The prince threw his hands into the air, which could have been interpreted differently as far as what he thought about that answer.<br/><br/>Then, he said, "Finally, Abdullah , one of the prospects has a mind, and not a parrot's cawing beak."<br/><br/>"Yes, that is good." Prince Tarkus said. "I have plenty of people to follow my will, my advisor must have the sense to know what I actually want."<br/><br/>He heard a noise of shuffling, and turned to see Merit, hiding in the long shadow cast by the sun hitting the large open window.  His eye quirked until Abdullah explained that she was to be his offering for his next consort, to make his harem.<br/><br/>Tarkus looked at Abdullah questioningly. "Not exactly the pomp and circumstance as the presentation of my consort. Why is she hiding? She looks....troubled."<br/><br/>He turned to Hassan before saying, "Wait one moment, Hassan. I have only a few more questions for you."<br/><br/>Tarkus stepped toward Merit. "I am prince Tarkus, sixth of his name.<em>Heir portane</em>of the land of Egypt, and chosen warrior and voice of the gods. Please, step forward."<br/><br/>It all seemed so different now than even just two years prior. Aisha had been brought to him with ceremony, flushing with excitement at the chance to be his consort. This woman looked...disoriented and slightly confused.<br/><br/>"You blend with the shadows, my dear. Your name will be Layla . (http://20000-names.com/origin_of_baby_names/etymology_L_female/meaning_of_the_name_layla.htm/)"<br/><br/>The prince said this without a scrap of doubt, or questioning.<br/><br/>"Please, Layla, join Aisha. I will speak with you soon."  He turned toward the lounging furniture.  "Aisha, if you please? See to her thirst and comfort."<br/><br/>He turned back to Hassan. "You passed the test of actually having some pulse in that brain of yours. Tell me about your specific strengths of knowledge. What are your specialties, and how can they serve me?"<br/><br/><br/><br/>