THE GREAT LADY OF ALKION

CHAPTER 75

"Rashida," Thutmose called for her when she entered their room and she looked at him in utter surprise.
"I did not know that you were in here," she said as she stood up.
"Are you feeling alright ? You look pale,"he said as he cupped her cheek in his hand.
"No no. I am alright," she replied as she turned away.
"Are you sure ?"
"Yes. I am fine Thutmose," she said as she walked past him and sat on the bed." Where's Anippe ?"
"I sent her away."
"Why ? Where to ?"
"I want some alone time with you," he said with a smile." We have not been on the best of terms since we got married and I want that to change. I cannot stand having you so close to me yet so far," he said as he walked towards her and knelt on the bed. She lay back and he moved closer to her hovering over her.
" What are you doing ?" she asked timidly as she met his eyes.
" Nothing. I need you," he whispered as he cupped her face in his large palms again.
" But I...," she said and turned her face away from him.
" You what ? Look at me,"he said and turned her face to look at him using his finger." I have something for you."
He pushed his side lock away and clapped twice before sitting beside her.
In walked three female dancers who had been concealed from view by the blue curtain.
There was a sound from the harp and the women began to shake their hips. They danced in a circle moving their hands and fingers in tune with the harpist's play.
"For the past few days, you have been sad. I could tell that. I know that you love watching dances and I hope this cheers you up," he said as he placed his hands on her lap.
" Thank you."
No matter how good the dance was, her thoughts were lost thinking of what had happened to her before she came into her room. Bennu was dead because of her.
He turned to look at her and could easily tell that something was amiss. She was very quiet which was not her nature.
"You may leave," Thutmose said with a wave of his hand.
With bows, they left leaving the two alone. He placed his hand on her shoulder and she shuddered.
"You love listening to the harp but you were different today. Didn't you like what I prepared for you ?"
"It was good Thutmose. I enjoyed every bit of it," she answered with a forced smile.
" What you say doesn't match your expression. If anything, I'd say that you're in distress."
" Thutmose, I said that I am fine and that I enjoyed the dance!"
She was now on her feet rubbing her temples." Where did you send Anippe ? I need her."
" What for ?"
" I need her to pour my bath."
" I could do that. There's water in the tub and if you need help, I might as well help you,"he said as he walked towards her as she walked back step by step as he got closer.
"There's no need for that," she breathed once she was trapped between him and the wall.
"You look troubled and perhaps I could help."
"There's no need,"she sighed.
He took her hand and helped her into the tub after she undressed. Taking a sponge dipped in the sweet smelling water, he began to wash her back gently. Her tensed shoulders relaxed under his touch and she closed her eyes to savour the moment.
He stopped washing her and she opened her eyes.
"Rashida, you can open up to me and tell me what bothers you."
She took in a deep breath and pulled his hand back to her bare back.
"Don't stop."
"Tell me."
"Not today."
"I do not know whatever is on your mind since you won't tell me but I hope that you find the relief you want," he said as he poured some water on her and continued to wash away the fright and sins she bore.

"Have you seen Bennu ?" Meritaten asked a maidservant.
"No my lady."
Meritaten walked on asking around for her maid. She spotted Asenath who was carrying a basket filled with herbs and called out to her.
"Meritaten," Asenath replied with a brief curtsy.
"I sent Bennu to get me some medicine from you some moments ago but I can't seem to see her. Have you ?"
" She did come to the physicians' bureau and left after we told her that we would send you the medicine. Here it is," she said as she handed Meritaten a vial." You need to take all of it and report to me if you do not feel well by nightfall. Excuse me," she said and curtsied before disappearing into the corridors.
"Where could that girl be ?"Meritaten huffed.
" There you are,"Smenkhhare said as he walked towards her." It's time for the prayers and everyone is waiting for you so we can go to the temple."
" I know that Smenkhhare but I cannot see Bennu. I cannot find where she put the offerings from us."
" Come on. Father will not wait any longer and neither will the priests. We'll use them next time,"he said and turned to leave and she followed him.