THOUGH I KNEW I WAS FLYING IN THE FACE of Persian law and royal protocol, I dismissed the other waiting petitioners and asked Hatakh to accompany me as I went to the king. With a queasy stomach and trembling limbs, I approached the throne room without being summoned, an offense worthy of death. But I flew to my husband on wings of love and duty, fueled by an urgency that could not be denied. I knew I would be safe, for my husband would see the desperate look of love on my face and know my intentions were honorable. Though the Immortals would eye my approach with suspicion, though they might draw their swords as I crept toward the king, my royal husband would hold out his scepter and pardon me.
The scene played out just as I had imagined it. As I touched the tip of the golden rod, I fell to my knees before the throne and reached out to catch and hold his feet. “My king,” I whispered, strengthening my voice, “I have received urgent news from a man who is honest and trustworthy. His message concerns your life, and love has compelled me to breach every prohibition and hurry to you.”
I did not expect the king’s reaction. Surrounded by his vice-regents, he laughed aloud and bent to help me to my feet. As his lips neared my ear, however, he lowered his voice to a pitch only I could hear. “What’s this? Has someone made a threat?”
I wound my arm around his neck as if overwhelmed by the power of his presence—a gesture far more honest than the king realized. Leaning close, I spoke directly into his ear: “The two Immortals who guard the door of your bedchamber—Bigtan and Teresh. They plan to kill you while you sleep.”
The king’s hand closed on my wrist. “Your informant is certain of this? I know those two; they have been with me for years.”
“Mordecai, an accountant at the King’s Gate, heard them plotting, and he does not lie. He said they were devout friends of Masistes.”
My husband lifted his head to look into my eyes. “You trust this Mordecai?”
“I would stake my life on the man’s word.”
The king kissed me on the forehead, the way a father kisses a dear daughter. He then looked around, caught Hatakh’s gaze, and motioned for the eunuch to come forward. “The queen is not well; escort her back to her chambers immediately. And then have the guards Bigtan and Teresh meet the captain of my Immortals on the training field. A certain matter needs immediate investigation.”
Hatakh nodded and extended his hand to support me. I accepted it gratefully.
As I walked out of the throne room, part of me yearned to linger and make certain my husband the king would be safe. But I was a woman, and I had done all I could do.
But it was enough for now. By working together, Mordecai and I had warned the king. I would leave the missing prince to Harbonah.