ON THE DAY OF MY SECOND BANQUET, I woke with the sun to oversee the preparations. I could not invite the king for a third banquet—his patience would not endure further testing—nor could I stand another meal in the company of that horrible Haman.
I was about to undress for my bath when the sound of a shout broke the morning stillness. Two of my maids flew to the window and peered at something below, then looked at me with bewilderment on their faces.
My stomach twisted. In my experience, any shout emanating from the palace signaled bad news, and I did not need bad news today.
Hulta called from the window: “Do not worry, my queen, all is well. But Haman—perhaps you should see this for yourself.”
What trouble could the man be stirring up now? I flew to the window and peered out at the palace courtyard beyond my garden. I saw two mounted Immortals in full armor, followed by a bearded man on the king’s black stallion. A man in fine attire led the horse, which wore its royal trappings, complete with a gold crown tied to its forehead.
Shock flew through me when I recognized the jeweled garment the rider wore. Had Haman finally coerced his way into the king’s wardrobe? No, the man’s beard was too long and unkempt to be the vizier’s, and his figure too portly.
“Haman?” I asked.
“Walking,” Hulta said. “He’s leading the king’s horse.”
I looked down again and saw that Hulta was correct. “Then who—?”
The rider shifted to look over his shoulder, and I gasped. Mordecai sat astride the horse, while Haman struggled to control the skittish beast.
I felt the world shift around me as my head spun. “Who has wrought this?” I murmured, staring at the incredible scene. “Is Haman up to some sort of trickery?”
None of my maids could explain the situation, but Nehorita volunteered to find Harbonah, who would surely be able to explain the odd sight. I considered sending her, then thought the better of it. We had a banquet to plan, and the meal had to be perfect. Nothing could irritate my husband or darken his mood.
“We will hear details soon enough.” I stepped away from the window. “But now I have to prepare for another meeting with the king and his vizier.” I couldn’t stop a wry smile as I gestured to Hurfita, who had readied my bath. “I only hope this morning’s activity doesn’t completely spoil the vizier’s appetite.”