Tales of Love and Power

Chapter 29

Abzalin's chambers

"I wish I could always be here with you. No classes. No harem. Just you and me." Anakaztia spoke as she laid down on top of Abzalin's chest. Her fingers trailed along his chest as he ran circles on her arm.

"You don't like the harem?" Abzalin asked.

"I do, but I have nothing to do there. I've already read every book in the concubine's wing. I want to do something useful with my time." Abzalin grew delighted by her words. "My only relief is when I'm with you.

"I understand how you feel. At times the palace might seem more like a cage than my home." Abzalin smiled as an idea came to mind. "Lucky for you, I know just what to remedy your boredom." Instinctively Anakaztia sat up with eyes full of optimism.

"Tomorrow, I must journey to the Temple of Belkav. Come with me, you finally get to see the capital, and it'll relieve you of your boredom."

Happiness took over Anakaztia as she wrapped her arms around Abzalin and planted kisses on his cheek and lips. She thanked him repeatedly as she smiled and giggled. Abzalin watched her in awe of her childlike and innocent behavior. Her youthful nature never failed to put a smile on his face. He hoped that she could always remain innocent and sweet. While many things would change, her innocence would always be tied to him.

Temple of Belkav

The morning after, Abzalin and Anakaztia set off to the Temple of Belkav.

Abzalin helped her climb in and out of the carriage as guards and citizens alike bowed to their king. The temple priest and priestesses greeted Abzalin and Anakaztia at the temple door. "Your majesty, your presence brings us much honor." One of the priests said bowing with his right hand on his heart.

"The honor is mine, Priest Azdel," Abzalin said, bowing in return. He turned to Anakaztia and introduced her to the priest and priestesses. "My favorite, Lady Anakaztia." The priest and Anakaztia exchanged their bows. "We hope that we may join you for morning prayer."

"I'd be happy to help you fulfill your wish."

As they entered the temple, Anakaztia found her eyes drawn to its magnificent architecture. Temples were often as grand as palaces. The high ceilings were often accompanied by paintings that depicted passages from the Katha'z. Along the walls, the words of the holy Katha'z were written in an ancient calligraphy style. Prayer rugs lined the floor facing the east. As the sun would rise and set, its light would illuminate every chamber in the temple.

Many of the guests visiting gazed at Abzalin and Anakaztia in wonder. To see the king was one thing, but to see him with a concubine on his arms was another. As the bells rang for morning prayer, they joined the other visitors. They knelt next to each other as priest Azdel stood before them. The royals and commoners alike prayed the same prayers to the same creator. They bowed, knelt, and rose alongside the temple visitors, and for a moment, they were all equal.

As the prayer ended Abzalin turned to Anakaztia. "I have to speak to priest Azdel for a few minutes. I'll come to find you in a few minutes." Abzalin said before departing with priest Azdel.

It did not take long for Anakaztia to wander around the temple. As she ran her fingers across the words along the temple walls, she found herself walking closer to the sound of children chattering. She came upon a room full of nearly a dozen small children. Three elderly women were caring for them and according to the way they dressed, Anakaztia could tell that they were priestesses.

She felt a small tug at her skirt and looked down to find a small fair skin and hazel eyes girl looking up at her. The small child, having never seen a woman dressed so beautifully asked, "Are you an angel?"