There are a fewexceptions. These women have the greatest status in the harem and havethe most wealth and privileges. Still, none can leave the harem w...thoutthe Emperor's permission."There are two separate paths of authority in the harem. One of themcomes from the Chief Queen of the Emperor; she is the mistress of theharem. Her name is Ruqayya Sultan Begam. She decides which womenare in control and determines wealth and status. Under her, is The Keeperof the Baths, who handles that area, The. We climbed into bed together, Celia leaned out to switch off the bedside light and then we said our goodnights and settled down for sleep.I'm not sure how long it was, but I'd reached that hazy plateau somewhere between waking and sleeping when I felt a soft touch against my back. At first I took it to be an accidental touch from a hand stretched out in sleep, but then I felt it move, lightly caressing my back, gently but deliberately stroking me through the thin cotton of my nightshirt. There. After all, we must keep up your strength. Earlier was just a preview. There are more delights to come this evening.” With a little trepidation, I dug into my dinner. About halfway through, I had to stop, I was stuffed! It was all so good but I had no more room. The silence between us as we ate had been comfortable but, now that I was not focused on eating, I was a little nervous, sitting there very naked while Joe was still fully dressed. I knew my hair must be a mess, too. I had not had time. Alicia knew that her expression was confirming every naughty thought her friend was entertaining. “I am famished,” Gwen said to spare Alicia any more embarrassment. “Let us prepare food, and the two of you can tell us what happened.” Ronald and Trell joined Thakkor in gathering wood and preparing the fire pit while the Baroness sat down on the grass and gestured for Alicia to begin. ** The Baroness let out a sharp little high-pitched growl as she rode alongside Alicia. “I cannot stop thinking.