4 years later

Seti's temple was almost built and it was magnificent. It was one of the things that helped him remain strong after the illness of his wife. Surpringly, she had managed to live three full years relatively stable and Nefertiri was so grateful she prayed every day to Amun, Ra, Hathor, Mafdet, Isis, Bastet, Anubis… Any powerful god that might have a hand in keeping her mother safe. Because she was literate, she could go from temple to temple and find ritual papyri in the libraries and pray and recite and perform rituals without anyone's help. As much as her father was moved by her devotion, he feared what might happen after her mother died and was looking for someone to guard her and keep her company.

In the last year, Imhotep had suggested Anck-su-Namun, a young priestess of Thoth that he had taken as an apprentice. She was a beautiful young woman, only a few years older than Nefertiri. She had shoulder length silky hair and twinkling eyes that drew everybody in. Nefertiri was fond enough of her, but still shirked her company and went into temples.

Suddenly, her mother's condition got worse. All the physicians and priests in the kingdom descended on her, trying to help her, but to avail. She steadily got worse and about two months prior, passed away.

All eyes were on Nefertiri, fearing how she might take the blow. She betrayed no sorrow and continued to pray, this time, more to Anubis, Osiris, Ma'at, Seth… In the first 40 days, while the body was embalmed, she prayed and read different Books of the Dead, finding spells she thought most appropriate for her mother. Because she was the Pharaoh's wife she would, naturally, be buried with a book of her own. During the next 30 days, as priests performed funerary rites, she set about writing the book herself. The priests attended her and advised her, but she wanted this to be the last personal gift she would give her beloved mother.

Anck-su-Namun kept suggesting they should go to Hamunaptra even before the mastaba in which her mother would be buried was built. It was a special city, with mystic power, she would tell Nefertiri, trying to pique her interest. There is much to see and learn there. Nefertiri finally agreed.

Soon, the 70 days were up, all the prayers and rituals were performed and her mother was placed in an ornate wooden coffin. Then a second, larger, more ornate wooden coffin. And finally, into a large, ornate stone coffin with the head of Anubis on top and many other gods and images carved into it. Seti spared no expense and the priests would have done no more even for a deceased Pharaoh.

There was a reading from Nefertiri's book, which was later placed in the tomb. She had also brought a number of weapons, gold and ornate; a sickle-sword, a dagger, a fan axe; her mother's old jewelry, some new jewelry, the most lavish clothes they had… She also had her mother's chalice, a beautiful cup that she always drank from. She had wanted to keep it and use it, but Anck-su-Namun nearly jumped out of her skin and persuaded her not to. It was strange, but she had decided to give it up and commissioned a replica made for her.

Others brought other things, from food to furniture. Anck-su-Namun left some spells and papyri, as well as an unusually large assortment of gifts, as if she was trying to appease the mummy and make sure it did not carry any grudge. Seti seemed pleased? Proud? Nefertiri was not sure. Be that as it may, the funerary rites were finally over and they would head back home to Thebes tomorrow or the day after.

That night, Nefertiri was in her room, thinking of what to do now, after the rites had finished and she had to go back to everyday life. The night was getting cold, so she came inside and sat on a large chair in her room.

Princess Nefertiri. – Anck-su-Namun came in and bowed her head slightly. – I wanted to see if you were asleep.

Nefertiri smiled softly. – No. – She answered mildly. – I am filling with dread and a lack of purpose. I do not know what my life be like from now on.

Anck-su-Namun raised an eyebrow and sighed knowingly. – You fear being married off and becoming the ruler of Egypt? – Because Seti had no sons, after he died, the way to become the Pharaoh was to marry Nefertiri. There was no dearth of royals interested, but Nefertiri hardly had any ambition to rule. She was more inclined to learn and dote on her parents. Perhaps have a family of her own as well, but certainly not be responsible for the vast kingdom and everyone's well-being.

Not yet. My more pressing concern is father's desire to marry once more. I hope he finds a good wife who will bear him a healthy son. - Nefertiri explained. Her father was still quite young and could rule for a long time. Still, even if the second wife had a son, Nefertiri is the daughter of the first wife. She would still likely have to marry and find a good man to rule. It was not unheard of that the second wife plotted against the first and her children. She would hate to have to worry about her safety in her own home.

What if he already had a good prospect? – Anck-su-Namun asked meaningfully.

Nefertiri frowned up at her. – You speak from knowledge?

You had been so devoted to your mother and now the funerary rites, it could easily have slipped your attention. – She answered innocently.

