The Garden Of Egypt

Ch. 2

"My lady!" Azizi called after her. Ebony paid no attention and slipped deep into her maze, running past all the slaves. Azizi found her at the center of the maze, ankle-deep in the crystal clear pond. "My lady..."

Ebony's dark hair rippled down her shoulders as she turned her head, her emerald eyes glittering.

"Azizi."

"The slave needs an assignment."

Ebony looked past Azizi to the entrance of the center. The guards were stationed there, Horus restrained between them. She sighed and gracefully walked to the guards. Horus closed his eyes, his head hanging.

"Release him." The guards immediately let go and Horus staggered to keep his balance. "You may go. Azizi will keep an eye on him." The guards nodded and left. Ebony watched the entrance to see if they would return. When they didn't, she turned and waded back into the pond. She knelt down, cupping her hands around a small floating bud. Horus watched as she breathed on it, it opened into the most beautiful flower he had ever seen. It was a pure white blossom that almost seemed to be glowing. The inside was a slight pinkish color and it joined a few others. Using this opportunity, he glanced about, noticing a stark difference from the outside. It was lush with greenery and life, while outside was hot and sandy. The colors were bright and iridescent, glimmering with secrets. It was cool and majestic. He could even call it magical.

"Prince Horus, please stand. This place is safe, Asim's touch cannot reach here."

It was ironic. Asim could no longer enter, though he had once helped her build this place. Horus stood, enjoying a cool breeze. Azizi brought him to a small gazebo, the white pillars glistening. Comfortable chairs and couches were placed with equally comfy pillows. Food was set out on a table, the delicious scent wafting.

"What's going on?"

Azizi smiled.

"Her Ladyship and I are proud supporters of the rebellion. The MoonShine flowers are able to counteract Asim's poisons so Her Ladyship grows them here, in her garden."

Horus nodded and watched another mystical blossom bloom in Ebony's hands.

"Who is she?"

Azizi followed Horus's gaze.

"She's the daughter of King Ammon of the Moon Sands, Ebony. The marriage was a political role of the dice, as my brother says. King Ammon now has an insider on the highest level."

Horus's face froze. Ammon was the most trusted advisor in the rebellion. He felt ashamed, for he never thought about the personal lives of his men. And Ammon's daughter was the wife of the enemy? Horus had been planning on killing her.

"He kept it such a secret. Never mentioned anything when asked if anything needed assistance."

Azizi sat down, munching on a dessert.

"It's a flaw that runs among them. Too dedicated to the cause to trouble anyone with personal issues. Well, that's Ammon's flaw. Her Ladyship...she keeps too much to herself. She won't tell you if the pain is too much or if...Your Ladyship! Your Ladyship!"

Ebony dropped her hands into the cool water and looked up.

"Yes, yes, I know." She stood, water tumbling off her green gown. It dried the minute she waded out of the water and onto the green grass. Her emerald eyes glowed for just a second before dimming as she approached Azizi and Horus. "How do you do, your highness?" She curtsied with perfect grace, no hint of hatred or any discomfort.

"Very well, your majesty. I thank you for your concern."

Ebony merely nodded and sat next to Azizi. Horus studied her curiously. Usually women would avoid eye contact, or blush furiously. Ebony was different. A breath of fresh air.

"How is my father faring?"

Horus blinked.

"He is doing well. He's one of the best advisors. Last time I saw him he told me to tell his Moonshine that the flower is blooming. I assume you're Moonshine?"

A far off look entered Ebony's eyes.

"Yes...Your plans are coming along then. It won't be long until I'm free."

"Ebony, if I may call you that, how does my brother treat you?"

Ebony's eyes darkened and she looked away, back at the pond.

"Like a bracelet he can take off and on. If he needs to impress someone or make himself look strong, I'm commanded to be in his presence. He has no interest in me any other time. Honestly, he was just a child when we married...but power takes and takes. He became corrupt and the innocent child was gone. Now I'm just a playtoy for him to use and discard when he's bored."

Horus swallowed and watched the small woman reach up and braid her hair. His eyes darted from her brilliantly colored eyes to her small nose, to her delicate mouth and painted lips. A beautiful creation, a blessing from Isis.