The Pharaoh’s Favorite novel Chapter 6

“So they’re sending you to the Golden House?” Amen’s voice carries an edge I can’t quite read. His shoulder brushes mine, sending sparks through my skin.

“Not by choice.” The words taste bitter. “My sister’s actions changed everything…” My voice breaks.

Amen’s expression darkened slightly, though he quickly masked it. “That’s a heavy burden,” he said carefully. “But you seem strong, Neferet. You’ll endure it. You’ll thrive.”

His words were meant to comfort, but they only deepened the ache in my chest. “Do you really believe that?” I asked, glancing up at him.

“I do.” He met my gaze, his dark brown eyes steady. “The gods wouldn’t have given you this path if you weren’t meant to walk it.”

The sincerity in his voice stirred something within me, though it was tinged with frustration.

How could he be so calm, so assured, when my world felt like it was crumbling? And yet, there was something about him – a quiet strength that made me want to believe him.

We continued walking in silence for a while, the only sound the faint rustle of the breeze through the palm trees. Then, without thinking, I spoke.

“I’ve been having dreams. Visions, maybe. They’re… unsettling.”

Amen slowed his pace, turning to look at me. “Dreams? What kind of dreams?”

I hesitated, unsure if I should share them. But something about him – his presence, his patience – made it easy to trust him.

“The Nile runs red with blood,” I said quietly. “And you… you’re always there. But something terrible happens. Shadows gather, creatures drag you under, or you… shatter. And I can’t save you.”

Amen stopped walking, his brows furrowing as he studied me. “You see me?” he asked, his voice low.

I nodded. “I don’t know why, but yes. It’s always you. And I feel like the gods are trying to tell me something, but I don’t understand what.”

He was silent for a moment, his gaze distant. Then he turned back to me, his expression serious.

“Tell me about yourself,” he said after a stretch of silence. His voice was soft, curious, as though he were unraveling a mystery one thread at a time.

I hesitated, unsure of where to begin.

“There’s not much to tell,” I said with a faint smile. “I’ve spent most of my life studying at the temple of Isis. I thought I’d dedicate my life to her service. But now… Now I must give up the temple, my dreams of serving Isis – ”

“And these dreams mean much to you?” He watches me carefully, something sharp behind his casual tone.

“They’re everything. The magic, the connection to the gods…” I stop walking, struck by another vision as our hands accidentally touch.

Blood. So much blood in the Nile.

Amen struggling against dark figures, their faces hidden by shadows. His body dissolving into crimson water while I scream –

“Neferet?” His hands steady me, warm against my shoulders. “What did you see?”

I blink, surprised by his instant understanding. “How did you know I saw something right now?”

“Your eyes…” He traces the air near my face, not quite touching. “They changed color for a moment. Like jade caught in sunlight.”

Fear claws at my throat. “You must be careful,” I whisper. “I keep seeing… darkness around you. Danger. Something trying to destroy you.”

Instead of dismissing me, he leans closer. “Tell me about these visions. About your connection to the otherworld.”

“I don’t understand them myself. They come without warning – more frequently now.” I shiver despite the warm night. “The priests say I’m touched by Isis, but…”

I should refuse.