"Where is my wife?"
King Herod- who was affectionately nicknamed Yuri by his wife- was sitting at his throne, anxious, though none of his anxiety showed in his face. It was one of his special qualities.
His wife, Herodias- who he affectionately called Jo or Joy- walked in behind an attendant, looking as beautiful as he'd ever seen her. "Yes, my king?"
Yuri waved his attendant away. It was all an act. Jo was his chief adviser, but only behind the scenes. "I've heard...some rumors..."
"Rumors?" She purred, settling down behind his throne. "Why would a rumor upset my big, strong, handsome husband?"
Yuri blushed slightly. "Another king in Israel. Someone other than me..."
His wife stiffened. "What do you mean 'another king'?"
"The prophecy..." He murmured, "And a star..."
"That has to be nonsense." She kissed him on the cheek, but his attendants filed in, bowing before the royal couple. "Your...your Majesty, three men from the West have come to the palace, searching for...for a king. I assumed it was you, but..."
Yuri paled. "..." He glanced at his wife, a little bitter. "...still believe it's nonsense?"
His wife said nothing as the idiot trio Three Wise Men entered, bowing as they did. "King Herod..." The one who was the blondest raised his head, "We are looking for the king that has been born today."
The king didn't know what to say at first. He exchanged another glance with his wife. "Ah...well...why did you come here?"
"We figured, you being a fellow king, would be able to lead us there." the brunette of the group looked up too.
Yuri shook his head. "No...but..." A thought dawned on him. "When you do find him...please report back to me and let me know. I would like to..." He searched for the proper words, "Worship him as well."
The three nodded. "Promised!" The other blonde said, grinning.
"Oh, while you're still here, you may enjoy food, drink and shelter for as long as you like." The queen smiled, and the three nodded again as they were escorted out of the room. However, as soon as the three men were out of earshot, Yuri twitched slightly. "I don't know what to do, Jo.."
"It's easy..." She said in monotone. "If we cannot find the babe, we kill all who are two years old and younger. We'll be sure to exterminate him then."
The king nodded. His wife always knew best... "You don't trust those men?"
The queen frowned. "The blonde in front makes me think of a moron who always gets hit. I don't trust them to be completely competent." She smiled, kissing her husband. "Don't worry about it."
Herod-Yuri sighed. He was lucky to have such an intelligent spouse.
