Chapter 1
Ka looked around the small meeting area that he and Tutankhamun had used for training from the moment the pharaoh decided he wanted to learn just as his friend was learning. They had been boys in those days; Tutankhamun had been on the throne for only a couple of months. The training had continued; the two meeting every day until they had left Thebes armed for war to expel the Mitanni from Egypt’s borders.
This place had served as more than a training ground. Over the years many secrets and wishes had been revealed here among the two of them. Tutankhamun asking to meet here indicated a discussion of great importance between them. Ka caught sight of Tutankhamun sitting with his brow furrowed with deep thought; whatever Tutankhamun wanted to discuss; it was of grave importance.
“Pharaoh; you summoned me?” Ka said waiting quietly.
“It is not the servant of Egypt I wished to meet with.” Tutankhamun said as he stood up. “But the friend, the brother; I was raised with.”
Ka nodded. “If it is what you wish.”
“I wish to offer long overdue apology.” The pharaoh said. “And to make amends to one of the few friends who remained loyal to me.”
“I don’t understand; apologies?” Ka frowned. “For what?”
“For naming you as a betrayer.” Tutankhamun said. “I know that it was Horemheb who left me to die…”
‘There is nothing to apologize for. You did what you had to do to secure your throne my friend.” Ka said then sat down next to the pharaoh. “You were left without choice. My affection for Ankhe was an open secret; had you spared me then you would have been forced to it sooner rather than later to still the rumors when Ankhe’s child came into the world sooner than expected.”
“You lay with her?” Tutankhamun asked.
“She carried my child.” Ka admitted. “It was conceived when we thought you fallen to the afterlife. We only allowed a tender touch now and then or a stolen kiss while you lived. We would not have betrayed you like that.” Ka let out a deep breath. “But your death; we were both grieving the loss of the brother we loved; we sought solace in each other.”
It was Tutankhamun’s turn to let out a deep breath. “Our father left us all in misery. From the moment he decreed marriage between Ankhe and I. It is a mistake I no longer desire to live with.”
“It was your father’s dying decree!” Ka said.
“Yes it was.” Tutankhamun nodded. “I still question if the gods meant for us to exist in this misery for eternity. Ankhe is my sister and I will always love her; just not as I love Suhad. Just as she does not love me as she loves you.”
“Tutankhamun…” Ka started.
“Hold your protest.” Tutankhamun said. “It has not been easy on any of us. Seeing the way you look at each other has not been easy; but it was a thing that I could overlook until I met Suhad. When Ankhe saw her from the world; I finally felt the pain that you had both lived with. If I had not followed so closely; I would have done the unthinkable. But at the moment that I was reunited with Suhad; I finally understood.”
“Brother, am I clear as to your meaning?” Ka asked. “You would give your blessing to a union between Ankhe and I?”
“Yes. I would see us both happy.” Tutankhamun said. “We have suffered enough.”
Ka stood up, pulled the pharaoh to his feet, and then threw his arms around Tutankhamun. After hugging him for a moment he took a step back. “Do I celebrate prematurely? What of her position?”
“I will speak to her.” Tutankhamun said. “The title of Queen is of no meaning here. I no longer require an heir; Suhad will be my companion and hold the title. Yet I would not have Ankhe lowered in status. I will name you as my successor.”
“Again I stand speechless.” Ka said. “There is no way to express my gratitude.”
“Make my sister happy my friend.” Tutankhamun said. “That is all the thanks I ask. Come let us find Ay. I would have my decision recorded as soon as possible and arrangements made.”
“Ankhe, what troubles you to the point that you would send Seti all the way to Sinuessa to find me?” Nasir asked as he entered the palace. “And what is this rumor of animosity between you and Suhad? I thought you had discovered a way to live peaceably.”
“Live peaceably with the woman who usurps my place? Would you live peaceably with one who replaced you at Agron’s side?” Ankhe snarled.
“Suhad replaces you?” Nasir frowned. “I do not understand. What has happened since our last visit?”
“Tutankhamun dissolves our marriage in favor of her!” Ankhe said. “Ay informed me this morning! He makes arrangements for their marriage and she will become queen!”
Nasir took the agitated woman’s hand and led her to a seat. When they were both sitting he took a deep breath. “Suhad holds his heart Ankhe; it is a thing well known. He wishes her at his side because of it; it will bring him joy. You hold love for your brother do you not? You should be happy for him if you do.”
“I must once again sacrifice my happiness for him?” Ankhe asked. “Being queen is the only happiness I hold; and he rips even that from me!”
“Does he not know that another holds your heart?” Nasir asked. “We shared words on the subject. Could this not clear path toward your happiness with the one who holds your heart? He dissolves your marriage; you are freed to marry another.”
“My sister would have known this if she had allowed me to explain instead of seeking quarrel with Suhad.” Tutankhamun said as he stood in the doorway. “I have already spoken with Ka. And the arrangements that Ay makes are for your wedding to Ka to take place immediately after Amun blesses him as my successor.”
“You would see Ka and I wed?” Ankhe asked.
“I would see the happiness our father took from us restored, sister.” Tutankhamun said gently. “Our first life was sacrificed to duty by order of Akhenaten; I would see our afterlife sacrifice duty in favor of joy. I would see you finally happy with no more reason to sneak about the palace behind my back.”
Ankhe stood up and went to her brother giving him a bright smile. “Thank you brother.”
“It is deserved; there is no reason to thank me. Ka awaits you in your chamber; but do not reveal that you know of this. Show surprise; he wished to be the one to give you such news.” Tutankhamun pressed a kiss to her forehead and sent her on her way.
“What moved you to make decision?” Nasir asked as the pharaoh turned back to face him.
“Wise counsel given by Agron; and you.” Tutankhamun said. “We were joined too young as children. Neither of us knew what path the gods had set for us. We followed the path our father set instead. I see no reason to continue the mistake in the afterlife; I would see our hearts joined to the ones who hold them.”
“I will offer prayers that the gods bless you both.” Nasir said with a smile.
“They already have by seeing wise words fall on my ear.” Tutankhamun grinned. “I would have you and Agron both present for the weddings as the pharaoh’s guests.”
“I had best return to Sinuessa.” Nasir grinned. “I would instruct him on proper palace protocol lest he embarrass us both! He is German; and they tend to turn all celebrations into boisterous affairs!”
“In that case; I will invite all of the Germans!” Tutankhamun laughed. “And introduce Ay to Lugo first! The look that will settle on his face when Lugo embraces him will lift everyone’s spirit!”