Kadesh raised his eyebrows. “What are you referring to? I’ve done nothing.”
“You’re going to bring the wrath of your own kingdom down on your head.”
I sucked in a breath. She disapproved of me. I’d done nothing to deserve it, except come from poverty.
“You’ve gone against every law of propriety and decorum to travel with her, unmarried, with a rabble of Edomites, no less.”
“I can give you a dozen reasons, my queen,” Kadesh said, with the faintest trace of impatience. “Very good life-and-death reasons—which you probably already know. Jayden’s father travels with us as well. We are never unchaperoned. And, just for the record, my rabble of Edomites is quite the opposite.” He bowed again and lifted his head to smile at her. I could see the boyishness in his face, and his efforts to get her to relax.
The queen’s expression never changed. Surreptitiously, I glanced about the throne room, wondering if she had to keep up a distant decorum in front of the guards and advisors who stood as shadows about the dais.
The queen leaned forward, putting a finger to her lips while she stared. “Is she . . . with child?”
Kadesh was immediately irritated. He glared at the queen and came toward me, but my own outrage spilled out before I could stop it. “Your Majesty. Queen of Ma’rib and the great land of Sheba. You invite me into your throne room and then insult me? You deride my virtue? Question Kadesh’s honor as well as the honor of my good parents? My mother who is dead from childbirth and to whom I made promises that I have faithfully kept?” My voice continued to rise. I couldn’t seem to stop myself. “My honorable mother who taught me exactness in decorum—”
“Jayden,” Kadesh whispered, pressing my fingers in his. “This is the queen. . . .”
I swallowed my emotion, keeping my voice low. “Yes, she’s the most beautiful and powerful woman on earth. But she knows nothing of me or my family, and yet assumes the very worst about us.”
I didn’t realize my whispers carried through the hall, snaking around the columns and sculptures. The queen’s intuitive lavender eyes held mine. The ridges of her face grew softer, filled with a morsel of respect.
Yet my voice still shook. “I’ve never known such an honorable man as Kadesh, except for my own father. He has never—we have never—how dare you accuse us of such great impropriety.” I stopped, conscious of the fact that the queen was not talking over me. Or trying to stop my words from tumbling out of my mouth. Perhaps I’d sealed my fate and would now be thrown out.
She gave me an even smile. “I’m glad we’ve been able to get to know each other, Jayden. I can see why my cousin likes you. You are very beautiful as well as spirited. I admire those who defend and love their parents, too.”
I inclined my head, acknowledging her words.
“But from the view of my throne, you have a serious problem. You have broken a covenant with your tribe. With your betrothed.”
Her words startled me, and I had to refrain from gasping.
“Do not underestimate my knowledge,” she continued, “even though we live in the far southern reaches of the uttermost parts of the earth.”
The queen conveyed a calmness I didn’t feel. But she received people here in this room every day of her life. She’d been trained to meet with politicians, ambassadors, and other royalty of the desert kingdoms.
“I use scouts and spies liberally,” she said matter-of-factly. “I’m already aware an army made up of Nephish, Maachathites, and Adummatus is en route. My kingdom is in its path. I have no quarrel with these tribes. I’ve been in a peace-keeping treaty with the latter tribe for far too many years. I won’t fight them for you, Kadesh—although I could, perhaps, make things a bit ‘difficult’ as they travel through my lands.”
Kadesh entreated her. “You know I would be grateful—”
“Then again,” she interrupted, “they may try to skirt Ma’rib—and me—completely. Avoid any confrontation. Bypass my border taxes. It might be foolish to seek them out, and I won’t destroy them for you. Your war is not my war, and I won’t bring the peaceful people of Sa’ba into it.”
“I understand,” Kadesh said, but I could tell he wasn’t happy. We’d both secretly hoped she could stop the advancement of Horeb.
The queen rose from her throne and descended the stairs, closing the gap between us. The draperies of her gown flowed like water over the inlaid ivory and parquet floors.
