Asenath (15 page)

I knew he was trying to lighten the mood. But it was so false. I could stand it no longer.

"Joseph, I hate this," I said. "I hate Zalikha especially. This is so unfair."

A tear trickled down my cheek.

Joseph gently brushed it away. He took my hands into his.

I looked down. Joseph's fair hands were dirtied and calloused with hard labour. My brown hands were soft and smooth, pampered by the finest creams. There was such an enormous gulf between us. Yet miraculously, we had been brought back together.

If only for a moment.

"Actually, Asenath," Joseph said quietly. "I deserve this."

"What? You're mad."

"No. You see when I was a boy, I was very pompous, arrogant and self-centred. Because I was my father's favourite son, I grew up having a very high opinion of myself. I often lorded myself over my brothers, taking pleasure in tattling on them. Needless to say, they hated me. But the real trouble began," Joseph lowered his head in shame, "when I had these dreams. As foolish as this may sound that is what really happened."

"It is not foolish at all." I remembered my recent nightmares. "I understand. Please tell me what happened to you."

"I don't think I should."

"No, please. I insist."

"Very well." He sighed. "In the first dream, my brothers and I were binding sheaves of wheat when their sheaves sprung up and bowed before mine. Then in the second dream, the sun, moon and stars bowed down before me."

I could not help a look of disgust. These dreams were truly egotistical.

Joseph shrugged. "Foolishness, I know. But stupid young thing that I was, I freely shared the dreams with my family. At one point, even my father reprimanded me. Still that did not diminish his favouritism. He even gifted me with that beautiful coat of many colours."

"I remember you mentioning it in the letters. It sounded very princely, from the way you described it."

"That it was." He smiled. "I wore the coat every day, even when merely going out into the fields. One day when I was alone with my brothers, they ganged up on me and sold me to slave traders. And that, Asenath, is how I came to be in Egypt."

"I see." Now, I knew why Joseph never talked about this. It was a heartbreaking story.

"But that was so long ago," I said. "You have changed. You don't deserve this."

Joseph shrugged.

Lord Potiphar reappeared. "Time's up," he said brusquely.

Joseph and I released each other's hands. My heart sank.

Lord Potiphar turned to the warden to give him some last minute instructions.

Joseph touched my cheek for too brief a moment. "Don't forget me."

His fingers tenderly curled around my face.

"I won't." Tears sprang to my eyes. "Please don't forget me either."

"I never could. Have faith, my love. My God willing, one day, you and I will see each other again."

CHAPTER ELEVEN

The following day, I realised I had forgotten to tell Joseph about my offer from Lady Ahwere. I wanted him to know that I might be living in Thebes. So very close to him.

I sighed. Alas, there was nothing I could do about that now. Lord Potiphar might be willing to pass on a message, but I did not want to impose on him. He had already done enough. Besides, this was too personal.

After breakfast, I threw myself into a whirlwind of activity. First, I rescheduled my return trip to Heliopolis so that I could speak with my parents sooner. Then I sent out messages to Lady Ahwere, Lord Potiphar and Khasekh. I informed them that I would be leaving earlier than expected, but would hopefully be back soon.

The next day, I was in the quay watching the servants load our barque.

"Lady Asenath."

I turned around. "Lord Potiphar! Baktre! What a pleasant surprise."

Potiphar looked considerably refreshed. "We thought we would see you off."

"Why, thank you. That is very kind of you."

Potiphar nodded toward his companion. "Baktre also has something she wishes to say to you."

The young lady bowed. "My lady, please forgive my behaviour the other day. I was so very rude."

I smiled, touched. "That is quite all right, Baktre. I was rather concerned though. I hope everything is well with you."

"Everything is fine, my lady."

"Alas, it is my fault," Potiphar said. "I've been taking out my troubles on everyone lately. I only realised this when Baktre told me of her meeting with you. That said, Asenath, I also wish to apologise for being so gruff and keeping you waiting. Also, I would have let you and Joseph talk longer, but you know how it is in the prison."

