“You should want to support Kuwari,” Enkara reasoned with him. “He’s always helped you with lessons and other less noble pursuits. You owe him.”
“But it’s going to be long and insufferable, full of adults chanting, praying and making speeches.”
“I don’t want to go either,” Seven-year-old Erra whined and Arwia agreed.
Eluti and Etum added their voices to the choir of dissent.
“Quiet all of you!” Princess Alittum said, her tone reminding Enkara of King Ditanu when he called for order during an out of hand council session. “You will do nothing to bring shame to our brother this day! One day he will rule all New Sumer. This is the first step towards that. Both the occasion and our brother deserve our respect.”
As the firstborn of the second royal litter, Alittum had adopted the role of Kuwari’s second in command, and the others soon fell in line.
“Alittum is correct, you know,” Enkara added. “By enduring things we’d rather not, we learn and grow.”
A few groans answered her words, but they were quickly herded back into motion, and as a group, they continued to the already packed throne room. High Priestess Kammani arrived at the same time and after a quick exchange with Kuwari, congratulating him on his name day, she volunteered to take his younger siblings into her care.
There was another chorus of moans and whining from his siblings, but Princess Alittum barked out an order to be silent. Enkara said her goodbyes, promising to see them later, and then she shooed them on into the hall.
Kuwari leaned on the grand double doors and glanced sidelong at her before whispering, “Are you ready for the nobility to attack like sharks with the scent of blood in the water?”
Enkara patted her new blades and smiled.
“Good. Later this evening, once the wine starts flowing, I want you to have them at the ready. You have my permission to lop off any hands that try to touch, squeeze, caress, or otherwise gain knowledge of my person.”
“Of course, my Prince.” Though she would be more concerned about assassins and would dispatch anyone with so much as a darkly ambitious thought.
Chapter 15
No assassins had appeared and so far, the most exciting part of the day had been when she got to drive the three beautiful mares pulling Kuwari’s chariot. The horses’ manes and tails had been braided and bejeweled to match the same amber and citrine color scheme she and Kuwari wore.
King Ditanu and Queen Iltani led the way in their own chariot, their horses wearing silver and lapis lazuli. Regents Ahassunu and Burrukan followed behind Kuwari’s chariot and wore emerald and malachite. Other chariots followed behind, carrying the rest of the royal family.
Overseeing everything was an army of watchful Shadows. Some were in human form while others were in their natural gryphon shape. Priests, priestesses, dancers, and nobles spilled out behind them, filling the streets of the city with singing and chanting.
That bit of enjoyment ended at the temple where yet more priestesses and priests came forward to take the horses and lead the Royals up the outer steps of the ziggurat to begin the rituals.
As they climbed, priests and priestesses came forward to sprinkle the procession with purifying water and anoint them with sacred oil. At each landing, stone Lamassu and Anunnaki stood silent guard, carved into the walls of the ziggurat.
The stone guardians acknowledged each member of the royal line and the two Blades with small flares of magic. Her own power reverberated in answer, but otherwise, the spirit guardians showed no outward sign of disquiet.
The tension between her shoulder blades eased. Ever since she and Kuwari had been trapped in his vision-dream and they’d been confronted by Ereshkigal and her Anunnaki, Enkara had been uneasy in the presence of the Anunnaki protectors of the living world, as if she could no longer trust them.
But nothing untoward happened, and after a long ceremony, King Ditanu placed a crown upon his son’s head just as the sun sank below the horizon. Enkara had started to wonder if she’d turned to stone like a Lamassu.
Finally, the sound of drums, lyres, reed pipes, and harps filled the air as musicians began to play and people started to dance. Servants came forward carrying food which novice priests and priestesses blessed to bring good luck to all those who partook.
The royal family then returned to their chariots and led the singing, dancing, and drinking procession back to the palace. Enkara was certain more than a few of the nobles were drunk by the time they made it to the palace. Throughout the city, other celebrations would soon be in full swing in honor of Kuwari being anointed a ruling crown prince of New Sumer.
