(Alicia! Old Soul! Nice seein' youse!) /Beloved by the Moon VIII
by
Prince Manishtusu looked into the appealing eyes of Anath-Sin, and appreciated how very badly this woman always lied. These fields had been plowed many a time, and did not bear fruit--who didn't know that? And even if this was not well known--those hips never had a child pass through them, and that waist had never swollen like the moon. He wondered just which one of her girls she was protecting. But he pretended to believe, for it was as his father, Sharrukkin, had told him--some women's lies are better than the truth. And it was even so with this one's lies.
For the child was obviously his. After all, his visits to this temple were most frequent some time back--and, he imagined, justly productive. He would let the child bide here for a time, until it was weaned, and then, he would allow it into his home in Agade, and out of the hands of these scheming women.
Looking into the eyes of Prince Manishtusu, Anath-Sin was well-pleased. Perhaps he did not believe her completely, but even believing only part would get the child accepted. Was it not a lucky thing that men believe what pleases them best!
The House of Agade. To be accepted as the grandson of Sharrukkin himself--what king was greater! And perhaps Naram-Sin would become a king, himself! She wondered at the thought.
Familiar with the ways of men, it was a shame, then, that Anath-Sin was not more familiar with the ways of kings.
Posted on Aug 14, 1999, 9:19 PM from IP address 207.103.134.186