Hot and tired I left the paving, and stepping onto the cool grass I began to move towards the sound. I knew that Disenk was following, but in the receding cacophony of the banqueting hall and the enveloping hush of the garden I could not discern her footfalls. Before long I came in sight of the fountain, a column of fluid crystal falling ceaselessly into its wide limestone basin. “Wait here,” I ordered Disenk. “I need to drink.” Going forward I approached the water, and leaning in and cupping my hands I interrupted the turbulent flow. I drank thirstily then dribbled the water down my neck and over my breasts.
I was just shaking the droplets from my fingers when I caught a movement out of the corner of my eye. Someone else was here, a dark shape on the other side of the glittering spout. It stirred, rose, and came towards me. Prince Ramses stepped out of the shadows. In momentary confusion I turned as if to flee, but it was too late. “It is the little physician, the latest harem acquisition, is it not?” he said. “What are you doing out here alone?” His tone was sharp, and as I performed a hurried obeisance and collected my thoughts I suddenly realized why. I straightened with a smile.
“No, Prince, I am not here for a clandestine assignation,” I replied. “My servant waits over there. I am on my way back to my own quarters.” He came closer, placing one foot on the rim of the basin and loosely linking his hands.
“It was hot in the hall, and the entertainment bores me,” he went on. “I have seen it all before. Besides, I do not like to sit there and watch my father grovel before lesser men.”
His words shocked me. Had he spoken them as if to himself, musing, because I was nothing more to him than the whispering trees or the shrouded flower beds that surrounded us? They contravened everything I had believed regarding the rigid code of loyalty by which the members of the immediate royal family lived. I stared at him, the last of the wine fumes dissipating. His kilt and linen helmet were smudges of grey in the dimness and his face was darkly indistinct. The oil that bedewed his body glistened dully in the starlight.
I did not want to speak up on behalf of Hui, not after the splendour-filled hours I had just dreamed through. I wanted to continue to float on a cloud of fantasy. But such an opportunity would not come again. Gathering up my native courage I said hesitantly, “I suppose that you are referring to the High Priest of Amun, Highness. I have heard that he commands while the Good God rules. It is a rumour that distresses many.”
For the first time I felt his attention become abruptly, completely, fixed on me. With a tiny grinding sound his foot left the stone of the basin and he took two swift steps. Now I could see his eyes, dusky yet reflecting the silver of the stars as they scanned me keenly.
“Is that so?” he murmured. “Is it indeed? How many does it distress, I wonder? Are you one of them, my little concubine?” He put one finger under my chin, lifting my face towards what light there was. I wanted to turn and press my lips into his palm. I met his exploration without flinching, deliberately storing up the feel of his skin against mine, the warmth of his breath across my cheeks and mouth, the sight of his features so breathtakingly close. The constant ululation of the falling water was all at once very loud in the moment of stillness while he studied me. “You really are quite beautiful,” he said at last. “And intelligent too, or so my father says. Such a combination is not always a good thing, Physician Thu, but then what does it matter when you are one woman among a thousand, eh?” He smiled, revealing his even white teeth, and bent his head lower. For one glorious second I thought he was going to kiss me, and panic, desire and prudence fought for control within me. But he only repeated his question. “Do such rumours distress you, Thu?” I was sure that he was aware of the tiny movement into him my body made, the lightning betrayal of my craving for his perfect body. Politely I pulled away from his grasp and bowed.
“The harem is always full of rumours, Highness,” I answered. “Most of them do not merit serious consideration. But the Living God is Amun’s incarnation here on earth and it is a distortion of Ma’at that a mere priest should have ascendancy over the Divine. If he does.”
“Well said!” Ramses commented drily. “You should be elevated to Egypt’s diplomatic corps, for your words are clever and yet tactful. Physician, talented concubine and now amateur official of the Double Crown. What next, I wonder?” His tone was sarcastic and my damnably fiery temper flared at it.
“I am a loyal Egyptian, Highness!” I snapped. “One among many who abhor the stranglehold the priesthood has on this country. And judging by your words a short time ago you are one of them, are you not?” I could have bitten off my tongue as soon as I heard what I had said but it was too late. Ramses was tugging at one of the wings of his helmet, eyes narrowed, seemingly unperturbed by my outburst. When he spoke it was with a smooth scorn.
