Helena

Chapter 6

" Lady Helena, would you like blue or white?" 

I looked at the two dresses she offered.  " Blue".

The hand maid worked through my hair and applied make up. I slipped into the sandals and wore the golden headdress on my head. 

" Today, will be a prayer day in honor of Hathor" said the maid.

" Thank you. What will my schedule be like today?" I asked.

" Nothing Lady Helena. Today you will be staying inside the house or going to the temple. I suggest you avoid the crowds by not attending the temples today". 

I nodded and sat down in front of the window. This is great! A whole day just to relax. I closed my eyes and thought of home. I've been worrying ever since  I woke up.

" Sorry Lady Helena. Lady Bideon wants to talk to you". 

 I got up and waited for her to come in. Bideon was dresses in a kalisiris. 

" Helena dear, you look lovely, just like an Egyptian. I wanted to take today's special event into a perfect opportunity to show you the lovely city of Cairo". 

To be honest, spending a whole day with my father's mistress does not sound fun but I decided it would be time well spent if I could find something about her. 

" I would love to see Cairo. Will my father be joining us?" I asked. 

She shook her head. " I am afraid not. Your father must spend his time with Pharaoh in the temples". 

We both walked out of the house. A carriage waited outside and we both stepped in. 

" Lady Helena" acknowledged the soldier. 

It was the same soldier from my arrival. I nodded and stepped into the carriage. 

" Today General Antonius will be joining us today, if you don't mind Lady Helena" said Bideon. 

" Of course not" I grinned. This was going to fun. 

I knew he was better than an average soldier. He took of his helmet showing his bright blue eyes, his blond hair, and his wonderful smile. He sat beside the Lady Bideon and signaled the carriage to move. 

" General Antonius, what a great honor it is to see you in Egypt again. I heard that you were not coming back for the next  2 seasons" said Bideon. 

" Yes but the Pharaoh  requested me to come back for the tax season.  He fears that without news of reassurance from the west that the people would not pay the taxes" replied Antonius. 

I looked out the into the dry, sandy view. I just couldn't wait get out of here. 

" Who is the goddess Hathor?" I asked looking at the banners. 

" Your father never told about our gods?" asked Bideon. 

I shook my head. 

" Allow me to explain. Hathor is goddess of love, motherhood, and joy. Today is the day to honor her and especially for ladies such as you". 

The carriage stopped and Antonius stepped out first giving us a hand. The temple was as tall as a 4 story building and had was almost as big as the palace. Women covered in white drapes walked by carrying figs and  radishes on their heads. I looked at them in awe. Antonius walked to a man wearing a rich purple robe. Wearing those robes on a hot summer day in Egypt surely must be tiresome. he nodded to whatever Antonius was telling him and pointed to the direction of the temple. Then Antonius gestured for us to follow him. I would shriek every once in a while when a scorpion walked in front of me.