One Persian Night...

by Sistine

URL: http://www.area52hkh.net/ass/sistine/onepersi.php
Summary: Despite being content with his life, Dani begins to desire a forbidden union... with potentially fatal consequences.

Persia, early 16th century

//I see him watching me, his eyes lingering for no more than a second so that my master, the Sultan, does not notice but I know he desires me. Not that anything can come of that desire but it is pleasing to know that I am found attractive by others. Those who live in the palace guard their feelings and expressions carefully as those who covert the Sultan's mistresses and catamites are executed. Not even those of us in the harem are spared if we commit a transgression against him. I, fortunately, have not yet done so.//

"Dani!"

"Yes?" Dani put aside his writing implements and turned towards the doorway where Jasper, one of the young eunuchs, appeared.

"The Sultan wishes you to attend him tonight. No dancing," Jasper reported before disappearing again.

"Wonderful," Dani murmured. Attending the Sultan involved bringing his food during dinner, occasionally providing entertainment in the form of dancing, and then accompanying the Sultan to his bedchamber afterwards. Dani had been trained to do all that from puberty so he never complained but lately he had been wondering whether there was more to life than serving the Sultan.

He started applying liner around his eyes, knowing that the Sultan loved it when he accentuated his blue eyes. He had been doing this for ten years now, although only eight of those had involved accompanying the Sultan to his bed, so he didn't have to think too much about what he was doing any more. It left his mind free to think about other things.

Like Jak, the important man who was currently visiting, conducting business with the Sultan. The man who had been watching him every night that Dani had been in his company. Jak was a vizier from the Ottoman Empire, his full name too difficult to pronounce. Talking with the man's servants, Dani had discovered that Jak had lost his wife the previous year and had several children but there were presently no lovers residing in his home. Although there was no greater honour than to be part of the Sultan's harem, Dani occasionally entertained the notion of becoming Jak's lover. The man was only ten years older than he was, and his physique was still good. Dani's only lover had been the Sultan - any straying would have resulted in his death - but that didn't stop him from fantasising occasionally.

Once his face was finished, Dani stripped out of his everyday attire. Usually, when he wasn't required to be in the public eye, he wore a simple vest that laced up the front, and matching pants that billowed out around his legs. The outfit was comfortable and cool, and hid some of his body in case anyone saw him. However, when he was required to serve the Sultan, he had to dress differently, more seductively. When he was required to dance, he just wore the filmy pants but for simply serving the Sultan, he wore even less.

A band of gold on each arm showed he belonged to the Sultan. A blue knee-length piece of material covered the chastity belt he was required to wear whenever he left his bedchamber or when visitors arrived at the palace; the Sultan didn't want anyone else taking him. The belt was uncomfortable but Dani believed it was better than being a eunuch, as most males in the harem were. Only one other besides himself was whole, and that was because of his physical appearance.

Since he didn't need to do anything with his short brown hair, Dani decided that he was ready. He looked in the mirror to make sure everything was perfect - it was. Running a hand through his hair, Dani remembered the day he had come to the palace. Thirteen years old and hair that reached his shoulders. The Sultan, however, hated his male slaves to have long hair so it had been cut within hours of arriving. Dani had to admit though, it suited him short and it highlighted his cheekbones - which, he supposed, was why the Sultan wanted it that way.

He quickly made his way through the corridors to the dining room. Once there, he slowed his pace into the seductive walk that the Sultan liked.

The Sultan was a middle-aged man with reasonably handsome features, who was currently dressed in a rich burgundy-and-gold tunic and pants. He was already seated on the multi-coloured cushions, as was Jak. The latter wore a blue and silver satin outfit similar to the Sultan's, which Dani thought suited him very well as it highlighted his short silvering hair. However, he only allowed himself a quick look before keeping his eyes downcast; his gaze wasn't allowed to stray under punishment of a beating.

"Dani." The Sultan didn't need to command anything else. Having been a sultan for nearly twenty years, he had developed a very authoritative presence.

Kneeling beside the Sultan, Dani asked, "What do you wish, Master?"

