A/N: Thanks for reading so far! No matter how long it takes for me to update - please believe I will finish this story. I actually wrote most of it already and am now adding to the structure I made, filling in plot holes, editing, etc. As usual I appreciate any and all feedback and thank you all for your kind support!
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Mara, Sheftu, and Inanni reached Rafah without trouble, and the diplomats they met with were amiable and hospitable. The trio moved on the next day and visited town after town, each day relying on Inanni's guidance for Syrian etiquette and culture. It quickly became apparent that without her, Mara and Sheftu would never have gotten far. Mara was fluent in Babylonian, but she had never left Egypt and lacked the modesty Inanni had been socialized to practice from a young age.
Finally, they came to the palace. Nestled among green hills covered in fluffy sheep was a great stone castle. Mara noted the imposing architecture wasn't as elegant as Egypt's palace, but the fortress still evoked awesome magnificence. Mara strained her neck to look to the top as they neared the massive wooden doors. She wasn't sure she had ever seen a building so tall.
The sound of chains clanking against metal grated on Mara's ears as the great doors were opened, a servant greeting them. All three dismounted from the animals and additional servants came forward to lead the horse and camel away to stables. Sheftu bowed as the ladies curtseyed. Mara introduced Sheftu as Rasha, the Egyptian diplomat come to meet with the King. The servant murmured some pleasantries and then led them to some guest quarters to change clothes after their journey.
Mara noted Inanni's careful placement of shawls and hair to obscure her visage as much as possible. She held her breath each time they passed a new person, but no one immediately recognized the princess. Sheftu was directed into a room near that of Mara and Inanni's, simply because he would require Mara's translation services constantly. Inanni whispered to Mara, "Keep your eyes downcast and away from Sheftu, it is frowned upon for a woman to meet the gaze of a man, and if you allow your eyes to wander too often, people may guess you're in love…or worse."
"Worse?" Mara whispered back, smirking.
"People may think you are…involved."
Mara turned her blue eyes on Inanni, full of mischief. Inanni's mouth twitched into a reluctant smile.
A servant entered the room before Mara could utter something impudent.
"Ladies! His majesty King Nefer is ready to meet the Egyptian diplomat. Please prepare yourselves and meet me in the hall." The servant said this with warm cheer, so unlike the reserved Egyptian servants. Mara's eyebrows rose as the servant exited without a bow or salute. Inanni was unaffected, already opening chests and pulling out fresh silks and shawls. She motioned for Mara to help her with her gown, and within minutes the women were fashioned from head to toe in clean, bright draperies. Inanni covered her face with a veil, cut so that it covered her from the nose down. The fabric was sheer, but effectively concealed her appearance.
"I needn't speak to anyone during the audience," Inanni said as they made their way to the door, "I pray no one will recognize me…"
"Haii, with all those blankets about thee?" Mara shrugged into her own shawl, "It's a wonder if anyone knows thee from a couch."
Inanni smiled behind her veil. They entered the hallway to meet the servant and Sheftu, who had changed into formal clothing, albeit Egyptian.
"Why do you get to wear linens?" Mara grumbled as they strode through stony corridors.
"Because I am a man, and in no need of protection from a lady's seductive glance." Sheftu said lightly.
"Is that the reason?" Mara scoffed, "And I suppose this means I am in need of protection?"
"Aye, of course it does," Sheftu gave her a sideways glance from his long eyes, "A man cannot control himself when faced with a beauty such as yours."
Mara's only reply was a roll of the eyes.
"Mara," Inanni piped, "eyes down!"
Mara obeyed, but not without a haughty exhale. The stone corridor opened to a winding staircase, the walls of which were worn smooth from years of touch. Balanced against the pressed bricks, they descended, the sound of music and laughter filtering through the glowing doorway below. It was a squeeze into a candlelit mess hall, with enormous wooden tables overflowing with meats, cheeses, fruits, and other foods, all being eaten by crowds of drunken men, their beards collecting the foam from their cups of ale. Cloaked women sat on the edges of the room, murmuring to one another. There were other women, wearing next to nothing, serving drinks and laughing on men's laps. Prostitutes? Mara pondered, studying the translucent veils and exposed midriffs. Mara, Sheftu, and Inanni passed down the center aisle of tables toward a chunky wooden throne, where sat a grisly man, chugging a bottle of ale.
