Asenath

by Anna Patricio

"He will serve you well, husband," Queen Ahmose purred. "He is as wise as he is beautiful."

  Pharaoh clapped his hands. A flurry of servants sprung out from behind the thrones. They fell on their knees before their royal master.

  Tuthmosis grandly swept his hand toward Joseph. "I will be appointing this man Vizier of the Two Kingdoms. Servants, make him up. Messengers, send word to every corner in the land. The rest of you, gather outside tomorrow morning for the grand proclamation. The court is now finished."

  I barely heard or saw anything as I filed out with the rest of the audience. I was only aware that while my body was still on the ground, my spirit danced and twirled to the music of the heavens.

  My dear one was free.

  Free at last.

  The following morning I stood below the balcony where the royals made their public appearances. The crowd behind me stretched as far as the eye could see.

  The day was brilliant. The sun beat down upon us, but I barely felt it. I barely even noticed those around me.

  A chorus of golden horns blasted out. Pharaoh Tuthmosis, Queen Ahmose and Joseph appeared.

  The crowd cheered.

  My breath nearly deserted me.

  Dressed in royal Egyptian attire, Joseph looked exhilaratingly handsome. A fine linen kilt was wrapped around his trim waist and secured by a tasselled golden apron. Ornaments of precious stones glittered on his muscular arms and across his chiselled bare chest. Upon his head, he wore a gleaming striped nemes, the royal Egyptian headdress. His magical hazel-olive eyes were lengthened with cunning kohl strokes.

  Joseph glowed in the sunlight. He possessed much of the world's beauty, if not being beauty itself. He was gold that had gone through the fire and come out gleaming, precious and wondrous.

  Pharaoh raised his crook and flail. The crowd fell silent.

  "People of Egypt," Tuthmosis said. "I present to you His Excellency, Lord Zaphenath-Paneah, 'the God speaks and he lives.' He is a man of great wisdom and has seen Egypt's future as well as her prosperity."

  Pharaoh handed his emblems to a page. He slipped a ring off his finger. "To you Lord Zaphenath-Paneah I bestow my signet ring, a symbol of the power I am giving you. Only the throne will set me above you. But without your word nobody shall lift hand and foot."

  Pharaoh slipped the ring onto Joseph's finger. With that simple swift gesture, Joseph became the second most powerful person in Egypt.

  "Lord Zaphenath-Paneah," Pharaoh said. "I proclaim you Vizier of Upper and Lower Egypt. Now my subjects, I command you—bow before him."

  We dropped to our knees on the warm ground. Then we rose and burst into an ovation that nearly shook the sky.

  "Zaphenath-Paneah! Zaphenath-Paneah!"

  Joseph and the royal couple extended their hands to the crowd. Pharaoh took up his emblems once more. The imperial trio disappeared inside.

  They shortly reappeared on the Palace steps. A team of gilded chariots drawn by white horses drove up to them. All the while, the cheers of the crowds never ceased.

  Joseph was assisted onto the chariot behind that of the royal couple's. He would be driven around the city to have the people acknowledge him as their new beautiful leader.

  The chariots darted off like shooting stars. Everyone dispersed to follow them. I made my way to an avenue I knew the chariots had yet to pass. No sooner had I arrived than the crowd filled the sidewalks to the brim.

  The royal party appeared to nearly deafening cheers. Thousands of arms waved like flags.

  "Zaphenath-Paneah! Zaphenath-Paneah!"

  Joseph's chariot drew closer.

  "Jo―Zaphenath-Paneah!" I shouted.

  I did not expect him to see me since the streets were packed. But miraculously, he did.

  Our eyes met. He gave me a tender smile.

  Then he was gone in a flash.

  That was all I needed for now.

  I did not see Joseph after his appointment. Honestly though, I did not expect to as I knew Pharaoh would be bombarding him with tasks. Nevertheless, I now had hope.

  The wait was no longer in vain. Each day brought a promise. Sooner or later, I would see him again.

  And when he came, oh, I could not imagine how it would be. I would die of joy.

  A few days after the grand event, I was having lunch in my room when Nafre informed me Khasekh had come over. Still in a dreamy mood, I waved for her to let him in.

