Chapter Twenty-One

"Is it your intention to never speak to me again?"

Suhad dropped the piece of fruit she had been inspecting back into its cart and turned to regard Nahkt with arms crossed defensively and a guarded expression. While she'd had some time to subdue her aggravation with him since the last time they had spoken, Suhad still held a measure of resentment towards him after their last conversation. Not even his parting reassurance had been enough to banish the hurt and betrayal she had felt.

"What more is there to say? You've made your feelings about me quite clear."

"Please do not reject me for a single, thoughtless remark," Nahkt implored, "I allowed my father to get inside my head. Those were his sentiments I expressed that day, not my own. It will not happen again."

Though her rigid stance slackened a bit, Suhad maintained her wary expression. "Why did it happen at all? I thought you knew me better."

"I did. I do know you better," he insisted, "but sometimes I am far too cynical for my own good. Blame years of experience with my father, who is one of the most double-tongued men I know. From my limited experience with people who possess the power and influence you do, they always seem to wield it in a corrupt manner. I've yet to see an exception."

"I have neither power nor influence, Nahkt. You're mistaken on both accounts."

"And that is exactly the reason I am begging forgiveness now...because you have no idea just how powerful and influential you are," he told her, "Your desires are simple...to love the Pharaoh and to spend your life with him."

"That is the only reason I came to Thebes."

"I know that and I apologize for accusing you before. I was thoughtless and offensive. Please...will you forgive me?"

"Very well," Suhad conceded with feigned sigh of disgruntlement, "You are forgiven."

Nahkt grinned at her. "Thank you. I have missed talking to you, more than you realize."

"And I you. So much has changed since we last spoke."

"Indeed." He inclined a meaningful nod towards her visibly pregnant abdomen. "Allow me to formally congratulate you on your impending motherhood."

"Thank you," she murmured somewhat self-consciously, "Were you shocked to learn of it?"

"Not particularly. Given your unique relationship with our pharaoh the conclusion was...inevitable, don't you agree?" Suhad couldn't help but fidget a bit under his probing stare. "I will tell you what did shock me, however," he said, "Your surprising newfound friendship with the queen. When did that occur?"

Suhad snorted a short laugh. "I wouldn't call it 'friendship' just yet. The queen and I are able to tolerate one another now. Nothing more."

"So it is only tolerance between you? You've scarcely been without her company for the past six weeks. I should think it's a bit more than that," Nahkt observed, having the decency to appear chastened when Suhad appraised him with brows raised in curious suspicion. "Servants talk, Suhad. I haven't been following you about like a forgotten pet, if that's what you're thinking."

"Is that how I've made you feel?" she wondered with some remorse.

"Perhaps in a small way," he admitted with a teasing smile, "However, I have been getting the distinct impression that I've been replaced as your closest companion here."

"It's not that at all," Suhad reassured him, "Not even remotely. The queen and I are simply trying to find common ground. She's been surprisingly helpful to me of late. I'm almost inclined to believe she's sincere in her claims of wanting peace and friendship."

"But you don't believe her?"

"I would like to, but I'm wary of her motives," Suhad replied as she resumed her perusal of the market goods. "She is almost too amiable. It doesn't feel genuine."

Nahkt wordlessly fell into step with her. "How so?"

"Only a short while ago she despised the very thought of me. It was her firm contention that my presence would mean disaster for this kingdom and now she seems all too willing to embrace the idea of my becoming queen."

"Perhaps she merely seeks to please the Pharaoh. Or it may be that the recent loss of her child has softened her heart and made her more agreeable to your presence. As you once told me some time ago, people change."

"It's possible, but... The timing is convenient. But then again, her timing is always convenient."

"She could say the same about you," Nahkt pointed out in diplomatic fashion, "After all, did you not announce your pregnancy on the eve of her miscarriage? Which, in turn, secured your position with the Pharaoh and placed you in line for queen. One could argue that was convenient timing as well."

"I can see your reasoning there," Suhad murmured.

"The point is...you both have grounds to mistrust one another but this is the time to put that aside. It can only be advantageous for you to make peace with her and it would be favorable in the Pharaoh's eyes," Nahkt advised,"You would not want to appear resistant to the idea while she seems completely willing, would you?"

"I suppose not."

"Besides that, keeping the queen close will allow you to maintain a watchful eye on her should she attempt any duplicitous actions," he further considered, "You would please the Pharaoh while you also gain insight into whether or not the queen is being sincere after all. What have you to lose?"

Just as Suhad opened her mouth to make a reply to that, a lone woman burst into the marketplace with keening cries. "Please...please..." she begged between violent, hacking coughs that ravaged her frail form, "...please, you must help him! He's dying! My family...they are all dying!"