"Honored guests," sang the servant with them, "behold, his royal and glorious majesty, King Nefer!" He gestured widely at the bulky dais. The king finished his ale and tossed the bottle aside. With a bland acknowledgement of the approaching group, the king motioned almost imperceptibly for them to proceed.
"Majesty," the servant said, "may I present the Egyptian diplomat, Rasha, and his interpreter, Nessie."
Inanni curtseyed deeply, half hiding behind Mara. Mara and Sheftu had also lowered themselves respectfully, Sheftu giving a salute of respect.
The man on the throne straightened, belching. "So," he tore a hunk of bread from the table beside him and said, "It's the high and mighty Egyptians."
Mara's brows knit together. His foul breath burned her nostrils, even from such a distance.
"Well, what do you want?" he barked, stuffing bread in his mouth.
Mara paused, choosing her words carefully. She translated to Sheftu, keeping her voice steady.
"Greetings, Highness," Sheftu said with indifferent grace, "Egypt extends her warmest regards to the serene lands of Syria."
Mara translated with every attempt to convey Sheftu's refined poise. The King slouched deeper into his chair and belched again.
"Pah!" he managed between bites of more bread, "I see Pharaoh could not deign to pay me a visit himself – instead he sends lackies who cannot even speak Babylonian! Warmest regards indeed!" Nefer fisted another bottle of drink, his dark eyes heavy and reddened. Mara quietly told Sheftu the king's words, taking great care to sound unoffended lest she anger the drunken man before them. The air was thick with danger and tension – Mara could practically feel Inanni trembling behind her. One misstep and this barbarian before her would likely lop off their heads.
"Canaan's Ruler is glorious," Sheftu turned all his charming powers on the man, "Surely a King understands another King's commitments to his people." Mara copied the gentle tones Sheftu used, translating into the most elegant Babylonian she knew.
"It is true I am but a lowly servant," Sheftu continued with a bow, "but I come to bask in thy Royal presence with a purpose – I am not only a diplomat, but also an accountant. As a new ruler, perhaps it is on your Majesty's horizon to review trade accounts with Egypt?"
Mara held her breath after translating, watching Nefer's reaction to Sheftu's glib-tongued olive branch.
The king adjusted his seat, leaning forward, dusting crumbs from his hands.
"Aye, I have some trade accounts I would like to review," he said darkly, "one in particular…involves the betrothed princess sent to Egypt some months ago."
Mara waited to translate as she could not grasp her words. She heard Inanni's small intake of breath behind her and sweat broke out on Mara's brow. Finally, she managed to say the frightful speech and Sheftu, remaining cool, said, "Ah, the princess, daughter of the emerald green hills, blessed with grace and beauty? Our King is most pleased with her."
After Mara spoke the words, Nefer chuckled, eyes downcast.
"If he be so pleased, why has he not taken her for his wife?" Nefer brought his gaze to Sheftu, his eyes black against the firelight, "We have messengers and spies of our own, none of them report progress in the matrimonial…affairs of Pharaoh and the daughter of Canaan."
Mara heard Inanni rustle behind her, but she dared not turn to see what the princess was about. Every second passed was a red flag of distress, and Mara couldn't betray their discomfort. She pressed on, forcing herself to perform her duties and forget all else. Sheftu played his part exceedingly well, as could be expected, and Mara marveled at how skilled he was at hiding all form of anxiety. With a gesture and a beguiling smile, Sheftu explained, "In Egypt it is customary that a man and woman become acquainted on a deeper level – much like friendship – before entering into the sacred union. This combined with Pharaoh's desire to provide the flower of Canaan more time to bloom in the ways of Egypt has delayed the auspicious occasion, nothing more."
