“What? Another war? And must you go?”
“It is the King’s command! It is not an honor that he is giving me. It is his desire to place me among those who know me not! Foolish King! He will find none less likely to rebel than I. It is not in his mind to consent to our marriage. He made no promise. He said he would think of it and speak with you.”
“But he shall consent!” exclaimed Athura, warmly. “If not, then will I go with you and marry you without his consent. He shall never control me or send me where I do not choose to go!”
“My soul rejoices to hear you say this!” said the Prince, drawing her close to him with encircling arm. “But we must have patience. He is King. He is the head of your family. Should we marry without his consent, he might deem it such insult to his majesty as to lead him to immediate violence. I fear that I may some day be compelled to forget my sacred oath to his father. Let us exercise patience, light of mine eyes, hope of my soul!”
Her regal head rested on his strong shoulder. She touched lightly with her fingers the dark locks of hair that graced his brow. Presently, as she remained silent, he continued:
“He may consent that you come to me. What happiness would be mine! But you—it would mean a foreign land, and possibly dwelling in the midst of war.”
“Am I not my father’s daughter? Am I afraid of war? It would be joy to go with you, to see new lands, new peoples, to be a queen where you would be virtually king, to ride a horse in battle! I will wait for you to come or to send for me. No other man, be he King or noble, shall I ever marry. If not you, none other!”
“Nor shall I have any other queen than you, beloved of my soul! Let us not despair. I will speak to the Persian nobles if he does not presently consent. Their influence and my father’s may force his consent. If danger threaten you, fly to my mother. She will protect you even against Cambyses.”
Further converse was interrupted by the sound of footsteps approaching from the outer hallway and the immediate appearance of Prince Bardya at the door. He had evidently just come from a ride, as his clothes and whip indicated. His handsome, flushed countenance indicated rapid riding through the wind. He smiled, as his sister and the Prince arose in embarrassed silence.
“Pardon my intrusion, beloved sister and brother!” he begged. “I have had a wonderful gallop over the hills towards Lake Baktigan, and some rough climbing. Have you seen the other King this day?”