Ch 25

The sun awoke him far too early as he covered his face with his sheets. My my, this feels familiar, Kahmunrah groaned to himself. A nasty headache greeted him the instant he tried to rise into any upright position, his body feeling groggy like he hadn't slept sufficiently. "What in Ra's name did I drink last night?"

A servant swiftly brought him steaming water for his morning shower, which he grudgingly rose to. He had to admit, the hot water felt soothing on his skin as the servant poured it over his back and shoulders. He longed for nothing more than to sleep eternally, but if anything, last night's celebrations cemented the impending encroachment of his pharaonic duties. His father was growing weaker by the day- he shuddered recalling how beneath he magnificence of his golden attire, the king had dark undereye bags and his muscles were beginning to wither.

He prepared himself for the trainer's yard, only to be stopped by his father's assistant scribe. "Your father asked to see you in the throne room."

"He knows I have training now, correct?"

"All of your normal chores and training have been canceled until further notice. Your new lessons begin at once."

Wonderful. As if I didn't have enough on my plate already. Yet despite the sudden burden, Kahmunrah felt alert, the hangover fading away in the wake of his newfound responsibilities. He'd longed for this. He'd been born for this! Though he sped to the throne room, his steps grew heavier and more hesitant the closer he came to the doors. Was Father worse? How much longer did they have?

The king sat regally on his throne, but the night before had taken a mild toll on him. His eyes were shadowed not by kohl, but by age and weariness itself. His clothes hung loser, his posture was slightly more stooped, and his face seemed more withered than ever before. "Come closer, my son."

Kahmunrah was about to bow, but his father swiftly shook his head. "I'm afraid that despite what the people like to hear, I am not getting any younger. It is time for you to rise with the sun and ascend to the throne!"

"Oh cease with the ridiculous gestures, there is not much time left!" Snapped a voice from the shadows. To Kahmunrah's mild horror, the grand vizier stepped forward.

"So happy to see me again?"

"Happy, no. Disgusted, perhaps."

"Why you little-"

"Enough both of you! Time is of the essence, and I fear we are running out of it. Now Kahmunrah, you must listen to your uncle. Follow his teachings and I pray for both your sake's you will learn from him well."

What neither prince nor king noticed was the smile dancing just behind the grand vizier's lips. Just a hint enough at his own hopes for the throne.


She's baaaack!

Sorry for the hiatus. I'm hoping to regain some momentum now that I'm on a break from school!