  "Can you believe this, Asenath?" he snarled. "Of all the ridiculous, asinine―Pharaoh has to appoint some sheepherder as vizier? What in Seth's damnable balls was he thinking?"

  He spewed out a string of profanities which made my ears wilt.

  I winced. "Khasekh, please. I'm eating. Would you like anything?"

  He shook his head. "I wasn't even finished when Pharaoh interrupted me. He didn't give me a chance. It wasn't easy, but I am sure if he had just let me..."

  Father also felt as Khasekh did. When the two men discovered their shared disdain for the new vizier, they met nearly every day at our house to rant. Mother and I were dismayed.

  One night at dinner, Father said, "Pharaoh will be holding a feast in honour of the Canaanite." He made a face. "You know, I heard he began

  work right after his appointment. All that effort for a famine that will never come."

  "Asenath, how are your pupils?" Mother asked.

  "Eh, the sheepherder is just making things up," Khasekh said. "He is trying to fool Pharaoh. He has some hidden agenda."

  "Indeed," Father said. "You know how these desert dwellers are. Some years ago, a friend of mine was cheated when he bought something from this Canaanite trader."

  Mother sighed loudly. "Asenath, why don't you and I have dinner in the garden? I want to enjoy my meal."

  Later, when we were seated outside, Mother shook her head. "Those men."

  "And what about you, Mother?" I asked. "What do you think of Joseph?"

  "I honestly can't say since I barely know him." She smiled. "But I trust your judgement, Asenath."

  "He is a good man, you know. I first met him when I went to get your shawl from Potiphar's house years ago." And I finally told her of how Lady Zalikha had attacked me and of how Joseph saved me.

  "Asenath, I'm so sorry to hear that." Mother hugged me. "I am glad to hear that he helped you. But you should have also told me and Father. I am going to go over to Potiphar's house and tell that horrid woman myself."

  I interrupted, "No that's all right. I haven't even seen Zalikha in a long time anyway. I see her occasionally at parties. But she doesn't bother me anymore. The important thing is, Joseph is now free."

  Mother nodded slowly. "That is indeed good, isn't it? Yes, Asenath, I hope I can meet him soon."

  "I hope so too, Mother. It's wonderful. From the moment we met, I felt like we had this, well, connection. I mean, it's like I've known him forever."

  Mother smiled. "I know the feeling."

  Later, we heard the gates bolt. Khasekh had gone for the night. Mother and I exchanged relieved looks.

  "Shall we return inside?" she asked.

  "Yes, indeed."

  We returned to the dining hall to see Father picking at some fruits for dessert.

  He looked up. "By the way, we are not going to the feast."

  Mother gave him a mock shocked look. "Why, Pentephres, I am surprised at you. I thought we had an obligation to Pharaoh."

  "Not if it involves that filthy barbarian." He met my gaze. "No."

  "Come now." Mother smiled slyly. "I am sure it wouldn't hurt for you to attend even a little while. You might end up enjoying yourself. You always like going to royal feasts."

  "Not this time. End of discussion, wife."

  "But, my dear―"

  "End of discussion."

  One day in class, I took up my sistrum to show my pupils. I handed it to Princess Hatshepsut, who always sat at the front.

  "Now, Highness," I said, "have a look at this and pass it around so that your other classmates can see it as wel
l."

  Hatshepsut took it. She held it close to her, taking her time with it. Her classmates began to edge toward her. She moved away.

  "Don't," she said. "I'm still looking at it."

  "Lady Senat, Hatshepsut's not sharing," one of the children complained.

  "I can look at it as long as I want," Hatshepsut said. "I'm Pharaoh's daughter."

  "Hush, all of you," I said.

  I had been prepared for something like this. While I liked Hatshepsut, she could be quite feisty at times.

  I searched my mind for something that everyone could enjoy. "How about we learn some temple dances?"

  "Yes!" the children cried.

  I was relieved. "All right. Let's head out into the garden."

  I herded them outside. I stood them in a row. "Now when the priestesses come before the gods and goddesses, they―"

  "I get to watch temple dances with Papa," Hatshepsut said.

  "That's nice, your Highness. But with all due respect, please do not interrupt when others are talking, thank you. So as I was saying when the priestesses come before the gods and goddesses they perform all kinds of sacred dances. If everyone could please follow me."

