QUEEN OF BABYLON - BOOK ONE

44- QUEEN OF BABYLON

Nephrite was in her quarters speaking with alias, sigma and Talhum her most trusted servants.

"Your grace time is running out something must be done now and fast"sigma says, she was wondering why her mistress was not doing anything. Two days since she's been found she just kept quiet.

"Don't you know the patient dog eats the fastest bone"Nephrite said running her hand on her harp which the king gifted her.

"But your grace we don't have much time"Talhum complain. His hand on his sword.

"Just be patient Talhum be patient and things will go smoothly"Nephrite assured her servants calmly. She don't blame them for caring, she was grateful to them for saving her life.

"Her imperial majesty queen Anambika"an herald announce and in walk the queen her hawk eyes glowing filled with hatred.

Nephrite stood up and bowed.  "What brings her majesty to my quarters?"she ask with a smirk.

"Do you know what i love about you?"queen Anambika ask glaring. Her jewelry shimmering in the sun.

"Am sure her majesty didn't come here to tell me that"Nephrite answers with a mocking tone. Her Saree cling to her body in perfection.

Anambika shrug but still spoke. "Your calm nature and confidence.  But it will surely be your death"she said giving a half smile. Nephrite scoff and roll her eyes.

"So back to why am here"Anambika smirk. "During your absence you were removed as betroth"she said. Smiling as Nephrite face as it fell in shock.  

"What?".

"I need the bangles, Sasimoru will be named betroth by twilight be sure to be there but for now the bangles"queen Anambika asked stretching her hand for it.

Nephrite smirk. "It will be delivered to you in a while, i don't want her majesty waiting while i get it"she say as proud as ever making Anambika angry.

"Very well but be sure it does not come late"she say and walked out as she came.

Nephrite lost balance and almost fell but was caught by Talhum who sat her down. She held onto the bronze table before her.

"What are you going to do?"alias questions. 

"You can't give her the bangles your grace!"sigma argued. 

"It was them who tried to kill you if they mount the throne no doubt they will kill the king"Talhum said.

To them it was like their mistress was losing her mind.  First she sits and let them walk around the palace like they are not guilty.

"Quiet all of you! Who said anything about giving her the bangles?"Nephrite asked lost in thoughts.

"Then what do you plan to do?"Talhum asked.

"I will beseech the throne"nephrite reply and walk out. 

"Your grace!!!!!".

"Your grace!!!!". They called after her but she was already making her way to the palace.

The jade palace, Babylon

King Nebuchadnezzar was seated on the throne sealing some reports. Taoflat and Nebuzaradan were with him as they read the reports to him.

"Her imperial majesty queen Anambika".herald announce

Anambika walked in and bowed. "Your sovereignty".

"What is it again aunt Anambika?"Nebuchadnezzar asked not looking up from the scroll with him.

"I came to see you my lord. To talk about some important issues"she replied.

"Am listening"he answers and face her.

As she was about to talk Sybille rushed in, he bows. "Your sovereignty?".

"What again Sybille?"he ask tired of them calling him all the time.

"Lady Nephrite is beseeching the throne"Sybille say with fear, his head still bowed.

"What???????"Nebuchadnezzar shouts and stands up. He storms out as everyone followed him in shock.

By now the entire palace stood at safe distance watching as Nephrite walked to the open palace courtyard.  She sighs tears in her eyes. She knew beseeching was not done but she had no choice, the king removed her as his betroth. 

She took off the bangles and handed it to alias,then took off her jeweleries one by one, she loosen her Saree, cleaned her makeup off with her pallu. She didn't care the entire palace and Harlan were watching her. 

Finally she was left with only her under garments. Immediately she knelt down her servants and maid gave a loud cry, they bowed and cried.

Nephrite inhale and with all the strength she had in her she shouted.  "My liege!!!!!!!! You can't have me removed!!!!!!!!. My liege!!!!! Your heart is crying out in pain!!!". By now her eyes were filled with tears.

"My liege!!!! I beseech the throne of Babylon. I beseech you my liege!!!!"her voice broke. "My liege!!!! Will you sit and watch me cry??? Watch your humble servant in pain???? I cry to you turn not thy face from thy servant!!!! My liege!!!! My liege!!!!"she shouted with all her strength.

Just then the doors opened and the king walked down in all his kingly glory. He was followed by Nebuzaradan, Sybille,Anambika and all his entourages.

"Stand up!"he ordered. 

Nephrite scoffs, "Not until you stop the re- betrothal".

"What do you mean????"he asked no one spoke just look at each other.

"My liege which way have i not served you???? Which way have i been unfaithful???? I was I'll for few days and now am being in pitched!!!!???"she questions.

"Your sovereignty, lady Nephrite is unwell pay no heed"Anambika injects angry.

"Am talking to the my liege not you!!!!"nephrite shout at Anambika who jumped in fear.

Nephrite turns to the king who shot his aunt death glares. "My liege! Do you take me for a mad woman??? Do you think me insane for beseeching my liege???"she questions shedding fresh tears.  Nothing broke Nebuchadnezzar heart more than nephrite tears.

"Stand up jadeite"he commands again.

"I will not until you fulfill your promise my Liege!"she cries.

"Jadeite! It's a disgrace to my throne for you to kneel here in your under garments the entire palace watching you!!"Nebuchadnezzar spat.

"Promise me my lord! Promise me, promise me my liege"she shouted tears rolling down her eyes.

"Your sovereignty can't agree to that. She's I'll take no heed"Anambika persuade. She knew that if the king agreed her stay is no longer guaranteed.

Nebuchadnezzar look at his aunt persuading and nephrite on her knees crying. "Very well"he said and stormed off angry.  "My liege!!!!!!!".

"My lord!!!!!!!!!". Both women called after the king. Nephrite glares at Anambika. "Its not over yet!"she snarls.

"Are you threatening me?"Anambika asked scoffing.

Nephrite laugh. "Take it as a warning your majesty not a threat". Her retinue came and helped her up then escorted her to her pavilion.

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