Once Kuwari and his parents were safely situated on their thrones, surrounded by watchful Shadows, Enkara took up her spot three strides behind Kuwari’s new throne and allowed herself to disappear among the large potted plants like the other Shadows.
While she didn’t relax her guard, she did sigh in silent relief. She wasn’t comfortable with so many stares or speculative looks fixated on her. Oh, she knew Kuwari and his parents were the focus, but she’d been aware of whispers commenting on the similarity of hers and Kuwari’s attire.
She wasn’t given long to ‘hide’ in the plants. Nor were the whispers of speculation regarding hers and the prince’s relationship enough to dissuade some of the bolder nobles and soon the first of them were approaching Kuwari with their eligible daughters in tow.
At first, Kuwari diverted or waved them off as he and his family dined on the lavish dishes brought by servants, but as time passed and more drink flowed, nobles and governors alike grew bolder in their approaches.
Kuwari spoke and smiled and deflected as best he could, but eventually, priests and priestesses began to approach the royals in a swaying, shifting sensual dance. It was both ritualized and seductive at the same time. The Shadows let them dart up the dais stairs unhindered. Three priestesses broke away from the group of dancers and proceeded to seduce Kuwari out of his throne and led him down among the throngs of revelers.
Enkara followed close at his heels, so too did a dozen other Shadows. This was one of the most nerve-wracking parts of the festival. It was necessary to honor Ishtar with song, dance, and desire, but it was enough to earn more than one Shadow a few extra grey hairs.
Kuwari was already swaying and dancing among the other revelers, his movements slow and enticing to match the throb of the drums. Everyone around him began to mimic his actions until the entire floor of the great hall rolled with the motion of moving bodies.
Like a spell, the music and motion of swaying bodies spilled out into the surrounding hallways. Enkara wasn’t immune to the power of the dance. Though she had no interest in the distractions of bodies brushing against each other in close proximity. Well, there was one body…
She gave herself a little shake and focused her mind, seeking any hint of danger that might want to touch Kuwari or a member of his family. She sensed nothing but instinctively followed close enough to intercede should she be needed.
Kuwari wove his way through the crowd, partaking in the dance while at the same time remaining somehow aloof, untouchable as if he wasn’t penned in by bodies all around. It helped that other Shadows were running interference, doing their best to keep all but the most determined at bay.
But in time the crush of the crowd shoved Kuwari together with some partner or another. All skillfully put in his path by very sober and determined elders. Apparently, some of them saw the dance as a prelude to courtship.
Kuwari jerked away from his present partner with a glower over his shoulder at Enkara.
“Has my Blade forgotten her duty already?” Kuwari’s thoughts were suddenly in her head.
“I’m scanning for danger. There is none.”
“Perhaps not life or death danger, but if someone tries to rub their scent on me one more time…”
Enkara’s instinctive grin melted away when she sensed the emotions accompanying his words. Annoyance. Anger. Indignation. And something dar
ker and less clean—violation.
She might not know the exact cause or the source, but she began shoving bodies out of her path. Anyone who was too drunk or too stupid to get out of her way she threatened to carve up with her dagger. That got people moving.
When she reached his side, she put herself bodily between Kuwari and a gryphon woman. She didn’t know this woman by name, but there was no doubt by her finery that she was from a noble house and had ambitions to increase her status.
Typically, when one of the Shadows glowered, it was enough to send people in the other direction. But these weren’t normal circumstances. This was a high celebration with food and drink and close-packed bodies. Half as much stimulus was all it took for some gryphons to get their blood up, rousing instincts to hunt, claim territory, or seek out a potential mate and challenge for the right to court them. More civilized behaviors tended to get kicked to the side by both sexes when that happened.
Enkara narrowed her eyes at the other woman. In her experience, the female of the gryphon species was actually the more volatile of the two sexes. “He’s not interested. Move along.”
“Why don’t we let him decide that for himself?”
