But if the necklace hadn’t belonged toHatshepsut, then how could it have sent her back into Hatshepsut’slife? Wouldn’t she have traveled to the life of the necklace’s realowner? How did time machines work anyway? It was so confusing. Itseemed that, in addition to studying ancient Egyptian history, shewas remiss in not reading more science fiction.
Senemut said that Horus was the protector ofpharaoh. Hatshepsut was not yet pharaoh. If the necklace did belongto her, would Hattie have to wait—months, years?—until Hatshepsutwas crowned pharaoh for the necklace to appear?
Hattie knew she could have a necklaceproduced to her specifications, thereby obtaining an excellent copyof the piece Tom had showed her. But she would never be able toduplicate the hieroglyphics. She didn’t know how to read them, soshe had no idea what had been inscribed on the figure of thefalcon. And the hieroglyphs, she was certain, were the key to themystery. They must be some kind of charm or incantation that hadsent her hurtling to the past. Perhaps if she learned to readhieroglyphics, she could remember those on the necklace? It wasworth a try.
“I feel your sorrow.” Senemut’s concernedvoice pierced her grim thoughts. “It floats around you like acloud. What can I do to lighten your heart?”
She looked up at him. She couldn’t tell himthe truth…not yet anyway. She was still an outcast here, who couldbe tortured in nasty ways or even executed if found to be animposter. “I know not what to do. I am Regent, yet I do notunderstand what is expected of me. I do not belong here. Tuthmosiswill not accept my help, and I feel useless.”
“Is that all?” He smiled gently down onher.
“That is enough.”
“Aye, well, then it is easily explained. Theyoung prince has recently lost his father. You have been made hisregent, as he is obviously too young to rule. Yet, you are not theboy’s mother, but only his stepmother. Of course, he is trying tohide his emotions from you and behave as he believes a manshould.”
“Aye, I suppose you must be right.” Hattiebrightened. “As you have said, I am only his stepmother. Who is hismother? Could she not serve as Regent for her son, instead ofme?”
Senemut’s eyes widened in shock and hestepped back a pace. “The prince’s mother is Lady Isis, one of thelesser wives in your royal husband’s harem. She is lowborn anduneducated. She has no training to rule Egypt. Surely, Your Majestyknows that she is totally unsuitable.”
“Of course, of course. I had forgotten,”Hattie placated him. It seemed all she could do was put her foot inher mouth! “You are right.”
“You are the daughter of the king,” hecontinued. “You are of royal blood. It is your duty to serve asTuthmosis’s regent.”
“Aye, I suppose it is.” She sighed. “Well,then, I intend to befriend the boy. If I am to rule with him, Iwould like the relationship to be amicable.”
“May I suggest that you send young Tuthmosisaway to train with the army? The discipline would be good for him.It might give him the maturity he lacks, and it will teach himrespect for authority. Hapuseneb, the high priest, agrees withme.”
“The army? At his age? He is just a boy! Nay,I do not think that is a good idea.” She shook her head. “Theremust be another way to make him more amenable without banishinghim.”
“As you wish, Majesty,” Senemut said stiffly,a touch of disapproval in his tone. “But I fear it will be moredifficult than you foresee.”
“Mayhap you are right. Oh, Senemut, I knownot what to do! If you are angry with me, then I have no one toturn to.” She had to be careful…she couldn’t afford to alienate heronly friend in this time.
His expression softened. “I am not angry,Hattie. I wish to help you in any way I can. Surely you knowthat.”
“Then sit with me, please.” She gestured tothe stool. “I need to ask you something.”
“Ask me anything you wish.” He pulled thestool close to the bed and sat down.
“I want you to serve as my…my advisor,” shesaid slowly, watching his face as she spoke. “I need someone I canrely on, someone close to me whom I can trust. My memory is stillfaulty from my illness.” She winced at the white lie she was forcedto tell him. But he would never accept the truth about her origin.Would he? And she didn’t yet know him well enough to trust him withher life.
“I am honored you feel you can rely on me,and I will happily assist you in any way I can,” he answered, hisexpression grave. “But I must spend many hours each day tutoringNeferure. Mayhap someone else could assist you? Ineni orAhmose-Pennekheb? They both served your royal husbandfaithfully.”
She shook her head. “There is no one else Itrust. It must be you. Someone new can be found to tutor theprincess, is that not so?”
Senemut smiled at her and her heart stopped.“Of course, if Your Majesty wishes. Might I suggest Senimen totutor the little one? She likes him well enough, and he is mosteager to advance in your service.”
“Good! It is settled then. Inform him in themorning. And now, you shall be my advisor.” She sighed. “You haveno idea how relieved and grateful I am.” She reached outimpulsively and took his hand.
At first, he attempted to jerk his hand away,but Hattie clasped it firmly, not allowing him to pull back. Aftera moment, he squeezed her hand, covering it with both of his.
Heat coursed through her body. She was thequeen, and no one dared touch her except her servant, Nesi. EvenSenemut would not presume to be so forward, save in moments of direneed. She hadn’t realized until this moment
