Tiy and the Prince of Egypt

by Dee, Debbie

  Chapter 20. Young Pharaoh

  Rather than disembarking in Akhmim, Tiy’s parents returned with her to Memphis. Her mother insisted she looked weary and needed the care only a mother could provide. Convinced her mother only wanted to bask in the opulence of the royal court, Tiy did her best to ignore her clicking tongue and disapproving eyes. She knew her silence dissatisfied her mother, but she couldn’t explain the sadness she wanted to bury or the loneliness she tried to ignore. With Amenhotep on the other side of a chasm she feared she’d never be able to cross, she had never felt more alone in her life.

  Amenhotep was caught in a whirlwind of preparations for his coronation ceremony. Servants and viziers always surrounded him, requesting his wishes and orders. She caught glimpses of him now and then, but his eyes never looked up to meet hers. Every day he looked stronger, older and wiser, and Tiy knew she must still look like a child to him.

  Nebetya couldn’t offer her any company either. She ran about the palace working on the preparations for the ceremony, often returning to Tiy’s chambers exhausted, drooping in fatigue, and barely able to assist Tiy into her night robes.

  As expected, Petep was devastated by her father’s death, and Ramose had taken it upon himself to comfort her. They spent hours in the gardens together, seemingly unaware of everything and everyone else around them. Tiy was glad for them, but missed their company more than she thought she would.

  That left Merymose, who no longer seemed interested in remaining her friend, especially if she was no longer a part Amenhotep’s inner-circle. He joined the rest of their classmates who worked hard to make sure Tiy knew she didn’t belong.

  Her mother became her only companion for several months, a development that surprised them both. During that time, Amenhotep made a trip to Giza to pay homage to the Sphinx, just as he said he would. Many Egyptians believed this act confirmed his authority and would give him royal power, just as his father before him.

  On the first day of Peret, officials, viziers and dignitaries from several surrounding countries gathered in the great Assembly Chamber to celebrate Amenhotep’s coronation. He visited the Temple of Amun where the High Priest anointed him ruler over Egypt, invested with unearthly powers and transformed into a god. He was now the son of Ra, the sun god, Horus, the falcon god, and Osiris, the god of life and death.

  Amenhotep proceeded from the temple of Amun into the great Assembly Chamber with crook and flail in his hands, the Double Crown of Upper and Lower Egypt resting on his head. Red and white circled his brow, scooping up to a tall point in the back. It was a symbol of Amenhotep’s dominion and ruling over the two lands of united Egypt.

  All eyes were on him as he ascended the dais and sat upon the gilded Horus throne, his eyes scanning the great crowd. He seemed confident in his new role, his shoulders squared and his jaw set with determination. With a curt nod of his head, the celebratory music filled the air and dinner was served.

  Tiy sat at a table set for officials and their families, yet she couldn’t keep her eyes off Amenhotep. Seeing him so close and yet unable to be with him made her miss him more than she ever thought possible. He joined his family at a higher table upon the dais. His beautiful mother, Mutemwiya, sat next to him, holding herself with elegant strength and watching her son with pride. The chief wife of his late father also joined the royal table, as did Petep and a few of Amenhotep’s other siblings.

  Tiy wished she could have joined his table or given him a quick hug of congratulations, but she knew such a gesture would be seen as highly inappropriate. Although she was the girl at his side for Pharaoh Tuthmosis’ funeral, she was still a nobody, not fit to associate with the gods. He sat only a few tables from her and yet he never felt farther away.

  Her mother cut into her thoughts with a shrill question for their table. “They don’t honestly think they can escape Egypt’s rule, do they?”

  Ramose sat across from her, with several local officials twice his age, but he was the first to respond, sounding much older and wiser than his eighteen years. “The Nubian people have only been under Egyptian rule for two hundred years; they are not accustomed to our ways or the laws we have enforced upon them. It is understandable they would want their own king and a break from Egyptian control; however, Pharaoh Amenhotep will not allow it.”

  Murmurs of agreement arose from the table.

