Free The Pharaoh's Daughter by Mesu Andrews

curtain snapped aside.
    Her husband’s expression was priceless. She’d never felt so beautiful, so adored, so cherished. Sebak approached as if she were Persian pottery and might break. He lifted her hand and kissed her palm, sending fire through her body.
    â€œYou are radiant.” He spoke in a whisper, affirming the sacred moment.
    She ducked her chin, unable to answer, but forever grateful to Ankhe for her skills with paints and jewels.
    Sebak tilted her chin up so she would meet his gaze. Anippe saw that his eyes danced with delight as he asked, “Are you ready to come home?”
    Anippe swallowed the lump in her throat and nodded, fighting tears.
Home.
Would Avaris ever feel like home?
    He held her hand as they took their first steps but then stopped abruptly.Seizing her waist, he pulled her close and swept his lips over hers—never touching—only a breath between them. “I won’t taste those ochre lips until after the feast.”
    He released her, panting—or was it her breathing she heard?
    â€œWait for me on the deck,” she said, voice gravelly. She cleared her throat and added, “I need a moment.”
    Sebak nodded, letting his hand trail down her arm before stepping back through the curtain.
    Anippe smoothed her pleated robe, trying to gather her wits. This man left her senseless. Heart pounding, sweat glistening, she inhaled and then blew out her breath slowly. “You are the Amira of Avaris, Anippe,” she whispered to herself. “Act like it.” She stepped into the cool night air to join her husband.
    The remnant of the evening sun glinted off Sebak’s Gold of Praise collar; his smile was equally bright. He wore wide gold bands on both wrists and had exchanged the short kilt of a soldier for the longer, pleated
shenti
of an estate master. A fine linen shawl billowed from his shoulders, tied at his narrow waist.
    â€œDoes my appearance please you?” he asked, lifting his arm to escort her, and Anippe wondered if she’d spend her whole life breathless.
    â€œVery much.” She placed her hand above the gold band on his wrist and allowed him to lead her around the corner of the barque’s deckhouse.
    There, gleaming in the last rays of golden sunset, was Avaris—and it halted her. Lifting her hand to cover a small gasp, she felt her fingers tremble.
    â€œIt’s beautiful.” Her heart escaped on a whisper, her relief palpable.
    The marshy landscape of Avaris reminded her of Gurob. Papyrus lined the sandy banks, with weeping willows bowing feathery branches over the water. A multitude of slaves and soldiers lined both sides of a dusty path leading up a distant hill toward a crowning limestone villa. King Tut and Queen Senpa had already begun their ascent with guards and musicians leading the way, while Abbi Horem and Ummi Amenia waited on the quay to accompany Sebak and Anippe. Ankhe stood with the other servants on the barque.
    â€œSo, you’re pleased?” Her husband’s voice was small, and he touched her hand, drawing her attention. “I want you to be happy here, Anippe.”
    How could a giant sound like a child? Startled at his vulnerability, she grasped his hand. “I’m happy when you are with me.”
    And it was true. If she could forever see her reflection in his eyes, she would never fear again. If she could always live in his embrace, she would never yearn for another.
    But what would happen when he asked her to bear a child? What would happen when he returned to battle? What then … what then?
    â€œCome, wife. Let me introduce you to your new household.”

7
    The more [the Israelites] were oppressed, the more they multiplied and spread; so the Egyptians came to dread the Israelites and worked them ruthlessly.
    â€”E XODUS 1 : 12 – 13
    The Hebrews had raised their hearts and voices to welcome Master Sebak and his bride when they disembarked Pharaoh’s royal