Tiffans!
Meet Merchant Zayed’s mother, Cyrene, from Merchant Zayed’s Harem Adventures.
In Zayed’s household, the warmth doesn’t always come from the Persian sun.
Head tilted forward, eyes closed, Cyrene musters all her courage to turn around and face Rozhin.
There is tea on the table and pastries. The opened double doors to the balcony allow the sun to brighten the room. It catches Rozhin’s in her splendor, pouring a cup and adding a half a spoon of honey, just the way Cyrene likes it. Steamy whirls from the tea invite Cyrene to sit down. Her hands prefer to reach for the cup instead of dancing. The tea and chair ground her to the world again.
“What lovely weather for outdoor activities, don’t you think, mother?”
Flames burn Cyrene’s cheeks, and crawl down her neck.
“The garden is so beautiful, this time of year,” Rozhin continues in a sweet voice.
Cyrene hears the teasing undertone; a mix of amusement and caring warmth.
“Rozhin, I need to explain…”
“You don’t have to explain anything to me, my dearest mother, but I know you want to.”
“I… He… You shouldn’t have seen that…”
“I shouldn’t have. But what I saw was love and happiness. Is that so bad?”
“Love? Lust maybe…”
“You were enjoying yourself.”
Cyrene wipes away a crumb from the table.
“This is your home, mother. I am your guest. You do not have to apologize to me.”
“Actually, it’s Arash’s home, and I am your guest. So, I do have to apologize to you.”
Rozhin considers this. “Then apology accepted. Let’s enjoy our morning.”
It’s warm and homy, but I hope never to have this conversation with my mother-in-law!
-Liam Ashford, co-president J. Tiffany Noore’s Fan Club
