he mourning period passed. I still felt heavyhearted, but I managed to bring my family into a routine. Rachel now slept with me, which pleased her, being the only girl in the bedroom. After the first few nights, the loneliness overcame me, so I woke her and dragged her into bed with me. She had slept in Malachi’s place ever since.
Tobiah and Jared came to me to discuss the possibility of Jared taking me as a second wife, but I politely refused. A few days later, Bilhan came to me and asked me the same thing. I refused him also, and told him he had two families’ worth of children he had to take care of without adding five more.
Then Uriyah came to me. He stopped me as I returned from the estate and offered to walk me back to the farm where the children were with Hepsati. I agreed, not thinking much of it, and as we walked, he talked.
“Naomi, how are you faring?”
I sighed deeply. “Well, considering. The Commander has sent servants to assist Joshua on the farm, and has sent extra money to Samuel to ensure Zakkai completes his education.”
“That’s very generous of him.”
I smiled. “Malachi asked him to before he died. I’m just glad he’s honoring it.”
We rounded a corner onto the dirt road leading down to the farming area by the river. “Naomi, I have a question.”
“And what may that be?”
“Have either of Malachi’s brothers made arrangements to take you to wife?”
I pulled uncomfortably at my robe. “They have offered, but I refused.”
“Why is that?”
“Tobiah already has two wives,” I answered with a shrug. “And Jared, well, he looks like Malachi. It would be strange.”
We fell silent again for the last stretch to our farm, and when we saw the three houses along the road, he said, “May I take some bread? I don’t mean to intrude, but I have been working all day.”
“No, it’s fine. Come inside while I get some for you.”
I opened the door for him, before going to the storage shed to bring him some food. I brought bread and dried fish and set it in front of him. He smiled and broke off a piece of bread and ate it.
“Naomi, for a girl who had her nose stuck over scrolls all day growing up; you somehow managed to become a gifted cook.”
“Thank you.” I smiled and turned to bring him some water.
He grabbed my wrist. “Sit. I need to talk to you.”
I sat across from him and waited for him to speak.
He stared at me as he chewed, then put down what he had in his hand. “Naomi, I don’t know if you know this or not, but, when I first came to your father for a wife, I hadn’t intended to take Adina.”
“I know,” I said calmly. “Samuel told me.”
He nodded. “Yes, of course, he was there.” He leaned forward slightly. “Do you remember the first time we met?”
I laughed. “Oh yes. I was thirteen and it was the annual festival where we had to dance―”
“And you pulled me out of the crowd to be your dance partner.” He grinned. “And I have hated having to dance every year since.”
I smiled and sat back, remembering the simpler times.
Then he grabbed my hand. “Naomi, I have a proposition for you.”
I looked at him, feeling alarmed. I had a bad feeling that I knew where this was going.
“I would still like you as my wife. I wouldn’t make you leave this farm, and I know of your condition, so I know you will produce no children for me. I just wish to support you and give you a husband to care for you.”
I examined his face. There was something not right with the whole proposal, something unsavory. Then I saw it. He had wanted me as his wife originally, and now he could have me. There was no father to refuse him, no husband in the way. I saw in his eyes what marrying him would mean, and I knew I couldn’t do that to my own sister. It would not become immediately apparent, but over time, he would begin to favor me because I had always been his first choice.
I pulled my hand out of his and said, “Go back to Adina, Uriyah. I’m not interested in remarrying at this time.”
“Naomi, you need someone to watch over you and your children. Malachi and I were friends, he would not disapprove of the union, and Adina would love that her sister―”
“She doesn’t know you have come to me like this?” I gasped, jumping to my feet.
He slowly rose in front of me. “Adina has a tender heart. I believe it best not to tell her until the arrangement has been made.”
“I can’t do this. Please leave.” I motioned for the door.
He came around the table and grabbed me by the shoulders. “You are being irrational. I will return when you are no longer overcome with grief and have a clear mind.”
“I do have a clear mind,” I responded. “My sister loves you and has had ten children with you, but you come here to me without even telling her. I cannot betray my sister like that.”
“Then I will go tell her and return to you,” he said firmly.
I shook my head. “No.”
He looked frustrated for a moment, before he laughed. “You are the more troublesome of the two of you. Don’t you ever wonder how different your life would have been if your father had just accepted me as your husband? How simple and uncomplicated―”
“I wouldn’t have been able to protect my sisters,” I said, pointing at his chest. “I wouldn’t have Tut and Itani, and I never would have met Malachi or brought his brothers here to marry Laban’s daughters. I don’t regret for one moment the choices that led me down the path I have walked.”
“You stubborn woman.” He let me go and stepped back. “I’ll give you some time to think about what I am offering you.”
He turned and walked out the door.
I folded my arms in irritation and huffed. I didn’t need any time to think about what he had offered; my decision was made. I would not marry him because it would hurt my sister when she discovered he wanted me all along. Adina didn’t deserve that.
I heard the chariots racing through the streets and glanced down at my children to see them step out of the road, but look like nothing out of the ordinary was happening. Rachel grabbed Ezra’s hand to make sure he didn’t suddenly take flight, just before the three chariots burst onto the street. I dropped the bucket back into the well, glancing quickly at Tut as he raced by. I still wished he would just use the arenas set up for racing. He always seemed to cause some kind of damage or injury when he raced through the streets.
