In 1924, three Western women find their way into the harem and heart of the Sultan of Rakal Al Sulem. The three Tiffanys each have their own reasons to stay, but more importantly they all have reasons to work together for the betterment of the sultanate. This is their story.
Even the morning sun was bright. The Three Tiffanys were approaching the gorge. They had followed the trail to find Mirina. It was subtle, but it was there, and they had found it. It wouldn’t be long before they caught up with Ailyah’s murderers. Only two guards had joined them.
Saqal’s heart thumped in his breast. He would finally be rid of these three foreign wives who had befouled his beloved harem. Then his spirits took flight at the reward his lady Mirina would bestow upon him. Only a little closer. Kicking away one rock would bring them all down.
Tiffany Walker had said what they all thought: They were heading for a trap. It was an easy conclusion: with the three of them gone, the investigation would cease, and Ailyah’s death would go unpunished. Tiffany Takei wanted solid evidence. Their suspicions wouldn’t be enough.
Formally speaking, Farouz could do as he liked with his wives, and The Three Tiffanys knew this. However, Tiffany T was adamant. For Mirina’s death sentence, she wanted undeniable proof. The best would be to catch the lovers in the act, but they would be too careful for that now.
The sultana-mother had warned her son that Mirina would sacrifice her eunuch lover if it helped her escape the accusations. Mirina held enough sway in the harem and at court to dismiss any rumours about Saqal and her. A shaky trial and sentence would have a backlash, Zarina said.
The sun was in their eyes. The Three Tiffanys couldn’t scan the steep sides for signs of betrayal.
Saqal had chosen his position well. With his prey blinded, trapping them in the rockslide would be easy. His hand was wet with anticipatory perspiration. Just a little bit further.
J kept considering what would happen if they caught only Saqal? She didn’t think he would give up his lover. And even if he confessed, it would be his word against Mirina’s, and the harem lady would win. Saqal would be executed, and, with Ailyah’s killer found, she would go free.
Could there be a way to have the eunuch return to his mistress, and then catch them in the act? Or would Mirina make sure that didn’t happen? J hated that she had to think like a horrible and traitorous person. She didn’t want to be like that. But she realized it was necessary.
Tiffany Takei’s horse snorted. It was nervous about the steep sides of the gorge.
That was Saqal’s cue! He pushed the rock loose. At first it slid, then it rolled and bumped over the edge. It was followed by the sound of deep rumbling as its brothers and sisters precipitated after it.
Saqal’s eyes shone as the dust from the rockslide danced up from down below. The horse’s panicked neighing made him queasy. He hadn’t expected that. He tightened his jaw. The silence that followed was deafening. Saqal forced a victory smile. He needed to report to his mistress.
Hope you enjoyed Episode 8.
–Tiffany