Nezzar

Part Two: The Curse of Beauty

Its colours were brilliant—rich purple, deep blue, bright yellow, and the vibrant red around its lovely black eyes.

Amytis took extra seeds from the bowl Rubati offered and threw them the bird's way. Pitiful creature. Its beauty was its curse. If it were ugly and lacking in grace, it would not be here. Ugly birds are blessed. No one catches vultures for the purpose of display.

The bird reminded Amytis of her existence—at least how she had begun to see her life for several months now. Its wings had been broken. This lush garden was its palace. Its majestic beauty ruled over nothing.

"Your Highness, this garden dedicated to you is a stunning wonder."

Amytis looked up, making no attempt to smile at the what? Tenth noble couple who came to offer their greetings where she sat? Staring at their bowed heads, she said nothing in response. When her silence grew too uncomfortable for them to bear, they straightened and went their way.

Amytis hummed in disappointment when she noticed their approach had scared away the bird of paradise. There were numerous species of large colourful birds strutting about as well. Nezzar had outdone himself. This garden was unlike any she had ever seen, yet, the only thing that sparked some life in her heart was the news that she would be heading home soon. Suddenly, she could not wait for the Babylonian army to march for Egypt. She wanted the troops out there, speeding for the war front. Who won or lost was of little significance to her.

Do not lie. You do not want him dead. The chiding voice reminded her of yesterday. How her foolish heart had leapt within her chest when she heard Nezzar was coming to her palace. No. Amytis shook her head. What she felt was shock and not excitement.

That simpering voice laughed but was kind enough to say nothing after.

It infuriated Amytis that Nezzar looked so well. His eyes had been bright, even happy. The nerve of that man. Amytis clenched her fist upon her thigh. It was useless to deny it. His visit had done something to her. Where days had been grey, his sudden appearance had introduced some colours. And among them was a fierce red—the colour of her rage. How dare he look refreshed and alive while she wasted away in the tomb of a palace he banished her to?

The more Amytis considered it the more the red of her rage grew darker. A desire to make him feel something filled her head with thoughts. Her decision to vanish had not changed and now that she was certain he would let her visit her home country, she would plan even more. Every detail will be perfectly taken care of. Other thoughts loomed like black clouds in the background, asking important questions.

What if you are found out by the enemies of Nezzar?
What if he tortures Usman to find out where you are?
What if you are unable to cope without the benefits of nobility?

All were good questions and at the moment, Amytis had nothing but time to come up with good answers. One thing her sorrowful years were yet to take away was her ability to intelligently strategize.

But intelligence is not wisdom.

Hush, Amytis shot at the voice. Wisdom would come on the heels of careful planning and consideration.

"Do you like it here?" Amytis asked as she turned to observe Rubati. The girl's eyes shone with open curiosity and not with the expected timidity of young servants. It was refreshing.

Rubati smiled, brown eyes sparkling with awe. "My mistress, it is the most beautiful place I have ever seen."

Chuckling, Amytis nodded and glanced about. It was breathtaking indeed. How Nezzar had managed to set up such a wonder on the roof of a tall structure was a puzzle. She had listened carefully when the palace Head Constructor explained how they had been able to bring Nezzar's idea to life but was too bored to make sense of his words.