“He just did. That’s why I’m here.”
The other woman had the nerve to sniff at her as if she smelled something she didn’t like. A moment later she looked away, dismissing Enkara as inferior and returned to dancing with the prince. This time she was more aggressive, brushing up against Kuwari in a suggestive way, even going so far as to press her hands against his chest.
The prince hissed and slapped the woman’s hands away.
That’s it. Time to teach the she-jackal a lesson.
Darting forward, Enkara used her strength, momentum, and the element of surprise to lock an arm around the woman’s neck. After shoving her to her knees, she held the edge of her blade against the pulse pounding in her throat. In a very calm voice, modulated to carry over the music and noise of the celebration, she said, “He’s not interested. Neither are you.”
The female hissed in alarm or anger, but instincts won out, and she went limp in a showing of submission. Just like that, the minor challenge was over. Enkara released her. When the woman turned to study Enkara with a rebellious glint in her eye, a fierce grin and a wave of her dagger in time to the music was enough to send her rival into full retreat.
Rival? Where, by Ishtar, had that come from?
She wasn’t given long to dwell on that disturbing thought before strong, long-fingered hands settled on her waist, thumbs sliding under the veil to caress the bare skin of her back. She had no trouble guessing the identity of the male, but Kuwari’s purring voice only reinforced what she’d already known.
“You routed her good,” Kuwari whispered as he ducked his head to nuzzle her neck. Soon he was pressing himself along her back and urging her into motion.
When she’d come to his rescue, she hadn’t intended to become his next dance partner. She scanned the crowd, hoping another suitable partner would step in. None did. She’d done her job too well.
Her eyes sought out the nearest Shadow hoping for some form of aid, but only Uselli met her pleading gaze. He responded with a hearty laugh.
Damn. “Prince Kuwari, perhaps you’d like a refreshment?”
“No,” he purred in her ear and pressed a kiss against her shoulder.
Enkara spun around to face the prince and aimed a stern look at him.
He smiled. “I’m good for a bit. Got a second wind as it were.”
She’d just bet he did. Breaking his gaze, she renewed her hunt for his next dance partner. She was surprised to find a familiar face in the crowd. Lady Kullaa was dancing next to Uselli.
“Lady Kullaa, it’s good to see you again.” She grabbed the startled woman and dragged her forward, practically thrusting her into Kuwari’s arms. “The Prince could use another partner.”
When Kuwari looked over Kullaa’s shoulder to meet Enkara’s gaze, she wasn’t expecting his brilliant smile or the light of challenge in his eyes.
Oh, that promised trouble later. But later was better than now with the entire crowded throne room looking on.
Thankfully Kuwari turned his attention back to his new partner, but Enkara knew he’d eventually return his focus to her—an event she dreaded but also, irrationally, looked forward to.
Chapter 16
Even after Kuwari had returned to the dais for refreshments and conversation with his father, Enkara could still feel the phantom weight of his hand on her skin and remember the soft caress of his breath across her neck.
She wanted to beat the silly notion right out of her head, but the disconcerting feelings were as stubborn as the one who’d triggered them. She was still scanning the crowd for danger and doing her best to ignore whatever spell the prince had woven over her when Queen Iltani joined her.
“Care if I hide in the plants with you?” Iltani asked with a grin. “Ditanu and Kuwari are having a father-son discussion about the best way to woo a woman. It seems Kuwari has already tried a few things with little luck. I figured I’d give them their privacy. Though I can guess the identity of the woman Kuwari wants to woo.”
Enkara groaned and felt heat flush her cheeks. Damn it. Was she ever going to conquer this new weakness?
“What he and his father discuss is of no concern to me.”
Iltani laughed. “Goodness. You’re truly flustered when you completely forget that lying to me is pointless. Just what has that boy been up to?”
“That’s not…I mean, we haven’t…he’s tried but I’ve been adamant.”
“Kuwari hasn’t made much progress with you then I take it?”
That at least she could answer truthfully. “Not as much as he’d like.”
