Chapter Eight
Nefret woke up to the bright sun shining in her eyes. Scattered blankets on the floor were the only proof that Brianamun had slept there the previous night. He was nowhere in sight.
She wandered out into the living room. In the kitchen she found a note addressed to her. She as one of the few women who were literate. Kevinkare had been patient and had taught her.
The realization crept into Nefret’s head that she might never see him again. He was all the family she had left, and it was very possible that she would have to stay in Thebes forever. He could visit me though, she thought. But not if
I’m caught by the guards first... No, but Alexhotep would see me before Pharaoh and would let me go.
She sighed and focused on the letter.
Nefret,
This may not sound like much
fun, but please try to remain inside
all day today.If it’s known that
I had a woman in my quarters during
my service during the temple, I’m
done for. I’ll try and find a new
home for you.
“What am I? A stray?” she said alloud to herself.
She settled herself down for a boring day.
*******
Alexhotep drove the chariot toward the northern palace. Standing as tall as she could, dignified Nefertiti stood beside him, her hands bound the side of the chariot.
“I’m sorry, Majesty,” Alexhotep whispered.
“I did what I had to do for the gods,” she replied. “Perhaps now they can forgive me for my foolishness. I’m getting off easy because he still loves me.” She sighed.
She still loves him too, Alexhotep thought.
“Will you promise me somthing, Alexhotep?”
“Anything, my queen.”
“Protect my daughter. I’m afraid of what Akhenaten has in store for Meritaten. He’s been kind to her five sisters, but he’ll marry her off someday, and I guarantee it won’t be to Kevinkare.”
“They know the possibilities.”
“Just make sure it’s not discovered that she’s working for The Cause, and if it is, protect her in some way. Get her out of the country, or bring her to me.”
“Yes, Majesty.”
“If Nefret is caught, she’ll be brought to you. Bring her to the dungeon, and dismiss the other guards. You can handle one, mere girl, can’t you? There is a secret passage next to the largest cell. Press in the torch. It will lead out to the City of the Dead here at Akhetaten. From there, she can make her way to safety. That goes for if any of you are caught.”
“Thank you, M--”
“It’s truly only Nefertiti now. I am no longer Great Royal Wife. That position belongs rightfully to Kiya now.
“Be careful around her. I don’t trust her.”
“She’s only a foreign princess who’s come to Pharaoh’s harem? What could she possibly do?”
“Don’t underestimate women, Alexhotep.”
They pulled up to the northern palace. Her chin held high, Nefertiti allowed the guards to lead her into her golden cage.
With one last look at the beautiful queen, Alexhotep turned his chariot around and galloped back to the main palace.
*****
Alexhotep was hurrying up the steps to the palace when someone hailed him. He turned and saw Meritaten. He looked around to see if anyone was watching him. No one was. Thus, he hurried over.
“What’s going on, Your Highness?”
“What did my mother say?”
Alexhotep smiled down at her, pitying her to be a member of the royal family. It’s not something I’d want, he thought. He told her, “She told me to take care of you. She’s worried about you, and, er,” he blushed, “her thoughts are, um, with you.”
Meritaten smiled and kissed his cheek. “Thanks, Alexhotep.” She blinked back the tears and disappeared into the palace.
*******
Brianamun returned to his house toward early evening.
Nefret flew toward the door once she heard it open.
“You’d better have found a place for me to go because I’m going out of my mind with nothing to do.”
Brianamun smiled teasingly.
“I suppose you had a better day today.”
“Sure did. Amun must be in a good mood or something. Tomorrow you can go to Sennedjem’s household. He’ll be glad to take you, but I guess you need to force yourself through another night with me.”
Suddenly bitter, Brianamun pushed past her into the kitchen.
Surprised, Nefret trailed him with her eyes.
“Was it something I said?” she asked.
“No.” It was something you didn’t say, he thought.
“What is it? Brianamun, I’m sick of this. Tell me what’s going on with you. If you keep getting mad at me for something I don’t know about, how can I change? Why can’t we be friends, or would you prefer if we stayed co-workers? Two people working to accomplish the same thing.”
Brianamun’s eyes flashed like blue-lightning. “Is that all you want? To be friends?”
She blushed and lowered her gaze.
Brianamun also looked away. “Um, what do you want for supper?”
“Anything’s fine,” she murmured.
“Oh, forget this,” Brianamun grumbled. He stalked over to Nefret, grabbed her in his arms and kissed her passionately.