The Desert Queen Collection by M L Bullock

Author:M L Bullock [Bullock, M L]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Unknown
Published: 2016-12-31T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

The Aten—Nefret

When the litter stopped at the dock, I could scarcely believe my eyes as I peeked out from behind the sheer curtain. I had heard of boats and had seen men fish from small flat ones at the Biyat Oasis once, but this was altogether different. This boat was larger than any I could have imagined, and already the sounds of celebration had begun even though Amenhotep and I had only just arrived. A billowing white canvas was staked into the ground, and we were invited to embark under it. Unsure how to behave, I followed Amenhotep’s example. I kept the smile from my lips and trained my face to remain unaffected by it all. It was a difficult task.

As soon as I stepped on board my stomach lurched, but I hoped the unsettled feeling would subside soon. If I could survive juniper wine, I could survive anything.

The boat seemed more like a floating palace than anything else. The flat, wide bottom must have helped keep the thing afloat, and for the first few minutes I had a secret fear that we would all sink. More billowing fabric hung from the sides, protecting the occupants from the bright Egyptian sun. It floated and popped in the breeze that blew in from the river. The cedar floors were sturdy, and I could see carpeted floors just inside the doorway. Stepping inside after my attendant, I marveled at the blue walls bursting with images of crocodiles, birds and a myriad of other fascinating animals that were unknown to me. We walked through the open room and through another door. Inside was a bedroom with sumptuous carpets, flickering gold decorations and the faint smoke of incense. I swallowed nervously and looked about the room.

It appeared I would share my chambers with Amenhotep, but that did not surprise me. I was to be his queen now.

“Your bed is made, lady. Food is here too. Would you like me to pour you a bath?”

“Maybe later. What is your name?”

“Menmet, lady.” She cast her eyes down, but I could see a small smile on her face. Menmet had an interesting accent, one I had never heard before. She was small, not as petite as Queen Tiye but much shorter than I. And she wore very few clothes. Her gown was sheer, so sheer that I could see her dark nipples through the fabric. Egypt was a strange place. I hoped I would not be expected to walk around so. I blushed and turned my attention to my surroundings.

I walked to an open window and watched the crowd that had gathered at the dock. A few well-wishers had followed us, but now there were many, including a large number of priests. I knew these were the priests of Amun because they wore leopard skins. No others, besides Pharaoh, could wear those. They stared at us, whispering amongst themselves.

“Menmet. What are they doing here?” I might as well ask someone who might know the reason for this gathering.

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