taken by the master. You will be faithful to him alone."
She was bathed, oiled, and to her shock, her hair between her legs was shaved off. Hamza dressed her in a sheer dress of purple, and a gold chain belt around her hips. He walked her to a large bedroom, where she saw the sheik there, in his leather breeches and white linen shirt with bare feet. He looked so exotic and sinful. Young, maybe not yet thirty.
He smiled at her and Hamza left her there alone with him.
"Come, you have nothing to fear. Those pirates are gone. And I will not hurt you."
"It has been very trying for me. I am very afraid."
"I am sure it was a terrible thing. Pirates are cruel. Did they touch you"? He asked her.
"No, they wanted me unmarked and pure to sell."
"How old are you, Talise"?
"Nineteen years."