Chapter 22
The next morning, Ahkmenrah awoke groggy and ill-rested- he'd tossed and turned all night long, unable to get the memory of the strange voice out of his mind. It had practically lulled him to sleep, and he realized he would always search for it in the halls from then on. Most disturbing. Shaking off the memory, he made his bed and focused on his current, more practical problem.
Kah's birthday was today- the celebration would be taking place later that afternoon, and he did not even have a proper gift for him! Never mind getting ready; good presents always come first. Something to commemorate their brotherhood indefinitely. A challenge indeed. Wandering around the marketplace, Ahkmenrah could not help but recall Kahmunrah's near demise not so very long ago. He shuddered- if his own, noticeably more mature brother could be attacked, what chance did he have? An assassination could occur anytime, anywhere, right here in this marketplace! Instinctively, he looked over his shoulder, but nothing hovered nearby except for hustling, bustling shoppers.
Steering his thoughts away from such grim realizations, he inspected the stalls before him, spilling over with jewels, fruits, and bold cloths. What to get someone who had it all? Kahmunrah needed no more weapons; his wardrobe was very much up to date. Sweat lingered on his palms as he walked up and down the aisles. Selecting a gift should not be this difficult. But for Kahmun, well, lately everything seemed to be growing more difficult.
Then, a glimmer of aquamarine catches his eye. Carefully picking up the item, he grins ear to ear- this would do very nicely.
0o0
"Soon now, my stars are aligning! Soon, my son, we shall have all we deserve!" Menet cried. The incense must be getting to him-rarely did he experience such jubilation. Yet how he wished to feel it more! More of this, more of life itself! "Are you not thrilled?"
Seti stood in a corner, glaring at him disapprovingly. "You're really going through with this, aren't you? And on your nephew's birthday, no less."
"Oh, his birthday is tomorrow, quit your whining. Soon, they won't be the only ones celebrating!" He bowed his head in silent prayer. "Come, join me. We must give thanks where it is due!"
It was an order, not a request.
0o0
Shepseheret watched her eldest son in the training yard for what felt like hours. He never seemed to stop, moving, spinning and gliding through the motions. Why oh why did he suffer so? Didn't he know he could share his burdens with her? She was his mother, for gods' sake! Yet even a queen cannot protect her children forever. Perhaps especially not a queen, for the throne carries its own dangers. Inherited. Passed down from one generation to the next. Everyone covets a crown, yet precious few understand what must happen to keep one on your head.
Retreating from the window, she sighed. How many years had it been since Kahmunrah was merely an infant in her arms? One she had to swaddle and coddle and hold? Now he barely let her adjust his armor. Kahmunrah was growing up- no, he was grown up, and she'd let the years slip by. As for Ahkmenrah... The child was almost a man himself, yet nowhere near having found direction in his life. Somehow, she knew he was destined to be more than merely an adviser or a priest, a role so many younger brothers aspire to, or were molded into. After her conversation with Isis, she was more certain than ever of a grand destiny for him. Yet he seemed so distracted lately, it worried her almost as much as her husband's illness. What was a queen to do?
0o0
Seti did not feel especially grateful. Yes, his father had sacrificed a lot for him, but hadn't Seti himself done some of the legwork? It was not all about Menet. Yet he himself never received recognition, nothing for the countless hours he had spent following the royal brothers, befriending them, or for occasionally getting rid of a nuisance to his parent. Menet only acknowledged his actions when they failed to procure the desired results; such acknowledgements were always painful and scathing, like a sword on flesh.
All that work, finally about to be realized! He could scarcely believe it. Well, though he loathed to admit it, Seti did not necessarily relish the end of the skullduggery that marked his early youth and his present. He doubted his father's slate would suddenly become heavenly clean upon ascending the throne, but perhaps there would be a lull, a dull time period when he would have to entertain himself. Annoying Kahmunrah would suffice- if the man survived the night.
Seti smirked. For once, he was looking forward to a royal celebration.
0o0
Kahmunrah fidgeted beneath his armor. "Ouch, the strap is too tight!" He yelped at his servant. The man apologized, but the prince merely shrugged him off. "Leave me," he muttered. The servant eagerly obliged, allowing Kahmunrah the company of his own reflection. Good, better. He could adjust his own armor himself, thank you very much. Deep down in his soul, he had already forfeited his party as a formidable upcoming event, more akin to a battle than a happy holiday. Nothing would appease his mood that evening.
Most unsettling, how baby brother had asked about love. Him, of all people! Why, did he have all the answers? Doubtful- women were entertainment, a distraction at the least, summer fun at the most, but nothing more to him. He could not allow himself to grow attached to any mere girl, for he'd already overheard several secret, whispered conversations between his parents, usually late at night, about possible engagement candidates. Nothing for himself to fear, for in the end, the choice of his queen was far out of his control, as was so much else. Everything was out of his control, except for the feel of his steel blade in his palm.
Surely his parents would let him wait before settling down? Then again, many changes were taking place this year- why not add a bride to the mix? He detested change- it never brought him what he wanted in the first place.
Squaring his shoulders, the heir apparent strode away from his mirror, carrying all the confidence of an over-strutting peacock. It was time to be the king.
0o0
Merenkahre knew the sun was setting on his kingdom. No more denying, no more running. It was time.
He understood what Kahmunrah felt now upon the final dawn before his own kingdom would begin; he himself had been terrified when he first ascended the throne. Very similar circumstances to his own, in fact. He chuckled at the irony. His father had been dying a slow, lingering death, while he himself watched from a distance. He shuddered at the memory.
Kahmunrah would not have to suffer for long, he mused to himself. Nor would he be suffering alone, for Ahkmenrah was not the only one who would be comforting his brother.
0o0
"People of Egypt! My kingdom; my friends! Tonight we celebrate my eldest son's 25 birthday! On this night, oh so many years ago" chortling began. The king indulged this briefly, but at a glance, the citizens quieted down. "My eldest son Kahmunrah, was welcomed to this earth. Our kingdom rejoiced! Let us now celebrate his future reign!" The people applauded, but neither king nor prince failed to notice some exchanged looks of astonishment- they'd yet to inform the people of the pharaoh's impending demise. To announce it this way... "Before we begin, allow an ailing father to bestow one final gift upon his child." Merenkahre signaled to a manservant, who immediately returned with a scroll. One barely large enough for the majority to see as it was transferred to the king's palm. He beamed upon passing the scroll to Kahmunrah, who stared at it in bewilderment and hesitation. His eyes bulged in shock as he scanned the parchment. "My son will no longer live his life alone, but with a life partner, one who will live with him through times of joy and of sorrow. My son, my Rising Sun," Merenkahre gazed proudly and joyfully at him. "People of Egypt, I give you all... Your future queen!"
Hey there, lovely readers! I hope all of you are still healthy and safe in this time of crisis; who knew we'd be living through a pandemic, right? At least social isolation means I've run out of excuses not to write. I hope it'll give you time to read my latest chapter! :)
Stay safe and happy as you can be in these times; take all the time you can to be with your loved ones. If any of my readers are essential workers, kudos to you for putting your lives at risk! Kudos to you for plowing through these times! You are loved and very much in our prayers!
