Secrets:

I pace back and forth, trying to make sense of my suspicions.
— Poison the Lunas? – asks my companion incredulously. - Are you certain? This garden has been dry for many years, if your theory were true, all the women of the harem would already be dead.
—Not necessarily.- I bite my thumb nail, pondering the possibilities.- This place ended up in the conditions it was in because the poison accumulated in the ground for long periods of time. In addition, the mixture used is not deadly but...
I feel like all the blood leaves my face, what I just discovered is dangerous. If my suspicions are correct, the emperor has been made a fool in the most egregious manner. I bite my lip. This is the kind of secret, the kind of information, that could put my life at risk.
— You were saying? – insists my companion.
I'm not entirely sure if I should tell my companion what I just realized. If what I imagine is true, the result would be the perfect revenge on the proud tyrant who oppresses us. Failing to tell and allowing things to continue as they are been, would bring the end of the Merciless' reign and the fall of his empire.
—Nothing. – I whisper.- We must hurry, otherwise they could miss me at the pavilion.

Arriving at the entrance to the pavilion, I turned to my companion and using my most severe tone of voice, I demanded that he not come back for me at that time of night, that we could deal with any other matter concerning the garden during the day.
The royal gardener bowed to me, took my hand and placed a kiss on my palm as a sign of respect. Just as his lips brushed against my skin an electric shock ran through my entire spine, making me shiver.
—I will obey your commands, my desert flower . Sweet dreams.- He said goodbye and I stay stiff in my place, with my mind totally blank and caressing with my fingers,over the exact spot where he kissed me.

*******

—That nomadic bitch has done nothing but cause trouble since she arrived.-Lady Cassandra paced back and forth nervously inside her chambers.
—We tried to get rid of her, sending the golden army against the nomads, we thought she had perished in the massacre but she didn't. -her accomplice muttered.

—And now, because of her, my position in court is in danger.-Cassandra wrung her hands.-This situation is too volatile, a slight misstep and everything we've achieved so far will come crashing down. If the Emperor discovers...
—He won´t . One of the maids will take care of it and everything will continue as before.
Cassandra approached her lover, climbing onto his lap as he hugged her tightly around the waist.
—I'm scared, my love. Something is not right, I can feel it, and I fear that fate is playing a trick on us. Let's be careful, until the Merciless is dead we can't trust anyone else.
The man fused his lips with hers and gave free rein to the passion that had united them many years ago.
*******
—Who was that man?
—I do not know what you are talking about.
During breakfast, early in the morning, I was putting apples and other fruit on my plate when Sarab approached me.
—The entrance of men to the pavilion is prohibited, and it is punishable by death to have lovers, even if they are eunuchs. I thought you knew.- she whispered.
—He's not my lover.- I defended.
—Well, ha looked like it.
I bit into an apple and faced Sarab. Talking to her with my mouth full.
—I hardly know him, but I know he is the royal gardener. I'm helping him reclaim some damaged palace grounds.
Lady Sarab glanced at me but then shrugged.
—I'm not really interested in what you do, I just recommend you be careful and be judicious. If a man is found to be in and out of the pavilion freely, we could all be punished.
I raised a growl. Damn laws and damned Kuranies! Why all of my actions have to inevitably fall on the girls of the harem? What justice was that that made innocent people pay for the crimes of others?
—Lady Umara.- Cítiê called me.
I swallowed dry, the little woman's tone of voice didn't promise anything good.
—Please, be quick and ficinsh your breakfast, the Emperor has asked to see you in his chambers.
—Again?-Burya shrieked. -Following this pattern, it could be said that you are his favourite, Umara.
—Don't be impertinent, Russian.- Cítiê admonished her. -Our lord summons to his presence whoever pleases him.
Burya crossed her arms over her chest and scowled at me.
—Are you jealous, Russian?- Sarab annoyed her.-Since you are not the tyrant's favorite toy, your moods are unbearable.
The rest of the girls giggled, Zai made a face at Mem and Burya flashed out her tongue at Sarab.
—Truth is, I take no pleasure in having to go meeting him. Do you want to go in my place, Burya? - I offered hopefully.
—It is impossible. If you refuse, he will have Cítiê flogged.- Sarab whispered.
I compressed my lips. The memory of the pain of the lashes on the skin of my back was still fresh in my memory. I abandoned the common table and headed towards my chambers. Inside the pavilion I kept my mourning, as I had proposed in my heart, but to go meeting the lord of the seven Lunas, I had to change my clothes.
*******
—Here you are, Lady Umara.- he murmured as I entered the newly replanted garden. Damn! I had nurtured the hope that he would not come as usual. Actually, I had come hoping to see someone else.
—Sir.- I answered, directing my gaze to the ground, in the most respectful way possible.
He approached me and my whole being instantly tensed, he noticed my discomfort,apparently, and choosed to keep a safe distance.
—I have seen the great changes made in this place.-he whispered. -I have been informed that the plants you consider appropriate have already been planted. Is it so?
—Yes, My Lord.
— I'm curious... What kind of plants have you selected? Do you have any idea when they will bloom?
— We have planted nocturnal plants, mostly flowers, My Lord. These should start to emerge within two or three weeks. - I murmured in response.
— Oh. Also, the gardener told me that you wish to replant a tree similar to the one that was lost.
—If our lord pleases.
— I think it's a splendid idea. Your proposal will restore this garden to all its splendor. I am deeply impressed, Lady Umara.
—Don't be,my Lord.-I whispered, keeping my eyes fixed on the ground.-at least not until our work here is finished. Save your words of praice for when what the earth now nurtures, flourishes.
— You are really wise for some things but unnecessarily stubborn for others.
That caused me to raise my gaze, finding myself face to face with in profile. My stomach clenched, and not exactly in disgust. My gaze swept over the high turban on which a large reddish stone gleamed, the scarlet tunic and cloak, the silk shoes adorned with small jewels...
It is no use denying that the Merciless is attractive, he is, and very much so.

His bronze skin, his muscular body, his implacable face…everything about him exudes fierceness. I compressed my lips and returned my gaze to the ground. My treacherous mind compared him with the attributes of another man, and yet, found him wanting. His beauty and virility were no match for the delicacy and candor of my gardener friend and confidant.
—My knowledge of plants cannot be considered wisdom,my Lord.
—And right there I have another sample of your stubbornness. You are the only woman who dares to openly contradict me.
I fell to my knees, hiding my face against the ground.
—Forgive me, My Lord, I didn't mean to offend you.- I sobbed, fearing that my recklessness could hurt any of the girls.
—Stop. Stand up.- he ordered and I did it slowly.- I have not made you come to my presence with the intention of unleashing a conflict between us, on the contrary... I wish to reward you for your effort.
I looked back at him and he took a step closer to me. Although he was a little apart I noticed again how incredibly bejeweled and heavy his outfit was, I looked at his general direction paying special attention not to direct my gaze directly at his face.

—So, what do you wish for?Hmm? Rubies, sapphires, emeralds, or something else of equal value?
—If I could ask for something of great value…I would ask for my freedom.
I saw his whole body go tense .
—But since it's impossible…you may wait and present me with the first flower that blooms in this garden.