Pyramids: The Gateway to Stars

Chapter XXI

Chapter XXI
Horseback

I threw one last look at the sleeping Djedefhor in the room and closed the door silently. The moment the door shut, I breathed a heap of cold nightly breeze and heaved a sigh of exhaustion after. Finally. My job is done!

It had been three days ever since I stopped using a scepter so I was back to my same routine.

I caressed the brown scarf I just finished weaving earlier, and wrapped it around my neck. I'm planning to give this to Djedefre as a peace offering, or perhaps to at least improve our relationship. I just hope he'll accept it.

I turned my back and walked through the familiar pathway which led toward my room. For some reason, I still don't feel sleepy yet despite how long and tiring this day was. The moon and stars looked more vivid tonight, too. Perhaps, I could stay and watch for a good view in the meantime?

After much thought, I decided to shift the trail and headed to the other side instead. If I remembered it right, the left wing leads outside. And then, I should take the right side, then left side again, then left again... and wait, should it be right or left?

"Ugh!" My frustration kicked in. I'm getting lost. I don't know if it's because of the dark or I'm just not really good with directions.

This is so annoying! I should really make a map or a quick sketch of this enormous palace next time.

After a long while of wandering, I finally stepped over the outside grounds. I threw my head back and let out an exasperated sigh. "At long last—" My eyes widened.

I immediately hid behind one of the huge columns and peeked at the man heading outside the borders of the palace. He's Khufu! The Pharaoh! But what is he doing at this late hour again? He seemed to be going somewhere.

I glanced sideways and dashed toward him while tipping my toes. I crouched behind a wall and peeked at him. He still hasn't noticed me. Good. I want to know where he is going! My curiosity is kicking in.

When he temporarily vanished from my sight, I stood up and halted at the last spot I saw him.

"Where did he go?" I wandered my eyes. He just headed here a while ago—

A brawny arm snaked around my waist and I gasped before his muscular hand completely covered my mouth. I muffled a noise.

"Why are you following me?"

My heart raced. I lifted my hands as a sign of surrender and that's the moment he gave a good look at me. The caution hinted in his eyes vanished in an instant. He let me go.

I gripped my chest and breathed quickly. "W-What was that all about?" He scared me to bits!

"I thought someone was spying on me."

"I—I'm not!" I was just trying to follow him alright!

He then turned his back. "It's late. You should go back to your room."

I frowned when I realized he's really gonna leave me behind. I didn't want to turn this all into waste. So I chased after him.

He gawked at me, annoyed. "I'm sure this is not the way back to your room, woman."

"I know but... having some company won't hurt, right?" I smiled sheepishly and gazed at the pathway we were going.

"You mean, a disturbance," he muttered but didn't try to push me further.

The entire walk we were quiet. Only the rustles of our footsteps and the murmurs of the chilly breeze filled my ears. We've been trekking for quite a while now but I still have no idea where we are heading.

"Hey!" I yelled but instantly sealed my mouth when I realized this is still the Pharaoh. An annoying Pharaoh, at that. "I mean... Your Majesty, where are we going?"

He didn't answer.

My gaze lowered to his hand when I noticed something shiny swinging around his fist. That pendant seems... familiar. Right! I remember that. That's the necklace I found when I fell on the sarcophagus. He said Habibah owned it.

I eyed him, leaning my body forward while my hands clasped behind my back. "Your Majesty, are you meeting with someone at this late hour? Or... are you planning to pawn that necklace with a merchant—"

"Shut up or return. You choose."

I frowned. Since I didn't want to leave and I was already a bit far away to go back, I just quietly followed him until we reached a finely chiseled brown horse. It was attached to a royal chariot but he removed the horse from it. Then he stroked its head and it lovingly neighed.

"Are we gonna ride on it?" I asked.

"What else?" His voice sounded sarcastic.

I scowled at him when his back faced me. This Pharaoh doesn't have a nice bone in him, does he! I was even asking nicely and he'd answer me with sarcasm? If not for his almighty divine title, he'd be nothing—

He suddenly faced me.

From a frown, I smiled quickly like a defenseless kitty. He didn't see what I did, didn't he?

"Are you sure you're coming—" He knitted his brows. "Did you just mock me?"

"What? No!" I shook my head to make my acting believable. "Why would I do such a harsh thing to the greatest, mightiest, and kindest Pharaoh here on land?"

He stared at me with a dull face. "Doesn't look sincere to me." He turned around, leaving me annoyed, and climbed over the horse.

I crossed my arms, while he gazed down at me. "You coming or not?"

"Uhm..."

"Climb. Or I leave you."

I grumbled. I extended my arms, asking for his assistance. So he shook his head and grabbed my wrist as we both pulled up my body all the way to the horseback.

This was my first time riding a horse—an ancient horse, at that—so my arms instantly snaked around his waist like a reflex, an automatic response in my body. I felt him freeze so I slightly loosened my hold and distanced myself.

"Uh, let's go, Your Majesty?"

He didn't answer. He gripped the leash and gently whipped it. The horse began strolling through the sand.

I wonder where we are going.