“The fellahin in the fields are also loyal Egyptians,” he said evenly, “but their opinions on the subtleties of government are about as sophisticated as the baying of desert dogs under the moon. Likewise the opinions of foolish young harem inmates. I strongly advise you to keep yours to yourself, Thu, and do your best to remember your station.” Now a note of humour had crept into his voice. “If you can, of course, which is doubtful.”
“But you started it!” I almost shouted at him in frustration, sounding very much like the baying desert dog of his analogy. My fists were clenched. “Change my opinion, Highness! Inform me on the subtleties of government!” He regarded me critically but another smile hovered around his mouth.
“I begin to see why my father is becoming besotted with you,” he said. “Take my advice. Use your energies to become a good and loyal concubine, and leave weightier matters to your superiors. Love my father. He deserves this.” I opened my mouth to answer but he raised an imperious hand. “You have gone far enough. Sleep well.” Rounding on his heel he strode away and was soon lost in the gentle night before I could do him the customary reverence.
I sank onto the edge of the fountain and ground my teeth, maddened now by its stupid, interminable patter, lust and rage and admiration and humiliation churning inside me. Well, at least he will never again look through me, I told myself furiously. I can only hope that he does not take my foolish comments seriously.
But then, as I regained control of myself and began to walk back to where Disenk waited patiently, I knew that above all men I wanted Prince Ramses to think of me, to remember my words and how I said them, to ponder the sight of my face under the starlight and how my chin had felt under his hand. It does no harm to have a second arrow ready to fit to my bow if the first goes awry, I thought, as the path came into view and Disenk detached herself from the shadows. Perhaps I can gain the Prince’s respect if Pharaoh tires of me. I was turning the matter over in my mind as Disenk and I crossed the vast concourse before the main entrance to the palace, now dotted with litters and guards and sleepy, grumbling guests, and veered towards the harem entrance.
Just before answering the harem guards’ challenge I glanced back. Ast-Amasareth, a ghostly presence, was watching me from the murky grove of trees. Quickly I passed out of her vision but my spine was prickling as I came to the safety of my own courtyard. The power that the Great Royal Wife could project was considerable and I wondered fleetingly if she was a practitioner of magic. Probably. She was a mysterious and troubling woman.
16
AST-AMASARETH SENT FOR ME the following noon. I had eaten some fruit and bread in the gloom of my cell with the door closed against the noise of the children outside, had Disenk apply my face paint, and was standing with my arms over my head so that she could pull a sheath down over my body when the Queen’s emissary arrived. I emerged from the linen to see him staring at me curiously. “Concubine Thu?” he said. “The Chief Wife invites you to her quarters. I will escort you there.” I nodded and Disenk, fastening a collar of enamelled flowers around my neck, took the opportunity to whisper, “Eat and drink nothing, Thu! Remember!” I touched her shoulder in response. She slipped on my sandals and I signall
ed to the man, following him across the child-and toy-littered grass.
We left the courtyard, turned right along the narrow path, and then right again at the entrance from which I had seen Ast, the Lady of the Two Lands, emerge with her son some time ago. A guard rose from his seat, saluted my guide, and we passed along a short passage open to the sky. Ahead were heavy cedar doors traced in silver, both firmly closed. Before we reached them we turned sharply left and I found myself bathed once more in sunshine. This courtyard was blessedly silent but for the slight rustle of a hot breeze in the spreading trees that surrounded a large central pond. The fountain here was smaller, more ornate than the one whose murmur filled my dreams, a shower of water not intended for the distraction of restless children but for the soothing of royal kas.
The wall surrounding the whole was carved in huge reliefs depicting Pharaoh seated in the Double Crown, receiving the symbol of life from Amun and dishes of delicacies from his adoring wives. The glyphs, those I could read as I passed under the dappled shade of the pomegranate and sycamore fig trees, wished His Majesty life, prosperity and happiness for millions of years. The servant led me up a flight of stairs that clung to the inner wall, across a short, girded landing, and straight into a large reception room through which a cool wind was blowing.
