“Is my royal father alive, too? Is he comingback?” Hope blazed across the small face.
An icy hand clenched Hattie’s heart. “Nay,little one, he is not,” she whispered. “I am sorry.”
Neferure dissolved into tears and flungherself again onto Hattie’s chest. Hattie put her arms around thechild and patted her back until the storm subsided.
At last, the girl raised her head, swiped hercheeks with her palms and hiccupped.
“Better?” Hattie asked, stroking thetear-stained cheek.
Neferure nodded. “Will I have to marry mybrother Tuthmosis now that my royal father is dead? I do not wantto marry him. I do not like him. He puts frogs in my bed and pullsmy hair.”
“Marry your brother? I should say not. Why, Ihave never heard of such a preposterous…” She faltered to a stop.Over the child’s head, Senemut frowned, clearly puzzled. She neededto watch herself; she didn’t want to put her foot in her mouth andsay something totally out of character. The sum of her knowledge ofEgyptian customs and traditions would fill a thimble. “You need notworry about that now. You are not old enough to think of marriageyet. We will discuss it later.”
Neferure grinned and stuck out her tongue atSenemut.
“Time to return to Aneksi, little one,”Senemut said, taking her hand. “She must be very worried about you.You were naughty to run away.”
Neferure pouted. “I want to stay here withMother.”
“Your mother needs to rest,” Senemut said ina firm tone. “Out, now.”
Neferure flounced across the room, thenturned back for an instant. “Mother, you look different.”
“Of course, she looks different,” Senemutsaid before Hattie could respond. “She has been ill. Hurry, now.”The child made a face at her tutor before disappearing swiftly fromthe room.
Senemut chuckled. “The little one hasspirit.”
Spirit andintelligence, Hattiethought. How long could she fool the child into thinking she washer mother?
“I fear you have given the princess falsehope,” Senemut continued. “She must indeed marry her brother, yourstepson. How else can he secure his claim to the throne, since heis the son of a lesser wife?”
Stepson? How many other relatives lurkedwithin the palace walls, ready to expose her at the slightestmisstep? “Surely, she is too young to marry anyone at this time,”Hattie said. “She is but a baby. I will hear no more of it.”
“Very well,” Senemut said, confusion markedacross the strong planes of his face. “I will take my leave now andallow you to rest.”
Impulsively, Hattie held out her hand to him.“Thank you, Senemut, for all your help. I am most grateful.”
Senemut hesitated, then took her hand in bothof his, lowered his head and kissed it gently. “Sleep well,Majesty,” he said, and strode from the room.
Hot sparks shot up her arm from the spot hislips had touched. She put her hand to her suddenly flushed cheek.What had she gotten herself into?
* * *
“Bring me wine, Hori!” Senemut shouted to abald, wizened servant as he paced the floor in his palaceapartments.
“Aye, Lord.” Hori bowed deeply. “May I bringfood as well? You appear tired. When was your last meal?”
Senemut glanced at Hori. It was not like himto bow. He and Senemut were on familiar terms and had been so sinceSenemut’s childhood. Perhaps his harsh tone of voice wasresponsible for the unnecessary display of subservience. Hesoftened his expression and smiled at the old man. “Always, you seeto my comfort and you give me sound counsel. You have been more afather to me than my own ever was! I apologize for growling at you,old friend.” He rubbed his stomach. “Aye, you are right. It hasbeen overlong since I have eaten. Bring food as well and join me atthe meal, if you would. I have something I wish your opinionon.”
Hori grinned. “It would be my pleasure. Ithas been some time since you last sought my advice. I feared youhad grown too wise to seek the opinions of your old tutor.”
“Nay, I will never be too wise for yourcounsel, though at times I fear I am too proud. But in this I wouldhear your thoughts. Go now, and do not tarry.”
Before long, Hori returned bearing a traywith dishes of roasted fish, figs and cheese, a round loaf ofbread, and a flagon of wine. He set the food before Senemut. “Eat,and tell me your troubles,” he said, munching on a fig.
Senemut attacked the food with relish whileHori watched silently. At last Senemut pushed aside the tray with acontented sigh. “I was hungrier than I knew! But now I amcontent.”
“So, tell me what ails you.” Hori shifted toa more comfortable position on the low stool.
“It is Her Majesty Hatshepsut,” Senemut beganslowly, considering his words. “Since her illness, she has changed.She seems like a…like a different person.” He spread his armshelplessly. “I know not how to describe it.”
“How has she changed?” Hori asked. “Has herappearance altered, or does she behave in a different fashion?”
“She is confused, but that is to be expectedafter such a grave illness. Her memory appears faulty, but that,too, is understandable.” Senemut paused to organize his thoughts.How could he describe a change he felt more than saw? “Whatconcerns me is her unexpected actions and demeanor. This morning,she told little Neferure that she need not marry her brother.” Heshook his head. “While Hatshepsut has always been a softheartedwoman, she understands the necessity of the marriage to secureTuthmosis’s claim to the throne. Why then does she make thispromise she cannot keep, which will only break the child’sheart?”
Hori whistled softly. “That seems unlike her,indeed. But illness can cause one to reevaluate priorities andchoices. Mayhap she has another husband in mind for the girl—mayhapa diplomatic alliance with Phoenicia or Syria?”
Senemut scowled and scratched his head. “I donot think so. She said the girl was too young to marry, nothingmore.” How could he explain to Hori his uneasiness at Hatshepsut’sbehavior? He looked around swiftly, then lowered his voice. “Oldfriend, I speak to you now of things I would disclose to no oneelse. It could mean my life, were my words to travel beyond
