Chapter 5 Five

The princess woke and stared at the ornate ceiling thinking about what had happened the day before. Was she impulsive in her decision? Was it much to challenge not only her uncle but the entire court? Is this the thing that will ruin her future? Many questions ran through her mind without a single answer; however no matter she thought about it, this was the only solution to this predicament. Her father always told her, when you trust your decision be fast and swift. Don't hesitate because that single moment you question yourself, will be the moment you would be stabbed from your back.

Your enemies won't give you the luxury to think all the possibilities; a ruler needs to trust his intuition. You must hit the iron while it is hot or else, you won't be able to shape it. She saw a chance and took it, but the king had other ideas it seems.

Her father still didn't speak to her; he chose to totally ignore her existence. It doesn't matter how many times she asked for an audience like common people or how she just imposed on his free time. He still ignored her presence, punishing her for her haste decision. He thought of her as a weak woman, just like the rest of the court. He should have some faith in her. She was the true heir, his own flesh and blood. He was the one who shaped her mind and body to be competent. She will win, it's in her blood, and it's her right.

She huffed and threw away her bed coverings; it was too late now what done is done there is no turning back, beside it was her opportunity to teach everyone a lesson, no one respected her, they thought she is just a little naïve girl a piece of shining jewelry who her only place is adorning the king's arm. Even though Egyptians never prejudice against the other sex, her uncle succeeded to do so, all the court was against her only because she is an only child and a female. Her father had the same problem before, but that was because he had no sisters, so he had to wed his cousin who was betrothed to Hanbal before him, to preserve the royal blood. Maybe that is why he held a grudge against her and the current king, but it's bound to happen. We are the descendent of the gods. Cursed traditions.

Wearing her silk robes, she rang the bell, and a group of servants came with fresh water and a towels. Others prepared some beauty products and perfumes. She sat bored and let them do their morning routine, she didn't like all of this pampering, but again she has no choice. A princess needs to be cuddled and spoiled.

"Princess, which scent would you prefer to use with your bath today? And how would you like to wear your hair afterwards?" The girl asked with a frown no one liked the way she dressed or acted on regular days, they think she's crazy to act like the lower class.

"I will bathe upon my return, just do my hair in a big firm braid, I'd like to have a stroll today and bring me my horse riding garments, I've been cooped up for so long in the palace, and I'm about to burst."

"Which one the leather, your highness or the black linen?" The girl sighed in dismay, defeated

"Yes, the leather ones and the black head wrap too, please "The girl bowed and went shaking her head, she should be punished but why bother she is not the only one who didn't approve of ..... All of her.

Mandisa came wearing a commoner attire same as the princess, they were attuned to each other's thoughts like that

"Ready to go? This by far is the longest you stayed in the palace. I know you are itching to go out "She smirked and ate some of the grapes the other servants brought while sitting on a chair eyeing her sister.

"You are right and it is killing me. I don't know how our parents do it; the palace's life is really boring."

"Alas, your life is going to be that boring soon, don't worry your beautiful head princess"

"Look. I'm not in the mood for your asshole self, right now. I really don't appreciate it at the moment."

The infuriating female stood raising her arms laughing in mocking surrender "Sorry I'll shut up now before you have my head."

"If you know what is best for you. Now let's go and see my father." She put her cloak to hide her body and then put loosely the head wrap around her shoulders and went searching for her father. Today she will see him and talk.

Zosar was sitting in the garden by the pool enjoying the quietness, listening to the bird's songs, and breathing in the chilly refreshing breeze. The royal physician advised him that he should not stress himself, but how when his daughter, his only child made a stupid decision.

Aharon eyed him compassionately, "My friend, you worry yourself too much."

Before he could answer him, his daughter came into the view. She went straight, hugging him tightly, whispering, "I missed you so much farther "He didn't say a word, just closed his eyes, trying to breathe calmly.

Aharon stood and bowed "Good rising princess, How are you faring today?"

"I'm not fine uncle because my father has ignored me for entire two days. It's the first time he did something like this and it is breaking my fragile heart to feel that my dear father hates me now."

Zosar huffed he knew she was trying to extort him. He glanced from the corner of his eyes. And yes, it was true. She was smiling coyly.

"Please father, have some faith in me. I will win this, I will prove myself. I won't be a failure; I won't bring shame to your name. "Kneeling trying to get his attention, and looking directly into his eyes, he saw sadness and desperation.

Frustrated he said, "My child, you don't understand the situation. I'm not afraid that you will lose, on the contrary I'm afraid that you will win this easily and all will know your strength."

"But father, that's a good thing no one will question my worth after that, and my uncle's false claims will have no grounds."

His hand touched her cheeks softly "I wish you are right Tiye for your sake and mine." She looked at him quizzically but, he just shook his head.

"Now tell me, what you two girls are up to?" He arched a well-drawn black brow smirking, from the looks of it they were going out again.

"I think one of the girls has a lover somewhere, to dress like a commoner each day and disappear the whole day and sneaking out is strange." Aharon asked teasingly, pumping his shoulder against his daughter's and as usual she didn't even blink stoic, she stood straight looking around vigilant for any sign of danger.

Tiye laughed because her father was only teasing her "I have no need for a man in my life father you are enough for me."

"Mmmmm." the king scratched his chin looking between his daughter and her friend.

"Be honest with me Tiye, after all it is your life I'm not the one to dictate who you fall in love with, but what's the type of relationship between you and Mandisa. You two are so close, we all can see that, but if you are truly in love, I'd be happy for the both of you. But this can't be an open relationship and you need a male to have an heir to continue the bloodline. Consider him as a steed of some sort."