SCENE (8) – SAFA GAINS SULTAN’S TRUST
Characters
- SAFA
- SULTAN
- QUEEN
- ATTENDANT (silent or minimal)
Setting
- The Sultan’s private chamber. Night.
- Low cushions. One lamp. Guards beyond earshot.
(SULTAN paces, agitated. SAFA sits nearby, attentive but not intrusive.)
SULTAN
They think I don’t see it. Every smile has a price. Every prayer has an ear behind it.
SAFA
You see more than they think.
They speak louder around you—hoping certainty will frighten you into silence.
(She pours water, hands it to him. Their fingers brush. She does not pull away.)
SULTAN
You speak as if you are not afraid.
SAFA
I am. But not of you.
SULTAN
What do you want?
SAFA (after a pause)
To be where you are safest.
SULTAN
What do you mean?
SAFA
When you speak to officials, you measure your words.
When you speak to your Begum, you guard your temper.
When you speak to me… you do neither.
SULTAN
You make it sound like permission.
(She lowers her eyes—submission without weakness.)
(An ATTENDANT rushes in, whispers urgently to SAFA. She stiffens—then nods.)
SULTAN
What is it?
SAFA
A quarrel near the eastern gate. Your name was used too freely.
(She steps between him and the door without appearing to.)
Stay.
(ATTENDANT exits.)
SULTAN
I should go.
SAFA
No.
If you go now, you become the reason. If you stay, they must find another.
SULTAN
You would lie for me.
SAFA
I already have.
(BEGUM’s voice is heard offstage.)
BEGUM (offstage)
Where is the Sultan?
SAFA
He is unwell. He asked not to be disturbed.
BEGUM (offstage)
Since when do you speak for him?
SAFA
Since he asked me to listen.
BEGUM (offstage)
Very well.
(Footsteps retreat.)
(The SULTAN exhales sharply.)
SULTAN
You risk much.
SAFA
Only what I have.
Everyone here wants something visible. I want this moment to continue.
SULTAN
That is all?
SAFA
Yes.
(He reaches for her hand. She allows it—still.)
SULTAN
You are unlike the others.
(She adjusts SULTAN’s robe, protective, almost tender.)
SAFA
Sleep now. Tomorrow, you will need your strength.
SULTAN
You will stay.
SAFA
As long as you ask.
(He lies down. She watches him until his breathing deepens.)
(Then—quietly, to herself.)
SAFA
As long as you need to believe.
(She extinguishes the lamp halfway—enough light to see, not enough to be seen.)
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