Amaya made her way through the halls towards the stables near the gardens. Smiling a little at the sight of the black and white spotted stallion snorting at one of the stable hands she made her way closer. The boy bowed low, stuttering that perhaps she should choose a mount that would a little more… agreeable…

"Achilles is my favorite mount because of his temper," she said with a laugh. The princess dismissed him, slipped into the stall, and removed the bridle that the lad had managed to get on him. Mounting him bareback she wrapped her fingers through his soft mane.

Snorting the stallion bolted out of the stable, enjoying his new found freedom. Amaya allowed him a little freedom in the fields before turning him towards a small gate off to the side that had been opened by one of the hands who had seen her creeping about. She smiled; they knew her far too well.

Setting off at a gallop they made their way through the forest of sand dunes. The warm air softly stroking her flushing cheeks as the stallion leapt over a large rock. After roughly a fifteen minute journey they reached the oasis. Slipping from the horses back she allowed him to roam in the shade near the water. The moon was high by now and the desert night was no longer warm. Kneeling at the edge of the waters she touched it gently, warm tears pressing to her eyes.

"What is wrong, child?" came a soft voice from behind her. She felt the warmth of a cloak drape over her as another women knelt beside her. She seemed young in her elderly age and her arm wrapped around Amaya, drawing her close.

"He wishes me to give up my life for his power. But I cannot leave my people to his… his demented rule!" she said, grabbing a handful of sand and tossing it into the water.

The older woman laughed a little, "Child, let him make his war. Your people want to spill a little blood. You know they love the lust of battle." As she spoke she stroked the young princess's hair, "It is time that power shift in these lands. But when you approach the city do not drive the chariot nor appear with a weapon of any kind. Help him as much as he wishes you to, but always appear indifferent."

Amaya looked at her, eyebrows bent in confusion.

"My dear, dear child, Jasmine will never believe you wish her harm. Stay neutral for now and perhaps your husband will want to keep you around a little longer… He will not be able to lay a hand on you, we will not let him. Your mother…"

"What about my mother? Did you know her?" Amaya asked, shifting to her knees and grabbing the woman's arm.

"Your mother is one of us spirits, gods if you will. She fell in love with your father, who spurned her. That is why there is no worship allowed in your city except to Anu because he even rules us. You have our blessing, do not fear him."

Amaya rose quickly, stepping back from the goddess. She shook with what she had felt and heard in Ishtar's voice when the Goddess of Love had touched her hair and given her gifts.

"Do not be afraid of me," she laughed as the princess mounted and began to ride off. Her mind was spinning as she reached the city gate again…

Everything was different. The walls seemed to hold a darkness they had not before and there were dark clouds lingering all around. She slowed Achilles to a walk and noticed that her usual gate had been closed. Sighing the two made their way to the main gate, a flaming arrow shot pass her, causing the steed to rear and toss her to the ground. He bolted towards the forest, leaving the princess to look at the flames dancing near her body.

"It's the princess!" came a cry. Two figures ran towards her, helping her to rise. Brushing off her skirts she noticed a couple of the stable boys running off to find her mount.

"What on earth was that about!?" she snapped, glaring at them.

"Your father has been murdered… we thought perhaps you were the culprit…" he laughed nervously. "Come inside, Your Highness. It is not safe out here."

The guard took her hand and led her towards the palace. As they walked she was told that her father had been poisoned and they had left behind evidence that linked the murder to someone in Agrabah.

Mozenrath came to meet her at the steps, taking her into his arms and holding her, "Thank gods your safe. Come inside, love."

He thanked the guards and led her inside. As soon they were in their chambers and out of sight of any servants he threw onto the floor.

"Where were you!?" he demanded, raw rage burning in his eyes.

Amaya curled up, "I was went for a ride, nothing more, you murderer!"

He laughed the coldest laugh she had ever heard. He walked over towards her, grabbing her and pulling her to her feet again, "Listen… The timing of this is of perfect. We will leave to attack them at dawn, with you at my side to make it a wonderful betrayal."

"I will carry no weapon…" she paused, about to say she would not even leave. "But I will stand beside you as we approach the gates…"

Mozenrath smiled, "Very good, Deathly Queen." He sat on the large doubt bed that they were supposed to share as she retired to the smaller one in her sitting room.

"Xerxes, I want you to keep an eye on our little sacrifice. She's up to something."

The eel laughingly agreed and slipped into the room, hiding in the shadows of the night as Mozenrath laid back. Soon… Soon he would have exactly what he needed to regain all his lost power… and his lost life…