Queen of Persia

Condemnations

She held the dress up in the air.

"Marie, you want me to get into that?!" I exclaimed.

"Hegai recommended it for you Esther."

I scoffed. "it's lovely, but impossible."

"Why is that my queen?"

"Marie, the waist is a size of a rubber band."

She laughed, "come on, try it on! If it's really that bad, I will fetch you another dress. After all, Hegai will be very disappointed."

"Okay Sure, and please Mary, will you fetch for me the golden pearls from the Harlem?"

She bowed and departed the room. I examined myself in the full size silver mirror. From a young innocent girl with low lazy buns, to a perfect transfer of a young woman in fancy royal gowns, a rich crown, and royal jewelries while being the wife of the king of 127 provinces of Persia. I exhaled lightly as I twirled around gracefully while scrutinizing myself in the mirror. It was just now that I had realized my beauty.

"Luxurious right?" Marie pranced in on me watching myself.

I smirked at her, "I think I'm starting to handle it."

"Well my queen, you are truly gorgeous."

I laughed nervously.

"Oh, and uh, Judith is here."

Judith was Mordecai's friend back home who became like a mother to me.

"Perfect timing," I squealed and began for the door.

"Uh, my queen?"

"What is it Marie?" I turned rapidly.

She paused."You're not dressed."

I looked down on myself, "Oh right."

"Hegai's dress?"

I shrugged, "Let's give it a try."

We walked through the beautiful garden court of the entrance of the palace.

"This is your life?" Judith twirled in awe examining every perfect corner of the palace.

I laughed, "fancy, but it feels like home."

"Because this position was destined for you Esther, and only you."

I smiled.

"The air is lovely in here," she inhaled then exhaled the air, "any young lady would want to be you "

There were sparkles in her eyes. "So...how is it...?"

"How is what?" I raised a brow.

"Being the king's wife?!"

I giggled. "It still feels unreal sometimes, but, the king is wonderful."

"And that's all that matters," she smirked.

We passed the outdoor garden and went to sit on the flower bird hammock chair swing.

"Tell me Esther," she grinned, "how is the king?"

"He's the type of man any woman would want. He's strict, but when it comes to his woman, he's the sweetest person ever. He's kind, gorgeous, charming, and loyal."

"That's great, but...you know that's not what I mean," she smirked.

"What do you mean?" I raised a brow.

"Let's just say how is he men wise? Does he satisfy you?"

I scoffed, "the king is great in every way Judith. It's just," I frowned, "I don't see him much."

"You don't see your king?" she gasped.

I sighed heavily, "Well there's this law that the queen must be summoned before she goes in before the king."

"The king has not summoned for you?"

I bowed my head. "He has a lot going on. His heart was betrayed by people he truly trusted. He needs time, but I know I'm in his heart and thoughts every time."

Judith grabbed my hands, "it's only the beginning Esther. Hopefully, just hopefully things will get better."

"I know Judith, thank you."

"My queen," we were interrupted.

Serge marched towards us.

"Good afternoon Serge."

He bowed.

"What is it?"

"You are needed urgently my queen."

"By whom?"

"Lord Mordecai."

"Mordecai is here?" Judith asked.

"But he refuses to enter the palace my queen."

"He refuses to enter the palace?" I raised a brow. "What for?"

"He also refuses to say a word to any of us."

"Huh, that is quite unusual of him. Please, signify him that I will be there."

Serge bowed and took his leave.

I stood up rapidly. "Please, excuse me Judith."

She sighed, "I kind of just got here."

"You don't need to leave. I will be right back. I just need to hear Mordecai out. Go and find my lady-in-waiting Mary. She will take care of you while my absence."

"Okay sure. I mean, you have to go figure out the issue anyway."

"I shall return," I said as I took off to the gates.

I found Mordecai pacing back and forth before the gates of the palace.

"Uncle," I called to his attention.

He bowed, "Esther."

"Uncle, rise. What bothers you?"

"My darling," his voice broke, "the years of my gray hair are cut too soon."

I panted in fear, "Uncle, what are you beaten about? What is going on?"

"Esther," he inhaled.

"Yes Uncle," my eyes wide.

He paused and fell to his knees.

"Uncle...? Tell me."

He sighed heavily, "I shall go down to my grave in sorrow and distress."

"I don't understand."

"Esther darling," he exhaled grievly. "I am condemned for murder."

I gasped. His words came out like an angry thunder in a clear sky.

"No," I sobbed, "uncle, what did you do?"

"Esther, not only I."

"What do you mean?" A warm tear fell from my eye.

"I'm not the only one condemned for murder."

"What? Who else?"

He was silent.

"Mordecai..."

"You...and the rest of our people."

I placed a hand upon my heart. A dark cloud has just overshadowed me.

To Be Continued...