Pharaoh's Desire by Chanta Rand Read Free Book Online Page A

she mused aloud.
    Dyzet stood abruptly. “Why?”
    Kama stared at the girl and then realized she’d spoken her thoughts. “Why not? Have you a better strategy in mind?”
    “Strategy?” Dyzet flung her hands up. “Why do you need strategy? You are beautiful, Kama! You have the best of everything. Food, clothes, shelter. You are treated like a queen! Life can be good for you here. I have been by your side day and night trying to be your friend, yet, you sulk like a mute and cry like a babe! You have won the Pharaoh’s favor. The Pharaoh’s ! And still, you are not happy. Are we so awful here? Am I so awful?”The girl’s voice rose with each word.   “You are not awful,” Kama told her. “And I may have the best of all things, here. But this is not my home. It will never be.”
    Dyzet let her arms fall and gave her a measured stare. “Everything has purpose in this world. You are here for a reason. You may not realize it now, but I believe this is your only home.”
    “And I believe you are a foolish young girl!” Kama’s anger flashed. “I will go home one day. You will see!” She opened the door to allow Baal to lead her to another terrifying encounter with the man who held her destiny in his hands. Kama regretted her harsh words to Dyzet, yet she could find no breath for apologies. She was not sorry, but she stormed away to keep from saying anything more.
    Dyzet called out from behind her, “May the gods keep and protect you, Kama. For you will need their help if you think you can escape the Pharaoh’s reach.”

    When Kama arrived at the Pharaoh’s chambers, the heavy double doors were wide open. She walked in and silently surveyed her surroundings. His spacious room was as opulent as the rest of the palace. It was resplendent in gold and silver, and decorated in rich shades of deep purple. Her eyes scanned the lavish furnishings. In the middle of the room, two chairs draped elegantly in dyed, delicate linen surrounded an impressive table of ivory and gold.
    Thick velvet draperies parted by gold cords allowed the brilliant morning sun to pour into the room. The intricate designs on the black marble floor were partially covered by massive zebra and leopard hides. She could not believe her eyes. It was like going to the market. There was so much to see.
    Silver and gold busts and statues littered all corners of the room. Paintings and portraits covered almost every inch of the walls. A limestone mantle displayed a brass mirror at least fifteen hands high, encrusted with lapis lazuli and bloodstones. On the left, a gleaming sword with a black and gold shield adorned with a falcon border proclaimed the Pharaoh’s victories in battle. Precious oils, resins, and waxes lined the shelves to the right.
    Her eyes traveled upward to a magnificent cut glass chandelier that hung from the ceiling, casting a prism of colors across the room. The room opened into another chamber that was covered from end to end with crates of papyrus. It was like a private library within a bedroom. She would have never guessed the Pharaoh was such a well-read man. There had to be hundreds of volumes.
    Despite the décor, Amonmose’s chambers were by no means ostentatious. Kama found everything quite tasteful. Then, she noticed the bed and was surprised she hadn’t noticed it immediately. It was huge. The bedposts reminded her of thick trees. The mahogany wood was smooth and well crafted, with intricate hunting scenes carved into each post. A diaphanous canopy of white linen spilled from the top, possibly to protect the Pharaoh from mosquitoes. Kama smirked. With all of his ferocity, even the mosquitoes were undoubtedly afraid of him.
    Behind her, she heard the doors close softly, and she turned to find the Pharaoh staring at her. He looked different today, less intimidating. Kama stared back at him and then realized he was without his ornate headpiece. She marveled at his perfectly round, shaved head. His only facial hair was his