  “There are only minor dissenters among the Nubians, not enough to generate an entire rebellion.” Ramose glanced at Tiy.

  An official sitting across the table shifted in his chair and spoke above the babble of agreement. “Wouldn’t it be better to just let them have their lands and avoid a conflict? The cost of another war campaign would be exorbitant, not to mention the possible loss of Egyptian life. Is the Nubian land worth our efforts?”

  “I have no doubt it is worth our efforts,” Ramose said with passion. “What do you think will happen to our people when the Nubians close their quarries to us, or block the trade routes we rely on? And what, may I ask, will happen to the monetary state of the Nubian cities should the wealth of Egypt stop pouring into them? If they leave things as they are, Pharaoh Amenhotep will care for them and ensure they live comfortable lives, enjoying the same freedoms and luxuries we do.”

  “Is it true the Nubian Vizier has requested a new position?” the man asked.

  Ramose nodded with apparent irritation. “He has grown tired of the increased pressure and seeks relief.” Ramose was lined up to be the next vizier of Thebes, and Tiy wondered if he thought the Nubian Vizier was giving up too easily.

  “I find it hard to believe the Nubians don’t recognize how much they benefit from our governing.” Tiy’s mother said. “The rebellion won’t come to anything, I am sure of it.”

  Ramose glanced at Tiy again. “I hope you are right, Lady Tuya, Singer of Hathor, for our young Pharaoh has many wondrous plans that would be hindered should the pride of the Nubians force us into a conflict.”

  A chorus of “hear, hear” and “long live Amenhotep!” rounded the table. Tiy sat back. It bothered her that Amenhotep had plans that she had heard nothing about. Before his father died, he had told her everything, but since then he had almost become a stranger to her.

  The official sitting across from her asked the question she was dying to know, but too irritated to ask.

  “What wondrous plans does our great Pharaoh Amenhotep have in store for Egypt?” the official asked.

  Tiy waited with baited breath as Ramose finished chewing a bit of venison. It seemed everyone waited while he chewed. The table was quiet, all eyes on Ramose—the man who had been closest to Amenhotep since his birth and even closer since Pharaoh’s death. Tiy had never seen someone take so long to chew a single piece of food.

  As he sat, chewing, and enjoying the rapt attention he received from everyone at the table, she couldn’t help but feel a stitch of jealousy. Ramose knew more of Amenhotep’s plans than she did. He still spent time with him every day,

  Tiy never did get to see the end of Ramose’s lengthy chewing antic. A servant girl came up from behind and whispered in her ear.

  “If you would, my lady, Pharaoh Amenhotep has requested a private audience with you.”

  Tiy’s heart thumped so loudly she was sure everyone at the silent table could hear. She glanced up at the dais and sure enough, Amenhotep was no longer at his table. Standing up, she grasped the back of her chair, a flutter of excitement making her dizzy. She missed him more than she cared to admit. Her mother shot her a questioning glance and Tiy shrugged. With a deep breath, she followed the servant girl out of the Assembly Chamber.

  Chapter 21. Broken Promises

  As Tiy followed the servant girl down a long corridor a part of her simmered with irritation. Why had he let so much time pass? He should have made a greater effort to see her. Didn’t he remember their promise?

  A twinge of guilt smothered her irritation. He had just stepped into the most demanding role of his life—what would be the most demanding
role of anyone’s life—and deserved a little more understanding on her part. Especially from his so-called friend. He was fourteen and ruling the most powerful empire in the world. He didn’t have time to deal with needy girls.

  The servant girl led her through never-ending corridors, and Tiy’s anticipation grew to unbearable lengths. She was so overcome with eagerness that by the time she entered the royal courtyard her steps bounced like a child at festival. Amenhotep had his arms around her in an instant, squeezing the breath out of her.

  “I’ve missed you,” he said.

  “Me too.”

  He leaned back and smirked, his eyebrows arched. “You missed yourself, or you missed me?”

