The Queen of Persia

Chapter Ten

The king's hands stroke my curls and glide down to my shoulders, undaunted by my outburst. When his masculine hands reach my trembling fingers I finally look up. My breathing shatters. My entire chest begins to cave in as I stare up into those fierce eyes. King Xerxes clasps his thumbs around my hands tightly, steadying me as he pulls me to stand. He says nothing, but his eyes say it all.

"Your Highness," I hear a familiar voice speak.

I tear my eyes away from the king and they land on Haggai. He approaches shakily. My stomach clenches as I see tiny beads of sweat gathering at his hairline.

"Yes, Haggai?"

"Please excuse this young maiden. She has been through quite an ordeal. Her wits are not with her."

I watch Haggai intently as he lowers his knee to the floor. He dips his head slowly, waiting for the king to respond to his request.

"You may rise, Haggai."

Haggai nods his head and obeys the king. Our eyes meet, and I can see that he is relieved.

"And you, my dear," King Xerxes says.

I bring my eyes forward and tilt my chin to look up at him.

"What is it you want? Does the death of this wretch not please you?"

Before me the girl who plotted to take my life lies crippled with fear. Her sobs span the entire throne room, her tears soak her face and hands.

"No, Your Majesty," I whisper.

The girl's sobs quiet down at my words. She straightens herself enough to meet my gaze. The suspicion on her face tells me of her surprise. She was not expecting mercy, especially from me.

"Then what punishment should I give to her that would please you. I must set an example for all the candidates."

I don't answer him right away, though his mouth is so close to my ear that I hear him clearly. His warm breath distracts me, and my mind begins to wander. I had not thought of what would come next. This girl's life is in my hands, her fate rests with me. My lips part. Air slips between the slight opening as I prepare my words carefully.

"I do not wish for any life to be lost on account of me, Sire, but I agree that she must be punished. If it pleases the King have her imprisoned here in the dungeon, until you so desire to set her free."

The king takes a steady step closer to me, obliterating what little space there was between us. He holds his chin in his hand. His eyes roam across the room, as he ponders what I have said. My heart beats wildly in my chest as silence settles over the room.

"May it be as you have spoken," the king utters.

My eyes drift to the floor. I cannot muster up enough courage to watch the girl be dragged away by the King's guards. When her cries have faded from the distance I gather the folds of my dress and scramble for an exit. No one follows me, and all sounds fade away as I run. Hot tears spring down my face and cause my hair to stick to my cheeks. When I reach the entrance of the throne room I run through the corridor but hesitate as it leads me towards the harem.

That is the last place I want to go. I veer to my left, fighting the fire that fills my lungs and the fierce pounding in my head. My feet stick to the ground and I turn. The dark hallway before me is familiar. I recognize it immediately. I swipe my eyes and nose, then turn to see if I am truly alone. I slip into the darkness and open the door to sanctuary.