Movement caught the corners of my eyes. Advisors and castle guards in crisp uniforms with ferocious sabers at their belts stood in the shadows under flickering wall sconces. Listening to every word we spoke.
I was foolish not to realize our conversation would be public—even if they were trusted advisors to the queen.
Suddenly, the monarch of Sheba stood right in front of me. Barely a hand’s width of space between us.
“Dear cousin Kadesh,” she said in a gentle tone I hadn’t heard before. Her eyes glanced imperceptibly into the corners of the room. Two soldiers moved forward as if to restrain us from accidentally touching the queen, but she waved them back with a flick of her wrist. “Once you arrive in your kingdom, I trust you will know when you need to call upon me. Send scouts with word. We’ll be ready. Right now go home and organize your Sariba army. Prepare for war.”
My jaw dropped. Prepare for war? The words were so chilling. So matter-of-fact.
Kadesh inclined his head toward hers, but his eyes were on the guards. “I’m already making plans. I’m eager to get home and meet with my generals and captains.”
I was surprised at this news, and yet not surprised.
Softly, the queen added, “Use our code word so we won’t be deceived by imposters.”
Kadesh nodded, as if he knew what she was referring to. There was so much past history between them I felt off balance. The lands of Sa’ba and Sariba had political maneuvers, correspondence, and the strategy of a hundred desert tribes.
The queen’s eyes locked onto mine. “And you, young lady. I wish you luck as well as God’s blessings.”
“Thank you, my queen,” I acknowledged. “But as for luck? I don’t understand.”
“I could wish you happiness in your future life, but you’re going to need more luck than anything else. Fate can be quite fickle, and luck a rare commodity. You’re going to need providence as well as courage. Most of all, you’re going to need your wits. Trusted guards and maids. And a foolproof plan.” With these last words of advice, the Queen of Sheba gazed significantly between me and Kadesh. “A difficult task lies before you. Horeb’s motivations are as great as yours. He’s amassing larger and more dangerous armies than just a few small tribes. A treacherous combination. Horeb is a man who wants to rule the world.”
With that ominous prediction, the ruler of Sheba swept her gown about her feet and returned to the dais. Before the gilded throne, she indicated our audience was over. I bowed deeply, holding out the heavy brocade skirt of my own gown, puzzling over her words and the double meanings.
When I lifted my head again, Kadesh was kneeling at the dais. The queen put a slender finger, heavy with jeweled rings, under his chin. He lifted his eyes to hers and they gazed at each other for several moments. Then Kadesh took her hand and pressed his lips into her palm.
I couldn’t tell if they spoke. If they did, it was so quiet I wasn’t able to discern any words.
A strange envy rose in my chest. Was there more to their relationship than Kadesh had told me? Even if I had ten maids bathing and dressing me I would never be as beautiful as she was. In my heart, I was just a simple camel herder, a girl of absolutely no consequence in the queen’s sphere.
Before I arrived this evening, had Kadesh and the queen discussed his choice for a wife? Had she chided him, berated his wisdom?
My throat burned with unanswered questions when Kadesh retrieved his cloak and we left the receiving hall. His hand was on my arm, but I walked the corridor in a daze. I was no match for the women of these foreign lands. I
didn’t doubt my feelings for Kadesh, but I wondered if I was a thoughtless girl chasing a foolish dream.
Not a moment later, Kadesh whispered, “In here, Jayden.”
“What—” My words were cut short as he opened a door and tugged me into total darkness. The door shut behind us. Darkness surrounded me. My heart was in my mouth. “I can’t see. Where are we?”
“Give your eyes a moment to adjust.”
It didn’t take long before a torch lit up the narrow hallway we were standing in. “What’s happening?”
Before Kadesh could answer, the Queen of Sheba appeared—seemingly out of nowhere—beckoning us into an antechamber, a small furnished room, barely big enough for the three of us.
“Sit down, Jayden,” the queen said. “I’m sure you’re feeling light-headed.”
She was right. I sank into a soft couch. “What’s going on?” I asked.
