Chapter 7

Tiye opened her eyes groaning because the sunlight which was filtering through the curtains felt too much to her sensitive eyes.

Even though the soft warm breeze was playing with them, she cursed and turned to the other side jaded, her body felt as if a chariot has run over it not once or twice but hundred times over and over again, she coughed when she tried to take deep breaths, her throat was dry and chest heavy.

“Anyone out there, fetch me some water.” She called to whoever was out there. A minute later her chamber doors opened, and a servant came running, holding a golden water pitcher and a chalice. She sat on the bed, her silk coverings pooling around, exposing her naked chest.

Accepting the chalice, she drank it in one gulp and went for another fill; she was perished. The servant girl then bowed and left after taking the empty pitcher. All of this happened within a distance, never taking her eyes of off the ground it was strange, but she wasn’t in the right state of mind to question it.

Stretching her back and arms she tried to relieve some of the pain that she felt, wondering what could have been the cause. She doesn’t recall doing anything intense lately. Shaking her head, fighting those feelings of weakness, she walked barefoot to her balcony.

The cool fresh air greeted her; it felt like a crass to her damp skin. She moaned, taking deep breaths of air as she felt content. The city of Memphis was spread in front of her eyes as the Nile adorns it like a crown jewel.

The green fields spread on each bank side full of all kinds of grains and vegetables and the farmer's houses not far from the city market and other residency were away from them, her people were about their business, and even though they can’t see her from the distance she felt like she can see and feel each one of them.

The doors made a creaking sound, but she didn’t bother to turn; she knew who it was.

“Good rising, your highness.” Her friend said formally from afar, now she did turn to find her bowing, she quirked a brow.

“Now what the meaning of this “Her friend flinched at the harshness of her words which she didn’t intent.

“I offer you the respect you deserve, princess. You are our next queen. “

She cleared her scratchy throat again wishing for another cup of water and approached her “Disa what’s wrong? Why are you so formal?”

The girl in question left her head and considered her for a few pregnant moments, making the princess laugh nervously,

“Now you scaring me, what is it? Is something wrong with me? I admit I feel strange since I woke up, but I think I'm not different I guess?”

“Nothing TI, Are you ok?”

“I’m not sure, I feel a little sore, but don’t know why my entire body aches. It is the kind of ache you have after a good grapple.”

“You mean you don’t remember what happened two days ago? The fight, you wining……? “

She thought for a while “I do remember some fragments of that day, but not the whole thing, my head hurts badly just thinking about it.” she just touched her temples wincing, and sat on a chair close to her, yes she remembers the fight and how she taught her cousin a lesson but then there was something missing. Hazy scenes she cannot comprehend invaded her mind then evaded her again.

“Don’t worry yourself; nothing important happened after that, you just lost your consciousness from exertion.” Disa patted her friend’s shoulder dismissively, making her suspicions increase.

So what does that mean? That gap in her memory is it because of that.....She really can’t describe the feeling, it was like her friend was possessed by something; it was as if this is the princess but still not her, her body language was different, her whole profile was odd.

Yes, they were sitting far in the benches where the king and the nobles were, to watch clearly. But the way she moved and acted wasn’t her, especially pilis’s reaction to that difference in her behavior, he looked scared no he looked terrified but whatever it was, that horse filth deserved it.

“Do you need the royal physician to examine you? You have been sleeping for two days straight. And he asked to be informed when you wake.”

The princess stared at her surprise written on her face “Two days, how come?"

“I told you it’s because of exertion.” She smiled; trying to ease her mind. Now was not the time to question whatever happened. They had a purpose, and they achieved it and no harm was done, at least to the princess.

“No, I don’t need to see him; I’m fine. Don’t worry yourself.”

“Then what about a little stroll in the market?”

The princess smiled, excited now “That would be nice”

“Actually I have a better suggestion what about Nephi coming with us?” And that had the right effect on the princess. Her face brightened. She really loved that little kid.

“Ok, I’ll go and fetch him while you get ready.”

Tiye watched her friend’s retreating figure annoyed at why she can’t remember, something important must have happened if her friend is acting like that. It had a great impact on her making her on edge around her, she looked unsure even scared like she would harm her.

She racked her brain again and still nothing, ruffling her hair frustrated she stood and started to put on her hunting garment, these were her favorite pair; she loved the feeling of leather on her skin. Its unique smell made her feel free and wild, the chest piece hid her ample breasts and the long leg piece was made to cover her skin and help her ride her horse freely.

She and her friend preferred these unusual coverings; it helped them to move with ease. With the cloak secured around her and the head wrap in hand she went to find her friend.

At the eastern gates, her friend and the little one waited for her. The boy greeted her with a big smile, shaking with enthusiasm where he was standing. His side-lock on his shaven head was even bouncing.

