The Pharaoh’s Favorite novel Chapter 43

For the first time in months, I stood beneath the high stone ceilings, the light of the early morning sun filtering through the carved openings in the walls, casting soft golden patterns upon the polished floors. A wave of nostalgia crashed over me, tightening in my chest as I stepped through the towering gates of the Temple of Isis.

I had once imagined spending my entire life here. I had dreamed of devoting myself to the goddess, of mastering the sacred texts, of learning the deepest mysteries of magic.

But fate had other plans for me. And as much as I wished I could say that I had embraced my new life fully, I could not shake the small ache that settled deep in my bones.

I loved Amen. That much I knew. But had I chosen this?

No.

As I crossed the courtyard, the gazes of several priestesses followed me—curious, some warm, some unreadable. I had not expected hostility, but neither had I expected warmth.

A concubine of Pharaoh did not belong in these halls. But I was no ordinary concubine.

I carried Isis’s name in my blood. For now I was almost sure of it.

At the temple archives, I returned the scrolls I had taken the night I had stolen away from the palace. The scribes accepted them without question, but I could see the unspoken thoughts behind their measured expressions.

They knew what I had done. But if the Pharaoh himself had not punished me, neither would they.

Once my task was done, I set out to find the one person I had longed to see since stepping into these sacred walls—the High Priestess Merneith.

I found her at the western end of the temple, overseeing the preparation of offerings.

At first, she did not see me, her attention focused on the priestesses arranging lotus blossoms and small clay figurines before the grand statue of Isis.

But when she finally turned and her sharp, knowing eyes met mine, a slow, pleased smile spread across her lips.

“Neferet,” she greeted, setting down the scroll she had been holding. “It does my heart good to see you here.”

Something inside me eased at her warm reception. For all her wisdom, Merneith had never been one to offer empty words. She was pleased to see me. Truly pleased.

And yet, when she congratulated me on my new status, I could only force a small, hollow smile.

How could I explain the storm within me? That while my heart ached for Amen, it also mourned the life I had once dreamed of?

I said nothing.

Instead, I let her lead me through the temple, through familiar halls where the scent of myrrh and lotus filled the air, where the chants of young priestesses echoed softly in the distance.

As we walked, Merneith spoke of the temple’s recent affairs—the new initiates, the festivals, the rising tensions between the priesthood and the royal court. But I listened with only half an ear, my mind caught in the past, in memories of when these halls had been my home.

And then, her voice shifted, touched with amusement.

“Tell me, Neferet,” she said, giving me a sidelong glance. “Have you not forgotten your blood magic amidst the luxuries of palace life?”

My heart skipped at her words. She had given me the opening.

At once, I turned to her, grasping her hands, my voice laced with urgency. “Merneith, I want to continue my training.”

Her expression did not waver. She studied me, searching for something in my gaze, and after a long pause, she nodded. “Then you shall.”