"Tomorrow you will record the accords that are agreed upon," the Sultan stated. He ran one hand through Dani's hair and then tilted his slave's face upwards so that brown eyes could bore into blue.

"Yes, Master." Having been trained to read and write from a young age, Dani was more valuable than the other pleasure slaves were. He was grateful for his skills; he didn't like lazing about all day as many of the others did. It also guaranteed him a separate bedchamber instead of having to share with the eunuchs - another indication of his worth.

Dani paid attention to the conversation between Jak and the Sultan while carrying out his duties throughout the meal. Jak was intelligent, Dani noted, but hid it behind witty remarks and jokes as usual. Why did Jak hide his intelligence thus? The only reason Dani could think of was that Jak wanted the Sultan to underestimate him. If that was the case, then Jak was up to no good but so far, Dani had seen no evidence of that.

He didn't want to think ill of Jak as he found the man attractive. A thrill went through his body every time he felt Jak's eyes on him, which was often. It was... nice.

When the meal was over and all talk was completed, the Sultan ordered Dani to his bedchamber. As he stood, Dani flashed a glance at Jak and saw the desire in his deep brown eyes. Jak wanted him. The thought made Dani bold and he tried to make his walk as sensuous as possible. Maybe he could tempt Jak to attempt the forbidden and come to his small bedchamber later; if one didn't think about the consequences, it could be very romantic. It would never happen but the idea was nice anyway.

**********

Several hours later, Dani returned to his room. He was tired and a little sore, and he was once again wearing the chastity belt; ironic, considering what he had just been doing.

As he entered his quarters, a hand clamped over his mouth and his arms were pinned to his sides by a restraining arm.

"Do not make a sound," the voice - Jak's - warned quietly. "I am not here to hurt you."

Unexplainably, Dani trusted his word and nodded. The hand was removed from his mouth, allowing him to speak. "Why are you here?" It was death for anyone to touch him like Jak was.

"I have come with a warning and a request," Jak replied as the heat from his body warmed Dani.

"Why?" Daniel turned his head slightly to see his captor's face. Jak's eyes reflected the light from the open fireplace and Dani felt warmth spread through him as if the flames were that of desire.

"Because I want you," Jak stated candidly. "You are beautiful and intelligent, and I want you in my life."

"In your harem?" Dani challenged, flattered but not yet convinced of the man's sincerity. He knew Jak didn't have a harem but he didn't just want to be one of the man's lovers.

"I do not have a harem. I have had lovers, yes, but only for a short time," Jak admitted. "But I do not think I would ever tire of you."

"Nothing is forever." Dani had learnt that from an early age. His parents had taught him to read and write before they died, leaving him an orphan at thirteen. That was how he had ended up in the Sultan's harem at such a young age. He knew, also, that he would eventually be replaced with someone younger and sent out onto the streets as a beggar or die by being poisoned; he had seen it happen to others.

"Have you not just known something was true, something you had no facts for?" Jak challenged. "I know we are meant for each other."

Dani had known that Jak wouldn't hurt him without any evidence one way or the other, and now the older man's words struck something deep inside him. He barely knew Jak but for some reason, he trusted and believed him. If he went with Jak, he would not be cast aside. "What is the warning?"

"Tomorrow, there will be an assassination attempt on your Sultan's life. One of the men in my party has been sent to perform the task. He will poison the wine so that all who partake will die. My Sultan wishes to have your master's mines and he does not wish to bargain for them."

"Why are you here then?" Dani wanted to know. It didn't make sense. Jak would be signing the accords tomorrow.

"To map the palace and the Sultan's true wealth," Jak admitted, turning Dani in his arms and crowding him against the wall. "I had no choice - my children would have been killed if I had not sent that information."

Dani believed him; Jak's flame-lit eyes projected the truth. "Must you kill him?" Dani didn't think that was necessary. The Sultan didn't deserve to die just for some land. He lifted one arm to rest on Jak's bicep, liking the feel of the satin beneath his fingertips.

"That is why I am telling you now. Is there someway you can warn him?"

"I do not know." How would he even breach the subject with his master? How would he explain how he knew?

"You will find a way," Jak said confidently, one hand coming up to caress Dani's cheek. "Will you come with me?"