King Nefer's teeth glinted as a sinister smiled spread across his face. "In Syria we bed our women as soon as possible. But I suppose Pharaoh can do what he likes when he pleases." His eyes never left Sheftu's as he swilled the bottle once more. "No matter. We can sort these other accounts while you are here. Stay as long as you like. Go now. Dinner is here." Without waiting for Sheftu's reply he lurched to his feet and stomped off, a harem of silk-clad ladies trailing behind him. One of the girls gazed over the trio, and Mara felt Inanni grip her arm.
"I know her," she whispered.
Mara made no move. The girl turned back to her party. They exited the room while Sheftu bowed respectfully. Servants, smiling nervously, came forward to take the Egyptian guests to a table where heaping plates of lamb stew were served. Inanni removed her veil to eat, pale with fear that she be recognized by anyone else. Mara was tense beside her, while Sheftu sat across from the ladies, calmly discussing the quality of the lamb.
"It is most tender, is it not?" Sheftu remarked, slicing through the dark meat, "I never tasted such quality in Egypt."
"This place is dangerous," Mara leaned forward, "I fear she will be rec-"
"Not here." Sheftu's voice was so quiet it was nearly inaudible. Mara paused, grinned, and suddenly became very interested in Sheftu's plate. "Rasha, I do believe you have more meat than us!" She turned to the princess and said in Babylonian, "Is it not true? Rasha has more meat on his plate…isn't the lamb divine?"
Inanni brought another bite to her lips, a tiny smile her only reply to Mara. They ate quickly, and Inanni secured the veil over her face when finished. The servants guided them back to their rooms where they pretended to say goodnight and take to their couches.
Inanni and Mara were left alone in their chamber.
"Who was that girl?" Mara asked straightaway.
"She was a favored servant to my family, her name is Hisma." Inanni said, "She was always close with me – she wept when I left for Egypt."
"Did she recognize you?"
"Nay…I think perhaps not," Inanni thought for a moment, then said, "It may be my veil was enough to throw off detection."
"Do you trust her?" Mara stepped closer.
"Aiii me, of course I do! She was serving my family from the time we were children!" Inanni smiled up at Mara.
"Then why is she within Nefer's harem?" Mara rose one eyebrow skeptically.
"…it is difficult to say…perhaps she had no choice?" Inanni faltered.
Mara folded her arms and nodded. She knew how these things often went. Women were forced to do many things they didn't want to do, in Egypt and Canaan, it seemed. After a time, Mara helped the princess dress for bed. As the princess returned the favor, Mara began to shiver. The sun had set, and the room was chilly. Inanni bent to light a fire and there was a faint creak of a door opening in the same moment she sparked the flint. Sheftu, barefoot and wearing a Syrian dressing gown, entered swiftly. The princess gasped, dropping the flint.
"He can't be in here!" Inanni hissed at Mara, "Men are forbidden to see us without proper coverings…!"
Mara ignored her, meeting Sheftu in the center of the room, allowing him to take her hands. The princess clutched at a blanket and threw it over her hair, huddling in the corner.
"Tell her I wasn't seen," Sheftu whispered.
"He wasn't seen," Mara soothed over her shoulder, then turned back to Sheftu, "She's worried about you seeing our hair."
Sheftu's night eyes flitted over to the princess with amusement. "Aye, that is far more important a worry," he kissed Mara's hands, "however we must meet quickly to discuss matters. I need to ask the princess if she has any information – did she recognize anyone, overhear anything?"
"She knew one of the harem women – an old family servant, named Hisma." Mara said.
"Did the woman, Hisma, know Inanni?"
"She doesn't think so, no."
"Did the princess know anyone else?"
Mara asked the princess, who managed to whisper, "I did recognize a few faces, though none of my old friends…or family."
Sheftu nodded after he heard the reply from Mara.
"We will need to be on our guard. It is very dangerous here and most important that Inanni is not discovered." Sheftu looked to both women as he spoke and paused to give Mara time to translate. "Trust no one, everyone here is an enemy."
