3

I suppose I put the torch back. I suppose I snapped at the guards. I don't remember. All I remember is that I went to my stepfather's tent. He was deposited upon purple cushions, surrounded by empty chalices of wine, with my mother lowering grapes into his waiting mouth. They both looked up in surprise at my intrusion, Eema with a touch of annoyance at my appearance, but Herod with his usual disgusting excitement at the sight of me.

"I will dance at the feast for you," I said. "If you give me whatever I seek in return."

"Any-thing you desire! I would bequeath you half the kingdom if you asked!" Herod's usually deep voice squeaked with ecstasy. "Whatever it is, you shall have it, if you keep your promise!"

"I will," I assured him before returning to my own tent and stripping naked.

I went to decorate my eyes with kohl. "Fetch my veils," I ordered Tamar as I stood before the looking glass.

"You're dancing?" She went.

"Yes."

"When?"

"For Herod's birth-day."

"But I thought the tetrarch repulsed you," she whispered.

"What repulses me most," I muttered testily, dabbing at my lips with madder. "Is insolence."

Subsequently she scurried off, humming to herself nervously as she sifted through my trunk to gather my finest garments. But they paled in comparison to my alabaster beauty, I thought as I finished with my cosmetics.

I outstretched my arms, waiting, and Tamar wound the veils around me. I stared at my reflection as my maid ran in circles, doting on me. As usual, I was beyond beautiful. I resembled sculptures of the fertility goddesses I had seen in pagan temples, only I was warm flesh, not cold marble. I raised my chin to stare at myself haughtily. What was it he'd said to me? Ah yes, 'There has not been such a harlot since Jezebel.'

I let out a hateful laugh, startling Tamar.

"What is it, my lady?" She inquired nervously.

"Such a shame that some think they are immune to the secular," I smirked. "Ah well. They'll reap their rewards soon enough."

"The prophet?" She went, hesitating. "What do you plan for him?"

"You'll see."