"He will kill me if I try," Dani stated, wanting nothing more right now than to follow Jak anywhere but knew that he couldn't.

"What if I could promise that he would never harm you?" Jak persisted before leaning in and pressing his lips against Dani's. "Would you come with me then?"

"Yes," Dani breathed, stunned by the desire he felt. Not even the Sultan had been able to raise feelings like this with simply a kiss. Even though it was forbidden, he would go with Jak.

"Good." Jak kissed him again and Dani's body filled with longing, the chastity belt becoming very uncomfortable. "We will leave tomorrow with my caravan," he promised before disappearing as silently as he had arrived.

Dani remained where he was for a few minutes, savouring that last kiss. If only he could have taken the chastity belt off so that he could relieve himself but he didn't have the key. He would have to find a way to get rid of it tomorrow so that he and Jak could consummate their forbidden desire - the thought of that was thrilling and brought a smile to his lips. If Jak's simple kisses could produce such strong feelings, how much more pleasure would he receive from making love?

He lay down on his bed and fantasised about the act until he fell asleep.

**********

When he woke the next morning, Dani was full of indecision. Should he tell the Sultan what Jack had told him about the assassination attempt? It should be his duty to do so but then how would he explain how Jak had told him this? To say that Jak had entered his chamber was an automatic death sentence or, considering the man was a vizier, perhaps banishment with no hope of the accords being signed. Could he let that happen? Or should he try to find the assassin himself and talk the man out of it? Would that even be possible?

He still hadn't made a decision when he was summoned to the Sultan's throne room where the accords would be reached. Dani quickly dressed and hurried through the many corridors to the throne room, the indecision weighing heavily in his mind, as did the promise to leave with Jak. In the light of day, that had been a foolish promise to make and somehow, he would have to tell Jak that it just wouldn't be possible.

And somehow, he would have to alert the Sultan to the threat on his life without betraying Jak.

**********

The opportunity came later in the day. One of Jak's men brought out a bottle of wine as a present for the Sultan and gave it to Dani. Glancing over at Jak and receiving a subtle nod, Dani knew that this was the wine that was poisoned. Making a hasty decision, Dani started to take the bottle over to the Sultan but deliberately tripped over the corner of the rug, dropping the glass bottle and shattering it. Red wine went everywhere, making it look as though a battle had been fought right there in the throne room. Dani shivered; that seemed to be an omen.

"Dani!" the Sultan reprimanded, shocked that his slave had been so clumsy.

"Forgive me, Master." Dani was immediately apologetic and fell to his knees, awaiting his punishment.

"It is of no matter," Jak spoke up. "We have more." He gestured for his servant to fetch another bottle.

Out of the corner of his eye, Dani saw one of the palace cats start lapping up the wine. Stricken, he could only remain where he was as the poor animal suddenly keeled over, dead.

The Sultan's eyes opened wide as he realised the implications. He stood, enraged, and shouted at Jak, "You dare to come into my home and kill me? You are nothing but a coward!"

Jak's men drew their daggers and swords, and the Sultan's men did likewise in response to the threat. Caught between both groups, Dani could do nothing but watch.

"I did not want it to come to this," Jak stated, staring at the Sultan, unafraid. He stepped forward, his own sword drawn, until he was level with Dani, who was only a few feet away from the Sultan. He stooped slightly and with his left hand, took hold of Dani's bicep to make him stand.

This only enraged the Sultan further. "You dare to touch my slave?"

"I do." Whispering "sorry" into Dani's ear, he held the younger man in front of him and lifted the sword to rest against his neck. "I know how valuable he is to you and if you do not order your men to surrender right now, I will kill him."

Dani stood very still, the cold steel against his throat making him very afraid. He didn't think that Jak would follow through on his threat but he was worried that the Sultan might decide that his life was a small price to pay in order to kill the would-be assassins.

The Sultan gestured to his guards to lower their weapons and then stepped forward towards Dani. Stopping only inches away, he raised his left hand and stroked Dani's cheek. "I am sorry." He drew back his right hand and Dani's eyes widened as he realised what his master was going to do.

"No!"