Before Suhad's natural sense of compassion could compel her forward to offer the woman aid, Lagus suddenly materialized at her side and snagged hold of her forearm while the guard detail with him formed an effective wall between Suhad and the ill woman. "We should return to the palace immediately," he told Suhad, already pulling her off in that direction, "The Pharaoh would not want you to remain here."

"Lagus, wait! What about the woman?" she protested, struggling against him as she watched the soldiers herd the sick woman from the market square, "We cannot simply leave her! She needs assistance! Lagus! Lagus, are you listening to me?"

"There's nothing to be done to help her! Come Suhad, we must go at once!"

Upon arriving at the palace, Suhad immediately began darting through the winding corridors in search of Tutankhamun despite Lagus' instructions for her to stay put, hoping to exact from him some explanation of what had taken place in the market. She could not understand why that woman, who had been clearly in need of aid, had been carted away like a criminal or why no one had seemed inclined to help her. She also needed to know why it had looked as if the soldiers were cordoning off the street... She was so preoccupied with finding Tutankhamun that she didn't even realize she'd passed the queen in the corridor until the other woman reached out to snag her arm as she rushed past. Suhad spun to face her with a startled yelp.

"What has happened?" Ankhesenamun demanded, "Where are you going in such a rush?"

"Have you seen Tutankhamun? I must speak with him immediately."

"He is closeted away with his advisers and will not be available for some time," the queen told her, "Have you not heard? The illness has escaped beyond the boundaries of the quarantine and is beginning to spread throughout the city. Tutankhamun is attempting to devise a plan to prevent further spreading at this very moment. All of Thebes is at risk."

"Oh no," Suhad gasped as the reason for Lagus' urgency became fully clear. "There was a woman in the marketplace and she was so ill..."

"You didn't get near to her, did you?"

"No. The guard detail was there and they came between us. Lagus brought me back to the palace immediately. I had no idea how dire the situation had become."

"I'm sure Tutankhamun merely wished to shield you from the harsher realities."

"He was so hopeful that the quarantine would be enough..." Suhad murmured sorrowfully, more to herself than to Ankhesenamun, "This is terrible..."

"It's very good that Lagus brought you back safely. Tutankhamun would certainly have his skin were anything to happen to you...or the child."

"Yes," Suhad replied absently, her mind already preoccupied with Tutankhamun and the incredible stress he must be enduring.

For weeks, she had watched him agonize over how to best contain the illness and keep it from becoming an epidemic within the city. She knew how diligent he had been about keeping the quarantine maintained and yet, in spite of all his efforts, the disease had spiraled well beyond his control and now his beloved city was at risk. All she could concentrate on at that second was being by his side.

"Where is he now?" she burst out anxiously, already bound in that direction, "In the throne room? I should like to assist him in any way I can."

Ankhesenamun caught hold of her and linked her arm with Suhad's, leading her in the opposite direction towards Tutankhamun's chambers. "Leave it be. This is men's business," she chided Suhad gently, "You cannot overstep your place. Let the Pharaoh make the decisions that need to be made. He will call for you when he requires your presence. In the meantime, you should rest. You look haggard and you seem distraught and emotional. A nap is sure to improve your disposition."

"But I don't want to sleep!" Suhad protested, shrugging from her hold, "I want to be at his side. He cannot be without support. This is his greatest fear realized."

"And you will be at his side soon. I know you want to fix this for him. I do as well. But we cannot shield him from the darker aspects of his rule. Tutankhamun must solve this very difficult problem on his own. That is why he is Pharaoh. And we must support him no matter what decision he makes. That is our responsibility, Suhad."

"What can I do in the meantime?"

"Wait for him in his chambers. He will be glad to find you there once his business has concluded as he will likely need your comfort."

"If you think it's best..."

"I do. Think of the child. My brother would not be pleased if you were to cause yourself undue stress and, thereby, jeopardize your pregnancy. I promise I will update you with any news."

"Very well. A short nap would probably be good for me. I am exhausted." Suhad favored her with a grateful smile. "Thank you, Ankhesenamun."

"We are family now. We must look out for one another."

Ankhesenamun was careful to maintain her sisterly facade until Suhad had disappeared from her view and only then did her deep scowl of displeasure manifest itself. She whirled on her heel with every intention of barking at the nearest servant to find her the vizier when she discovered him standing directly behind her. Under different circumstances she might have chastised him for lurking but, at the moment, she was too infuriated by her forced cordiality with Suhad to lay into him. Ankhesenamun fixed Ay with a narrowed glare before ordering her attendant detail to leave them in privacy.

