Star of Persia: Esther's Story

by Jill Eileen Smith

  “It is grand indeed,” she said, her breath catching at the gleaming sight. She had never seen the bronze oxen that held up the bronze basin of Solomon’s temple, but Mordecai had spent time explaining much of her heritage to her. She could not help but make the comparison in her mind now. Surely Solomon’s work far outshone the carvings of pagan artisans. Yet she could not deny the beauty in the work. Perhaps God had gifted the Persians as He had the Jews.

  “So what do you think of all I have shown you? I know it is not finished, but the work is wonderful, is it not?” He kicked the horse’s sides as they slowly made their way back to the camp.

  She leaned into him. “You are a talented man, my husband. No greater king could have built the things you have built, for no greater king lives.” As Solomon no longer lived, truly no greater king existed during this time in history.

  She felt the pressure of his hand against her middle as the wind whipped her face. He leaned close to her ear. “Tonight we will not rest outside in tents. The rooms I inhabit are ready in the palace. Join me in my rooms tonight. You will find the palace at Persepolis equally as grand as the one in Susa.”

  She smiled. Perhaps her life was not set to change quite as quickly as she had feared. “I will be honored to see it, especially if you are the one to show me.”

  Her comment garnered a lingering kiss and a look that said more than words could say, and she knew she had won him again. Perhaps she could keep him from his men for the rest of the trip and begin the next phase of her marriage another day.

  C

  HAPTER

  Twenty-four

  Amestris fumed up and down Susa’s palace halls. Susa’s empty palace halls. Never mind the servants and many other women Xerxes claimed as his who remained at their work or in their rooms. Or that Atossa had not journeyed with her son. The king had left Susa and taken her with him to Persepolis. Barely married a month and he felt compelled by some strange magic to take a child bride to visit his winter palace and to show her his building projects? Unthinkable!

  “You’re just upset that he didn’t take you, Amestris,” Atossa had said the day they left. “And by the time you stop fretting, they will have already returned. It’s not like he took enough with him to stay an entire season. He likes to see how the projects are coming, so he took a trip.”

  The words still burned in her heart as she neared the forbidden royal audience chamber, where guards stood at attention despite the absence of the king. She recognized two from the times she had been alone with the king in his chambers.

  “May we help you, my queen?” Bigthan said, bowing at the waist.

  Amestris looked them up and down. “Don’t you normally stand guard at the king’s private quarters? What are you doing here?” She caught the look of discontent that passed between them. “Don’t fear. You can tell me.”

  Teresh rubbed a hand over his jaw, his gaze wary. “The king is away. We were told to stand guard here, as he has no need of a guard when he is not in residence.”

  Amestris studied the man. “I would think that the king would want his private quarters protected more than his audience chamber.” She allowed the slightest hint of derision to drip from her tone.

  “Apparently not, my queen,” Bigthan said. “Nor were we asked to guard him on his journey.” He clamped his mouth shut, as though he had said more than he intended.

  Amestris’s heart beat faster, her mind whirling with plans. And the exhilaration of healthy fear. These men could be useful to her if she placed the right words in their hearing and allowed them to come to their own conclusions. They could help her be rid of her nemesis.

  “I imagine the new queen may have had something to do with the king’s choice of guards. Women have a powerful effect on the king.” She tilted her head and offered them an understanding frown. “If I had gone with him, I most certainly would have included both of you.”

  Teresh’s face brightened. “Oh, my queen, we have no doubt of your kindness. We would have done everything to protect you.” He nodded and fidgeted as though he suddenly could not stand still.

  “But forgive me, my queen,” Bigthan interrupted. “I don’t think the new queen made the decision. For some reason the king has taken a liking to Haman the Agagite. I think he made the suggestion of which guards to take with them.”

