Tree of Pearls, Queen of Egypt

An Amorous Interlude

 An Amorous Interlude though tree of pearls remained perfectly still during this account of the death of Giyath al-Din, her eyes betrayed the deepest interest. “Turan Shah is then truly dead!” she whispered when Rukn al-Din had finished speaking. “God have mercy on his soul. He erred in his judgment. He was unworthy of the kingship that we bestowed upon him, and the king who is incapable of ruling must needs be overthrown!” She cast a glance at Rukn al-Din, adding, “And have you any other news, Prince?” “Verily I do, but my Lord Prince ‘Izz al-Din Aybak will himself inform you of it tomorrow morning, my Lady.” “Perhaps, then, it is of the utmost importance, this news he brings?” Smiling, Rukn al-Din replied, “It is so.” Tree of Pearls guessed his meaning, but she changed the subject and said, “You have mentioned nothing of the brave officers who dispatched the Exalted King. Are you perchance one of them?” “I am, my Lady, though I am but the lowest in rank, and was merely commanded to action by my Lord ‘Izz al-Din,” he replied. Tree of Pearls was well pleased with this modesty. “Do you then shy away from this act, as though you considered it a crime? Indeed, it is a great deed, with which you should be well satisfied. You have saved our lands from ruin, for this King was unworthy of his title. Fear not! ‘Izz al-Din has informed me of your bravery and I myself have long marked your courage and daring. I doubt not that a great future lies before you, and if my speculation be well placed, I hereby pledge to bestow upon you my most precious possession.” Having made this speech, she glanced at Shwaykar and laughed. Shwaykar guessed her meaning and was overcome by shyness, for she had never yet given her heart to a soul. Her whole world revolved around the pleasure of her mistress. She blushed and an amorous interlude |  bowed her head, and suddenly regretted her uncovered face. She was not, however , in the habit of veiling in the presence of princes. As for Rukn al-Din Baybars, he was well pleased with Tree of Pearls’s compliments . Though greatly taken with Shwaykar’s beauty, he would never have imagined that she might one day be his, and he was uncertain how to respond to Tree of Pearls’s veiled conditions for this unexpected prize. Finally, he replied, “I thank my Lady for the kind words she has deigned to bestow on her slave and servitor, and I hope one day to prove worthy of her confidence. I am at all times hostage to her least command and my very life is her ransom.” Tree of Pearls rejoiced at this declaration, for she was desirous of winning Rukn al-Din to her cause and anxious to employ his cool and unswerving courage for her own ends. Shwaykar, too, was moved by the Prince’s words. She felt a new and exquisite sensation , the likes of which she had never before experienced. Her eyes reflected her inner agitation and her heart skipped in the most curious manner, but she kept her head bowed and said nothing. Tree of Pearls was well satisfied with the success of her plot, for it was she herself who had incited the Mamluks to slay Turan Shah. Had it not been for her direct command, they would never have dared such an undertaking. Her paramour , Prince ‘Izz al-Din Aybak, had been her accomplice in this. It was he who had instigated them to rebellion, and Rukn al-Din Babyars had been in the forefront of the revolt. Many a time, Tree of Pearls had heard ‘Izz al-Din recount his courage and his fealty to their cause. By promising Shwaykar to him she hoped to redouble the young Prince’s loyalty to her person and her ambitions. “When, then, can we expect Prince ‘Izz al-Din’s arrival?” she resumed. “I believe he will arrive tomorrow morning with the princes and officers of the army. The news he brings shall effect a great change in the affairs of our state, but Prince ‘Izz al-Din has reserved the bearing of these good tidings as his own prerogative, he being our lord and master.” Tree of Pearls smiled as she rose from her couch. “I congratulate you on the great...