The Chief Wife was seated in a low chair before a table, one hand in the grasp of a servant girl who was kneading fragrant oil into the long fingers. At the far end of the room, a square opening gave me a glimpse into another room where a large couch stood, draped in fine linen and scattered with red cushions. Beside the Chief Wife’s ebony chair reared a graceful lamp stand in the likeness of a young Nubian boy kneeling with the lamp itself fixed to his shoulders. A cosmetic table littered with pots and brushes took up a portion of the nearer wall. There were tiring chests, a scoured brazier, a small shrine, all the expected furnishings of a great lady’s abode, yet the impression was one of austerity and restrained taste. A rectangle of brilliant white light cast from one of the high windows fell across a scarlet cloak flung over another chair. Its barbaric, lusty shimmer seemed at variance with the subdued atmosphere around it and made me slightly uneasy.
But the man was announcing me. “It is the concubine Thu, Majesty.” Ast-Amasareth, withdrawing her hand from her servant’s reverent clutches, waved me forward. Majesty, I thought as my arms went out and I lowered my head in respectful greeting. Of course she is. A legitimate wife and a Queen. Do not forget it, Thu my girl!
“Come and sit,” the voice like slithering gravel mixed with honey commanded. “Take the stool. If a child like you can be said to look tired, then you look tired under your facepaint. Did you enjoy the festivities last night?” I lowered myself onto the rush weaving of the stool and swiftly studied her. No, she was not beautiful. Her nose really was too small and I noticed that her teeth, as she spoke, were as uneven as her oddly twisted mouth. The henna she used on her lips was a richer, deeper colour than usual, as though she had decided to brazenly emphasize one of her defects. Instead of repulsing it served to increase her strange attraction. I shifted my gaze to her undeniably gorgeous eyes and smiled politely.
“I enjoyed them very much, Majesty. Such occasions are new to me.”
“Indeed.” The servant was now pushing rings onto the graceful fingers. When she had finished she bowed and began to pour wine into two goblets. Ast-Amasareth made no move to pick up her cup. “I daresay that in time the novelty of Pharaoh’s feasts will wear off and you will become as jaded with them as our handsome Prince.” She was watching me carefully. “He can be counted upon to disappear at some point during the entertainments, only to be found by his guards communing with the moon in some secluded spot. By the fountain perhaps.” She smiled faintly, her mouth distorting. Now it was my turn to say, “Indeed,” and nod sagely, but everything in me was tensing. Hui had told me that the Chief Wife was wise. She was cunning also. Such a woman would not expect to cling to power only through her ability to mesmerize Pharaoh. It had not occurred to me before, but certainly she had a net of spies throughout the palace and the harem. I had come under her speculating eye. Someone had been set to watch me, had seen me with Ramses. It did not matter now, for I was no threat to a Queen, but perhaps in the future I might be forced to fight fire with fire. Whom, besides Disenk and Hunro, could I trust? I forced a laugh.
“That is exactly where I found him last night!” I exclaimed. “I was returning to my quarters and detoured to the fountain for a drink. He addressed me and favoured me with a few words. He is a gracious Prince and a fitting Heir to the Horus Throne.” Ast-Amasareth’s smile widened over the jumbled teeth.
“Oh, but he has not yet been designated Heir,” she said. “Pharaoh has many sons and spends much time agonizing over the succession but he cannot decide who is most fitting. Besides, he fears a fatal challenge from whomever he ultimately chooses. Young blood runs hot and reckless in young men, dear Thu, as I am sure you must know, and our King does right to dread a knife in the back from an ungrateful son who feels that his father’s usefulness is over.” Languidly she pushed a cup towards me but I was only vaguely aware of the gesture.
“I cannot imagine Prince Ramses capable of such perfidy,” I said slowly. “He is a good son, angry on his father’s behalf at the deference the Living God is forced to pay to the High Priest of Amun. He told me so himself.”