  As I began to move and sway I remembered the "statue dance" game in the Feast of Hapi, those many years ago. I had been so vivacious back then. So carefree, full of life and laughter. I picked up my movements, much to the delight of the children.

  "Lady Asenath."

  I turned to see Queen Ahmose standing with one of her advisers.

  I flushed. I dropped to my knees. "Life, health and prosperity to you, Great Royal Wife. Forgive me your Majesty."

  "Arise. And you are forgiven."

  Hatshepsut giggled.

  Her mother silenced her with a look. "This is Rawosre, one of our chief advisers."

  She motioned to the man beside her.

  "Life, health and prosperity to you, Lady Asenath," he said.

  He had an unusually high voice for a grown man. I knew it was because he had been rendered a eunuch at a young age. When I first heard about this practise among the Palace staff, I was shocked. Now I felt a surge of pity for poor Rawosre.

  "Life, health and prosperity to you, Rawosre," I said.

  "Rawosre is staging a play for the feast of Zaphenath-Paneah," Queen Ahmose said. "It will be about the murder of Osiris and the fight between Horus and Seth."

  My heart turned at the mention of Joseph.

  "I believe Her Highness mentioned it yesterday." I nodded toward Hatshepsut.

  The princess grinned. "I will be in the banquet in the beginning scene. Remember I told you, Lady 'Senat?"

  I smiled down at her. "Yes, Highness."

  The Queen turned to her adviser. "Rawosre, I believe you have something to ask of Lady Asenath?"

  "I do, Majesty. My lady, I wonder if you would be interested in playing the role of Isis. I think you will be suitable for it. And it is perfect timing that I have seen you dance, for the role will have a dramatic dance number."

  If Queen Ahmose had not been there, I would have whirled around the garden like a sandstorm. I would be performing for Joseph.

  I smiled broadly. "I would love to. And I do so love plays. Thank you. I am honoured by this."

  "I am honoured you accepted, my lady." Rawosre returned my smile. "You will make a perfect Isis. You look even more like her up close."

  "I have to tell you though, I am not an expert in dance. I haven't danced in a while."

  "Don't be silly, Asenath," the Queen said. "Rawosre is a master of the arts. Whatever he says goes."

  What could I say? "Thank you, Your Majesty. And thank you, Rawosre."

  Now, Father had no choice but to come to the feast.

  So it was that I grew busy with rehearsals. I even took to going to bed earlier, for I needed all the energy I could get. It was hard to believe that just last month, my life was bleak and stagnant.

  A few days before Joseph's feast, Queen Ahmose invited me to a social lunch. Usually, I attended these Palace affairs out of obligation to my royal mistress. But this time, I was looking forward to it. I knew there was a chance I would be hearing news about Joseph. Last I heard he was travelling around Egypt, organising the storage system for the grain.

  After classes, I was escorted to the Main Building where Pharaoh resided. I followed a servant girl into the king's luxurious apartment. I caught my reflection in a jewelled mirror and straightened my collar-necklace.

  I entered the living room.

  My heart nearly leapt out of my chest.

  Joseph was there.

  He sat alone, poring over some scrolls. The servant girl and I approached. He looked up.

  "My Lord Zaphenath-Paneah," the servant said. "I present to you Lady Asenath, daughter of the high priest of Heliopolis."

  I nearly fell over as I bowed. "Life, health and prosperity to you, Lord Zaphenath-Paneah. It is a great honour to meet you."

  It was a wonder I still had my voice.

  "Greetings, Lady Asenath," Zaphenath-Paneah said. "Please arise."

  He dismissed the servant. Then he turned to me with a smile that was like the sun beaming down on a garden of many flowers.

  "How have you been, Asenath?" he asked.

  My hands grew sweaty. "I am very well, my lord. And yourself?"

  "Very well, thank you. Come sit. We have much to talk about."

  We.

  "Thank you, my lord."

  I struggled to maintain my composure. The vizier was smoulderingly handsome in a gleaming short-sleeved robe which showed off his strong arms. His hazel-olive eyes sparkled amidst the dark streaks of kohl.