“My cousin and I need to speak freely,” she said gently, pressing her hand into mine for a moment to reassure me. It was as if she had become someone entirely different from the impersonal woman I’d met in the throne room.
Kadesh glanced about the simple paneled room. “It’s been a long time since we met here.”
“And that’s a blessing,” the queen said wryly. “Unfortunately, our peaceful days are over. You need help, my cousin-brother,” she added, sinking to a chair.
“But I thought you said—” I started.
“Decorum can be a disadvantage in the public receiving halls, dear Jayden,” the queen told me.
I blinked at the change in her personality, confused.
“Kadesh, you’ve been gone a long time and you need to know what’s happening in Sariba. Running away last year only exacerbated the turmoil.”
“I didn’t run away,” Kadesh objected.
“It’s understandable after—after all that happened—to want to roam the deserts, get lost in the cities, and forget the pain . . .”
“But my flight led me to an answer to my prayers,” Kadesh said, gazing at me as if I was everything to him. Only moments ago I’d been jealous of his relationship with the queen. I had to come to terms with the fact Kadesh probably knew many women and had friendships and alliances with a multitude of people I would never know.
The queen’s next words astonished me. “I wanted a more private audience with both of you, to tell you I approve of your Nephish princess, Kadesh. My words in the throne room were for the benefit of my advisors.”
Still standing, Kadesh towered over us both. “You put on a good performance, my queen.”
“I’ve had a lot of practice,” she said, lifting an eyebrow. “But there are two more things I must tell you before you leave Ma’rib.” Her brows knit together, creating lines along her previously smooth face. She was older than I’d first thought.
“You’re worrying me now,” Kadesh said.
“You should be worried. First piece of advice: marry Jayden as soon as you get to Sariba. If you two are going to marry, then don’t wait. Announce it soon. Make the preparations for the wedding of a king. For you will soon be king, I predict.”
Kadesh’s face went white. “My uncle?”
“Ephrem is alive, but unwell, I’m sorry to say. You know his health has been failing. He may survive a year—and he may not. But a true king must have a lavish wedding nobody will forget or question. A wedding so sumptuous and extravagant Jayden will immediately become legitimate in the eyes of the people of Sariba. And will erase her betrothal to the Nephish king. She must be your unwavering choice as the wife of your heart. Not just as an alliance—there can be none now since the Nephish leader is on your heels. My spies tell me he’s closer than you think. And—this is the worst news I have to tell you—the Nephish king has allied himself with the Assyrians from Damascus.”
“The Assyrians!” Kadesh spun about the room, aghast. “The Assyrians dominate the northern deserts. I would never have dreamed Horeb was powerful or savvy enough to pull it off.”
“The Assyrians have long wanted to wage war with Babylon and King Hammurabi. They’d love to overthrow him. And to find the secret frankincense lands. Because we—you—hold the wealth they need to conquer Babylonia.”
“Horeb is no fool, then,” Kadesh said, shaking his head from side to side. “By following Jayden to Sariba he gets her, has a chance to kill me again, and takes my throne.”
The queen nodded sagely. “Horeb wants to rule the world and is cunningly aligning the two greatest kingdoms on his side against us. And . . . he has other alliances you should be warned about—and should fear with all your heart.”
“What are you talking about?” Kadesh scrutinized the queen’s face.
Even though he asked the question, I had a feeling he knew exactly what she meant.
“You need to take care of it,” the queen added, so softly I strained to hear her. “The sooner the better.”
“I’ll handle them.”
“This evil can’t be handled any longer. It grows powerful and insidious, spreading not only from Sariba but to my own city of Ma’rib. When Horeb arrives, there will be all-out war and many innocent people will die.”
“But Horeb only wants revenge. And Jayden.”
“Kadesh, I fear you’re being naïve. It may have started with revenge, but his hunger for power grows. That’s why he made this Assyrian alliance. They hope to rule the world just as King Hammurabi rules now. Taking control of the wealth of the south is intelligent and strategic. To own the frankincense and spice trade, the seas and ports, the caravan trails and wells. When he has it all, the king of the Nephish can squash Hammurabi and the Babylonian kingdoms in a matter of months.”
