The Pharaoh's Whore

Chapter Twenty-Six

Badra and I hid in a dark corner as we watched the door slowly creep open.

"Forget it. They have nothing of value." We heard a man say, the door quickly closed and we heard chomping footsteps go up the steps.

We breathed a sigh of relief and slowly made our way to our original positions.

Two months passed quickly, we passed the time by telling stories and praying. One morning as we were eating our meal, there were a series of rapid knocks on our door. Neva opened it cautiously to see a small, scrawny man in the doorway.

"I am a servant of the Ambassador, Marcus Julius of Rome...When he heard word that your ship had docked he sent me here..."

"What is your name?" I asked him, looking at him curiously.

"Trèston, my lady"

"You must come quickly with me, the sailors are fast asleep, but not for long, I gave them a sleeping powder mixed with their wine." He added quickly.

"Can we trust him? He might be an imposter." Badra asked, glaring at the servant.

"If he is, I'll unleash Set on him" Neva replied quietly.

"P-Please! You have to trust me! My master won't be pleased with me if I'm late bringing you!" Trèston pleaded.

"Let's go" I said softly.

We walked with the servant out of the cellar stealthily, I looked around. The sailors were all passed out on the floor, I covered my mouth to stifle my giggles, they all looked like children, one even was drooling! There was a plank that led to the shore, we carefully maneuvered to the land and breathed a sigh of relief when we didn't get caught.

"I'll get horses, stay here please" Trèson instructed, as he started running towards the town.

A few moments passed before the servant walked towards us, leading four horses towards us. We quickly mounted them, his steed led the way and we flicked the reins on our horses. We raced through the streets, I wrinkled my nose in disgust as I smelled the horrid stench that plagued the streets of Rome.

It smelled of rotten fish, human and animal waste, and old food that had been left out, and not apparently properly thrown out.

"Egypt was never this disgusting" Badra whispered to Neva and I in our native tongue, so that the servant wouldn't understand.

"Be respectful. You never know who knows our language" I replied sharply, her loose tongue could've jeopardized our situation.

"Forgive me" Badra mumbled, lowering her head.

A long time passed before we finally got to Marcus's villa, it was one of the most beautiful structures I had never seen. It was built with white marble, with red brick roofing, with flowers surrounding the whole building. We reached the stable, servants were there to help us climb down and led our horses away.

"I will lead you to my Master's office. He is expecting you" Trèston said, beckoning us with his hand to follow.

We followed him through the airy hallways, everything was pure white, with gold items, it almost felt like we were in heaven. Trèston opened the door for us, and we walked inside to Marcus's office. We bowed as soon as we stepped in, I heard Trèston close the door gently behind us.

"Ah, no need for formalities. Welcome to my beloved home" I heard a deep voice say.

We rose and stood up straight,

"Thank you for having us" I said in Greek.

"It is an honor to have a lady of such an honorable goddess in my humble home" He said bowing his head in respect.

I smiled at him as he focused on my nearly popping belly, I was almost nine months along, nearly time for my children to be born.

"How far along are you?" He asked.

"Nearly nine months." I replied smoothly.

"Oh! Please, lay down! You must be exhausted! Here, I'll have a maid show you to your rooms" He said, suddenly flustered.

I laughed quietly, "Oh I'm fine! Thank you! I'm not in the least bit tired!"

"But I insist! Please!"

I giggled, "Okay".

He called for a maid, and she led us to my room. As soon as I laid down on the bed, I hadn't realized how much I really was tired. I yawned and felt my eyelids close tightly.

"Good night my lady" Neva whispered.