As soon as the words left Hegai's mouth i was in shock. I was standing before the king of Persia like a fool.
He looked at me intensely as if i was an enigma. Hegai quickly spoke up and tried to downplay the situation before us, "My Lord I apologize for the interruption. She is new and still learning where and where not to go."
Xerxes smiled, "Do not fear, I only heard some commotion and wondered what was going on."
He looked amused by the whole situation.
The shock quickly left me and I realized what I needed to do. I quickly bowed to the ground waiting for him to respond.
He held his hand out and I gratefully took it. His hand was soft and warm when it gripped around mine.
"I apologize my King, I was intrigued with your words in the council." I meekly spoke.
His eyes squinted as if he almost didn't believe me.
"Yes, I heard that and also heard Hegai ask why on earth would a woman be intrigued with such things but it's alright I'm used to false interest."
He chuckled and turned his back to leave.
But Before I could stop myself the words came out, "Perhaps my King heard my response to the question then."
Xerxes stopped midway and I could see the blood rush from Hegai's face.
Realizing what I had just done, I closed my eyes and I was in no doubt trembling inside waiting for a guard to throw me on my knees then and there.
I couldn't believe I said that to the king.
Instead of anger the king simply chuckled lightly and crossed his arms, "I must say Hegai, you've let a rose escape from the garden."
At that I felt my cheeks get red, he had a way with words. Hegai visibly blew a sigh of relief and smiled, "She has a mind of her own my lord."
Xerxes took a step closer, "And tell me what is your response to the question?"
I bit my lip and watched his eyes on mine.
We were both studying each other.
I tucked a piece of hair behind my ear before responding, "My response my lord, is that I am truly intrigued, I love nothing more than the knowledge of books or the art of writing. Learning is a gateway for me. I know women being knowledgeable is looked down upon which is why I take so much pride in being knowledgeable."
Both the king and Hegai were shocked, Had they truly never had a woman know how to read and write, let alone enjoy it?
Xerxes answered after a moment passed, "I am impressed with your work Hegai. You taught her her to speak well."
At that I was confused, I did not learn that from Hegai, I said that out of my own words and honesty.
Did he think I was just trying to impress him because he was the king?
I knew Hegai saw right through me and he was internally begging me not to respond; but my mouth didn't stop me.
"With all due respect my king, as good and kind as a teacher Hegai is, he did not instruct me to say that. I am sure that you think I'm trying to win you over but I can assure you I am only speaking the truth of the matter."
My words were calm and collected and in a ton of respect. Whether or not the King accepted them was not my problem.
I watched his jaw clench and his fists tighten.
Had I said the wrong thing?
I peeled my eyes off of him and lowered them to the ground.
"I would advise you to be cautious at how you speak with me, my lady."
With that he gave a curt nod and vanished through the corridor.
I let out a breath I had been holding and watched Hegai do the same. He was mad at me and he had every right to be.
Not only did I get in trouble, but I'm sure Hegai was in trouble as well.
"Hegai, I'm sorry- I didn't mean to say all those things, the just-came out." I mumbled that last few words.
He sighed and shook his head. "It's my fault. I've been to lenient with you Esther. I need to teach you the proper ways."
I probably shouldn't have but I smiled. "Oh! Finally, i've been waiting to learn."
Hegai growled and rubbed his face, "You shouldn't be excited."
But I was! I had been waiting for the lessons on Law and order. How to properly be a queen and how to rule.
This was far from a punishment for me.
I followed Hegai back to my chambers and bid him goodnight before telling Anahita all that had happened.
My first meeting with the king was different than I had expected.
When I looked into his blue eyes, I saw the same boy in the garden who was cross with me but still had kindness in his eyes.
I recalled how his tone of voice with me was one of a threat but still a hint of kindness lingered in it.
I lay in bed that night replaying everything that had happened in my head.
Why was the king so angered and hardened?
Surely if my words has truly offended him I would not even be here.
I shrugged the thought off and began trying to sleep. My last thought for the night was that-
perhaps the next meeting would be better.
