Enchantress Read Online Free PDF Page A

in to the inevitable. Her body was shaved, and she was scrubbed and bathed, then wrapped in rice flour and oil to soften her skin. She was perfumed, and her long lashes were painted with kohl and her fingernails dyed a deep crimson. She was draped in a cloth of the finest gold, and shimmering jewels were placed about her neck and wrists.
    At last the women stood back, studying their handiwork, and Lady Bija spoke words that struck fear in Jillianna’s heart.
    “You are very beautiful, even swollen with child. It is easy to see why my son desires you.” Then the Grand Vizier’s mother withdrew, motioning for the other women to follow her.
    Jillianna was alone for only a moment before the headeunuch reentered the bath. When he motioned for her to follow him, she had no choice but to comply.
    He led her down twisting walkways, past colorful gardens, and finally into a brilliant, domed pavilion. Her golden sandals were noiseless as she walked across the colorful mosaic floor.
    A magnificent door, which reached to the height of the building, was pushed open, and the eunuch motioned for her to enter.
    After Jillianna reluctantly stepped inside, the door was closed behind her, and she found herself in an astonishing round room. The walls and floor were crafted from white marble, and priceless Persian carpets were scattered about the room. On the western wall, there were twelve windows decorated with delicately carved woodwork. The furnishings consisted of a desk, several divans, and a table laden with food.
    She could see another room beyond a carved archway, and her eyes moved quickly away from the white, satin-draped bed with its scarlet tassels.
    She had not seen him there at first, but the Grand Vizier himself stood before one of the windows, his hands clasped behind his back, his dark eyes closely observing Jillianna.
    Simijin was dressed in a black flowing robe without benefit of ornaments, and his head was uncovered. When he spoke, his voice was deep. “I am delighted to see you, Jillianna. I had feared your many adventures might have proved detrimental to your well-being. I am glad that is not the case. You look lovely.”
    She stood like a statue, her spine straight, her head high, but still she clung to the doorknob, unwilling to venture farther into the room.
    “My lord, how can you speak of my well-being, when you hold me here against my will?”
    She thought he smiled, but she could not be certain. “I trust you are enjoying good health?” he inquired.
    “Yes. My health has always been good.”
    “Then you are most fortunate. I can assure you that good health is a gift from God.”
    She met his eyes. “Which God, yours or mine?”
    He inclined his head. “I believe your God and mine are one and the same, as you will soon learn.”
    She looked skeptical, but decided not to pursue the subject. “You may as well know right now that I do not want to come to you tonight, my lord.”
    She had expected anger, but his expression was composed. “I am aware of that. But allow me to assure you that you have nothing to fear from me.” He held his hand out to her. “Will you not be seated with me at the table? I have had my cook prepare many delectable dishes just to please you.”
    Jillianna ignored his hand, and glanced at the food—succulent lamb, calf, lobster, swordfish, stuffed pheasant and venison, not to mention delicacies she had never seen before. Surely there was enough there to feed the whole harem. The air was thick with the scent of the onions and garlic that flavored the meats. There were dates and plums dipped in honey for sweetening. She saw a large variety of fruits and sherbets, iced in snow, and she was tempted by the sight of the thick almond cream sweetened with honey and sprinkled with ginger.
    She took one hesitant step away from the door to stand on the edge of a yellow-and-blue carpet. “There is much you do not know about me, Lord Simijin.”
    He drew near. “Such as?”
    “Such as,