  Amestris stroked her chin, processing this new information. So much could be deduced from so few words. For one, it was obvious that at least Bigthan favored Esther. He would be no help in getting rid of her. Second, Haman could be either a threat or an ally, but right now he stood in the way of what she wanted. Perhaps the suggestion to harm Esther was not as plausible as she first thought. Word could get back to Esther and Amestris could be ruined. Though it would be her word against two simple guards.

  She released a deep sigh. “Ah well, I am sorry you were left behind. I, too, would have gone, but I am fairly certain the king wanted Esther alone. I understand they are newly wed, but some of his decisions of late . . .” She let the sentence hang in the cool air.

  “He has made many poor ones,” Teresh said, frowning. “Since he returned from the war with Greece, he has been harsh with the servants, and”—he leaned closer—“he has changed our wages three times. He has spent so much on feasting and war that the servants and guards are like slaves here.”

  Amestris hid a smile. So they were angry with Xerxes. Good. If she could simply get them to transfer that anger to Esther . . . but Esther had not treated them as Xerxes had. Amestris would not be able to persuade them to hate Esther any more than they might hate her.

  “Perhaps something can be done once the king returns.” She smiled at each of them. “I’m sure you can come up with a plan to persuade the king to change his ways.”

  “He wouldn’t listen to us.” Bigthan tightened his grip on his sword. She understood the need for the men to carry them, but the sight unnerved her.

  “You are quite sure of this? Surely the king can be a reasonable man.” But he was not. If he was reasonable, he would have named her queen.

  “No one dares to speak to him, my queen. Unless he speaks to us. Even then, we simply answer yes and hurry to do his bidding. He does not invite conversation.” Teresh shifted from foot to foot, still fidgeting.

  “And yet his servants suggested the beauty contest.” Amestris raised a brow. “Do you mean to tell me that Xerxes will allow his servants to speak but not his guards? Or is he just displeased with the two of you?” She was fueling their anger, but she didn’t care.

  The two men looked at each other, then faced her again. “We don’t know,” Bigthan said, his mouth a firm line.

  “But I have seen him speak to other guards. The ones he took with him.” Teresh met her gaze. “It seems he is not happy with us.”

  “And why would that be?” She lowered her voice and offered a sympathetic smile. “You have done nothing to upset him, have you?”

  Both men shook their heads. “Nothing, my queen,” Teresh said.

  She held their gazes. “I see. Then it is just Xerxes being ornery and making foolish decisions as usual.” She crossed her arms. “When my son Darius takes the throne, I will make sure you are better respected. Even though he is young, I am training him to treat those who serve us far better than his father does. If his father passes on while he is yet a child, I most certainly will guide him to treat men of your stature with respect and dignity.” She nodded at each one, pleased with the awe she caught in their gazes. “Good day to you both.”

  She turned and walked to her rooms, her step light. She might not have achieved her goal of planting distrust and worse toward Esther, but she had fueled anger toward the king himself. Perhaps in the end that would prove to be the better choice.

  Esther woke with the dawn and stepped into the gardens Xerxes had built for her, adjacent to her spacious rooms. They had been in Susa again for several weeks, and she had seen little of the king since their return. Though he had called for her several times a
week, the change she had seen coming was now becoming routine.

  She stopped to inspect some of the blossoms on the almond trees and watched the butterflies flap tiny wings from the bushes to the skies. Oh, to have such freedom. Like a bird, they were not confined to the king’s palaces or a specific set of rooms. If she thought on it overmuch, she had to admit that in her new life she felt more like a bird caged than one set free. And she missed her family. Not Mordecai, for she saw him often, but her cousins, their wives, the children. Especially the children. How long it had been since she had chased Isha through the house and taught the children of Noah!

  She walked past the almond trees, forcing her mind to ponder the beauty around her. Gratitude was a better choice than lonely complaints. She could not change her circumstances. She was here, and Adonai must have a purpose for her even now. But how was she supposed to serve the king when she saw him so infrequently? What was a queen to do that might help the people of Susa or surrounding cities? She did not want to be the hostess at a feast, though she understood this was part of her role as queen. She simply saw no use in reveling and feasting, the very thing that had set in motion all that had happened to bring her here. And caused Xerxes much loss. There must be more productive things she could do—things that would help those in her husband’s kingdom. Perhaps if she got the chance again, she would ask him.