"But Hisma was my friend! I do not believe she would betray me," Inanni explained.
Sheftu shook his head after Mara gave him Inanni's answer.
"No one is to be trusted as of now. Did either of you notice the discomfort of the courtiers and the servants?"
"Aye, I managed to spot the servants, anyway," Mara said. Inanni agreed.
"Good, it may be easier to turn the tides than we planned. Rest now, ladies. I will be in the room beyond, merely call for me if there is any need." His eyes held Mara's as he drew her hand once again to his mouth and kissed it reverently. Then he was gone as quickly as he came, leaving Mara's skin tingling with the warmth of where his mouth had been, and her heart thumping.
/
So much has changed, Inanni thought, several mornings after arriving home. Gone were the smiles of her cousins and friends; the servants appeared unsure of what to do; the drinking parties never stopped. Blessed Ishtar, it has fallen to disgrace! Inanni wept silent tears by night, praying for a miracle to restore her family to the throne. Her father ruled with integrity and fairness, keeping morals close to his bosom while the green hills flourished. This tyrant king, this Nefer – he spent most of his time drinking and fornicating. Violence ran strong through him; one evening, Inanni had to cover her eyes as he drew a sword and stabbed a man through the neck, for what reason Inanni knew not.
Inanni endeavored with all her might to be like Sheftu and Mara – sly and alert, always listening for secrets and information. Every night they met to discuss their progress, and even with the language barrier Sheftu and Mara were able to pick out those loyal to Inanni's family and gather clues on Nefer's weaknesses as a ruler. By the second week they had established a solid plan for revolution. Inanni proved to be less observant than them, however, the harem girl, Hisma, glanced so often her way that Inanni burned to speak with her. Surely it she could trust Hisma? Sheftu and Mara were against it, but Inanni was determined to converse with her, at least once. It may be Hisma had answers about her family.
The opportunity came to Inanni one early morning. She left Mara asleep in the bed and snuck to the kitchens, eager to pet her old cat who always slept on the hearth. Upon entering the room, she realized she was not alone, there was another girl there, petting the cat. She turned when Inanni approached, and Inanni saw it was Hisma.
"Princess? Is it you?" Hisma whispered, rising slowly.
"It is," Inanni whispered, with galloping heart, "Oh Hisma!" The girls met in an embrace.
"Princess! Why have you come? It is dangerous for you here." Hisma said into her ear.
"I know, but I had to save my family – do you know anything about them?"
Hisma stepped back, shaking her head.
"I wish I knew more," Hisma's eyes glistened with tears, "I'm sorry, I couldn't save them."
"No matter, you can save them now, please tell me all you know!" Inanni gripped her, desperately.
"They…they were betrayed. Nefer came in from a neighboring tribe for the feast of Baal, and when everyone was drunk, he ordered his men to slaughter everyone in this house. Your brother made a deal, that if everyone would be spared, the royal family would be prisoners, with no threat of taking back their throne."
"Who bretrayed them?" Inanni breathed, sinking to a chair unsteadily.
"I cannot tell you," Hisma lowered her eyes, picking at a piece of string on her skirt, "But I know he only keeps them alive for one reason."
"What's that?"
"You."
Inanni blinked, temporarily dumb. When she could speak, she said, "Why me? What have I got – "
"It may be that Pharaoh would pay a pretty price for the family of his wife…" Hisma gripped Inanni's arm, "Princess! You could ensure their safety! Merely whisper something to Pharaoh and have them brought to Egypt!"
"I…" Inanni's throat tightened and she swallowed hard to restore her voice, "I don't know if I can do that…"
"Surely Pharaoh will do what his Queen says?"
"We are not married, yet." Inanni's eyes stung with fresh tears she fought to control.
"Aye, but you will be!"
"Maybe…" Inanni trailed off into silence. She couldn't tell the tale of leaving Pharaoh. It was too soon, too private. Only Mara needed to know for now.
"You will find a way; we women always do." Hisma squeezed Inanni's hand. Inanni thought for a moment, composing herself, considering Hisma's position.
