Flail of the Pharoah Read Online Free PDF

Charmian saw him turn to Queen Mira. Throughout the audience she had been sitting there quiet and impassive, but as Charmian tried to read her expression she thought she saw a cold light in her brown eyes, and a slight sneer on her face. Was this hint of hostility just her imagination, or had she already made an enemy of this majestic woman?
    The Pharaoh made an announcement, which Charmian struggled to follow, but then the queen rose and came down the steps towards her, stretching out her hand. This should have been a gesture of friendship, but still there was that hint of enmity in her expression that made Charmian distrust her on sight, and her words of welcome were like a curse to her ears.
    They passed out of the audience chamber and into the corridor, where Queen Mira gave her hand a brisk squeeze. It hurt. Charmian stifled a cry, but as they proceeded to another part of the vast palace she suddenly felt overwhelmed. Her future was a blank wall, and everything she held dear had been lost forever. It was unbearable, unbearable!
    She gave a sobbing cry and broke down, babbling incoherently, begging the queen to tell her what her fate would be in this strange land. The woman only smiled her dark, imperious smile and said, ‘You shall see, my dear. We are going to the female chambers where you shall be well looked after.’
    Despite the kindness of her words, the queen’s expression was smug, almost triumphant, and Charmian feared that she had made a mistake in showing her weakness. She should have remained impassive, like Queen Mira, keeping her thoughts and feelings to herself. When Charmian had arrived at the royal court of Egypt she was prepared to fear the Pharaoh. Now she found herself more afraid of this enigmatic queen. She knew her life might depend on the way she behaved in this strange court, so it was vital to be wary at all times.
    On entering the women’s quarters, however, Charmian felt reassured. There was such a bustle and chatter going on, with women lounging around or dancing in a corner to the music of a small band of female musicians. Children of both sexes ran amongst them, to be petted and cuddled by the women in turns, and there were bowls of luscious fruit everywhere.
    As soon as Queen Mira appeared they all rose and made a respectful bow before returning to their pursuits. She walked amongst them proudly, taking her charge through their midst and ignoring the curious glances.
    ‘Through here are the sleeping quarters,’ she told her, matter-of-factly, ‘and beyond is the bathroom. A ritual bath is compulsory for any woman chosen to share the Pharaoh’s bed.’ Mira gave her a look of slight disdain, adding, ‘As I am sure you will be doing shortly.’
    ‘T-tonight?’ Charmian asked timidly. The thought of losing her virginity so soon, even to the mighty King of Egypt, was daunting indeed.
    But the queen only laughed. ‘Not tonight. You must be prepared for such an honour, and I am the one who shall prepare you. But not immediately. You need to rest after your long journey.’
    Charmian thanked her, and then followed her back out into the main hall. A young man came running up and knelt down before the queen. ‘Your blessing, mother!’
    A soft look came over Mira’s face as she glanced down and placed her hands upon the adolescent boy’s head. It was shaven except for a thick lock of hair, braided with gold, covering his right ear.
    ‘My son, crown prince Neshi,’ Mira said proudly, as if to no one in particular.
    Charmian judged the boy to be around sixteen, the same age as herself. He had a sturdy, well developed body as if he were training as an athlete, and she guessed that he would not be permitted to stay in the women’s quarters for much longer. He seemed out of place amongst the women and younger children, with an unmistakable aura of burgeoning sexuality that made Charmian feel uneasy in his presence. He had awakened some unfamiliar desire in her that she sensed could lead