Once they had withdrawn from them, Ankhesenamun hissed, "What news from your son, Ay? I cannot bear another moment of humbling myself before that woman!"

"Patience, my queen," Ay soothed, "You have come too far to compromise it all in a fit of temper."

"Does she trust me or not?" the queen ground out impatiently.

"According to Nahkt, she continues to maintain some reservations about your motives at this time," Ay revealed with some hesitation, "I believe he managed to compel her to reconsider her feelings but only time will tell if he was successful."

"What?" Ankhesenamun exploded, "Pray tell, what is the delay with this? He's supposed to be convincing her of the merits to forming an alliance with me! How difficult can that be?"

"That is easier said than accomplished, my queen. You must remember that you were not very welcoming of Suhad when she first arrived. Those bad feelings must be overcome."

"Or perhaps your son should spend less time being charmed by her and more time focused on his task!" Ankhesenamun bit out, "I've seen the way he looks at her. I'm not a fool."

"Nahkt will do his part," Ay assured her, "You do must do yours, my queen."

Ankhesenamun threw up her hands in frustration. "What more is there? Tell me! I have done everything...everything you advised me to do! Short of prostrating myself across the floor and allowing her to use me as a stepping stool, what else can I do, Ay? Tell me, of what use is all this subterfuge if nothing at all is gained?"

"Have pat-,"

"-Oh, curse you and curse your patience as well!" the queen snapped, "I've had enough! This cat and mouse game has not accomplished a single thing! I'm wasting my time."

"Not at all," Ay argued, "You have learned the nuances of your enemy, her strengths and her weaknesses."

"To what end? I've learned is that she is willful and stubborn and has an exasperating habit of acting without thought of consequence! Typically, such qualities would be abhorrent and troublesome in a future queen but my brother seems to laud her independence. In truth, her willfulness only inflames his ardor. So tell me, how exactly am I benefited by knowledge of her flaws?"

"You must consider how you can use that knowledge to your advantage, my queen."

"I'm so sick to death of your riddles, Ay."

"Very well then. Allow me to provide you with another alternative."

"And what is that?" Ankhesenamun scoffed irritably.

"It is possible that Suhad's own compassionate heart could provide you with the opportunity for which you've been seeking."

Intrigued by his tone, Ankhesenamun tabled her rising ire and inclined her ear. "I'm listening."

"I'm told that this afternoon in the market square she tried to approach the sick woman, imagining she could provide her with some aid no doubt," Ay recounted with a derisive eye roll, "If she was willing to risk her personal well being for a perfect stranger, imagine what she would do for those whom she loves? Her emotional state is quite precarious at this time and, thus, she is very susceptible to making rash decisions."

"What are you suggesting, Ay?"

"We both know what the Pharaoh has decided to do in order to quell this epidemic. Were Suhad to find herself in the quarantine area tonight she would likely get swept up with all of those being cordoned off in the sector to be burned."

"Are you implying that I send her to her death, Vizier?"

Ay was careful not to take a definitive stance so as to remain able to assume plausible deniability later. "I'm merely providing you with options to lure her beyond the safety of the palace walls, my queen. That is but one consideration. You have many choices at your disposal. The point is...what befalls her once she is out of the palace is beyond my knowing and your control."

An hour later Ankhesenamun had Suhad summoned to her chambers. It was clear at first glance that her rival had not gotten any sleep at all. Even at a distance, Ankhesenamun could discern that Suhad was a nervous knot of energy. She appeared harried, restless and just a tiny bit desperate...which proved to be a perfect emotional state to suit the queen's plans for her. The more incapable Suhad was of sound judgment, the better.

"Have you had further word from Tutankhamun?" she asked Ankhesenamun anxiously as she was escorted inside, "Lagus informed me a short while ago that they intend to barricade off the infected section of the city and burn it with the people still inside! Is that really our only option?"

"Regrettably, it is. Tutankhamun has examined the situation from all sides and the only solution is to sacrifice the lives of a few in order to preserve the lives of many." Suhad stifled a whimpering cry behind her hand, rocking back and forth on the balls of her feet as she absorbed that grim reality. "I can see how this disturbs you. What was Lagus thinking to tell you such things?"

"The Pharaoh wanted me to know. We promised there would be no more secrets between us." Suhad swallowed past the bitter lump of tears that rose in her throat. "Curse this illness! He must be in agony at this moment to be faced with such an appalling choice. I want to be with him. He should not have to endure this on his own."

