“As to Bardya, I advise that he be put away secretly, if he must die. Let it be reported that he has returned to Bactra or that the King has given him a secluded residence in Medea, where he chose to retire for meditation. A stout person might—”
“No!” roared the King. “I have said he shall die! But let it be secretly done. Do it yourself and I will make you chief counselor of state forever, second only to myself!”
Prexaspes drew in his breath sharply.
“The King hath spoken!” he answered slowly. “I myself will slay the young man. Let the King’s word stand and not be withdrawn.”
“It shall stand!” the King assured him, taking a seal ring from his finger. “Take this in token of the King’s word.”
Prexaspes bowed low and took the glittering band.
“Now as to this Prince of Iran and his seditious Guard, what of them?” demanded the King.
Prexaspes hesitated a moment before he answered. “The Prince may be dealt with in two ways. Possibly the King may not have heard that he has dared to raise his eyes to Athura, the King’s most beautiful sister; and it is reported that she regards him with great favor. And your father promised her to him. Now it might be that if she be given him in marriage at once, it would bind him more firmly to support your rule, and—”
“Never!” cried the King, smiting his hands together. “Let them marry? Why, that would indeed be showing him favor! That would be placing him on the throne! For I have no children; and if Bardya die, who remains? Athura would be queen, and he would be King. Never! I hate him as bitterly as I do Bardya. I hate Athura, the haughty favorite of my father, ever preaching good deeds and well-doing to me!”
“Then I advise that he be given a command in a distant province. It is rumored that the Lydians are restless and that the tribes on the northern borders thereof are making forays. Send him and the old Guard thither. Mayhap a dart shall find him. At least he will be far from these Persians. His oath will keep him faithful. Let a decree be made praising him for faithful service and elevating him to the honor of a satrapy where war will keep him busy.”