  I sat across from him. I could swear my face was breaking out in a disgusting sweat.

  He lowered his voice. "By the way, since when am I my lord to you?"

  I looked at him, confused.

  He grinned. "It is when we are alone like this that you may continue to call me Joseph. I miss that name, to be honest."

  "If you wish. I was used to Joseph anyway."

  Immediately, I regretted saying that. It sounded so crude. I silently cursed myself.

  "I hear you are teaching the royal children," he said.

  My soul soared. Joseph had actually heard news about me.

  "Yes, I am," I said. "I quite enjoy it."

  He leaned forward in a casual pose. "Tell me all about it. In fact, tell me everything that has been happening with you, Asenath. It's been so long."

  "It has indeed." I told him about the move, my classes and the rehearsals for the play. "And that's about it. Not much to tell, I know."

  "I wouldn't say that," Joseph said. "It sounds exciting. You have had a fulfilled life."

  "I guess. I mean, thank you." What was wrong with me? "How about you? How is life as vizier?"

  "It is demanding, yet fulfilling. I am grateful for the opportunity, but sometimes the work can be quite taxing." He paused. "I am so happy to see you again."

  My face grew very hot.

  Pharaoh and Queen Ahmose appeared. Immediately, Joseph and I got up and prostrated.

  "I apologise for having kept you waiting," Pharaoh said after he bade us rise. "Shall we go to lunch now?"

  "Yes, Majesty," Joseph said.

  I was stunned. A Pharaoh never apologised. To whom need a living god account?

  It turned out that Joseph and I were the only guests.

  We took our seats. I expected Pharaoh to make some sort of announcement, like he always did at affairs. But instead, he leaned toward Joseph and began talking with him quietly.

  "Lady Asenath," Queen Ahmose said. "How is my daughter faring in class? How is her academic prowess?"

  I turned to her. I wondered what this was going to lead to. "She is a very bright child, Majesty. I daresay she is the brightest in her class. She displays understanding."

  At a pause in the middle of the meal, I looked toward my dear one. I hoped to have a chance to talk with him again, even if we could not be as intimate as we
had been earlier.

  "But she is a fast learner, you say?" my royal mistress' voice broke through my thoughts. "She picks up concepts quicker than her other classmates?"

  I nearly sighed. "Yes, Majesty. Unlike a lot of the other children, I do not need to explain things to her twice."

  Soon, the last course was over and we were rising from our seats. Pharaoh thanked me for coming, then whisked Joseph away to a meeting.

  I was disappointed. But I had faith I would see my dear one again. I relished every moment of that all too brief meeting, treasuring it and holding it close to my heart like a promise.

  I dwelt on it, even as I conducted classes the following day. When I let my students out for morning break, I immersed myself deep into these beautiful thoughts.

  "On your knees before His Excellency Lord Zaphenath-Paneah, Vizier of the Two Lands."

  I nearly tripped as I lowered myself to the ground.

  Joseph bade us rise. I got up to see him smiling as he headed toward me.

  "Life, health and prosperity to you, Lady Asenath," he said.

  "Life, health and prosperity to you, Lord Zaphenath-Paneah." I swallowed. "Ah, um, it is a great honour to have you here."

  "It is a great honour to be here." He winked.

  I blushed.

  Princess Hatshepsut ran up to him. She took his hand.

  He looked down at her and smiled. "Life, health and prosperity to you, your Royal Highness. May you live forever."

  He gave her a slight bow.

  "You honour me with your presence, Lord Zapanah," the child said solemnly.

  Joseph and I exchanged smiles, amused. She sounded so much like her parents in their royal court sessions.

  "I brought a friend for you and your classmates today," Joseph said to the princess. He motioned to a servant.

  She came forward with a monkey in her arms.

  My pupils cried out in amazement. Joseph took the monkey and sat on the rim of a fountain. He propped the small animal on his lap as the children flocked over and indulged it.

  I looked on, impressed. Joseph had a way with everyone—young and old, rich and poor, free man and slave, Egyptian and foreigner. Now it seemed the fountain at his back sparkled with joy at the sight of him.

  Joseph looked at me. "You children are very fortunate to have a teacher like Lady Asenath."

  "Yes. Lady Senat is great fun."