Free Bound: Slave to the Pharaoh by Chera Zade

 
     
    Chapter 1
     
    I stumbled through the garden of my father’s home and headed to the small pond in the corner. I sat on the concrete border at the edge of the pond. The lilies on the water floated serenely. The calm waters usually relaxed me. Not today. My eyes were drawn to a small group of mosquitos buzzing over the still, murky water. I squinted my eyes to see a couple of gold fish busily searching for food.
    The memory of the conversation came back.
    I had walked down the hallway, my arms full of offerings, on my way to the temple. I had planned to pray to the gods. I hoped that they’d find favor with me. Nearly every day I had petitioned for a suitable husband. I was already eighteen years old. If I didn’t marry soon, my chance would be gone. Passing my father’s audience hall, my ears caught the mention of my name. I stopped and hid just before the stone doorway.
    Two male voices drifted into the hallway. My father and the governor were in conversation.
    “Yes, we need to strengthen our relations with Egypt. They are much more powerful than us. The future of our country is at stake,” the governor grumbled.
    “The strength of our borders worries me. We don’t have enough troops to hold off an attack. They are in Kush now, and once they have vanquished their enemies, they may set their sights here.”
    “I heard they have already sent scouts to find our weaknesses,” my father said.
    “Bah… weaknesses? We have many weaknesses.” The governor coughed. “I’m certain they have already infiltrated the country by sending spies dressed as travelers. We need to be quick and offer a sign of peace before they grind us into the ground.”
    “What do you suggest?” my father asked.
    “We should send a caravan. Filled with fine silks, gold and slaves. Give gifts as a sign of goodwill,” the governor replied.
    “My daughter Karima will make a fine gift. She needs to be married and I haven’t found a suitable match for her,” my father said.
    “That’s a great idea. The daughter of Moroccan royalty sent as a gift to Pharaoh. I like that idea.”
    My heart shrank at these words. A long breath escaped me. I hadn’t realized I had been holding my breath. Trembling, I retraced my steps. Tears ran down my face. I threw myself into the lap of my nurse, Rania, and wept.
    “I don’t want to go away. I’d always imagined I’d be married to a man of my own country.”
    “There, there. Her hands smoothed my hair as she patted my head. The tears continued to stream, unrelenting.
    “How can I live in another country? I don’t know the language, I will be a stranger there. This is awful.” Anger clenched my heart. “I will not go. I will refuse to go.”
    “Karima, this is foolish talk. You must go. There is no other choice.” Her hand swept a stray strand of hair out of my face.
    “This is so unfair. Why have I been chosen for this? I prayed to the gods for a suitable husband. Not an Egyptian.”
    She chuckled as she patted my head. I relaxed under her soft hands.
    “You will make a fine mistress. You will bear sons and be an esteemed member of the royal house.”
    I doubted her words.
    “What if they don’t approve of me? What if they are mean to me? Then what will I do?”
    “It is going to be all right,” Rania cooed.
    I knew it was useless to fight my father’s decision. But I remained stubborn. I was used to getting my way, and I decided I wasn’t going to be treated as a piece of property.
    I got up and refused the sweetmeats Rania pressed upon me.  Sweetmeats wouldn’t make me feel any better. Determined to stew in anger, I left my room.
    My eyes rubbed raw from crying, I walked to the pond to ruminate on my fate.
    My life would completely change in a short time. I hadn’t stayed long enough to hear when I’d be sent away. I imagined it’d be too soon for me. I looked around the lovely garden.
    Fig trees provided shade from the hot sun. Flowers of various colors and shapes danced