Chapter Twenty-Nine—Grand Entrance

Stalking toward the throne chamber and flanked from all sides by his best Scorpion Guards—The Scorpion Blades, Darius moved down the cordon like a ballista arrow.

The large double doors surrounded by intricate entablature and a portico of pillars, were open wide. There was a powerful shimmer from the main gong and the drummers pounded the tools of their trade in a fast, powerful and exciting rhythm that even set Darius’ heart to racing.

Ahead of him he could see the parted company—his most loyal servants of the empire—the most esteemed guests.

The performers danced, jumped and flipped about. Some of them blew fire. The lion jumped and roared, causing half the guests to cry out with fright of exhilaration, a moment of a dread covering their faces, until they realized they weren’t there to be executed. Their fear left their faces and smiles and excited looks of exultation coming upon their countenanced.

As his concubines entered the throne chamber, their shimmering gowns leaving very little to the imagination, an audible excitement rose in the air.

Then when Darius stalked into the throne chamber after them, peering directly ahead at his throne, the crowd cheered.

Scorpion guards kneeled to him in sync with his movement.

“My lord sultan!”

“The sultan has arrived!”

“Darius the mighty!”

“NAY! THE VICTORIOUS!”

He couldn’t help but glance toward his subjects, the grin on his face one of superiority, but also of pleasure.

Yes!

Yes, this is how it is supposed to be!

Now it is time, Jessamine!

She conveyed annoyance and anger, and an unwillingness to obey as Darius stepped atop the dais. He turned without taking his throne and raised both arms.

The crowd cheered.

You will obey.

There was a pause in her conveyance, but as Darius glanced upon the crowds of people, the lion stalking about, it’s eyes watching the whip in its trainer’s hands, the dancing women and the kneeling Scorpion Guards with their fists on their hearts, Jessamine finally conveyed her acquiescence.

Darius smiled, a smile of glee and victory and lasciviousness to be adored and worshipped.

He was the sultan.

He was the Commander of the Faithful.

He was the savior of the empire.

He would soon be a god.