Good Talk

Zahra knew where to find her, the same place that she always went when she was upset. It had always been this way since she had come here as a child.

Through the walls of the palace there ran an irrigation channel that provided water to the palace and the surrounding area. It was used for drinking water and cooking while also providing water for the gardens and livestock. It was not a natural source of water but Nenet always said that it reminded her of home and the river that had run past her parent’s home.

The last five years that she had been here, whenever she was upset or just wanted to be alone, she could always be found there. Sitting on the edge of the embankment with her feet dangling in the water, it had been her refuge.

Zahra approached her cautiously, the girl was young and emotional and she didn't want to aggravate her any more. She could tell that Nenet sensed her presence so she quietly moved to sit down beside her. She could hear her crying softly and she waited patiently for her to finish.

"I'm sorry", Nenet sobbed through her tears.

"Oh Nenet, there's nothing to be sorry for", Zahra pulled her into her arms and held her while gently stroking her hair.

"I was horrible when you've been nothing but kind to me ever since I came here"

"It's alright. Stop your crying now"

"Why? Why have you cared for me all this time?", Nenet peered up at her with a questioning look.

Zahra was taken aback by her question and quickly tried to think of a response, or at least one that wouldn't be a lie.

"I always wanted a daughter, or a child of my own", this wasn't entirely untrue as she had longed for a family of her own at times.

"Then why didn't you marry?"

"Because I.....I swore to raise and care for His Royal Highness and this is my only purpose in life"

A short silence followed as Nenet pondered on her words before finally replying.

"Did he not allow you to marry?"

"No, no", Zahra chuckled, "He would not do that"

"You speak of him as though he were kind and caring", Nenet felt herself blush and she quickly turned away to hide her face.

Zahra noted the crimson tinge spreading across her cheeks and she was quite surprised, it had never occurred to her that the girl might have feelings for Ammon. In the five years she had been in the palace she'd had no interaction with the Crown Prince. Although he watched over her, Ammon had never attempted to speak with her, preferring instead to observe her from afar.

"His Royal Highness is not a man to be trifled with, he can be cold and vicious, but he is also fair and just. He treats those who are loyal to him with kindness and consideration but do not cross him. Ever", Zahra tried to be as honest as possible without giving too much away.

She had grown fond of the girl and she did not wish to see her hurt and having any feelings for Ammon would not end well. She cared for him from birth and she knew what he was and still she loved him with all her heart but Ammon did not care for women or love. She feared that Nenet would only find pain and heartache if she fell in love with the Crown Prince.

"I have heard many rumors about the Crown Prince. They say that he is not human and that wherever he walks, the darkness follows", Nenet said quietly as her eyes darted around as if afraid someone might hear.

"Do not listen to rumors, it is only idle gossip for those with too much time on their hands and nothing better to do. Come let us return to the kitchen, we can talk on the way", Zahra stood and dusted her clothes while Nenet did the same.

Zahra changed the topic, steering the conversation away from Ammon and towards more trivial things. She was well aware of the rumors surrounding the Crown Prince but she took no part in perpetuating them. He allowed the rumors to continue, claiming that it added to people's fear of him, which was something he found entertaining.

Whispers in the palace called Ammon "akhw", or undead, and his mother had endured much the same. Amunet, Ammon’s mother and the former queen, had been a direct descendant of the previous Pharaoh, fathered with one of his concubines. Her own mother being of Nubian descent, Amunet, was born with a mysterious and dark allure that was more than just physical. When Mahmoud became Pharaoh and made her his queen, there were many who opposed the union, but she soon won the hearts of the people with her kindness and generosity.

It was a marriage of love and devotion but it would prove to be short-lived when Amunet passed on giving birth to their only child. Unable to cope with the loss of his beloved wife and the duties of a father, Mahmoud married two years later to Anat, who also bore him a son.

******************************

They had reached the kitchen and hurried inside to continue with chopping vegetables when the head cook approached them.

"Where have you been? The Pharaoh's guards came looking for you", he asked, shooting a glance at Nenet.

"We went to fetch more onions and garlic", Zahra replied, the lie slipping easily from her lips.

"They'll be back again soon. Don't go anywhere ", he scolded and went back to the pots cooking over the fire.

Just then two of the Pharaoh's guards entered the kitchen and looked around before their eyes landed on Nenet.

"You! Come with us. The Pharaoh summons you", the older of the two ordered while pointing at her.

Glancing furtively at Zahra, who gave her a small, sympathetic smile, Nenet slowly put down the knife and dragging her feet across the stone floor, reluctantly followed them out of the kitchen.

As they approached the Pharaoh's chambers, she felt her heart sinking inside her chest and a feeling of unease gripped her. She dreaded being in his presence now more than at any other time in his service but there was nothing she could do. It seemed too soon to her that they reached the doors to the Pharaoh's chambers and the guards opened them as she passed through, closing them behind her with a soft click.

The room was lit with torches and candles but they failed to dispel the pockets of gloom that lurked in the corners. She stood in front of the doors as her eyes gradually adjusted to the dim light when his voice sounded from the bathroom.

"How long do you intend to keep me waiting?"

"Forgive me Pharaoh", she responded as she made her way into the bathroom.

The balcony doors stood open and the light from the full moon reflected off of the surface of the water in the pool causing the surface to shimmer with iridescent glimmers of light. It was beautiful and magical and she would have admired it if not for the sight of the Pharaoh, submerged and waiting inside the pool.

A quick look around told her that they were alone once again as she walked to the steps and gingerly made her way down into the water.

The water was warm and lapped gently against her as she moved towards him and began preparing the wash cloth and bath oils. He leaned back against the side of the pool and watched her from beneath hooded eyes. Turning to face him as she prepared to begin washing his shoulders, she noticed his gaze on her chest and glancing down she saw her dress was soaked through and completely transparent, leaving her breasts exposed.

She felt uncomfortably self-conscious and lowered herself slightly so the water covered her chest and began rubbing his shoulders with the wash cloth. She heard him sigh as he closed his eyes and let her continue to wash him while inside she prayed to the gods that he wouldn't try to do anything to her.

"Sooner rather than later you will be mine Nenet"