  “Don’t be an oaf. Of course I missed you! We live within the same walls and yet I haven’t seen you in months.”

  Amenhotep’s face fell. “I’ve broken our promise. I’m a horrible friend.”

  “Horrendous,” Tiy agreed with a wink, although she didn’t think he noticed the mirth in her eyes because his shoulders slumped further.

  “I’m not worthy of your friendship,” he said, looking at the ground.

  “Who said you had it?” Tiy joked once more, hoping he would notice the amusement in her tone. Apparently he hadn’t because his head jerked up and he had a look of tortured shock on his face. A giggle burst from her lips and Amenhotep relaxed. He smiled wide and wrapped his arms around her again.

  “That was uncalled for,” he said.

  “You’re right; I’m a horrible friend.”

  “Horrendous,”

  “I’m not worthy of your friendship,”

  Amenhotep chuckled. “Oh, Tiy, how I’ve missed you!”

  He led her to the falcon fountain and sat on the stone edge, motioning for her to do the same. She sat next to him, her shoulder touching his, and felt his body rise as he took a deep breath.

  “I saw you sitting at that table,” he said. “You look beautiful, by the way.”

  Tiy blushed and dipped her chin.

  “I decided I didn’t care that I’m expected at the celebration. I’m Pharaoh. I should be allowed to disappear for a few minutes.”

  “I’m glad you did.”

  “Besides, no one will notice I am gone.”

  “I doubt that,” Tiy said with a roll of her eyes.

  “You are probably right, but I don’t care. I wanted to see you, see how you were doing. Is Kepi treating you any better?”

  Tiy groaned. “I don’t want to talk about Kepi.”

  “That bad?”

  Tiy didn’t answer.

  “Tell me. Please?”

  Tiy sighed. “Kepi recruited Merymose. I thought he was my friend, but I guess not.”

  Amenhotep brushed the back of his finger on her check and she glanced up to see a storm simmering behind his eyes. “You know, I could always have him beheaded. Kepi too, for that matter.”

  Tiy waited for him to laugh, or tell her he was joking, but his face remained serious.

  “Doesn’t that seem a little extreme?” she asked.

  Amenhotep shrugged.

  Tiy raised her eyebrows. “I know you don’t mean that. Besides, I’d rather you didn’t do anything.”

  “I’ve heard that before, and yet here we are again with Kepi still hurting my friend. Pharaoh’s friend, I might add.” He puffed his chest and winked.

  Tiy rolled her eyes again and Amenhotep laughed. His shoulders relaxed.

  “I wish you would let me do something, anything.” he said.

  “I know. Let’s just pretend they don’t exist.”

  “I can’t do that. I worry every day about Kepi digging her claws into your back. I want you to be happy.”

  “I’m happy right now,” she said.

  “Yes, you do seem happy now; your beautiful smile fills this entire courtyard with light.”

  Tiy blushed again.

  “Petep said you might want to go home. Is that true?”

  “No!”

  Amenhotep jumped, and Tiy released an uneasy laugh. She would never leave the city Amenhotep called home. He was her closest friend; she couldn’t leave him. “I mean, I don’t want to go home. I like it here. I’m happy here.”

  Amenhotep tilted his head to search her eyes. “Are you telling me the truth?”

  She nodded and then shrugged. “Sure, I’ve been a little lonely lately. Petep has Ramose, Nebetya is always busy, Merymose, well, you know. And then there is you…. You are too busy for me too. It’s all right, I understand.”

  “No, it’s not all right. We made a promise to each other. I know I have been neglectful these past several months, so I’m going to make it up to you.”

  “That isn’t necessary. I’ve forgiven you already.”

  “Aren't you going to ask me what I’m going to do? It’s quite magnificent, actually. Nothing like it has ever been done before.”

  He knew what he was doing, tempting her insatiable curiosity. She couldn’t handle secrets. He knew this and yet he seemed to find amusement in watching her squirm with impatience.

  She turned to him, an avid listener. “What is it?”

  “I thought you said it wasn’t necessary?”