  Without a child to raise or feasts to plan, what was she to do with her time? She fingered the soft petals of a red poppy, then turned and headed back toward her rooms as the pink hues of dawn dissipated into the blues of the morning sky.

  Perhaps she could visit Mordecai if he was not at the king’s gate today. Or perhaps she should visit the other wives in the harem and get to know them. Maybe her maids would have a suggestion. Suddenly it was Hegai whose advice she wanted, but she knew she could not call him from his duties or return to her former place to find him. Hathach was the eunuch in charge of her care now, though she did not yet trust him as she had Hegai. In time.

  Mahin met her as she stepped into her rooms. “There you are, my lady.” She bowed, as all of them did now that she was queen.

  “Yes. I’m here.” She walked toward the table where food awaited her.

  “You have a visitor,” Mahin said, coming up behind her. “Your father is here.”

  Esther stopped and faced her maid. “Let him in then.”

  She would invite him to join her. But why was he here so early? Why was he here at all?

  She met him in her sitting room. “What’s wrong?”

  He looked about him. “I need to speak with you privately.”

  She called Mahin. “Have everyone leave us.” She gave the girl a pointed look.

  When the room had cleared even of the guards, who no doubt stood just outside, she motioned for him to speak. “What happened?”

  He cleared his throat and clasped his hands in his lap. “There is a plot to kill the king.”

  A little gasp escaped before she could stop it. “What?”

  “I overheard two guards talking about it when I served at the king’s gate this morning. I was early, so they no doubt thought they were alone.” He met her gaze. “Bigthan and Teresh are plotting to kill the king when he is asleep. I could hear the anger seeping from their tones.”

  “Bigthan and Teresh guard the king’s private quarters.” She had met them many times. They had seemed pleasant enough. Why on earth would they want to harm Xerxes? What would she do if they succeeded? “They must be stopped.”

  “Exactly why I came to you. You must go and tell the king so their plan will be thwarted.”

  The very thought of approaching the king sent her heart pumping. “Of course. I will go at once.” Though she wondered if he would receive her willingly. She called loudly for her maids to return. “Help me to dress. Quickly now.” All seven maids rushed to do her bidding.

  Mordecai stood. “I will wait outside and walk with you.”

  “I will be only a moment.” She dare not waste more time than that.

  CHAPTER

  Twenty-five

  Esther’s heart raced. She hurried beside Mordecai with guards before and behind all the way to the king’s private quarters. Bigthan and Teresh stood up ahead, guarding the door as they always did.

  A boulder-sized knot settled in her middle. She slowed, glancing at Mordecai. “I did not expect them to be here.”

  “Nor did I,” he said. They were standing at the end of the long hall to the king’s rooms, well out of the guards’ earshot. “They were at the king’s gate earlier, but apparently they had reason to return to their duties.”

  Esther’s fear mingled with indecision. The door to the king’s rooms soon opened and Amestris emerged, head high. She wore the clothes of her royal status, as though she, too, had been to see the king rather than simply coming from spending a night with him.

  Esther moved to the side of the hall and waited for her to pass. The woman barely gave her a nod as her guards escorted her back toward her rooms. Esther watched her go, but the moment she was out of sight, she bid Mordecai to wait for her, gathered her courage, and moved forward. She nodded at Bigthan and Teresh, then knocked on the door.

  A servant opened and bid her to enter.

  “This seems to be my day for visits from my wives,” Xerxes said. He rose from the couch where he had clearly been lounging and pulled her into his arms. “I have missed you.”

  “And I you.” She smiled and kissed his cheek.

  He led her to sit beside him. She followed with a quick glance behind her.

