Procession Of The King: The Apprentice Of Anubis #10 by Laura Greenwood

Author:Laura Greenwood [Greenwood, Laura]
Language: eng
Format: epub

Eleven

The mortuary complex is eerily quiet at this point in the evening, highlighting the fact that the work around the mummification of the Pharaoh is complete. It's a strange turn of events, at home, we'd just have the next body to work on. Or more accurately, we'd probably have started working on another one weeks ago while the first was in the waiting stages of mummification.

But I guess things are different for the ruler of an empire.

I turn down the corridor which leads to the room where the Pharaoh is laid to rest, feeling somewhat alone without Nik and Matia beside me, but I need to be watching over the Pharaoh in five minutes, and Matia still needs to run off some energy.

The door to the animal mortuary swings open and the High Blessed steps out with a second man in tow. I think I recognise him as one of the other priests from Cairo, but we've never spoken. The only thing I know about him is that he's Blessed, and that's only because of the jackal beside him.

I step back and dip my head to the High Blessed.

"A moment, Blessed Priestess," he commands in a voice that makes it clear he's used to being obeyed.

I freeze and only remember to nod after I process what's happening. The High Blessed has barely spoken to me this entire time, which isn't entirely unexpected considering the difference in our stations.

"I do not know what to make of you, Blessed Priestess Ankhesenamun." He studies me intently, as if hoping that I'll reveal the answers to his questions without him having to ask them.

"I don't think I follow." My mouth is dry from the nerves and I'm more aware than ever that we're currently standing in a corridor.

"Hmm. By all reports, you seem to want nothing to do with Temple Politics."

"I prefer to work with the dead over dealing with the living," I respond honestly.

"And yet you took charge of the animal mummification."

"I was the one with the experience." And the mentor in the room to encourage me to do it. Without Khafre and Hotep's influence, I'd never have ended up being the one in charge.

"Hmm. And the future Pharaoh's interest?" he asks.

My gaze flits to the man behind him, but he only seems mildly interested in the exchange. "I believe that was mostly to do with my previous connection to Prince Ramesses rather than my position in the temple." I hate the way the words sound even as I say them, but I also know they're at least partly true.

"And here we are back at my conundrum, Blessed Priestess. You say you want no hand in politics, but then you play the game better than anyone else."

I look directly at the High Blessed. "Perhaps that's because I'm not actually trying to play. I am merely here to serve Anubis in whatever way he sees fit." My Blessed Sense tingles as I speak, taking me by surprise, but I manage to keep it off my face.

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