I finished drawing water for Horemheb’s house and headed back. I didn’t have much to do that day, so while my children ran around playing, I emptied the water into the storage jugs and went to see if any curtains or blankets needed repair. I found most rooms well maintained, so made my way swiftly through the house. Then, in the library, I paused at the sound of voices. I wasn’t one to normally be alarmed by such a thing as I got along with Horemheb’s staff, but I heard one say Kiya.
“She saw her leaving his room in the morning,” the maidservant whispered. “It seems that all along he has known she was alive and has been biding his time for the right moment.”
“But I don’t see it. I mean, the king has always shown a discreet interest in her, and little Itani called her Mama, so it must be so, but Kiya was magnificent, powerful, educated. Naomi is just a Hebrew. I can’t see the master loving her.”
“He may not anymore. He may just see her as a breeding vessel. She has proved to be good at bearing children, and he must be growing desperate for an heir.”
I turned to rush away, not wanting to hear anymore, but found myself face to face with Horemheb.
He gazed down at me with a stern expression. “They have all been gossiping about us these past few months,” he said in a low voice. “You just say the word and I will end it.”
I dropped my gaze. “No, they’re your servants. I will not assume to have that kind of authority.”
He raised an eyebrow at me, but changed the subject. “I am hungry.”
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“Of course.” I bowed and rushed downstairs to prepare him some food.
He followed me down and sat across the table from me. I gave him a pomegranate while I prepared the food, and he talked to me while he waited. “Have any of your brothers-in-law made arrangements to take you as a second wife?”
I huffed. “They have all offered, but I turned them down. They each already have plenty to take care of without adding in my children and me. Adina’s husband has been irritatingly persistent though. Every couple of days he comes to see me, and I send him away.”
“And why is that?”
“I’m afraid he will favor me over her. I don’t want to hurt my sister like that.”
He smirked. “Your loyalty to your sisters is unfailing, even to this day. That is commendable.”
I smiled at him. “Thank you. They have always meant more to me than anything.”
“So…” He shifted forward in his chair. “If you do not wish to marry any of your brothers-in-law, will you―?”
“I have no desire to marry,” I said shortly, fearing he may ask me to marry him.
“Naomi, I don’t―”
“I appreciate the men you have arranged to help Joshua and Zakkai on the farm, and the extra pay has been a blessing, so we are doing fine.” I looked up through my lashes to see his expression but found it, as usual, completely unreadable.
“I’m glad. Your husband asked me to make sure you were well taken care of, not that I wouldn’t anyway.” He looked down as I placed some eggs and grilled fish in front of him. “Naomi, I wish to ask you―”
“Is that enough?” I asked, cutting him off. “I have some bread from yesterday that should be fine.”
He stood and looked down at me sternly as his voice rose. “Naomi, I am trying to speak to you.”
“Commander!” Tut’s voice rang out as he rushed into the room. “Do not speak to my mother in such tones.”
He grabbed me and pulled me behind him.
“I am sorry, Tut,” Horemheb said with a quick bow.
Tut turned and looked at me. “Are you all right?”
“I’m fine,” I answered. “Don’t be upset with Horemheb. I fear I may have shown him disrespect.”
He glared at Horemheb. “He doesn’t take kindly to that.”
He stepped over and met Horemheb’s eyes. I noticed then how much he had filled out. He still wasn’t as big as Horemheb across the shoulders, but he did look like a man now, and as he raised his chin ever so slightly, I saw a king. “Come, we need to talk.”
Horemheb bowed his head. “Yes, my lord.”
Tut looked back at me. “You should come, too. I know the servants of this house have discovered who you are to me, and I would very much like to hear your opinion.”
He turned and walked out the door. Horemheb and I rushed to follow.
He led us to the room where he often brought his subjects to discuss matters more privately. It was the same room Ay had been in when Itani’s childish screaming disturbed them, years earlier. He sat at the end of the table and rested his arms on it.
“Sit,” he ordered, and we moved to sit on either side of him. He smiled. “I must look extra kingly today.” He shook his head and chuckled. “Very good to know.”
He straightened and fell serious again. “As you both know, I have just had my nineteenth birthday, which is the age you, my dear mother, were when you gave birth to me. So, I have decided it is time for me to start being the Pharaoh I should be. I intend to make my father’s city a place of refuge and worship for those wishing to practice the religion of Aten. I know you, Commander, do not want this, but wish to have all memory of the place erased. However, I have known for quite some time that its location and geology are beneficial to this kingdom. So it will not be dismantled, but instead be a bridge between Upper and Lower Egypt.”
He looked directly at me and a smile crept across his face. “And now the Hebrew issue. From now on, the Hebrews will live in peace with the Egyptians. They will be treated fairly and equally and no longer called the slave race. They are just as noble as we are, and their great ancestor Joseph saved us from seven years of famine. We owe them our respect. They will be allowed to hold positions in the royal court and will represent themselves there.”
