Pyramids: The Gateway to Stars

Chapter XXVIII

Chapter XXVIII
A Myth Behind Nile and Egypt

The next day, at early afternoon, I was filling the bucket with mud when Khufu come back to the worksite. I thought he’d never show up again after what happened on that lake.

As soon as his presence has been recognized, one of the administrators approached him and they talked about something. His eyebrows were knitted, probably annoyed, I’m just not sure for which reason.

I returned my focus on my job. Once the bucket was full, I tried to carry it towards the cart. It was too heavy, nevertheless, my slightly shaking legs were able to walk, step by step. At least there was progress.

When I was already half-way to the cart, someone took the heavy bucket from me without even grunting from the weight. That caught me off guard as I watched him carrying the bucket all the way to the destination.

I chased after him. “Khufu!” I whispered. “What are you doing?”

“Carrying this damn bucket. What else?”

I frowned. “You don’t have to. I can do that alone.”

He dropped it beside the other buckets filled with mud and faced me, not giving care to some workers furtively glancing and listening to us. “I want to help, alright.”

Can he not hear himself? He’s the Pharaoh of this land! And he’s doing this heavy job instead of sitting on his throne which he’s supposed to!

“No one asked for your help. I told you I can also do things that males can.” I lowered my voice, enough for others not to hear. This is annoyingly attracting attention.

“Yeah, I know you can do this.” Annoyed, he gestured at the cart. “Perhaps, you could even carry dozens without putting much care about your tiny arms… But I still want to do this because…”

“Because?”

“Do I have to explain everything?” he spat as he clenched his jaw. “It’s an order.”

“What?”

“Gather the mud and I will carry the bucket. Quick.” He grabbed my wrist and dragged me back to where I was gathering mud. The moment we reached there, the curious gazes from the workers looked away as they returned to their job.

“If you want to help, you can get your own bucket and—”

“No.” He let me go and faced me. His tiger-looking eyes flickered an emotion I couldn’t fathom. “I’m only doing this because you’re too stubborn to obey me.”

He pushed the shovel to me and said in a monotonous tone, “Now, dig.”

--

As the sun sank, I watched how everything and everywhere bathed in a warm tangerine glow. I breathed a relieving sigh and smiled. Sunset has never failed to mesmerize me; its beauty just never dies.

With that said, I’m about to take a bath.

I prepared and put my things in a basket—until someone stood beside me. I furrowed my brows as soon as I recognized him.

“Khufu?”

He glanced at the basket. “Are you finished?”

“Why? Are you waiting?”

He crossed his arms. “Obviously. What am I supposed to do here if not wait for you?”

“But I’m taking a bath.”

“I know. So let’s go.” He reached for my wrist and was about to lead the way when I stopped him.

“W-Wait. I said, I’m taking a bath.” I repeated, emphasizing the word ‘I’m’. “That means, I’ll go alone.”