  “Is something troubling you, my love?” He took her hand and stroked her palm.

  The feelings he evoked momentarily distracted her. She shook herself. “I have news,” she whispered against his ear. “For your ears alone.”

  He lifted a brow. “Serious news?”

  She nodded. He stood again and led her to the gardens outside of his rooms, away from his guards.

  “Keep them at a distance.” She indicated the guards that followed them.

  His look held confusion, but he held up a hand to keep them at bay. “What is this serious news you have to tell me? Are you expecting a child?”

  She smiled. “I wish my news were such a happy occasion, my lord. But I would not have pulled you away from your men for that.” She clasped her hands in front of her. “I fear you are in danger. My father, Mordecai, overheard your guards Bigthan and Teresh, the ones who stand guard at your private quarters, plotting to assassinate you.”

  Xerxes stared at her, searching her face as if he wasn’t sure he should believe her. “I just reinstalled them there . . .” His voice trailed off. “Amestris seemed to think them worthy men, and I had no reason to disagree with her, though I am nearly always willing to find such a reason.”

  “I might have agreed with her until this news from my father. He heard it himself early this morning. They were at the king’s gate, and Mordecai does not believe they noticed him there.” She took his hand. “I thought you should know immediately.”

  He seemed briefly dazed but a moment later roused himself, intertwined their fingers, and walked back to his rooms. “We will investigate the matter quietly. Tell no one what you have told me. And send me Mordecai.”

  “Yes, my lord. He is waiting in the hall outside.” Esther smiled again. “I thought you might like to question him yourself.”

  His look held approval. “You thought well.”

  “Thank you.” She moved to the door and left to find Mordecai. But she couldn’t stop the chill that swept through her as she passed Bigthan and Teresh on her way. She silently prayed they would not act before Xerxes could fully investigate.

  Xerxes paced his chamber, his nerves on edge, his anger rising. How dare these men even think to harm him? Had they planned to murder him in his sleep? The very thought that the people he had entrusted with his life could prove to be so treacherous galled him. Why had Amestris thought them trustworthy? Could Esther be wrong? Or Amest
ris? Or was he surrounded by complete incompetence?

  But no. He knew Esther too well. She would not have come to him if it were not important. A knock startled him, and he moved to the window as the servant allowed Mordecai to enter.

  He faced his father-in-law and motioned him closer. “Esther tells me you have news for me.”

  Mordecai glanced at the door, seemingly satisfied to see it closed. “Yes. This morning I went early to the king’s gate, and Bigthan and Teresh were there. They did not see me, but I could hear their conversation clearly. They have grown quite angry with the king regarding their wages and what they perceive as mistreatment. They spoke of ways they might kill you as you slept.”

  So his fears were true. “What ways had they in mind?”

  Mordecai cleared his throat and glanced once more at the door. “They mentioned a dagger or sword or drugging your wine with poison.”

  “They have given this much thought.” Xerxes rubbed his chin, his anger barely controlled.

  “It would seem so, yes.” Mordecai took a step back and clasped his hands behind his back.

  “Did anyone else hear them? That you know of?” How else was he supposed to investigate this?

  “No one that I know of, my lord. I might suggest talking to their friends. Perhaps other guards heard them speak in anger against you.” Mordecai gave a slight bow.

  “A wise thought,” Xerxes said, turning to walk Mordecai back to the door. “I will let you know what we discover.”

  Once Mordecai left, Xerxes called Haman to him and had Bigthan and Teresh put under watch. The rest of the day, guards were questioned and servants interrogated. By nightfall, all of Susa knew of the men’s crimes. Bigthan and Teresh screamed in agony on two sharp impaling stakes at the city gate for all to see.

  As the sun set over the city and the screams of the men grew silent, Xerxes called his scribe to him. “Record this incident in The Book of the History of King Xerxes’ Reign. And give the credit for the discovery of this plot to Mordecai, Queen Esther’s father.”