Week 6 Story: Scheherazade's Story

Note: Portfolio Link

This story is now available in edited version in my Portfolio with the above link! 

An Adaptation of Scheherazade 

(Photo by Britannica)

Okay, okay, alright, okay.  You can do this.  You’ll be fine.  Nothing to worry about here.  Noooooothing at all.

Scheherazade paced the ornate tile floor of the Sultan’s private sitting area.  The wedding had been small.  It was quicker than she had expected, too.  Then again, why would it be long? He was wed to someone new every night and he was probably tired after working all day.  She was surprised he had even remembered her name.  His posture had almost been remorseful as the ceremony concluded. 

Maybe he’s feeling guilty because of his relationship with Father?

Scheherazade had trouble believing that any man so vile as the Sultan would have a conscience whatsoever.  The Sultan had once been exalted.  His loyalty and love for his wife was something every girl dreamed to one day find.  In an instant, though, he had abandoned his love and loyalty and ordered her to be slaughtered like common cattle.

But why?? Only someone heartless could watch that and not react.

He had aged well, other than the lines of malice and displeasure permanently etched into his face.  It was clear that he spent many hours each day sparring in the sun with his warriors.  His hair was now salt and pepper instead of the rich raven-black of his youth, but it suited him well. 

As Scheherazade waited for the Sultan to come retrieve her for bed, she counted the rubies lining the brightly colored ceiling.  She twirled her long, chocolate brown hair around her fingers, relishing in the slight twinge of pain when she pulled too hard.  The pain reminded her that this was not a dream. 

But what would inspire a woman to throw away the loyalty of a man like the Sultan used to be? Was there a falling out?  Was he not good to her?

“Why would she leave him a shell of his former self?” Scheherazade murmured to herself.  As she spun around observing her surroundings, she bumped into a broad chest clothed in the finest robes of turquoise silk. 

She lowered her head to see large slippers adorned in gems and sparkling gold thread.  She slowly raised her eyes, examining the man whom she could only pray would not turn out to be the Sultan. 

Her eyes reached his handsome, sun-weathered face and his salt and pepper hair. 

Of course, it’s the Sultan.  Why would it be anyone other than the Sultan in his private quarters?

She gave what she prayed was an appealing smile.  He frowned down at her. 

Going well already.  Off to a good start.

“Do you always talk to yourself?” the Sultan inquired, moving around Scheherazade and sliding his hand to her lower back.  He ushered her politely past the sitting area and into his bedroom.  Scheherazade feigned deafness and ignored his question.

Our bedroom, I suppose.  If I survive this. 

Scheherazade heaved a sigh and surveyed her new home.  It certainly wasn’t her father’s little bungalow.  As her eyes flitted from surface to surface, they caught on a marvelous vanity which held a pair of lavender silk pajamas and matching slippers. 

Those had better be for me.  We’ll need another pair for Dina though.  Maybe I’ll let her have lavender.  I’ve always liked turquoise better, anyways. 

She began to cross the white fur rug to the vanity when a large hand encompassed her wrist bringing her to an abrupt halt.  

“What do you think you’re doing?” growled the Sultan, glowering angrily at her. 

“Apparently not going to get those pajamas?” cringed Scheherazade, slowly turning back to face the Sultan. 

“Not yet.  Join me on the balcony for a nightcap” commanded the Sultan, leading the way through the tall, black marble columns framed by golden curtains. 

Scheherazade took her time, eyeing the opulent bedroom and by time she had joined the Sultan on the balcony, he had already poured two drinks and seated himself on a large white leather couch.  She sat opposite of him and turned to face him, tucking her legs under herself in an attempt to find comfort in her new home. 

She took a large sip of something stronger than the ale she was used to, trying to steady her nerves.  She coughed a little bit on the bitter taste of whatever alcohol the Sultan had poured.  Holding the large, solid gold chalice with both hands she shifted to lean against the large cushions behind her.

Silence reigned on the balcony.  She normally would have been happy to sit in silence for hours enjoying a view as magnificent as this.  She had a job to do though, and needed to get to business.

“Majesty, since it is my last night alive, may I have the comfort of my younger sister?  I would like very much for her to join us and keep me company in my final hours,” beseeched Scheherazade quietly, lifting her large brown eyes to meet the Sultan’s.  She hoped that he felt some compassion for her due to her father’s position.  She searched his eyes and his face for some indication that he would react. 

The Sultan considered this request for so long that Scheherazade began to believe that she had not actually asked at all.  Finally, still looking into her eyes, the Sultan moved closer and replied. 

“No, it will be just us for tonight.  You may, instead, entertain me with a story” whispered the Sultan.  He drained his chalice and looked up at the stars, waiting for Scheherazade to begin. 

Not what I had hoped for, but I can may yet be able to turn this to my advantage. 

Scheherazade followed suit and drained her chalice, taking a deep breath before speaking.

“My Lord, there was once a merchant.  He erred and found himself in the most unfortunate circumstance,” she began. 

The Sultan finally tore his gaze away from the stars and fully focused on Scheherazade for the first time, finding himself lost in the lull of her voice as she continued her story.  

Bibliography: 

Arabian Nights' Entertainments by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H.J. Ford (1898)

Edit: Author's Note

My inspiration for this story arose from the other stories I read for this unit.  Primarily, I was just super interested in Scheherazade.  She seems so dynamic! If she's able to capture the attention of a murderous Sultan for multiple days, she must have redeeming qualities and she must be engaging and charismatic.  It got me wondering if there would have been more to her character.  I've found I really enjoy going totally away from the original story and making up what would've happened before the story starts.