"Were you forced into the harem?" Inanni asked quietly.
"It doesn't matter," Hisma's voice hardened, "Nefer favors me so I do not face any hardships."
"He seems a tyrant king," Inanni's voice shook, "I can't believe what this place has become."
"Believe it, princess," Hisma said, "Sometimes, change is inevitable."
Something in her tone pricked Inanni's heart, and anger flared inside her. Change indeed is inevitable – but a revolt is not, a betrayal is not, Inanni thought. Outwardly she made no comment.
"I won't tell anyone I recognized you," Hisma said, starting for the door, "But don't get any ideas while you're here, it wouldn't be good for you to get involved. Trust me."
Inanni watched the girl twirl through the door in a flash of color and skirts. She looked to her cat while the tears welled up in her eyes. Mara had been right, speaking to Hisma was likely a mistake.
All day the secret weighed on her heart. She kept quiet around Mara for fear of accidentally confessing her sin in a hasty appeal for help and comfort. No matter how she tried, Inanni couldn't disperse the feeling that Hisma was hiding something. But what exactly that was, Inanni couldn't be sure.
As evening fell, Sheftu met with the women as usual. He and Mara had a new lead to starting a revolution. Outside the castle walls, a gathering of peasants was growing each day – they were starving and complained loudly of paying too many taxes. When Sheftu and Mara spoke to some disgruntled noblemen, it turned out that the new King was not sharing the wealth – not even with the aristocracy. Nobles and peasants alike were infuriated.
"The people can't survive like this," Sheftu said, "they will be eager to start a revolt."
"Do you think peasants stand a chance?" Mara asked.
"Peasants are the most powerful armies, sometimes," Sheftu assured her, "but with the help of the nobles, and some Egyptian gold, I think we can shift the balance."
Inanni listened, hoping Sheftu and Mara would soon bring about this revolt. It pained her to hear of the suffering of the poor. She looked across the green hills from her window and sighed. Could her brothers see the hills from their prison? She wondered.
More time passed, and Inanni ached for news about her family. She almost considered finding Hisma again, but one morning as Inanni and Mara were bathing, she overheard a conversation between two serving maids beyond the partition.
"He tortured him? For what purpose?" said the first maid.
"For being the prince!" said the second.
"Aiiii me, these are dark times! Marduk help us, this usurper is going to kill us all!"
"Dark times indeed…did you hear about the princess Inanni?"
"No, what of her?"
"It is said her bridegroom rejected her. She has gone missing."
"Rejected? Princess Inanni? Haiiii you must be mistaken! Our princess was ever the fairest maiden in Canaan. How could she be rejected?"
"I agree with you – I cannot see how it is possible. Although, did you notice the girl traveling with our Egyptian guests? She could be the twin of our lovely Inanni, could she not?"
"Aye, I thought so myself! Were the royal family servants not imprisoned, I would beg one of them to confirm she isn't our princess here in disguise!"
"Careful with your words…we do not dare to speak of these things…lest we meet the fate of those facing torture and bondage this very moment…"
"I quite agree, let us say no more…"
Inanni nearly called out to the maids, glancing at Mara to see if she had heard. Mara was dozing in a warm blanket by the fire – drying off from her dip in the tub.
Just as Inanni was rising in the water, a maid appeared from beyond the partition.
"My ladies, the King has sent for the Egyptian diplomat. Please dress and meet us quickly."
Inanni shook Mara awake and whispered a shortened version of what she had heard moments before. But they didn't have time to talk – no sooner had they donned their colorful draperies and the servant appeared again to escort them.
Inanni watched Mara's pointed glance at Sheftu, communicating with her eyes that she had news. Later that evening, Sheftu joined the ladies in their chamber to unpack the latest information. Sheftu's eyes were bright and dancing – he also had news. Mara went first, detailing the conversation Inanni had overheard that morning. Sheftu sobered a bit, tension building in his tall frame as he slouched against the mantle of their fireplace. He folded his arms and tapped his fingers against his elbows while muling over different strategies with Mara should the princess be caught. After a while, Mara became so engrossed in her conversation with Sheftu that she stopped translating, and Inanni had to sit in her own thoughts until the two remembered her.