She laughed at his eagerness; he was as happy as her to meet again outside the palace’s walls. She needs to do that more often with him maybe next time they will go on a hunting trip for a few days, he would love that for sure.

Pinching his cheek lovingly “How is my Nephi doing today?”

The boy just smiled and downcast his eyes, finding the dirt more interesting at the moment. She laughed with ease. Yes, Mandisa was right. She needed this.

The three-headed to the market, the boy’s comments, and noise was heard from a distance. His voice remarking everything his eyes fall upon, he was interested in everything and anything. And even though he was only fourteen summers he has the body of a strong man, tall and broad no one would believe that was his true age.

And that was the reason why some of the people they passed gave him strange looks because he acted like a child while he is a big, tall male. She loved his innocence and how everything is new to him, even small things, piqued his interest and brought more of his childish act.

The market was busy as usual vendors were on each side calling out their goods, people were busy buying what they needed, little kids were running around giggling. From time to time they got some stares, but that was because of how she looked different, all around her they wore the usual Egyptian clothing, men and women wore kilts around their waist made of Lenin that reached their knees, their upper section was bare some females have kind of drapes round it, but most not.

That’s how the lower class looked usually, but nobles and royalty, woman especially preferred to don gowns to hide most of their body. It is not about modesty, it’s more about your status. These were the standards here: the way you dress and how much jewelry you wear decide how up on the pyramid you are. She despised everything about this, but it can’t be helped this is how it has been for a long time.

“Look Tiye, they are playing the oboe and a beautiful woman is dancing too.”

The princess smiled, he finally called her name, she has been begging him for months now. But he always refused to, saying it is improper and if anyone heard him, he would be flogged so she didn’t push the matter farther. The boy raced to watch the spectacle with twinkling eyes, the princess and her sister were at his heels.

The woman was dancing gracefully. Her menit-necklace was producing a cheerful sound, adding to the tone of the oboe, her sistrum in hand, her bare chest bouncing whenever she twirled around. She smiled at her spectators, seductively enticing them. Then winked at her little companion, making him blush deeply and avert his eyes.

After a while, they moved on. She caught Nephi observing a pair of sandals with longing in his eyes. “You fancy those?” She asked him softly, the boy just shook his head

She insisted again “If you like this pair, I will buy them for you. “

He played in the dirt with his bare toes she was used to the act by now, he did this when he was shy or uncertain “Thank you princess, but servants aren’t allowed to have footwear.”

Her heart clenched, that was true, but he deserved the treasures of this entire world “This is nonsense. I will buy those and you can wear them no one will punish you for it.”

The boy beamed at her. After that, she just concentrated on Nephi’s reactions and she bought him whatever his eyes landed on. Some fruit, a little toy, and some dried meat.

All the way back to the palace, Nephi clutched the sandal to his chest as it was his prized possession. The world was a cruel place indeed, and the gods were unjust; they condemned this poor kid to this life of suffering, even though he was meant for greatness.

Inside the palace, she noticed the strange glances and small talk among the servants and even the officials she met on her way to her father. She wanted to check on his health, if she slept for two days then it has been a while since she saw him. She found him in his chambers as usual, but the royal physician was there too.

“Am I interrupting father, should I leave?” She asked from behind the curtains that blocked her view of what was happening behind. The king’s voice greeted her instantly

“Dear daughter. How could you utter such nonsense? We are done here.” She heard some clatter before the curtains were drawn and the physician excused himself. Her father was lounging on his big chair comfortably, the smell of scented oils and herbs emitting from him.

“How are you doing today father, I'm worried about you?” She said while she sat on the ground under his feet, her hands massaging his soles, he patted her head lovingly

“Don’t worry yourself my child I will be fine you know this happens to my poor legs each year when the Nile floods, you must know this by now.” she turned her head kissing his palm

“I’m aware father but still I cannot stop myself. You are all I got my only family so I want you to live long and healthy.’’ The king chuckled “I will go nowhere, don’t worry yourself, I see you went out today, did you enjoy your outing?”

She smiled “Yes greatly Disa, Nephi and I, had a great time; I was in need of this.”

“The little boy was with you today? You are aware of the gossip that has spread lately. Now the entire court is talking and speculating about your relationship with him, it won’t take long before the commoners start to do the same.”

He wasn’t chastising her, but it stung her pride and made her angry. She stood pacing in front of him “Father if you gave me your permission none of this will happen. And we will kill all these gossips in its cradle, you can….”

He cut her off his voice is full of anger mirroring hers “I told you to never speak of this matter again Tiye, this was my decision and it was for the best so far. I won’t prevent you from meeting him, but be aware of what is happening around you…..” He used his cane to stand and join her in his chamber's balcony

“It brightens my heart to see you taking care of him and you have my utmost gratitude, my dear daughter."

“Father…..” she hugged him, her anger and sorrow chocking her, pitying her father. Even as the king he still cannot control his life. He is a slave to his crown and throne.