But I dismissed the notion. I leaned over him and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead.
“You must not send me to my death,” I whispered. “It will only cause you more suffering.”
He let out a long breath. “Yes. You’re right.”
“Instead, you will take me to Rome with you.”
Herod lay still.
“You must, out of obligation to the emperor.”
“No. I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“It’s not possible.”
Although I could not understand why it was impossible, his tone made any objection hopeless. So I let the request go.
“Then take my offer to Rome for me,” I said.
“Of course.” He relaxed further and lowered his hand, eyes still closed. “Yes, I will,” he breathed.
Was there more to be said? I saw that I had few choices in the matter but to trust him. I had won at least this much through persuasion, hadn’t I?
“Lie down with me, Maviah,” he said. “Comfort me.”
Strangely, I did not find his request objectionable, for he was being gentle with me and was not forcing himself. But there wasn’t room on the couch, so I leaned over and lay my head on his heaving chest.
There I heard Herod’s heart beating in all its terrible sorrow. His hand settled on my head and stroked my hair for a few minutes, but he encouraged nothing more.
Finally his hand stilled and he began to snore softly.
When I was sure that he was in deep sleep, I eased from his chest and, unsure of what to do, walked to the door.
When I opened it, two posted guards faced me. One of them looked over my shoulder, saw Herod’s chest rising and falling on the couch, and motioned me back.
“You will remain here.”
“Phasa—”
“Use his bed.”
With that, he motioned me back again and closed the door. So I walked to the door that led into Herod’s chambers with its large bed dressed in silk and stuffed cushions. Just one oil lamp lit the room. Then, disrobing but for the simple white tunic, I lay down and closed my eyes.
I had prevailed. Judah would be proud. My father, even.
We would have to wait, yes, but tomorrow Herod would leave and I would once again be with Judah. It was enough.
Heavy with wine, I fell asleep on Herod’s bed and dreamed of Judah.
The sun was already bright when I woke, and for a moment I was surprised to find myself on a soft bed rather than on the sand, as I had slept for so many nights. Only then did the events of the day before return to me. I glanced about the room.
The first thing I saw was the guard Brutus posted by the door, watching me with a satisfied glint in his eyes. I saw no sign of Herod. Or Phasa.
“Where is he?” I asked.
“Where he is meant to be. To Rome.”
I sat up, surprised he had not awakened me before leaving.
“Where is Phasa?”
“In her chambers,” he said. “Where she should be.”
I threw the sheets from my body, intending to rush from the room.
“Such an eager one.” He offered me a twisted grin.
“I must go to Phasa,” I said, setting my feet on the marble floor and rising, holding my dress closed at my throat.
“You’re mistaken. You will remain here.”
“Here? For what purpose? For how long?”
“Until the witch comes for you.”
Here was the disdain Phasa had mentioned.
“You call your queen a witch? I am her guest!”
“Then let her fetch her guest. Until then you will remain.” He smiled. “You wish, instead, to contest me?”
I saw that Brutus could not be bent, for he despised both Phasa and me.
“Then bring Judah to me,” I said.
“Judah?”
“My slave. The Jew, Judah.”
“Of course. Your slaves. They will remain in the cells until Herod’s return.”
The blood drained from my face.
“What can you mean? Don’t be absurd! I wish to see my slaves at once!”
“Now the witch’s guest orders me to betray Herod’s orders? Are all queens from the desert so unwise?”
“Why would he order this? Judah is my slave, not Herod’s!”
“Because he knows you care for him.”
Judah was being kept in the dungeon to ensure my loyalty.
“You will not leave before Herod returns.”
With that he turned his back to me, left the room, and shut the door.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
FOR TWO WEEKS I lived in Herod’s castle, separated from Judah and Saba, lost in a sea of uncertainty, never able to dismiss the whispers of fear that chased my every thought. I was no less imprisoned than Judah. We were all at the mercy of Herod and his guards, and the thought of waiting so long for his return from Rome only increased my unease.