"Unfortunately, I have no report for you on that front as I have not spoken to him or seen him since preparations began," Ankhesenamun replied smoothly, though she knew full well where Tutankhamun was at that moment and even had plans to join him shortly, "But I did receive some rather distressing news from the Vizier only a few minutes before your arrival."

"What is it?"

"Were you expecting your parents here in the city?"

"No...no..." Suhad replied quickly, "I...I might have gone to the Vizier months ago and requested having them come for a visit if possible but, since the gates were closed to outsiders, I haven't pushed the matter."

"Well, it turns it out that they were allowed into the city apparently at the Pharaoh's behest. I suppose he wanted to surprise you with their arrival."

Suhad fell back a step with a trembling smile. In her frazzled, emotional state, she desperately grasped on to that small piece of good news. "They're here...in the palace? Where? When can I see them?"

"Unfortunately, due to some confusion, they were denied access to the palace and taken to a nearby inn," Ankhesenamun lied smoothly, "With all the panic going on over the epidemic, the guards are pushing people out of the city and I fear that your parents could be among them."

"No! That cannot happen! I must find them before they're sent away!"

Ankhesenamun blocked Suhad's intention to whirl for the exit. "Do not act rashly, Suhad," she advised, "I know you're anxious to see them and you're likely worried given the chaos unfolding in the streets at this time. However, I merely wanted to make you aware of the situation. It is being handled. I will send my personal guard Sete after your parents and he will bring them here to you."

"I want to accompany him," Suhad insisted.

That was exactly the response for which Ankhesenamun had been hoping, however, she was careful to maintain her facade of devoted friend and not give into Suhad's demand too quickly. "Absolutely not! It's too dangerous. I won't allow you to risk yourself or the child. Tutankhamun would never approve!"

"They are my parents! Sete won't know their faces! What if they are thrown outside of the city before he can locate them or, worse yet, they are caught up in this horrible confusion with the quarantine? I have not seen my family since I left home! I cannot be of any use to Tutankhamun but I can still aid my parents! I could not bear it if something awful befell them!"

"My friend, I sympathize with your plight. I do. But my first obligation is to my brother and to his child. I cannot agree to let you leave. I'm sorry but my answer is 'no.'" It was just the sort of decree Ankhesenamun knew Suhad would balk under and her rival did not disappoint her.

Suhad regarded her with a stony expression. "I am not asking your permission. This will be my decision and mine alone."

"It will not. I am still the queen," Ankhesenamun declared authoritatively, "and I command that you remain here. That is the end of the discussion."

With her entire frame fairly shaking with frustration, anger and fear in the wake of Ankhesenamun's refusal, Suhad clenched her fists at her sides and glared at the queen one final time before stalking from her chambers. After she was gone, Ankhesenamun expelled a shuddering breath of relief upon realizing her trap had successfully been set. It was only in that instant that she realized Ay had been right. All her weeks of humiliating herself had not been in vain after all. Ankhesenamun beckoned her personal guard forth with a terse nod.

"Go now," she commanded, "I've prepared her for you. Now do exactly as we discussed."

With flinty, emotionless eyes, Ankhesenamun watched Sete's retreating back as he set off to do as she had bid him before she decided to follow behind him at a safe distance to ensure that her instructions were carried out to the letter. She had come much too far now to leave anything to chance. Careful to keep herself concealed in the shadows, she watched with bated breath as Sete approached a pacing and quietly weeping Suhad. She pressed back into the pillars to listen to their conversation.

"...only wants what is in your best interest. I can find your parents if you provide me with details on their appearance," Sete was reassuring Suhad softly.

"It would go much faster if I accompanied you. I won't slow you down, I swear it! I know this city well."

"I cannot," Sete protested, "The queen has expressly forbidden it. If I were to take you with me she would most assuredly have my head. Not to mention what wrath would be unleashed upon me by the Pharaoh should anything untoward happen to you."

"What if I could guarantee your safety?" Suhad whispered desperately, "You know the Pharaoh favors me. I shall be made his queen, Sete. I swear if you do this for me, you will be pardoned of all error!"

"I...I don't know..."

Suhad made a desperate grab for his hands, squeezing them between her own and she beseeched him with brimming eyes. "Please...please...what if it were your parents? Would you not do anything to ensure their safety?"

"Very well," he told her, making a convincing production of extreme reluctance, "But you must stick close to me tonight. And not a word of this shall be mentioned to the queen or the Pharaoh."

"No...not a word."

As they quickly disappeared into the murky shadows cloaking the nooks and corners of the palace halls, Ankhesenamun stepped out from her hiding place to watch their departure, a satisfied smile playing at the corners of her mouth.