Neferura by Malayna Evans

Author:Malayna Evans
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sourcebooks

THIRTEEN

Iset’s news soothes my heavy heart. No one can replace the life that’s soon to be lost. But knowing another life is just beginning reminds me that while my world is falling apart, elsewhere, the people of Kemet are thriving. It’s not enough. But it is something.

I read the scroll Satiah passed me as I left the temple this morning one more time.

In life, prosperity, and health and in the favor of the gods and goddesses, I write with news. I assume you’re in your study, sitting at your desk as you read this. I hope so. You’ll want privacy and a sturdy chair to receive my news. It’s come as quite a shock to me, and I suspect you’ll be equally amazed.

I’m with child! A girl! (Yes, wheat sprouted.)

I tracked our trusty scribe down as soon as I knew and will get this note to Satiah once I’m able. Aside from Meriptah, you’re the one person I’m most anxious to tell. In spite of my own mother dying in childbirth, I’m thrilled. I remind myself that every mother doing laundry, calculating household expenses, or worshipping at a temple today survived what I’m facing. If they lived through the ordeal, surely I can as well. I pray to Taweret daily and make all the proper donations to the goddesses.

As for other news, I worry about you constantly. I know Set is back. (A perfect code name for your chaotic half brother, by the way.) He’s not done wreaking havoc, that much is certain. I’ve grown close with the scorpions who live in the village (would you ever have guessed they were here all along?), but their lips are sealed as tightly as the tombs of your ancestors whenever I bring up Hathor. There is one girl, younger than the rest, who has become almost a friend. I’ve plied her with beer, and some interesting news has spilled out. I’ve learned that there are five scorpions working in the palace at the moment. Apparently one girl is an accomplished forger, and another is gifted at disguise. They say she can even make Hathor’s tattoos disappear. You are surrounded by powerful women. Never forget it.

You’ll be relieved to know they were also true to their word. Father is working in the tombs, and I have a job with the seamstress, Maia. I am her assistant, which is second only to being your handmaid. I haven’t met the wisewoman yet, though she did send word requesting a special commission. Whatever she’s plotting now, a dress with secret pockets and a reversible man’s kilt are on their way to her. I have no idea what she’s up to. I do wonder if you know more.

This distance is untenable! To my never-ending horror, it turns out that gossip about court is not nearly as useful as court gossip.

Write soon and tell me everything. I’ve been dying to know if your hunch about the identity of the girl in the window panned out.

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