I laughed. "Isn't this a lovely lot of apologies. But it's fine, really. I understand. I know things have not been easy lately."

We paused for a moment.

"Baktre," Potiphar said, "did you tell Asenath your news?"

Baktre blushed. "I'm getting married."

"Congratulations." I grinned. "Who is the lucky man?"

"His name is Setna," she said. "He was one of the children who came with Ubastet and I."

"I will be making Setna steward soon," Potiphar said. "Joseph taught these children well." He sighed sadly.

"I'm sure he did," I said quietly.

Another pause.

Potiphar coughed. "Did you know that when Ubastet and Baktre were young, they asked Joseph to marry them?"

Baktre burst out laughing.

I smiled. "And what did Joseph say?" I teased her.

"No," she said in between giggles.

"But he said he was greatly flattered," Potiphar said.

CHAPTER TWELVE

The moment I arrived back in Heliopolis, I broke the news of Lady Ahwere's offer to my parents.

"Asenath, that is wonderful. Congratulations." Mother clapped her hands.

Father wrinkled his face. "I don't know. I think it would be better if you remain in Heliopolis. You see, Asenath, living alone is not as exciting as you think it is. Especially for a young woman like you. You know what I mean? Living independently, especially in Thebes, is not what you imagine it to be. Ah, let me try to explain...If you remain here in Heliopolis, at least you will always have your stability, especially with your role as priestess. There, in Thebes, it is very difficult to adjust to a new occupation. Do you know what I mean? Not like in Heliopolis where everything is already laid out for you."

I hardly heard the rest of his roundabout, kilometric monologue.

The following day, Father said, "Asenath, I did some thinking about this. You may go to Thebes if you wish. I give you my blessing."

I knew Mother had used her magical powers of persuasion. Nevertheless I thanked him.

Word was sent to the servants in our Theban residence that I would be there long term. My cat and dog were to go too. My belongings were packed up and loaded into cargo barges that sailed ahead of me.

I wrote to Lady Ahwere, Lord Potiphar and Khasekh, informing them of the good news. I expected the arrangement to drag on for months. But soon, I was ready to set sail again.

Mother cried as she saw me off. "We will come to visit. Likewise, you are welcome at our place anytime."

I smiled. I would miss her. "Thank you, Mother."

"May Atum-Re watch over you," Father said, "while you are gone for a while."

In Thebes, I immersed myself in my new role. Tutoring Lady Ahwere's twins was more enjoyable than I expected.

My mistress also recommended me to her other friends and relatives. Soon I had twelve little boys and girls under my care.

Overtime, the parents of my charges invited me to their social affairs. I was back in the fast-paced world of high society's gatherings.

At a banquet one evening, a hand thudded down on my shoulder. I whipped around, ready to berate whoever had called my attention in the most annoying manner.

I came face to face with a familiar smirk.

"Khasekh, you old crocodile."

He grinned. "I heard you'd be here. I wanted so much to see you."

"It's been a while. Didn't you get my messages?"

"Yes. But my studies got in the way, plus outings with my classmates." Again that sheepish grin.

"I should have known." I rolled my eyes.

"But please give me one last chance. Anyway, you live in Thebes now. We will be able to see each other as often as we like. Please, Asenath?"

"Very well. One
last
chance." I winked.

We took our seats and swapped stories. I told him of my tutoring role. He vented to me about a disagreement he had had with a teacher the previous week.

Afterward he said, "By the way, there is something I've been meaning to talk to you about."

"What?"

"When were you going to tell me about the incident with Lady Zalikha and her slave?"

The pleasant mood dropped dead.

"I don't know," I said. "I didn't think it was important anymore."

"Why?"

"It's old news. Hardly anyone remembers it anymore."

"I don't think so. Asenath, as your best friend, I have to tell you—what you did was completely disgraceful. I know I may not have seen it. But I heard all I needed to know. Really, what were you thinking, defending a slave against a noblewoman?"

This slave and noblewoman issue again. If there was one thing that never failed to incense me, this was it.