“My lord,” Horemheb interrupted. “As much as I agree with you, this will cause great contention among your subjects. Many will be disgruntled with you and may even try to take your life.”
He raised his chin. “I am Pharaoh. If I speak it, then it will be. No man shall dare defy me.”
“Tut,” Horemheb said gently. “Maybe you should work out a plan to slowly bring this idea about. Such an abrupt change would―”
“Enough, Commander!” he said sharply, making me jump. “It will happen. My mother’s people will be free. My siblings will not live their lives in fear or bondage.”
“Tut,” I began. “I believe in your cause…” His gaze shot to me with hope, but as I continued, the hope dulled. “But I agree with Horemheb about slowly instating it. Ay has always―”
“Ay?” Tut scoffed. “He is loyal to me. He will do as I say.”
“But there are so many others―”
He raised his hand to stop me. “Mama, my mind is made up.” He looked at Horemheb again. “There is one more issue I wish for you to attend to.”
“And what might that be?” Horemheb asked, folding his arms with a scowl.
“I need you to take the armies to Kadesh where the Hittites have been pressing on our borders again and reaping havoc.”
“Kadesh?” Horemheb’s frown deepened. “Tut, if you want to initiate these changes, I should stay here to support you. I can send one of my generals, or even Nahktmin; he has been itching for a fight.”
Tut shook his head. “I need you up there. They still fear you more than anyone else.”
“But I will be gone for months,” he hissed, glancing quickly at me. “ I don’t think sending me away would be―”
“Commander, you will go.”
The pair glared intensely at each other, communicating something between them that I couldn’t understand, but made me feel uneasy. I reached across and grabbed Tut’s hand, causing him to break his focus and look at me.
“I thought you wanted our opinions,” I said. “Why did you ask for them if you don’t want to hear them?”
“Because Ay has gotten into his head and corrupted him,” Horemheb snarled. “He wants to be rid of me so he can manipulate the boy away from his grand ideas back to what he wants.”
“I am not a boy!” Tut bellowed, rising to his feet. “And I have not been corrupted! I am old enough to think for myself and start running this kingdom the way I want to have it run.”
“Tut.” I reached for his hand again. “He’s not saying you cannot do that, he is just concerned for you.”
Tut looked down at me and laughed loudly. “Concerned for me? Mama, the only reason he doesn’t want to go is because he will have to leave you for many months. You should just let him bed you so he can focus on what I need of him.”
“Tutankhamen!” I exclaimed. “You know not to talk to me like that!”
He grabbed my arm roughly, pulling me hard against him. “I don’t care anymore. Papa is gone, so your resistance is no longer permissible.”
I looked up into his face startled, and saw a hint of the madness I once saw in Akhenaten’s eyes. Fear rose within me. Had my son inherited that terrible trait from his father?
“Let me go,” I said, trying to pull away.
He held tight. “Only if you promise to make Horemheb do my bidding. Promise you will lie with him and make him strong like he used to be.”
“Tut―”
“You are his weakness. You are slowly suffocating him”
“Stop it!” I went to slap him but he caught my hand. He twisted my arm and I yelped.
Horemheb launched to his feet. “When do you need me to leave?”
Tut grinned and let me go
roughly. I stumbled back and hit the table.
“By the end of the week,” he answered.
Horemheb clenched his fists and his jaw tightened. His rage was like nothing I had ever seen before. “Apologize to your mother.”
Tut scoffed. “Do you dare order me?” But he looked down at me, and like his father before him, my distress seemed to soften him and bring him back. His shoulders slumped as he reached out for me. “Mama, I don’t know what came over me.”
I pushed his hand away. “Stay away from me. I don’t want to be treated like that ever again.”
I turned and rushed out, and behind me, I heard Horemheb say, “You behaved exactly as your father used to…”
oremheb left for Kadesh, so I stopped going to the estate. As a result, I stopped seeing Tut. I didn’t like that the last time I saw him, we parted bitterly. I sent several messages to him through Gerlind when she came once a month to visit, but I never heard anything back.
Then, one day, I heard rumors of a very serious chariot accident, where a man had fallen into a crocodile’s nest. I grew exceedingly worried for Tut, and tried with urgency to see how he was. I desperately hoped it wasn’t him, so when an announcement for the king’s death never came, my mind eased.
Late one night, a loud knocking on the door woke me. I rushed to answer it, but Zakkai beat me.
“Commander!” he exclaimed with alarm.
“I need your mother,” Horemheb said with desperation in his voice.
I came forward, resting my hand on Zakkai’s shoulder. “Horemheb, you’re supposed to be at war.”
“You must come immediately.” He pushed into the house and found me a shawl and veil.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, frightened for Tut.
He looked at Zakkai. “How old are you now, boy?”
“I’m twelve,” Zakkai answered, confused.
“Good, you can watch over your siblings then, can’t you?”
“Yes, but…”
Horemheb grabbed me by the waist and pushed me out the door. He handed me the shawl and ordered me to put it on.
“Horemheb, you’re frightening me,” I said. “Is Tut all right?”
KIYA: Rise of a New Dynasty (Kiya Trilogy Book 3) Page 13
