Masistes leaned closer still, though he was careful not to touch her. “You would do well to find a lover not so occupied with matters of state.”
Her head snapped back around, eyes narrowed. “Is this your sorry attempt at a seduction? Let me assure you now, my lord, that I will remain faithful to my husband all my
days—no matter what he does.”
“On the contrary.” His eyes flashed, dangerous as lightning. “The next night the king calls another, you will come out here and order your slaves inside. Or else the
following morning you will be getting news of a few deaths in the family.”
“I will not be extorted. I will tell Xerxes—”
“And cause a civil war?” Masistes straightened again. “Then you love him not as much as you say. You would still taste my wrath, and it is not so much less potent than
the king’s. Is your father’s life not worth one night?”
A rustle came from behind, and panic seized her tongue. She knew not if it was her salvation or her destruction when Atossa stepped from behind a bush.
The queen mother’s gaze locked on her son. “I believe your question is better asked of you, Masistes. Would you risk all you have for one night with your brother’s wife?
When he found out, he would not strip you of your holdings as he did Amestris—he would kill you.”
Masistes stood, though he looked none too concerned. “He would not find out, Mother.”
Kasia took to her feet to keep from feeling so overpowered by the others.
Atossa shook her regal head. “You give him too little credit. Your brother knows what transpires in his house.” Her gaze flicked to Kasia and softened. “You do well to
refuse this arrogant pup. Forget he ever approached you, child, and fear not for your family. He will not raise his hand against them. You.” She glared at her son. “Keep
your distance from Kasia. And if anything happens to her family, rest assured Xerxes will know who to blame for it.”
Masistes rolled his eyes and brushed the soil from his clothing. “As always, Mother, your favor is clear.”
“If I did not love you, I would not have taken the time to warn you—I would have gone directly to your brother and let him deal with you. Do not question my heart. If it
seems I favor him, it is because he is king and I must focus more on his goings-on.”
Masistes turned away, as if all this were nothing to him. As if the threat that had her quivering inside was nothing but a game.
She would never learn to live with such intrigue. Never.
He even dared to smile. “He is king only because of an accident of birth. Had I been the firstborn of Darius after his ascension—”
“Then the god would have made a grave error.” Teasing colored Atossa’s tone. “You may have the same temper, but you lack the wisdom your brother has shown. Get you back
to your own house, my foolish son. I will not have you disrupting your brother’s anymore.”
Masistes chuckled and bowed to his mother. “Good night, sweet matron.” He turned to Kasia. “My apologies for upsetting you. Rest assured I will find my amusement
elsewhere.”
Kasia sagged when he strolled away. These people were baffling. How could they toy so easily with matters of the heart, tamper so readily with fidelity and trust? Was
nothing sacred to them?
Atossa’s hand settled on her shoulder. “I know it does not seem so to you, but this is nothing to concern yourself over. Masistes will not harm your family, and he will
not approach you again. He was only intrigued, I think, because he heard you thought it him you met that first day.”
Her brows drew together. “Xerxes told him that?”
“He was chastising Haman for not making the truth known to you, that is all.” Atossa patted her shoulder, then withdrew her hand. “You are given much to prayer, I hear.
Why do you not return to your chamber and spend some time in quiet contemplation? I am sure your God will grant you a return of peace.”
Kasia nodded and sent a glance to her servants so they could stir themselves. Prayer was exactly what she needed. Perhaps Jehovah could help her better understand this world
she would spend her life in.
*
Xerxes hummed a snippet of one of Chinara’s songs and stepped into the silent sanctuary of his private palace. He was glad the feast was over. Soon enough the expedition
would begin, but he would enjoy these last days of quiet.
The women had calmed down, praise the god. Their docility was undoubtedly a show, but it was a show he appreciated.
“My son, wait.”
He paused and turned to greet his mother with a smile. It froze when he saw the furrow etched into her forehead. “What is it?”
She shook her head and indicated they should continue moving. He led her into his receiving chamber and motioned her onto one of the gilded couches. “Is something wrong?”
She sighed and sank to the cushion. “Will you take Kasia with you into Greece?”
Xerxes frowned and motioned a servant to the wine. “You concern yourself over which concubines I take?”