“Did he?” The Chief Wife’s voice had become a sympathetic purr. “But perhaps the Prince is jealous of the attention his pious father pays to the servants of the God. Perhaps he is burning to be designated Egypt’s Heir and they advise another. Perhaps his anger is not so pure.” I saw the trap in time and managed to swallow the fiery retort that was already burning my throat.
“It may be so,” I replied. “In any case, such matters are too high for me. My task is to please the King and mind my own business.” At that she chuckled and flicked a hand impatiently at the wine.
“You are not the first female to have her head turned by the Prince’s virile beauty,” she said straightforwardly. “He does venture into amorous fields from time to time but he prefers his wife’s bed and he would not, of course, risk his father’s extreme displeasure by copulating with a royal concubine no matter how lovely.” Her knowing eyes brushed mine, held, wandered away. “Drink, my dear, and appease your appetite with a morsel or two.” I shook my head.
“Thank you, Majesty, but no. I rose late and have only just broken my fast.” She looked at me shrewdly, picked up her cup, sipped, then set it back on the table.
“There!” she said. “The wine was poured in your sight from one jug. I have sampled it and am I not still smiling, foolish one?” Oh gods, I thought resignedly. There is no hiding from this woman.
“Majesty,” I sighed, “at the risk of incurring your wrath I must say that I am a physician. I know full well that there are poisons which can be taken in tiny amounts and do no harm but when drained will kill. Such a poison might work slowly in your body and cause you a trifling discomfort hours from now when I am lying dead. Forgive me.” Ast-Amasareth’s lids lowered slowly over her dark eyes, then lifted again. She wet her lips reflectively and sat back, crossing one well-oiled leg over the other.
“My dear, my very dear Thu,” she said wearily. “In the first place you greatly overestimate your importance. At the moment you are high in Pharaoh’s favour but that favour does not extend beyond his bedchamber. In the corridors of state power you are nothing, and it is those corridors that I walk with His Majesty. Why, then, would I take the trouble to poison you? In the second place, I do not wish to spoil his pleasure or have you replaced with someone who will not keep him so amenable. A satisfied man is a happy man. Do we understand one another?” I swallowed. My throat was parched, burning with more than thirst. Her cool, veiled insult, her succinct, pitiless assessment of my position, had gone straight to the target of my pride.
“Perfectly, Majesty,” I managed with laudable steadiness. “However, Your Majesty will forg
ive me if I still decline your offer of refreshment.”
She inclined her head as if expecting such a reply, drank deeply, leaned forward to finger the sweetmeats on the plate before her, then said, “You come from the home of Hui the Seer I believe. He is a strange man. Tell me how you came to be under his roof.” I relaxed a little then and recounted the story I had already told Pharaoh, omitting the things I felt might be used against me. The Chief Wife listened with interest, and when I had finished she regarded me silently for a long time during which I became aware of the complete hush in which we sat. No outside sound disturbed these quarters. After my small cell in the turbulent concubines’ block it was a welcome quiet.
At last she said calmly, “There are rumours in the city that the Seer secretly pits his great powers against the priesthood of Amun and gathers about him those men who dream treason.” My gaze flew to hers. Shock raced up and down my spine, and all at once the hush became a smothering blanket and I had to fight to breathe. Surely Ast-Amasareth was a witch! I forced my eyebrows upward.
“I know nothing of such a thing, Majesty,” I responded with as much indignation as I could muster. “The Seer is a kind man who is dedicated to his medicines and his visions. Such rumours are surely the idle words of lesser men, for is my mentor not dedicated to Pharaoh’s welfare and the welfare of his family?” Ast-Amasareth held up an impatient hand.
“Very well! Very well! Your own loyalty does you credit! Let us say no more on the matter.” The hand made a brushing motion. “You may leave me now, Thu. You are more astute than your age and demeanour suggest, therefore I warn you to guard your tongue and let your ambitions extend no further than the warmth of Pharaoh’s bed. You are dismissed.” I rose at once, made my obeisance, and backed to the door, uncomfortably aware that she was watching my every move closely. It was with great relief that I was able to turn my back on her at last and follow the waiting servant down the stairs and across the still-deserted garden. I felt as though a giant had lifted me, shaken me, and set me down roughly so that everything in me rattled.
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