I glared at Khasekh. I wanted to fire back, but in my anger my mind had burned to a crisp.

"You have to rectify this, Asenath. Clean up your act. We will soon be making appearances in Pharaoh's court, so yes, clean up your act."

Clean up my act, indeed.

I could not take it anymore. I shot up from my seat, not caring I was creating a scene. "I used to think that those who studied in the School of Life were the best and brightest in Egypt. But you have proved me wrong."

I glared down at my idiotic best friend.

"What in Seth's cracked lips are you talking about, Asenath?" He raised an eyebrow.

"When you have acquired at least half a brain, you can come to me again." I whipped around and left, completely forgetting to inform the host of my departure.

On the way home, I realised how wise I had been to not tell Khasekh about Joseph. With this silent victory, the evening improved significantly.

The following day, Nafre informed me that Khasekh had come over. I was torn between turning him away and showing him that he could not trample over me. For some reason, I decided on the latter.

I told her to show him inside and not to serve him any refreshments.

"What?" I said as I received him.

"I'm sorry about last night, Asenath," Khasekh said. "I was too severe on you."

"You certainly were." I folded my arms.

"I know. Please forgive me? Don't throw me away. We have known each other for so long."

Though I was still angry, I knew he had a point. It certainly wouldn't do good to end our entire relationship over a little spat. Not that I was actually going to do that.

I took a deep breath. I felt myself calming down. "I accept your apology. I suppose I owe you one too, for overreacting."

"Eh, it's all right. I totally understand." He waved his hand dismissively.

"Just to let you know," I began, "I did not tell you about this—I mean, the incident with you-know-who—because it is not exactly easy to talk about. I have nothing to hide. But I just do not want to talk about it. One day I will tell you everything. But not now.

"Also, I have not even seen
her
in ages. So I don't think it matters anymore. As far as I am concerned, this is a closed issue."

"Sure. But you―never mind."

"What was that?" I asked sharply.

"Nothing. Forget it."

One day, we received some unfortunate news. Our friends, the twins Lyla and Nyla, had passed away. Because they were still so young, this came as a complete shock.

Basically, from what I heard, there had been a scandal among the servants of the Great House. Not too long ago, Pharaoh had given his baker and chief cupbearer such a scolding their dignities were nearly ripped to shreds. One of them apparently did not take it very well. The

result was a fatal food poisoning which claimed the lives of several Palace staff.

Upon hearing this, I grew very depressed. I had already been in Thebes for two years and still hadn't had a chance to meet up with the twins. My pupils did not include any of the royal family, so I never had a reason to be at the Palace.

I once saw Lyla from afar at a social affair. She was attending to her illustrious mistress. Our eyes had met and we had exchanged smiles. But that could hardly be called a meeting. As for Nyla, I never even saw her at all.

I told myself that because we were still young, we still had many more chances. How could I, of all people, forget how frighteningly unpredictable life could be?

After I heard about the deaths of my friends, I postponed my classes. I isolated myself to mourn. For a moment, I could almost see my ten-year-old anguished self crying beside me. The twins' deaths had reopened old wounds.

The following morning, I woke up with an idea. I could honour the twins' memory with a goodly burial. If I had been unable to acknowledge them in life, at least I could in death.

I knew the mass burial for the doomed Palace staff would be held soon so I wasted no time. After breakfast, I went over to the back entrance of the Great House.

The guards there nearly keeled over in shock.

"Ah, greetings, Lady Asenath," one of them said. "My lady, I regret to inform you that you have come the wrong way. I shall have my colleague escort you to the front."

I held up my hand. "No. I came here on purpose. I wish to bury the twins Lyla and Nyla. They were my friends from childhood."

The guards exchanged perplexed looks.

I frowned, growing impatient. "Is there a problem?"

"Uh, no, my lady," the second guard said. "However, we will have to obtain the permission of their Majesties."

"Very well. I will wait here."

The guard disappeared.

His colleague offered me a seat, but I declined. I was too worried to sit still. I expected something like this. But still, if I could not bury the twins, I hoped they would at least know that I tried.