Kadesh rubbed at his face, horror in his eyes. “The life we know will be decimated.”
“And so will peace be forever decimated. The Assyrians and King Horeb will rule with tyranny and cruelty. That’s why we must succeed. At all costs. Even if the cost is repulsive to us.”
“Why the secrecy from your advisors?”
“They say I’m overestimating the threat.” The queen sighed. “I’m afraid once we’re under attack it may be too late. Your army is better trained and equipped, and with more loyal and willing soldiers.”
“But we are small—”
I darted a glance at him, the unexpected admission turning my stomach upside down. I thought Sariba had a hundred thousand soldiers.
The queen said, “I remain hopeful. That’s why you need to get home as fast as you can.”
“I wish I’d known this sooner. . . .”
“It’s difficult to write these warnings in letters that are sure to be opened and read by others over the space of many months.”
Gravely, Kadesh paced the small room. “I can rally my country and my army, but I don’t want to carry out . . . your request. How can you even consider it?”
“Believe me; it makes me ill to contemplate. I’ve hardly slept waiting for your arrival. But there is no other way. We need to stop them before we’re the ones lying dead in cities of ashes.”
I went absolutely cold. “What are you referring to? What could possibly be worse than Horeb and war?”
Kadesh’s eyes remained on the queen’s face. “Are you positive?”
“Prepare your special forces. But we need to move slowly so as not to alert the wrong people.”
“You’re frightening me,” I said. “Please, what’s going on?”
The queen took my hand in her cool one, her fingers laden with jade and rubies from the Nubian coast. “Jayden, your only worry is Horeb. And even he is a pawn in a much bigger plan, though he does not know it.”
Both of them spoke in riddles. I was more afraid now than ever.
“Horeb is bringing the largest army we’ve ever had to face. Keep Asher with Jayden at all times, Kadesh. They’ll try to kidnap her and use her as leverage.”
“Who will? Horeb only wants me to legitimize his throne. And make sure I never speak the truth about him.”
“
Dear girl, the Maachathites, the Assyrians, everyone will try to use you in a battle for power against one another. They are all enemies who would grab the chance to stick a sword in one another’s backs.”
“Trust me,” I said. “Nobody will get the chance to get close to me.”
The queen laughed sadly. “It’s not a matter of trust, my dear girl. The Goddess of Sariba is watching, waiting for us to make a wrong move. A black widow ready to pounce and eat us alive.”
20
I was shaking on the return trip to camp. I couldn’t stop thinking about the queen, her unparalleled beauty, the warnings, and the need for a clandestine meeting.
My growing suspicions about Sariba and Kadesh’s riddles about his past life were coming true. Something bigger than me or Horeb was happening here. But what did the Goddess of Sariba have to do with anything—except my sister Leila was a follower of Ashtoreth. And Ashtoreth was a sister Goddess to Sariba. That was the only connection, right?
Perhaps the queen was subtly referencing my sister in all this talk of war. Did she think I’d abandon Kadesh and turn to the religion of idol worshipers? Leave him to be overthrown in a revolution?
I stopped on the dark trail. “What is the Queen of Sheba to you?”
Kadesh looked puzzled. “She’s my cousin, my strongest ally. Two tribes linked by generations of blood and family.”
A sick sensation churned at my stomach. “Cousins marry all the time. We both know that. What better way to unite two kingdoms than through you and her? I’m surprised you haven’t already joined together.” I hated the words, but I had to speak them out loud. “If things are as bad as you both say, wouldn’t that be the best solution?”
Kadesh grasped my hand, whirling me close. “What are you saying, Jayden? You want me to marry the Queen of Sheba?”
“No! Of course I don’t want you to. But she—you—” Tears bit the corners of my eyes. “The way she looked at you. The way you kissed her hand.”
His eyes searched mine under the starlight. “I’ve known her all my life; of course we love each other. We’re family, but she’s also more than ten years older than I am.”