Jak's voice caused Dani to turn in surprise. Then a burning pain blossomed in his left side and he looked down in shock. The dagger stuck out of his side and blood had started oozing out of the wound. Suddenly feeling dizzy, Dani sank to his knees, one hand clasped to his side.

"Dani!" Jak was prevented from reaching the younger man by the Sultan, who had drawn a sword and stepped around Dani to meet him in battle. Dani watched as Jak warily circled the Sultan, burning anger in his brown eyes. He knew they were going to fight but he couldn't seem to make his thoughts coherent enough to figure out a way to stop them.

The two men feinted and slashed at each other, neither drawing blood. Dragging his eyes away from the fight, Dani realised that the guards of both men had also joined in battle. Swords clashed and people screamed as the other slaves scrambled to leave the room before they were impaled on the unforgiving steel.

A pained grunt drew his attention back to the fight. There was now a tear in the Sultan's left sleeve with a line of red showing through. Jak had drawn blood. Did that mean he would win?

Jak feinted again and managed to move behind the Sultan. The latter spun to face his opponent and stepped forward - right onto Jak's sword. Surprise showed on his face for a brief moment before he collapsed to the floor. From where Dani was, the strike hadn't seemed fatal but the Sultan wasn't moving.

There was a brief moment where Jak looked down at the Sultan before he snapped back to himself and moved over to where Dani was still kneeling. "Are you alright?"

"No," Dani said candidly, not thinking straight enough to lie.

"I have to get you out of here," Jak thought aloud, his eyes searching the room as the battle raged around them. Men on both sides lay on the floor, some with fatal wounds and others just injured. Nodding to a heavily-built black guard who had appeared from nowhere but whom Dani judged to be one of Jak's chief soldiers, Jak sheathed his blood-covered sword and then lifted the younger man into his arms, being very careful not to aggravate the dagger wound.

As a group, they made their way out of the throne room, the guard protecting his master zealously. They travelled through the corridors until they reached the guest quarters. Dani noted that it was very opulent with its blue silk curtains billowing out around the large bed; he had never been allowed in this section of the palace. He was carefully placed on the bed and Dani turned immediately onto his uninjured side.

Jak anxiously set about examining the wound. "I need to remove the dagger and then sew up the wound, and I need to do it before someone comes in here." He ordered his guard to get the needle and thread from the dresser, and then turned back to Dani and stroked his cheek reassuringly. "You are going to be fine," he promised.

"I am not going to die?" Dani asked, not entirely convinced.

"Not if we can sew this up straight away," Jak stated. The guard brought the items over to Jak and the latter threaded the needle, though his hands were shaking. It took several attempts and then Jak turned to his guard. "When I pull the knife out, you need to pinch the wound closed, keep your weight on it to stop the bleeding, and you need to keep holding it until I can sew it together."

The guard nodded and came to stand next to the bed, looming over Dani. The younger man noted that despite the forbidding appearance of the black man, his expression was sympathetic.

The look Jak directed at Dani was loving and full of apology. "This is going to hurt but it needs to be done."

"Just do it." Dani figured he could bear the pain if it meant that he wasn't going to die. Then he gritted his teeth to stop crying out as pain flared in his side as the knife was removed. The burning sensation continued for what seemed like hours as the guard held the skin closed while Jak sewed the flaps together. Dani couldn't watch; he felt nauseous with the pain and seeing himself being sewn up would only make that worse.

Finally the pain lessened and a hand caressed his cheek. "It's done," Jak said softly. "I just need to bandage it and then we will be finished."

Dani nodded in understanding, the gentle hand helping to ease the nausea slightly. He saw Jak unwrap his waist sash and then hold the material over him. "What are you doing?"

"Bandage," Jak explained simply. He wrapped the silver material around Dani's waist several times as he bandaged the wound tightly and tied the ends together over the injured spot. Seeing Dani wince, he said, "I am sorry."

"I know." Dani tried to slow his breathing after the pain subsided again.

"Rest here," Jak instructed, running a hand through Dani's short hair. "I need to see what is going on in the throne room."

Dani nodded, understanding the necessity of that. "What will happen if your men have won?"

