The Pharaoh's Whore

Chapter Twenty-One

I squirmed as the unbearable sun beamed down on me. I tried twisting myself around to try and break the cloth, but it only made me lose circulation in my hands for a few moments before I gave up and flipped back over.

I tried screaming for help but I had lost all of my voice from screaming yesterday, not that anyone would be around to hear me anyway. I eyed a stick that was a few inches away. I stretched my right leg out to touch it. I panted with the effort, trying to make your leg stretch out isn't as easy as it sounds. My toes touched the tip of the stick and I curled my toes around it. I flung my foot back so now the stick was on my belly.

I put my feet on the trunk of the tree and rolled backwards, I hit my head but then the stick plunged through the cloth and I was free! I was panting and sweating from the effort, but at least I was unbound. I slowly stood up and took in my surroundings, trying to figure out where my location was.

I put my hand over my eyes so my eyes would be shielded from the blazing sun. I heard the running of feet coming towards me.

"Hello? I shouted weakly.

"Where is she?" I heard a sharp voice say.

I gasped, "Selene" I thought.

I mustered what was left of my vocal chords, "Selene!" I shouted.

"Ife!" She shouted back.

A chariot pulled by four white stallions pulled into view.

"Stop!" Selene told the driver.

The chariot pulled to a stop beside me and Selene jumped out and hugged me tightly.

"Oh Ife, I was so worried!" She squealed.

"What happened?" She asked as she pulled me into the chariot.

I shook my head, I didn't want to tell her just yet.

"Let's get you back to my estate." She said stroking my hair.

"Hurry up!" She said sharply to the driver.

The driver flicked the reins and we were off at full speed. Once we were back at the estate, Cliao and the other servants gave me a long and relaxing bath. I changed into a fresh gown and brushed my hair. Supper was a wonderful affair, I vowed that I would never take food for granted again. Claiming of fatigue, I went to my room. As I was reading a scroll on my bed, I heard the door open and close.

"What happened?" Cliao asked me softly.

"Mistress took note that Augustus was reported missing while you were as well. He went somewhere, nobody knows" Cliao said.

"Well... Augustus he... He did the same thing to me as he did with Selene" I said softly lowering my eyes.

I could see the tears slowly well up in Cliao's face.

"I-I-I'm so sorry that I wasn't there to protect you Ife" She said bursting out sobbing.

"It wasn't your fault" I said swiftly standing up and hugging her tightly.

"I should've been with you!" She said softly.

"It was fate, we cannot dwell on what has already happened" I whispered.

She nodded and buried her head in my neck. She reminded me of Badra in so many ways...

"I will do anything you want me to! I-I owe it to you!" She said, her voice was muffled.

I thought about this for a moment, I was going to say that wasn't necessary, but something got the better of me.

"Get me my servants, Badra and Neva, please" I said.

She put her head up, gasping for air.

"If that is what you wish" She said bowing.

"You will see them in two days time" She said.

I nodded and smiled at her, "Thank you Cliao" I said softly.

"It's the least I can do" She said before quickly walking out of the room, her sniffled echoed in the halls.