Disclaimer/Author's Note: Obviously, I do not own the Bible, or any of the characters therein. Ebio belongs to me, but that is all. Don't sue. Also, I've already received a review! Hooray, and thank you, Clouded Horizon!
Chapter 1
As soon as we arrived, we were escorted to our quarters in the palace. The room was large, beautifully and simply decorated. My father's, next to mine, was much more grand. Our home in Heliopolis was quite expensive, but it seemed a hut compared to the palace. However, I missed my room, even when compared to all of this finery. My room at home had a window that looked out onto the Nile, from which I would watch the boat games. Men would gather on two different boats and try to knock each other into the water with long poles. Many hours would be spent simply watching the ships sailing by, as well as the occasional hippopotamus or alligator hunter. The room that I now found myself in had a smaller window that looked out above the city. It was a great view of the teeming life of Memphis, but it held none of the beauty and entertainment of the Nile. I knew that I would only be here for a couple weeks, if not less, but I was already beginning to miss my home.
I heaved a great sigh, then opened my travel chest and unfolded my finest dress, to prepare myself for the welcoming dinner. My dress was decorated with carnelian beads, patterned to look like a lotus flower. I also wore a matching headband as well, and several gold and carnelian bracelets. I had a servant help me to dress and comb my hair. We redid the kohl around my eyes, and then I waited for my father to come and escort me to dinner. He arrived shortly, looking very regal in his pure white tunic and kilt, and we headed down to the celebration.
We were introduced, and we entered the large hall, greeting everyone who was already in attendance. There were several men and their wives whom I recognized as leaders of Heliopolis. Most of the families I did not recognize, however, and I struggled to remember names. Several other women, younger than I, were attending as well. They all seemed to be looking around hopefully for a sight of Imhotep. I had to stifle a laugh. There was a girl that I began to converse with who was named Ebio. She had traveled far; she and her father had come all the way from Luxor. She was fifteen years of age, and very kind, though a little quiet. We talked until it was time for everyone to be seated. Ebio and I sat next to each other, managing to find seats toward the back of the room. The other seat next to me remained empty. We were whispering quietly when the introduction came—the royal family was here.
We all bowed down before them as they entered. To my right, Ebio was shaking. It was her first time meeting the Pharaoh or his family, and she had admitted to being nervous. Her father was a newly appointed priest in Luxor, and she had never been to such a regal event such as this. When we stood again, I gave her hand a slight, reassuring squeeze. She sent me a grateful smile, and we sat down. As we sat, Pharaoh Djoser introduced Viceroy Zaphenath-Paneah. He was very handsome, especially for a Hebrew, and quite tall—much more so than Imhotep. He was far younger than I had expected, being of thirty years at the most. His hair was dark and slightly curled, hanging simply and unhindered to his broad shoulders. His eyes were a deep green color, and they betrayed the confidence he was trying to show. He carried himself with much grace, but his eyes darted around the room tentatively, resting on individual faces. He looked at me, and I smiled assuringly at him. His eyes seemed to widen in shock, and he looked away quickly. I looked at Ebio, but she was far too busy gazing at Imhotep to notice the young Hebrew next to him.
Everyone cheered at the end of Pharaoh's speech, and the royal family was seated. To my disgust, Imhotep seated himself at my side. My new friend was excited to be so close to him, and I attempted to bring her in to our conversation as much as possible. At first she was too nervous to say much, but she soon got over her nervousness and began to lead the direction of the discussion. I was glad for it—she allowed me to simply listen, and not to actually converse with Imhotep. This was a good thing, as I was quite distracted.
Zaphenath-Paneah was sitting almost directly across from me, being served all by himself. I felt quite sorry for him; Hebrew or no, he was still a savior to our nation, and should be allowed to eat with the rest of us. He kept his eyes down and his mouth closed, looking up only occasionally to glance at me. Some of the time I would feel his eyes on me, and they stayed there for some time. If I ever caught his eye, he would stare at me for a moment, then look down again. It was not an uncomfortable staring, but more like he was trying to understand me; I was attempting the same with him. He seemed so very out of place, a lone Hebrew in a room full of Egyptians. It made me wonder if I appeared the same way, in between two people who had abandoned me in favor of their conversation.
After the meal was finished, we were entertained by several dancers and musicians. I was entranced by the music, and the skill of the players. My mother had taught me to play the harp, and though I could play several songs, none were nearly so intricate as these. At the end of the first song, I looked around the room. Zaphenath-Paneah was gone! I searched all around, but he was nowhere to be found. I sincerely hoped that our Egyptian customs had not offended him. From what I had experienced of his people, they seemed just as disgusted with us as we were with them. I did not want him to have a bad impression of us, since he was to stay here for at least the next fourteen years. I turned back to the music, shaking thoughts of him from my head. Several songs passed quickly, while I gave only short, vague responses to Imhotep and Ebio's questions. I thought I would be able to endure sitting next to him for at least a few more songs, until Imhotep said something completely vulgar about what he would like to do to one of the dancers. Ebio gave a little embarrassed laugh, as if wondering whether to be offended or not, and I tried desperately to change the subject. After a few awkward moments (on Ebio's part), I finally turned to face her and asked, "Will you please excuse me for a few moments? I need to get a breath of fresh air."
She nodded vigorously. "Yes. Are you feeling all right? You have been very quiet all though dinner."
"Yes, I am fine. I just need some fresh air." I turned to leave, but Imhotep grabbed my wrist roughly and made a move as if to stand.
"I will escort you." I slid my wrist out of his grip and shook my head.
"Thank you, there is no need," I replied shortly. To my annoyance, he grabbed my wrist yet again.
"I insist." I once again reclaimed my hand and gave a smile that I hoped did not appear forced.
"You are too kind," I nearly spat out. "But I can find my way." With that, I turned and nearly ran out the door before he could say anything else. I prayed to whoever would hear me that my father had not seen the exchange, or I would be in much trouble for being intractable with the son of Pharaoh. I made a direct course for the garden, attempting to put as much distance as possible between myself and such a man as Imhotep.
Okay, so the first chapter is up! I hope you're enjoying reading this so far; I'm really enjoying writing it! Please review, and let me know what you think!