Inanni noted the way Sheftu and Mara leaned closer and closer to each other as their rapid whispers became increasingly impassioned. Inanni was curious to know what Sheftu had learned that day, but didn't dare interrupt the two before her, as Sheftu suddenly snatched Mara against him, kissing her and laughing against her lips when she squealed in protest. The sight misted Inanni's eyes – was this what young love was like? Could this have been herself and Pharaoh, if she had stayed in the Golden Palace? Presently Mara wriggled free and said to Inanni, "Sheftu knows how we can unseat this Usurper within a fortnight."
"Truly? What has he found?" Inanni perked up.
"He played a game of – I forget the name of the game, but it involves overtaking a King – "
"Oh, you mean Whorst." Inanni supplied.
"Yes, probably," Mara continued, "He played with the current Duke of Amer and though the two could not converse due to a language barrier, the game was clearly a means a communication."
"Oh?"
"It seems Sheftu played his King to extend more taxes to the poor while keeping all grains and gold to himself, leaving the nobles and peasantry without supplies. The Duke took his ambassador, paired it with his nobles and lead an attack on the King using peasant soldiers. Sheftu says the Duke made distinct eye contact, and even negotiated a sum of gold with the ambassador."
"But what does it mean?" Inanni said, "A Duke might show he is for a revolt when playing a game, but how can Sheftu form a plan with a man he cannot understand the language – "
"He understood the numeric value of the gold played," Mara explained, "Sheftu said it was no different than any other negotiation – he will pay the sum of gold of this Duke requires and the Duke will join our forces."
Inanni leaned back, rubbing a corner of her shawl between her fingers thoughtfully. "I see," she said, "then the only question remaining is when."
"Sheftu need only play again with the Duke tomorrow. There they will determine the timing."
Inanni was relieved that night as she lay beside Mara. It seemed her moment of weakness in speaking with Hisma would be of no consequence – Sheftu and Mara would organize the revolution shortly and then all would be well.
The King's summons came before dinner the next day. The hall was rowdy as usual when they entered, the King lounging as he had done their first meeting. Inanni stood behind Mara, her eyes caught on the twinkling blade at Nefer's belt. It was her father's sword, with rubies set in the hilt. The sight made her eyes wet, and she cast her eyes downward, out of habit and fear of being seen weeping.
"My Egyptian guests, I hope you are doing well." The King smiled a wide, knowing smile, his eyes crinkling at the edges. He didn't even register Mara and Sheftu's words as they returned his greetings. His eyes rested beyond Mara, to Inanni, who couldn't help but glance up at the feeling of being watched. Immediately she returned her eyes to the floor, her stomach mimicking the action.
"But I fear I have been neglecting a follow Syrian. Come, who are you, little servant girl?" Nefer leaned forward, his grin growing.
"I – " Inanni's mouth went dry and she swallowed hard, "I'm no one, sir, just a regular servant."
"Is that so?" The King purred. After a pause, Inanni nodded. Mara had inadvertently angled herself more in front of Inanni, blocking her from view. The King stood, reached around Mara, and drew Inanni to her feet. He studied her carefully. "My servants tell me otherwise," he said, "I am told you are the fair princess Inanni."
From the corner of her eye, Inanni caught a glimpse of Mara gripping Sheftu's arm, her face drained of color. Inanni was trembling so badly she feared her legs would fail to uphold her. She tried to respond, but what came out of her mouth was merely a squeak.
"Come now, there's no reason to be afraid. Allow me the opportunity to treat you as you deserve…" He pulled on her, just as Sheftu drew his sword. Inanni heard her own heart in her ears as Mara said something to Sheftu and then Nefer. The world began to dim, and the quaking in her legs finally took her down. Just before collapsing, Inanni felt Mara's arms around her, and then she lost consciousness.
/