Read Online The Egyptian Royals Collection by Michelle Moran - Free Book Online Page B

raise Aten above all other gods. I will build him temples that overshadow anything built for Amun, and rid Egypt of the priests who take her gold to glorify themselves.”
    I glanced at Nefertiti, but she let him continue.
    “Today a Pharaoh of Egypt can’t make a decision without the priests of Amun. A Pharaoh can’t go to war, build a temple, or construct a palace without the High Priest’s consent.”
    “You mean the High Priest’s money,” Nefertiti offered.
    “Yes. But that will change.” He stood up and looked out over the prow. “My mother believes my worship of Aten will pass. But she is wrong; even my father will see in time that Aten is the god who has guided Egypt to glory.”
    I moved away to stand closer to my aunt, who was watching her new daughter-in-law with a critical eye. She beckoned me over with a finger to where she sat, a formidable woman, and smiled at me.
    “You are a brave girl to have spoken to General Nakhtmin in front of my son,” she said, then patted an armed chair next to her and I sat.
    “Are they enemies?” I asked.
    “My son dislikes the army, and the general has lived and breathed it since he was a boy.” I wanted to ask more about General Nakhtmin, but she was searching for something else, something that had to do with Nefertiti. “So tell me, Mutnodjmet,” she asked casually, “what is my son discussing with your sister?”
    I knew to choose my words carefully. “They are speaking of the future, Your Majesty, and of all the plans Amunhotep wants to make.”
    “I wonder, do those plans include temples to Aten?”
    I lowered my head and Tiye said, “I thought so.” She turned to the nearest servant. “Find Vizier Ay and bring him to me.”
    I remained seated, and when my father came, another chair with leather arms was brought. All three of us watched Nefertiti on the prow, talking in earnest with her husband. It was impossible to think that just this morning they had hardly known each other at all.
    “He is speaking of Aten,” my aunt declared heatedly. “On his way from the Temple of Amun he is still rambling about something his grandfather once carved into his bedposts and onto his shields!” I had never seen my aunt so enraged. “He will be the unmaking of the country, Ay. My husband will not live forever! Your daughter must control him before he becomes Pharaoh of Upper Egypt as well.”
    My father looked across at me. “What has Nefertiti been saying?”
    “She is listening to him,” I said.
    “That’s it?”
    I bit my tongue and nodded so I wouldn’t have to lie.
    “Give her time.” Ay turned to his sister. “It’s only been a day.”
    “In a day, Ptah created the world,” she answered, and we all knew what she meant. That in a day, her son could undo it.

    In Malkata Palace, Nefertiti and I were both undressed and given new gowns for the feasts celebrating the coronation. Ipu and Merit scurried like cats, finding sandals that would complement our sheaths and painting our eyes in black and green. Merit held Nefertiti’s crown with awe, and placed it on her head while we all watched, holding our breaths. I tried to imagine being Queen of Egypt and wearing the cobra around my brow. “What does it feel like?” I asked.
    Nefertiti closed her eyes. “Like being a goddess.”
    “Will you go to him before the feast?”
    “Of course. I will walk in on his arm. You don’t think I’d risk having him go with Kiya? It’s bad enough he will go back to her bed.”
    “It’s the custom, Nefertiti. Father said he’ll be with her every fortnight. There’s nothing you can do.”
    “There’s
plenty
I can do!” Her eyes darted wildly across the chamber. “For one, we’re not staying in these rooms.”
    “What?” I had arranged all my potted herbs along the windowsill. I had unpacked my chests. “But we’re only in Thebes until Tiye announces when we’ll move on to Memphis. I’ll have to repack.”
    “Ipu will do it for you. Why should the