The Garden Of Egypt

Ch. 3

"I don't understand how he could push you away!"

Ebony smiled, a small, pained one.

"He's not that twisted. He sees me as some old toy that can't be used. His...concubines are nearer his age...I'm sorry, Horus, but your brother is still there. He may be ten years younger than you and you never knew him, but I knew him."

Her eyes met his, untold stories of a boy he never knew hidden deep within.

"What was he like?"

"A bright, intelligent kid. He loved to be outside and we used to grow things together. We grew a portion of the maze. " Her voice grew wistful. "He loved his life but didn't want to be king. He wanted to be a traveling apothecary. We were going to travel the world together, just him and I. Then Omari came and everything collapsed. Asim changed. It was like he became a new person. Horus," Her tone grew pleading. "Please, help me find him! I know he's not truly evil!"

Horus smiled knowingly.

"You love him."

Ebony avoided his gaze, her cheeks flushing.

"I- It- It doesn't matter. He loves Ife, Femi, and Aya. I mean nothing to him. I only wish to bring him back into the light of Ra."

Horus sighed, stroking his chin. His younger brother was truly lucky to have this beautiful woman.

"I will help you."

And so he did. They spent everyday, planning and searching the castle top to bottom to see if Asim was being held captive. Unfortunately, it was not so. The plans changed again and Ebony combed through Asim's room to see if there was anything that was controlling his mind. Omari was the only person she could think of and she had her spies watch him and Asim. There were manipulative words and a powerful spell at work. Ebony sat next to Asim, her blossoming love for him barely contained. Omari was controlling her beloved through his words and she longed to free him.

It wouldn't be long before the rebels began their attack and Asim's kingdom was suffering. Omari's plan had failed, and he didn't know why. 

He paced the empty throne room pondering his every move that he had committed. The answer strode in the room seconds later. Ebony walked straight to Omari and he was thrown off by her approach.

"Your majesty, what-"

"High priest Omari, please leave. This is my only warning to you. Leave my husband alone and leave this country."

Omari laughed, rubbed his smooth head.

"I'm sorry, your majesty, but I cannot. The king needs me."

Ebony's eyes glimmered in the faint light.

"I see. Forgive my intrusion." She nodded and left, clenching her gown. She shook her head at Azizi who was waiting for her outside the door. Azizi sighed and they walked back to Ebony's room in silence.

"He'll be wary of me now. Be careful."

Azizi nodded and hurried away as Ebony made her way back to her chamber. She stopped by a window, looking out onto the golden sand, watching the wind blow swirls. This was where she and Asim shared their first kiss. He had looked at her with stars in his eyes. Blinking back tears, she moved on.

"Your majesty..."

Ebony turned. It was Horus.

"Horus?"

He pulled her aside, glancing around.

"Your majesty, a certain Lotus told me that Asim is planning something. Something that has to do with you. Either this goes down tonight or else. You must kill him!"

This was so fast... She thought. She clenched her fists and looked into the cobalt blaze.

"I'll go for my usual tea with Asim. You do what you need to do."

Horus hurried off and Ebony stood there, tears dripping quickly down her face. Could I do what I was ordered to do? Could I protect the people I call subjects? Can I betray those I love? She debated to herself. Ebony stared down at the tiles, trying to figure out a way to appease everyone. She couldn't find one. As she slowly walked to Asim's chamber, she pulled herself together, pretending nothing was wrong and she wasn't about to become a traitor. A solution came to her mind, one she knew many wouldn't like. It was her last chance. If it failed...

Lotus opened the door and bowed as Ebony went in, ever so graceful. Asim was there, his favorite girl, Ife, on his arm. Omari was seated next to him, sipping tea. A delicate smile crossed Ebony's lips and she sat down, thankful for a chance to rest her legs. She took a sip of tea and waited. Waited for the first to fall from the poison lurking in their drinks.

Ife backed away from Asim, clutching her throat, foaming at the mouth. Asim ignored her, taking another sip of the tea. Omari smirked, but it faded as soon, he too clutched his throat. Ebony stood, tossing her tea onto the floor.

"I told you you should have left. It's a pity you didn't listen. Don't worry, you'll only be paralyzed," Ebony brushed past Omari and blew powder into Asim's face. He collapsed into her arms. "We have one interest in common. Keeping Asim alive. If you help me keep him alive, I can get you out of here. The rebels will be attacking."