“Hmm, have you thought about what I said a few days ago?”
Enkara had been trying hard not to think about that.
“It’s still true. What I said then. He loves you and you love him. Don’t let fear of what others think dictate your own emotions.”
“I won’t. But I’m still wrestling with my own feelings,” she admitted.
Queen Iltani gave her an affectionate pat on the shoulder. “Give yourself the time you need to understand your own emotions and don’t let outside forces urge you into anything that doesn’t feel right. I suppose that includes me too.”
“Thank you, Queen Iltani. I will think on your words.”
Iltani snorted. “Don’t overthink things, though.”
Not knowing what else to say, Enkara mumbled an affirmative.
Queen Iltani merely smiled. “I suppose we should return to the males before they come up with something too outrageous even for a name day celebration.”
“Oh, Goddess!” Iltani was right. Kuwari and King Ditanu were likely coming up with all kinds of creative and embarrassing scenarios. But as much as Enkara wanted to run right over and nip any of Kuwari’s plans in the bud, she couldn’t just wander back over there while they were still discussing her and how to improve Kuwari’s chances.
“Don’t worry,” Queen Iltani said with another companionable pat on her shoulder. “I’ll go over first and signal if it’s safe for you to return.”
Only after Iltani returned to King Ditanu’s side and then gave Enkara a nod telling her it was all clear, did she make her way back to Kuwari.
“Oh, not again,” Kuwari hissed under his breath.
Enkara knew it couldn’t be in response to her return, but it still gave her pause. “That’s not the most encouraging of greetings.”
“Not you. Them.” He jerked his chin in the direction of the priestesses and priests making their way to the front of the hall where the Royals sat.
Burrukan and Ahassunu had just returned from leading the dancing, and it now looked like it was Kuwari’s turn again.
He grabbed her hand and leaned forward to whisper in her ear. “Just play along. I need more recovery time before I forge into the crowd again.”
Waving one
of the ever-present servants forward, he snatched up two goblets and then changed his mind and relieved the servant of his wine pitcher as well. The male bowed and backed away to go collect another pitcher from the kitchens. With his stolen goods, Kuwari circled around behind the dais into the somewhat secluded area ringed by screens and potted plants.
Presently, the alcove was empty. Instinctively Enkara scanned for any signs of danger among the shadowy corners where torchlight failed to fully penetrate. As expected, she found none. The other members of the King’s Shadows were doing their duty, which allowed her to unearth whatever Kuwari was trying to hide from her.
“What did you mean by needing more time to recover from the crowd?” The way he’d said it was elusive. Kuwari didn’t answer her right away. Instead, he downed an entire goblet of wine before he glanced at her.
“I just need to dull my senses a bit before venturing back into that seething pit.”
She arched her brow wondering how to get the truth out of him before he changed topics.
“Go easy on the drink.”
“Yes, Mother.” Kuwari’s smile grew into a grin and he poured her a goblet.
Sighing, she took the offered goblet but set it aside for later. Crossing her arms, she cocked a hip and waited. “You going to tell me what you’ve been hiding?”
Kuwari glowered at her, but she stayed rooted in place. After a moment his glower turned into a frown and then a defeated sigh.
“Fine. But first, you need to promise that you won’t change how you act around me once you hear the truth.”
“No deal.”
“Then I can’t tell you.”
Stubborn brat. “Fine. If I agree, will it have any kind of impact on your protection?”
“None in the least.”
She’d been reading Kuwari’s emotions all his life. He’d just spoken the truth.
“Fine. I promise not to tell anyone, but for the record, I’m aware you have some other agenda.”
“Always,” he chuckled.
Scowling, Enkara admitted the Rebel Prince had already won this round, and he hadn’t even started talking yet. While she’d been away training, he’d been learning the brutal art of governing and swaying people to his will. The last was a natural talent which only made him more dangerous to free will everywhere.
Queen of the Gryphons: Ishtar's Legacy: Books 1 & 2 Page 39