Jezebel

Part One:18

Meditation did not help.
Lashing at the servants did not help.
Nothing helped.

The rage ate at Jezebel and there was nothing she could do to quell it or think straight.

This temper of yours must be tamed, it is a wild beast. It would destroy you if you do not become its master. I raised no fool, do not prove me wrong. Her mother's words echoed in her mind.

Instead of the memory to bring a calm, it increased her ire. Her mother had never been satisfied with her, never been content with whatever she did. It was an endless circle of seeking approval. There was always more to be done, more to be known.

Argh.

Jezebel snatched a vial of expensive Persian perfume and smashed it against the wall. She didn't even care that it was one of Ahab's extravagant gifts.

Curse Ahab. Curse Ahab and his nonchalance. Ever since Anat had taken ill it was as though Jezebel faded into nothing. She was invisible to him. All his attention, all his concern, all his love was on the woman. Jezebel would have gotten a bit of satisfaction if she had something to do with the woman's suffering, but she didn't and the knowledge made her fury swell.

No one. NO ONE was to take Anat's life but her.

And who was that man who rendered Maina and Rasaque powerless? His confidence had felt like a slap. He did not cower; he didn't even regard her. The insect acted as though he wasn't even in the presence of royalty. She released a string of curses and gripped the silver counter in front of her mirror. Her hair had come undone from its braid and her eyes were wide and crazed. And nothing, not even her calming meditation chants could rid the ugly scowl on her face.

"It's this place." She turned from her reflection and gritted her teeth. "This land is driving me mad. I do not have Ahab; I do not have the respect of the people. I have nothing!"

A cold gust blew past, causing strands of her now frizzy hair to cling to her face. She pushed at it then turned just in time to see Ashera materialise from thin air. A dark cloak hung down her slim shoulders and raven black hair framed her oval face. The darkness of her appearance deepened the shadows of her chambers.

"Goddess." Jezebel fell to her knees in reverence, scowl vanishing from her face. "What do I owe this honour?"

"Oh, the formalities." Her chuckle was dark and rich. "I heard your last statement. It would seem you are not pleased you happened to be chosen amongst many for this task. Need I remind you of my hatred for ingratitude? And Baal, he can be much more terrible than I when dealing with the living." The goddess's lazy voice was a little over a whisper but Jezebel heard her clearly-that and the cold threat lacing her statement.

"Forgive me. My frustration controlled my tongue." Jezebel gulped and dropped her gaze to the marble floor of her chamber. "I-I am not making progress as fast as I imagined or promised." Straightening on her knees, Jezebel glanced at Ashera. The goddess's eyes shone bright blue even in the afternoon light and she stood regally, hands clasped in front of her and back straight.

"Fear." Ashera's small blood-red lips curved into a wicked smile. "Your weapon of power is fear. Let your actions leave a mark. Scar their minds and force them to submission." Ashera floated closer and rested a cold palm against Jezebel's cheek. "I set you free, do not hold back. Show no pity. Serve us with all your heart and our reward would be as certain as the rising sun."

Jezebel was consumed by the goddess's words. They fell to the bed of her soul like coals that birthed a fire. It was as though she was rousing from a slumber... like her eyes were opening. Then a thought came.