Bound: Slave to the Pharaoh Read Free

gathered, Egyptians viewed foreigners with suspicion. My hands grew cold, and I rubbed them together.
    I sat morosely as the women among me chatted gaily, admiring my fine clothes.  To distract myself, I reached for a box of jewelry and picked through the pieces. I held out a gold bracelet with a jade stone. I would take that. Another gold bracelet with dangling images of gods went into my bag. Three pairs of earrings and two necklaces rounded out the total going on the journey to my new country.
    A knock at the door caught my attention.  A slave opened it, and Ahmed stood at the entry. My heart clenched.
    “Let him enter,” I ordered.
    He walked in; the muscles in his shoulders and chest had grown since I saw him last. The black fuzz he’d tried to pass off as a moustache had filled in. I pointed to the garden. Three of the girls whispered with smiles of approval while glancing at his form as he strode across the room.  He was no longer the gangly kid I’d played with in the palace.
    We sat on cedar chairs under the cool shade of a cypress tree. My heartbeat sped up as I played with my hair.
    Ahmed’s brows furrowed, and he shifted his feet as he kept his gaze on them.
    My throat tightened. I tried to speak, but no words came.
    At last he spoke. “I heard you are going away. I will miss you.”
    My eyes misted, and a ball formed in my throat. I cleared my throat. “I will miss you too, Ahmed.”
    I saw the longing in his gaze and I had to turn away, otherwise I’d throw myself into his arms. My hands clenched the linen dress that suddenly became too warm.
    “Remember when we used to climb this tree?” Ahmed pointed to an old cypress tree. I grinned.
    “Yes, and my nurse scolded me, saying that girls shouldn’t climb trees.” I laughed. He nodded with a smile.
    “You did things most girls wouldn’t do. I always thought you were the bravest girl I have ever met.” He turned, his soulful eyes gazing into mine. “You still are.”
    My heart stopped for a moment. “I’m not brave. I’m terrified of this journey and the life awaiting me. This is what my father wants, and I am obeying him.”
    I jumped when he took my hand. “I wish you didn’t have to go.”
    My eyes blinked back the tears. “I wish the same. But I have to go.”
    He nodded. “I understand. I’m sorry that we never got a chance.”
    My gaze turned to his handsome face. The symmetrical planes came together, giving him a look that must be how gods appear.
    How I longed to embrace him and kiss him hard. But we couldn’t. There were too many people here. It was forbidden. My heart jumped in my throat as if it’d strangle me.
    We stood up and walked together to the door. We said our goodbyes, a silent longing in both our eyes.
    After he left, my chest hurt so much from the ache. I went to the main garden to sit by my favorite pond.
    Regret filled my heart. Now I’d never get to fulfill my fantasy of making love with Ahmed. I was sure it would have been wonderful. Life was so unfair. Tears threatened to fall. I knew I should be grateful. I was luckier than most women. Admonishing myself, I remembered the things I should be grateful for. I grew up in a fine palace, had attendants and fine clothes and jewelry. As much as I wanted. Despite my efforts, the sadness remained. None of that mattered now.
    Sitting up, I gazed at a songbird that had alighted on a nearby branch. I had to stop acting like a spoiled child and accept my fate. Tomorrow I’d be leaving with the caravan to Egypt. My finger trailed into the pond water and three small fish rose up, thinking I had food with me. How I wished I was someone else. Just for a short time. I turned up to the sky that was shifting toward late afternoon.  With a sigh, I got up and headed to my room for a final night in my childhood