Nefertiri thought to herself. She was right. She had hardly been in the palace. Father could have had a camel in his bed chamber and she would not have known. – You are right. – She breathed, wanting to rub her eyes. She first had to remove the kohl. Anck-su-Namun noticed this and set about helping her. She took off her paint from her cheeks and lips and eyes, massaged the face gently and took off her head piece.

It is time you found someone you can trust, to be your eyes and ears in the palace, Princess. – She whispered, sounding entrancing, but powerful, like the wind that bends the trees as it will.

Mh. – Nefertiri agreed, eyes still shut, enjoying the care Anck-su-Namun was giving her. Before leaving, they shared a long hug. Nefertiri soon fell asleep.

In the morning, Nefertiri took a bath, rubbed herself down with oils, painted her nails with henna and put on fresh robes, ones she had not worn yet. It was the start of a new chapter in her life, she thought. She had to be brave and open.

Ardeth was finally joining them and taking them back to Thebes. In the past few years, he was often absent, but somehow always there when he was needed. Since her mother had died, he was guarding Hamunaptra, the City of the Dead until she arrived. It seemed like he would be returning for good now.

Everyone was ready to leave and only the Pharaoh and Nefertiri stayed behind with Ardeth.

Princess, I have a gift for you. – Ardeth announced as he bowed respectfully, offering something to her. Nefertiri was expecting a spear or a head piece. Instead, a tall man emerged from behind one of the pillars. – I had spent years fashioning it for you and it seems there is no better time than now to bestow it upon you.

The man looked like a statue. His tanned muscles looked like smooth stone. He was looking ahead stoically, no doubt aware of how impressive he looked. He wore two bracelets on his wrists and had a fan axe in his hand. His robes were adorned with gold, the dress robes of a Medjai. Nefertiri's first impression was that this man could crush people with his bare hands. She immediately felt relief and security around him, assured of the palace's safety if he was guarding it.

This is Rekhu-Nofre. His potential was obvious instantly and I spent years training him to be one of your personal guard. – Ardeth explained and Seti seemed quite pleased with what he saw. – However, even I could not foresee how fast he would progress. I am convinced one day he will be my replacement as your chieftain. – He said and Rekhu's jaw clenched as he tried to keep from smiling or betraying the enormous amount of pride he felt. – The coming months and years may be treacherous and I know the Pharaoh wants his daughter taken care of and safe. I can think of no one else I trust more with her than Rekhu. He would plunge a khopesh in his chest and wander the Underworld for Nefertiri. He was raised in the temples and so he is also literate and more educated than most warriors. As for his skill, I have trained him personally. He will be a worthy companion to the Princess. – Ardeth finished.

Seti looked Rekhu up and down more and was thoroughly impressed and pleased with Ardeth's gift. – Very well. I gladly accept. It will also be a great joy to have you back, old friend. – Seti said and placed a hand on Ardeth's shoulder. Ardeth looked down, flattered and a little embarrassed. It was very sweet to Nefertiri to see this friendship among men. Ardeth had been her father's companion since before she was born and no one inspired her with more trust than he. Although his status was naturally lower, she almost felt like he was family.

Before they joined the suite traveling back to Thebes, she looked at Rekhu in the eyes, to acknowledge he was welcome to follow her and protect her. He looked at her as well, face not moving. He looked stern and hard, like a man wholly devoted to his mission. His blue eyes, such a rarity, she could not loo away from. She did not even find them particularly beautiful at once, just exotic and interesting. They had reminded her of busts of Pharaohs, with blue eyes and eyebrows, which she had come to regard almost as a myth. Those busts and statues were always some idealized version of the person, taller, thinner, more beautiful than they really were. As soon as the thought of Pharaohs came into her head, she could see Rekhu in flowing pristine robes, with the head piece of a Pharaoh and his golden staff instead of the axe. He seemed more royal than most any other Prince or Regent or ruler she had seen in her life. She imagined that the people would go near mad adoring such a Pharaoh, he looked like he was fashioned by the gods.

Welcome, Medjai. My life is in your hands. – Nefertiri told him, to stop her swirling thoughts.

The hands that guard you are the most skilled in the land. – He answered directly, no false modesty about him. Nefertiri was silent and looked at him for another moment, deciding if she was happy with such an answer. – I live solely to keep you safe. – He added, complimenting her and extolling her, as he should have done in the first place. His voice was deep, but soft and the corner of Nefertiri's mouth let a smile escape before she could stop it.

Ardeth and Rekhu led from behind, keeping an eye on the road in front of them as they traveled back home.