garden sprawled out before me. I was enchanted. It was more beautiful than the temple garden. The blooms and greenery here were richer, more lush. They seemed to reach out and embrace me as I entered.
Two reflecting pools lay on opposite ends of the grounds. Fountains splashed and tinkled. Beds of cornflowers, poppies and daisies lined sandy walkways. The singing of the birds floated down from the trees.
Nafre led toward a marble pavilion. There, Lady Satsepdu sat before a low table laden with a sumptuous feast.
She smiled. "Good morning, Asenath. I trust you slept well?"
I stared blankly at her for a moment. Then I remembered I had a new name now. A new name and a new life, just as Menah had said.
I bowed. "Life, health and prosperity to you, my lady. Yes, I did."
Satsepdu sighed. "There is no need for formality. We are family now, remember? Call me Mother."
"Yes, my la―"
She gave me a look.
"Mother."
Upon uttering the last word, I was sure Re and all the gods would strike me dead.
Mother smiled. She beckoned for me to sit. "Your father is at the temple. But he will be here later this afternoon to introduce you to your tutors."
After breakfast, Mother showed me more of the house. One of the garden pools, she said, had been converted into a swimming pool for me. A screen had been constructed over it so that I could swim even in the heat of the day.
I realised it had been such a long time since I last swam.
Later Mother took me up to the roof deck. She pointed into the distance. "Look over there."
I shaded my eyes and gasped. "Are those the pyramids?"
"They are indeed. You know, I believe you have a view of them from your room as well."
We went to look. Sure enough, I had my own private view of the ancient tombs. But the view from the roof deck was much better.
As with all new beginnings, the first months of my noblewoman's life started out simple. However, it did not feel that way at the time.
My early days consisted of studying and serving at the temple. In my leisure time, I swam in the garden pool and devoured the scrolls in the library. I was so grateful Father had taught me how to read.
Just as I thought I had fully adapted to my new life, my parents introduced another item to the agenda—the gatherings of high society.
I knew it was inevitable, especially as it was often mentioned. Still, I felt it was happening all too soon.
As if he read my mind Father said, "But not to worry, Asenath. This will be a casual affair. It will be a river hunt outside the city. However, Pharaoh will be there. So do remember to put your best foot forward."
"Yes, Father."
"If I recall correctly, some other people your age will be coming too. So you should be able to enjoy it." He smiled.
I cheered up, imagining I would meet people like Menah. "Yes, I am sure I will."
As my parents and I travelled toward the riverbanks, I readied myself to make a good impression. My nervousness eased a bit when the Nile's sparkling dark green waters came into view. They reminded me of my childhood. I smiled to myself.
But then I heard the distant sounds of merrymaking. My chest constricted.
Soon, we arrived. I took a deep breath before disembarking my litter.
A huge crowd was already gathered at the site. Fleets of opulent barques crowded the river's surface. Skippers scurried back and forth, readying the boats for the hunt.
Father took my arm. "There's Pharaoh and the Queen. Come."
I put on my practised smile. As we reached the royal couple, we bowed.
Father said, "Your Majesties, please allow me to present to you my daughter, the Lady Asenath."
" Ankh, weneb, sedjet ," I said. "O Living Horus and Great Royal Wife."
The Queen turned and went off with a group of royal ladies.
I stared in bafflement. Then I remembered myself. "O Living Horus, may you live forever."
"Lord Pentephres, we have much to discuss." Pharaoh nodded to Father.
The king had barely looked at me the entire time. The two men began talking. I excused
Two reflecting pools lay on opposite ends of the grounds. Fountains splashed and tinkled. Beds of cornflowers, poppies and daisies lined sandy walkways. The singing of the birds floated down from the trees.
Nafre led toward a marble pavilion. There, Lady Satsepdu sat before a low table laden with a sumptuous feast.
She smiled. "Good morning, Asenath. I trust you slept well?"
I stared blankly at her for a moment. Then I remembered I had a new name now. A new name and a new life, just as Menah had said.
I bowed. "Life, health and prosperity to you, my lady. Yes, I did."
Satsepdu sighed. "There is no need for formality. We are family now, remember? Call me Mother."
"Yes, my la―"
She gave me a look.
"Mother."
Upon uttering the last word, I was sure Re and all the gods would strike me dead.
Mother smiled. She beckoned for me to sit. "Your father is at the temple. But he will be here later this afternoon to introduce you to your tutors."
After breakfast, Mother showed me more of the house. One of the garden pools, she said, had been converted into a swimming pool for me. A screen had been constructed over it so that I could swim even in the heat of the day.
I realised it had been such a long time since I last swam.
Later Mother took me up to the roof deck. She pointed into the distance. "Look over there."
I shaded my eyes and gasped. "Are those the pyramids?"
"They are indeed. You know, I believe you have a view of them from your room as well."
We went to look. Sure enough, I had my own private view of the ancient tombs. But the view from the roof deck was much better.
As with all new beginnings, the first months of my noblewoman's life started out simple. However, it did not feel that way at the time.
My early days consisted of studying and serving at the temple. In my leisure time, I swam in the garden pool and devoured the scrolls in the library. I was so grateful Father had taught me how to read.
Just as I thought I had fully adapted to my new life, my parents introduced another item to the agenda—the gatherings of high society.
I knew it was inevitable, especially as it was often mentioned. Still, I felt it was happening all too soon.
As if he read my mind Father said, "But not to worry, Asenath. This will be a casual affair. It will be a river hunt outside the city. However, Pharaoh will be there. So do remember to put your best foot forward."
"Yes, Father."
"If I recall correctly, some other people your age will be coming too. So you should be able to enjoy it." He smiled.
I cheered up, imagining I would meet people like Menah. "Yes, I am sure I will."
As my parents and I travelled toward the riverbanks, I readied myself to make a good impression. My nervousness eased a bit when the Nile's sparkling dark green waters came into view. They reminded me of my childhood. I smiled to myself.
But then I heard the distant sounds of merrymaking. My chest constricted.
Soon, we arrived. I took a deep breath before disembarking my litter.
A huge crowd was already gathered at the site. Fleets of opulent barques crowded the river's surface. Skippers scurried back and forth, readying the boats for the hunt.
Father took my arm. "There's Pharaoh and the Queen. Come."
I put on my practised smile. As we reached the royal couple, we bowed.
Father said, "Your Majesties, please allow me to present to you my daughter, the Lady Asenath."
" Ankh, weneb, sedjet ," I said. "O Living Horus and Great Royal Wife."
The Queen turned and went off with a group of royal ladies.
I stared in bafflement. Then I remembered myself. "O Living Horus, may you live forever."
"Lord Pentephres, we have much to discuss." Pharaoh nodded to Father.
The king had barely looked at me the entire time. The two men began talking. I excused
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