Disclaimer/Author's Note: Obviously, I do not own the Bible. I was simply reading the story of Joseph, and I came across a mention of his wife, Asenath. I wondered, how in the world would a man so upright and Godly come to marry an Egyptian woman, daughter of an Egyptian priest? I almost instantly had the idea for this story. I have done quite a bit of research, and realize that there has been an apocryphal account of Joseph and Asenath. However, this is my story, and I'm sticking to it! If there are any similarities between my story and this alternate account, they are completely unintentional.
Also, since no one truly knows when Joseph became viceroy of Egypt, I am writing this story as if it occurs under the reign of Pharaoh Djoser. I also claim that the great architect, Imhotep, is his son. If this offends you (and I truly hope that it does not), I apologize right now. I just wanted to let you know before I get flames from some Egyptian history buff.
Introduction
My given name is Asenath. My father, Potipherah, is a priest of Atum in the city of Heliopolis. When I was a child, my mother wanted me to be a priestess to Anath. My father eventually talked her out of it, but not before my training had taught me many things, the most enforced of which was the hatred of men. My friends believed me to be foolish, but I wanted very little to do with any man. They were vulgar and rude, and I had not met one whom I approved of. This very much annoyed my father (though he delighted in my virginity), who thought that I should be married. It was his desire for my marriage that brought me to Memphis during my eighteenth year.
My father's presence was requested at the palace. As one of the leaders of Heliopolis, he was needed to discuss some of the changes to the storage of food for the coming famine, and also to meet the new viceroy, Zaphenath-Paneah. My father brought me along, hoping that I would spend time with the Pharaoh's son, Imhotep. I did not enjoy his company. He was a smart man, but also a fool. He knew much about architecture and the gods, but he thought that he was untouchable because he was the son of Pharaoh. But he was an unhealthy man, constantly falling victim to various diseases. He treated women poorly, though my father was blinded to his faults by his high status.
Regardless of my restraints, my finest clothes were packed in a large chest, and my father and I set out across the Nile toward Memphis, my mother staying at home to manage the household in my father's absence. Nothing could ever have prepared me for the changes that I would experience during my trip to Memphis.
Sorry, just the introduction for now. I'll try to get chapters 1 and 2 up by the end of this week. Hope you enjoyed it so far! Reviews are welcomed!