  “It isn’t, but I at least want to know what you had planned.”

  Amenhotep smirked and turned his gaze to the courtyard. “Maybe another time, when you can appreciate what I’m about to tell you.”

  “I’ll appreciate it!”

  “I don’t know.”

  “Amenhotep!” Tiy screeched.

  “Okay, okay. It’s a lake. I’m going to make you a lake.”

  Her mouth fell open. “A lake?”

  “It’ll be beautiful, and you’ll be able to sail around on your own barge or sit on the banks and let the water splash up onto your feet. And there will be no Mbuta fish,” he said with a wink.

  Tiy laughed.

  “I want to be known as Amenhotep the Builder, and this lake will be one of my many projects to magnify Egypt. I’m going to make great monuments, the likes of which have never existed since the beginning of the Two Lands. Your lake being one of them.”

  Tiy smiled. This must have been the plans Ramose was talking about. Amenhotep’s enthusiasm pleased her, and she was glad he had found a part of his kingship he could be passionate about. But a lake? It was too grand for her.

  “I don’t know what to say, Amenhotep. It sounds incredible, it really does, and I’m very touched that you want to build me something so grand, but where are you going to put a lake?”

  Amenhotep’s smile widened. “I’ve commanded a new palace to be built just outside Thebes, on the western banks. It is there that I will build your magnificent lake.”

  Tiy smiled despite herself. The grandness of such a gesture overwhelmed her. A lake for her? An entire lake? It was almost too much to believe. In fact, it would have been too much to believe had Amenhotep not been Pharaoh.

  “Why so far? Why Thebes?” she asked.

  “I want to move the royal capital closer to the center of the Two Lands. Perhaps if we are not so far from our Nubian territories they will feel more a part of us, rather than ruled by us. How can I rule over the Two Lands if one of them wants to break away on their own?”

  He was right and his solution held a good amount of wisdom. The Nubian people might be more inclined to follow an Egyptian Pharaoh if he were closer to them and more accessible for petitions. Only Egyptians were able to travel the distance to the royal capital in the northernmost part of Egypt. The distance was great for any Nubian seeking help from the crown.

  It all sounded wonderful, but she wondered where she would go once Amenhotep and his royal entourage moved to the new capital. She would be finished with her schooling by then and would have no excuse to follow him. Without Amenhotep in her life for the past few months, she had felt so empty, so disjointed. How would she feel when he moved away forever?

  “You’ll be close to my home in Akhmim,” Tiy said, trying to cheer herself up. “It is only a day�
��s journey on the Nile to Thebes from my house. We might still be able to see each other once a season, or so, wouldn’t you think?”

  Amenhotep pursed his eyebrows. “Don’t you want to come with me?”

  The sound of footfalls echoed across the courtyard and both of them looked up before she could respond.

  “Amenhotep,” Petep said once she came within view. “Your presence at your celebration is wanted.”

  Tiy stood, but Amenhotep took hold of her hand, keeping her next to him at the fountain.

  “I will be there when I am ready, Petep,” Amenhotep said.

  Petep seemed to want to argue, but thought better of it and left the courtyard. Amenhotep faced Tiy once again, his hand still holding hers. “You will come with me, right?”

  “To Thebes?”

  “Yes, where else?”

  “I won’t be in school anymore; what reason will I have to be there?”

  “We’ll make a reason.”

  We’ll make a reason? What sort of reason would be legitimate enough for her to follow him? Would she need to become a palace servant? Her mother would never allow it and her father would consider it a disgrace to the family name.

  Amenhotep chuckled. “You are over-thinking this again, aren’t you?

  “Of course.”

  “Well, let’s over-think it another time. My presence is wanted.” He rolled his eyes.

  “You are a sought-after man.”

  “I may be, but it means nothing to me if you are unhappy.”

  Tiy shrugged. “I am happy, Amenhotep.”

  “Are we good?”

  Tiy leaned in to let him embrace her again. “We’re fine. Don’t worry about me.”