Free Asenath by Anna Patricio Page B

braced myself.
    Of all people, Lord Potiphar was the first to arrive.
    "Ki―Asenath. How you've grown." He smiled. "How have you been?"
    I bowed slightly. "Very well, my lord."
    "I am glad to hear that. You do indeed look well. Come, tell me what has been happening with you. How do you like living with Pentephres and Satsepdu?"
    "Very good, my lord."
    "Are they treating you well?" He winked, indicating he was teasing.
    I chuckled. "Yes, my lord."
    I spoke to him of my studies and my pets. Soon, the other guests arrived. They were as warm as Potiphar.
    The company was so genial, I ended up staying the entire affair. Nobody mentioned the disaster at the party either.
    After that night, I felt encouraged to make social appearances again. The people I had met at the dinner introduced me to their friends, who introduced me to their friends and so forth. Soon, my tumultuous life eased into a comfortable and familiar niche.
    Every so often, I still saw the people who taunted me. But they did not bother me again. I could not have cared less about their existence.
     

 
     
    CHAPTER SEVEN
     
    On my sixteenth birthday, Father informed me we would be travelling to Thebes for the Beautiful Feast of Opet.
    I was excited. It would be my first time to Thebes. So far, I had only travelled to nearby cities like Memphis and Hermopolis.
    "We will be attending the procession at the Karnak Temple," Father said. "Also, we have been invited to a couple of banquets at Lord Potiphar's house. Alas, a certain lady might be there. Or maybe she won't. Well, most likely she won't. Potiphar told me he hardly sees her face anymore."
    I laughed. "That is good to know."
    We sailed south for several days. We arrived in the Theban quay at nightfall. From there, we were taken to our house in the city. Father was in Thebes fairly often to do business with Pharaoh, thus we had a second address there.
    When we arrived, I saw the house was a duplicate of our home back in Heliopolis. Even my room had been meticulously copied, right down to the unusual fish vase. When I awoke the following morning, I thought I had been magically transported back to Heliopolis overnight.
    That afternoon, at the Karnak Temple, we were escorted atop a high gilded platform where we would be watching the procession. We sat alongside Thebes' prominent clergy, as well as other visiting dignitaries.
    The view was spectacular. A gleaming marble avenue stretched out below us. Vast buzzing crowds filled the sides. In the distance, the Nile glittered in the sun's light.
    We had not waited long when a horn blared. The temple's gates swung open to the cheer of the crowds.
    I remembered the Feast of Hapi back in the fishing village. I had thought it to be very grand. But it paled in comparison to this lavish Theban festival.
    Leading the procession was the high priest of Amun. Behind him were three golden model barques each of which housed idols of Thebes' patron gods—Amun, as the sun-god was known in Thebes, his consort Mut and their son Khonsu. We could not see the idols, as they were enclosed within a veiled cabin.
    Uab priests shouldered the barques on poles. As the gods passed by, the crowds tossed floral offerings and called out requests for blessings.
    "Merciful Amun, give me long life."
    "Divine Family, bless me with more children."
    Behind the gods was a grandiose train of lector priests bearing offerings, fan bearers, soldiers and Theban dignitaries. There was also a colourful whirlwind of singers, drummers and acrobats. The most impressive performer was a little boy who could spin while balancing himself on one hand. The crowd went wild at his amazing feats.
    Father pointed out some of the dignitaries. Among them was Lord Potiphar who was again unaccompanied by his wife. There was also an army general, Tuthmosis, who was rumoured to be Amenhotep's appointed successor, since the king had no sons of his own.
    As if they had saved the best for last, Pharaoh Amenhotep and Queen Meritamen