"Then I will need to stop them from killing everyone else in the palace, especially the Sultan's children."

"And if they have lost?" Dani's inquired.

Jak hesitated then leaned down to kiss his forehead. "Then my man will take you to safety." He didn't promise to come back, something Dani noted with trepidation.

"Be careful," Dani whispered, lifting his hand to briefly grip Jak's arm.

"I will." Jak kissed him again and then disappeared from the room. Dani watched as the guard moved into place near the doorway, protecting him from anyone who might enter. He couldn't hear any sounds of fighting so he didn't know whether it was all over or not. Dani selfishly hoped that it was and then Jak would be safe.

It seemed like an eternity until Jak returned, a grim look on his face. The older man crouched next to the bed and reached out to hold Dani's hand. "Your Sultan's guards have been defeated. Some of them have survived and will be taken prisoner, as will his children. Is the heir in the palace?" he questioned.

"No. He is inspecting the outlying estates," Dani replied. "Will you kill him too?"

"There is no need, unless he refuses to sign over the mines," Jak stated honestly. "I am sorry that the Sultan had to die," he added sympathetically, squeezing Dani's hand.

"So am I." Dani had genuinely liked his master in spite of the murder attempt earlier.

Jak lifted his free hand to stroke Dani's face, seemingly fascinated by his features. "I promise that I will take good care of you, and you will be my equal, not my slave."

That would take some adjusting to but Dani liked the idea. "When do we leave for your home?"

"As soon as you are able to travel," Jak replied with a smile.

Dani smiled back; that would be an adventure. He felt guilty that the Sultan was dead but he couldn't help looking forward to life with Jak.

**********

A week later, when order had been established at the palace and one of Jak's advisors was left in charge, a small party of the travellers left for their homeland. As Dani was still recovering, he was told to rest in one of the caravans while the others rode.

Several hours into the journey, Jak dismounted and entered the caravan to check on Dani. "How are you feeling?" he asked gently, settling himself next to the younger man, who was lying on the wooden bench.

"Fine," Dani said optimistically though the unsteady caravan was jolting his injured side. Staring up at Jak, he said, "In a way, I wish you had not killed him," referring back to the conversation they'd had the other day about the Sultan.

"So do I," Jak replied, stroking Dani's left arm and leaving goosebumps in his wake. "But in the end, it couldn't be avoided. Besides, he was going to kill you."

"It is forbidden to touch any member of a Sultan's harem," Dani explained matter-of-factly. "He was justified in his actions." Now that he was over the shock of the event, he understood why the Sultan had wanted him dead - Jak would have no longer had a hostage.

"Murder is never justified," Jak countered, a harsh expression briefly crossing his face; Dani wondered what had happened in Jak's past to cause it.

Silence reigned for a few minutes until Dani ventured, "Why do you want me?" There were many others in the harem that Jak could have chosen, especially the women. He had wondered often over the past week about why Jak had chosen him but hadn't had the courage to ask until now.

"Because from the first moment I saw you, I knew you were different. You are not just a slave," Jack explained, shifting his hand to rest on Dani's hip where the touch burned through the thin blue pants. The chastity belt that Dani had been wearing on that fateful day had been removed the day after he had been stabbed, and he had been interested to note that no-one had tried to take advantage of that fact. Even Jak had kept his hands to himself - mostly. "You are smart, beautiful, seductive, and most of the others I saw in your situation were only the latter two. I want someone to share my bed, someone to share my life with and to argue with me when necessary."

Dani frowned. "But how did you know I would be able to do those things?" He had never argued with anyone within Jak's hearing, only in the special part of the palace set aside for those in the harem.

Jak smiled sheepishly. "I spied on you one day," he admitted, not able to meet Dani's eyes. "You were arguing with an old man about philosophy."

Oh, that. Occasionally, Cyrus, an old teacher from the nearby village, came to the palace to teach the Sultan's children and almost always visited Dani afterwards to talk about every subject under the sun. Dani had access to many of the Sultan's texts so he was reasonably well-read, and actually more literate than his late master. "You do not mind people arguing with you?"

