Chapter 23
Kahmunrah was not the only one left gaping in shock; judging by everyone else's facial expressions, this had come as an enormous surprise for everyone. The citizens were turning to each other left and right, muttering in tones varying from chipper excitement to undisguised shock. One fact, he recognized: he was the only one truly unhappy with this turn of events.
Ironic, considering he'd mentally been preparing himself for weeks. His parents hushed conversations, his brother's question about romance- everyone had known except himself. How very typical.
He longed to scream and shout how he did not want this, he was not ready. Even as they unveiled his future queen- literally unveiled, for apparently she'd been hidden behind a curtain and enormous, colorful fans.
He longed to scream "Stop!" To cease and desist all the pompous ceremony and to just run, run far away. Farther than the practice fields, farther than the dunes, farther than he'd ever gone before.
To just be gone.
Even while he struggled to stand upright before his lady, Kahmunrah understood his desire was childish. Obviously, this day would coming. This day had to come, for he was the heir, and expected to produce more heirs. He had only hoped that matrimony would be just slightly further down his path. He'd planned on leading his warriors into battle, gain his rightful place with his people through bravery, heroic deeds, defeating the invaders. Not by wooing a lady he knew nothing about!
Undoubtedly, his parents cared enough about him and their own legacy to find someone suitable enough in appearance and temperament. Her eyes, peering out from above her veil, were pleasing. A dull amber color, not too terribly common, but he would have preferred blue or sea green. Yet her eyes appraising him shrewdly did not alter his desire or his feelings. Despite his earnest wish for escape, he maintained his smile, bowing before his family and future bride. For now, he suppressed his grimace and smiled enough to dazzle the crowd and make his father proud.
He dared not meet Ahkmenrah's gaze; he could feel baby brother watching him, as if sensing his violent uneasiness. Had Ahkmenrah known any of this beforehand? Doubtful. Ahkmenrah was not the best at keeping secrets- he would have let something slip far in advance. Nonetheless, he was also easily swayed by Shepseheret; if she'd asked him to keep a secret, he would have done so. He would ask later tonight. Until then: "Thank you, Father, for this wonderful gift and your blessings! It gladdens my heart that you think of me so fondly, and with such regard as to consider my future for me." Merenkahre beamed back, and the two embraced before the cheering crowd. Then Kahmunrah fulfilled his role as the lady's man by swooping his bride up and kissing her on the lips. Through her veil, of course.
Ahkmenrah wanted to cry, for he could feel Kahmunrah's anxiety aching like a knife grating against stone. He always did know how to put on a good show. The fair prince clapped along with everyone else as the crowd cheered the fresh, soon-to-be happy couple. They were a fairy tale coming to life. But no one understood exactly how very unprepared Kahmunrah was to settle down. How could their parents expect him to marry already? How much longer before he himself would find be face-to-face with his own purchased bride? He shuddered at the notion. Oh, how his brother must be reeling right now, and he had not even consumed a glass of alcohol!
Along the wind, the voice echoed back to him Never fear! Your time will come.
Despite his brother's stress, he felt the warmth of relief spread throughout his heart, and soon he was clapping as enthusiastically as his parents were.
Kahmunrah had to admit, at least his new fiance was pretty. He refused to use the term beautiful, however- somehow, that would feel like defeat.
She was tall for her sex, around 5'5", with long, dark brown hair trailing in a loose, ornamental braid down her back. Her eyes glowed amber with flecks of brown, like the gold of the desert sand mixed in with the Nile's soil. Her figure was also pleasant: curvy, but not too rotund. The athleticism echoed in the long strides of her gait and in the graceful manner she swayed to the music. Her startling eyes were currently closed.
"Do you dance?" Kahmunrah finally asked her.
The girl turned to him, startled, and immediately kept her body still. "I do as you please, my lord."
"Well in that case, may I?" He might as well act the role of gentleman, for the night was young, and he may get lucky even before their wedding day.
She smiled demurely in response, but her eye sparkled slightly. He himself did not fully live for dancing- such an activity was better done after a drink- but with a lady, it was usually more fun.
They twirled off into the throng.
Good evening, my fellow readers!
I know I've been on hiatus, actually for much longer than I'd thought. Wow, over a year already? At any rate, I'm back for the longer term (hopefully). Life is still busy, but I can finish this one!
Until the next chapter, my fellow readers! :D