The Eternal Spell by Rebecca Cohen

Author:Rebecca Cohen [Cohen, Rebecca]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-10-07T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Osahar stretched, he’d been bent over this papyrus for hours. He was tired, thirsty, and ached in ways he hadn’t thought possible. The pharaoh had a new project and all the scribes were being kept busy writing the stories as commanded. Osahar hoped this would pass soon as it was relentless work and given its importance, there was no room for error.

“You look like you could use this.”

He glanced up to see Baniti. They had spoken a few times and he was one of the priests who had been kind to him. He was holding a cup. Baniti was so handsome, and Osahar was probably being a bit of an idiot thinking he was being anything other than just nice to ensure the pharaoh’s project was completed on time. But he could pretend Baniti might be interested in him for more than his writing skills.

The cup contained beer, and it tasted wonderful. “Thank you. It has been a long day.”

Baniti held out his hand and Osahar took it and let him pull him to his feet. “You have done more than enough. Come, I will see you are well-fed.”

They were still holding hands and Baniti didn’t seem to want to let go, so Osahar let him lead them out of the room he had been working in. He realised that the other scribes had already gone but it was not unknown for him to get lost in his work.

This was not the first time Baniti had come to check on his welfare. Over the last few weeks he had brought him drink or food, but he had never held his hand. Osahar wasn’t sure what to make of it all, he’d never come to the attention of anyone of importance before, and throughout his studies hadn’t been pursued in any romantic sense. He’d never been kissed, and when his peers had crept away to meet girls or other boys he’d stayed in the dormitory, not wanting to be caught and risk his future. He’d heard stories that many of the priests had favourites, and Baniti had taken many lovers, the idea he might be interested in Osahar made his heart beat a little faster.

“Thank you for this.”

“You do not need to thank me. Why don’t we collect some food and take it outside and find some cool shade? I have a private terrace we can use.”

“I would like that very much.”

He let Baniti lead him through the palace. Once at the kitchens, a servant jumped to fulfil Baniti’s request for a meal for them and within minutes he had a heavily laden basket and were on their way again. “The kitchens must’ve thought you needed feeding up,” Baniti said as they emerged into the grounds of the palace. “There will be plenty spare for you to eat later.”

Osahar had not been in this area before, the palace had many places where only certain people were allowed, and while as a scribe he had more freedom than some, the priests were much more favoured.

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