"Only the ones I love." Jak leaned down carefully and pressed a kiss to the side of Dani's head. "I am going to fetch the healer now so that he can check your wound. Then I want you to rest."

Dani wasn't going to argue about that; his whole body felt tired and achy as the caravan bounced along.

The healer arrived sometime later, checked the wound and then mixed up a potion for Dani to drink, saying that it would help him rest. Dani drank it and just before he drifted off to sleep, he felt Jak spoon up behind him. That was very nice...

**********

It took a month of travelling to reach Jak's home in the Ottoman Empire. He had had a wonderful time learning about Jak during that month. They had spent much time together as Dani recovered from his injury, and the younger man had fallen in love for the first time. Jak was kind but firm with the men he commanded, and treated everyone fairly, though he wasn't afraid to discipline them harshly if they stepped out of line. And towards Dani himself, Jak was gentle, funny and loving, which the younger man enjoyed. He found himself reaching out to touch Jak more, knowing that their relationship wasn't forbidden and they wouldn't be punished for it, and he loved the freedom of it.

The best times were when they travelled in the caravan at night and Jak just held him in his arms. Dani had never felt safer or more loved, even though they did nothing physical apart from kissing. He had wondered why Jak hadn't made love with him, and had gathered the courage to ask why one day. Jak had explained that he wanted their first time to be special and Dani thought that very romantic. However by the end of the month, he was desperate to know Jak intimately.

The night before they reached Jak's home, the older man took Dani by the hand and led him away from the camp so that they wouldn't be disturbed. Seemingly picking a destination at random, Jak spread out the blanket he had carried and then pulled Dani down to sit with him on it.

Dani's heart leapt with joy; they were finally going to make love! There would be no punishment for the act and that made the moment even better. "Jak?" he prompted when the man he loved said nothing.

"I love you," Jak said simply, bringing his hands up to cup Dani's face. "I am hoping you feel the same way."

"I do," Dani promised, a grin spreading across his face. Jak loved him! The knowledge felt wonderful. He had been loved by the Sultan but that was different; then, he was loved as a slave, not as an equal. With Jak, he was definitely an equal. He shifted his body forward to capture Jak's lips and was met halfway.

Passion ruled for awhile and then the kisses slowed to become more tender as Jak lay Dani out on the blanket. Stripping Dani of his clothing, Jak then discarded his own before moving between his new lover's legs. "I want to..."

"Please," Dani invited, bending his knees so his feet were flat on the ground. He had dreamt about this moment for a month now and hoped it would live up to his fantasy.

Jak had come well prepared. He scooped some animal fat out of a container with two fingers before gently pressing them against Dani's entrance. Consciously relaxing muscles that hadn't been stretched in over a month, Dani let Jak inside. It felt so good and he let himself drift along with the pleasure flooding him body.

Stretching out over Dani's body, his arms resting either side of the younger man, Jak carefully lined himself up and then slowly pushed forward. Dani's breath hitched as he was stretched fully. It was uncomfortable for a brief moment until his muscles adjusted and then he relaxed, letting Jak completely inside him.

"I love you," Jak promised sincerely as he shifted to kiss Dani.

"I love you too," Dani replied similarly. He couldn't imagine being more in love than he was in this moment.

Jak withdrew slowly and then pushed in, his eyes locked with Dani's. Then he repeated the act over and over, building the pleasure inside Dani's body until it was almost intolerable. Dani had no idea how long it went on for but finally, he climaxed loudly, his seed bursting out of him in what felt like a flood. A few moments later, he felt a warmth inside as Jak stilled and he smiled, enjoying the feeling.

Harsh breathing was all that could be heard for a minute as both men recovered. Dani imagined that their cries were still floating in the night air and he chuckled at the thought.

"What are you laughing at?" Jak wanted to know, lazily lifting himself up slightly to see Dani better.

"I am just happy," Dani responded, his heart light. He had no regrets about leaving his former life to become Jak's lover.

Jak shifted slightly to the side and took Dani into his embrace. "Me too." He reached off to the side and pulled a second blanket over their bodies.

Dani snuggled in close and rested his head on Jack's shoulder. He was very much looking forward to the rest of their life together.