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temple.
You weren t Pharaoh then, may I point out? I shall miss your long hair, even
though I understand the necessity. Senmut s eyes lingered on her bald pate, and then
he hesitantly reached up and rubbed it with a teasing grin.
Hati cleared her throat to cover the immense feeling of pleasure that being touched
like a real human brought her. Hmph! That s better. I thought for a moment there I
would be forced to find myself another mehen partner.
You would only become bored, since you can beat everyone but me handily,
Senmut replied.
Such ego! Hati exclaimed. I shall have to win plenty of games from you to
squash it.
You re welcome to try. Senmut teased her with a cheeky grin. That is, if you re
no longer interested in my drawings.
I think not! You ll have your game, only after I have seen everything on this table.
Then I will trounce you. Challenge accepted?
Senmut only laughed and pulled the next drawing in front of them both.
90
The God s Wife
Chapter Ten
Senmut rubbed his head to ease the ache. For three days now, Hati had sought him
out for games and general company at every opportunity. He did not know how much
longer he could keep up his friendly, even brotherly, attitude in her presence.
It was just his luck that his students were on a trip to learn hunting and survival
skills to the north of Thebes. He had no ready excuses anymore. When they came back,
all four of them would journey to Malgatta Palace and join the two Royal princes in
luxurious exile. Only then, would he relax.
Pythia peeked around the corner of the door, and chirped, Good morning! Do you
have a minute before our illustrious Pharaoh needs you again?
And good morning to you, Lady Pythia. How may I serve? Senmut did his best to
keep the weariness out of his voice. Normally, Pythia was a clowning balm to his
aching heart. She was often there to amuse them both during games or minor court
functions.
Oh, so very formal! We are of equal rank, Lord Senmut. I have brought you a
present, she teased, and brandished a large carved box. Prancing cheerfully into the
room, she laid it on the table, shoving aside his teaching materials. A scar-faced guard
stood just inside the door.
Thank you Lady Pythia, Senmut began. His words died away as he looked down
at a beautiful torque and matching set of inlaid cuffs of gold. The torque was as fine as
the one now worn by Hati, but instead of inlays of lapis and other fine stone, the inlay
was of water-clear quartz crystal from the eastern desert. Instead of great rectangles of
quartz, the cuffs had round cabochons of the same.
Aren t they exquisite? Pythia stated proudly. I was lucky to find that goldsmith.
Hold the crystal inlay up to light.
Senmut obeyed with a cuff, and then asked, What is that black thing in the
crystal? Even the bright sunlight coming in from the balcony only gave him a glimmer
of the hidden thing beneath. Like a small black crack, the mysterious item wound its
way under every crystal.
Pythia looked smug and leaned in to whisper, Hati s hair.
Senmut was chilled to the bone by Pythia s knowing smile, and contrived to put on
his blandest expression. Why do you do this? His voice shook and he did not bother
to hide it.
You re just down the hall from my room, and I can hear your pain and love for
her. She patted his arm to reassure him and continued, Hati will not be able to wear
her own hair until her son takes the throne. It s only fitting that one who loves her
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Lena Austin
keeps it for her until then. She smiled for a moment, and became serious. Besides,
your lust for my sister is keeping me awake at night.
Oh, gods! You can hear me?
Pythia nodded. You ve been fortunate that Hati is so preoccupied with affairs of
state that she ignores the affairs of her heart. If not, your love and lust would be like the
shouts of the marketplace in her ears.
Senmut sat there, looking at the torque and bracelets. They contained Hati s
treasured hair she d given up for her son s sake. I do not know that I have the right.
Who better? You love her and understand the value of that secret treasure inside.
You re noble, and own the right to fine jewelry, Pythia reminded him.
I may be ennobled, but I still feel common-born. But I mean I do not know her
feelings for me, he murmured.
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