NEFRET

vi. {swabu}

1280 B.C.

19th Dynasty

Waset, Egypt

********************************************

Nefret woke up in the morning with a nagging sense of dread at the pit of her stomach. She remembered her promise to Ay, and she felt the heat around her cheeks at the memory of their almost kiss. She closed her eyes, feigning sleep and hoping yesterday did not happen. Nefret sighed. She knew her true feelings, and she did not really regret their closeness. Ay's vulnerability was a privilege to see, and she was thankful she was there to make him feel better. She stood from her mat, stretching her sore muscles. She climbed the stairs to the sight of Lapu making bread in the kitchen. Lapu grinned upon her arrival.

"Good morning, Nefret!" he exclaimed. "I am cooking bread for the two of us. Today is your day off so master allowed me to let you sleep more. Do you have any plans today? I hope this bread turns out delicious!" Nefret laughed silently, finding Lapu so endearing. She sat on the chair next to the kitchen table and put her head on her hand.

"I am not sure about my plan for today," she mused, slightly tapping the wood with her fingernails. "I think I am going to the coronation tonight." Lapu dropped a plate in surprise, his eyes widening.

"You are going to the coronation?" he exclaimed. "Wow! Who invited you?"

"My friend, Ay. He works as a palace guard. I am unsure about the whole thing. He told me not to worry because he will take care of things, but I do not even have a dress to wear! Nor do I know how to style my hair properly!" Nefret groaned stressfully. "I do not even know where to start."

Lapu was about to open his mouth, a consolation at the tip of his tongue when three loud knocks interrupted their conversation. Nefret looked up. "I will get it," Lapu stated, his small legs already rushing to the entrance. Nefret stay seated, her back towards the door. She sighed, nibbling on a bread with little appetite.

"I can tell you will require all my help," a voice announced, making Nefret jump. She turned slightly, already familiar with that tone of disdain. Ahmose eyed Nefret up and down critically, noting her posture and attire. He noticed Nefret was not even wearing a dress, instead, she wore a tattered big linen wrapped around her waist and tied over her shoulders. Her hair was in disarray and crumbs fell from her open mouth. Ahmose was unsure of what his friend saw in her. He hefted the large rattan box from his arms unto the table. "I hope you are done with eating because your preparations need to start now if you want to look presentable tonight."

Nefret looked affronted. "As a matter of fact, I am not done eating." She guarded her bread protectively. Ahmose rolled his eyes and muttered, "fine," under his breath before motioning to Lapu.

"Child. Go and collect water from the river and bring it here. Fetch honeysuckle, hyacinth, iris, and jasmine on the way to mix with the bath. Hurry." Lapu obeyed immediately, even if he was confused as to who their visitor was and his relationship with Nefret. Nefret busied herself with nibbling on the bread, unable to look at Ahmose. Their relationship was strained, although Nefret was unsure if it was because of his clear annoyance of Nefret or her trepidation with his callousness. As she ate, she felt a tug on her hair.

Ahmose ran his hair through the nest Nefret called as hair. He plucked at the seam on the corner of her rag-like attire and ran a finger down her shoulder blade. Nefret jumped from the touch, flinching away. "I can work with this," Ahmose muttered, already planning everything in his mind. He sat on the opposite side of the table from Nefret rigidly and quietly waited for Lapu to ready the bath. Nefret and Ahmose sat quietly, as was the case every time they were together. Nefret observed Ahmose surreptitiously. He had skin the color of the lilies that grew on the pond near the temples, and his lips were red from his worrying. He always wore a stern expression which darkened his stare and made it seem like he measures the very soul of the person he spares a glance at. He had a slender jaw, sharp from the secrets he kept to his heart. Nefret did not envy the life he lived in the palace where the walls had eyes.