Theadora was removed from the workings of government now. She had left the Bursa Palace when Mohammed died. All her old friends were long gone, including Iris and Ali Yahya. So she had returned to her little house within the walls of St. Catherine’s. She was deferred to, of course, and greatly respected, but she was lonely. There was nothing left for her but memories, and she wanted to be where those memories were strongest.
This afternoon she walked slowly through the silent orchards. Though her hair was silver, her carriage was still proud. She had shrunk a little with the years, but her violet eyes had not faded. Behind her walked two young nuns whose job it was to help care for her. She resented their presence, but the sultan had ordered it.
She would not, however, allow them to intrude on her memories. Since they were both meek creatures they spoke only when spoken to by their crusty mistress. To them, the orchards were a barren winter place. Shivering, they pulled their black cloaks about them.
To Theadora it was midsummer, and the trees were heavy with ripening golden peaches.
“Adora!”
She stopped and looked up, startled by the sound of his voice after all these years. He stood before her as she had first known him, tall and young and handsome. His black eyes twinkling, he laughed at her surprise.
“Murad!”
“Come, dove,” he smiled, holding out his hands to her. “It is time for you to go.”
Her eyes filled with tears. “I have waited so long for you to come for me,” she said. Reaching out, she took his hand.
“I know, dove. It has been a long time, but I shall never leave you again. Come now. It is not far.”
And without question she went with him, pausing only a moment to gaze back at the two nuns who, with fluttering cries, were now bent over the crumpled body of the silver-haired old woman.
Author’s Note
On May 29, 1453, Constantinople fell to Mohammed II, son of Murad II.
About the Author
Bertrice Small passed away on February 24, 2015. This ebook edition of Adora is part of her legacy.
CONTENTS
Prologue
PART I
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
PART II
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
PART III
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
PART IV
Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Seventeen
Chapter Eighteen
Chapter Nineteen
Chapter Twenty
Chapter Twenty-Two
Chapter Twenty-Three
Chapter Twenty-Four
Chapter Twenty-Five
Chapter Twenty-Six
Chapter Twenty-Seven
EPILOGUE
Author’s Note