Warrior of the Nile (The Gods of Egypt) (22 page)

“Nephthys,” Khenet said softly.

She paused and glared at him. “What final words of wisdom do you have to offer, human?”

“Only a request. Remember we mortals are capable of more than you’d believed. Consider all the factors involved next time.”

Nephthys stared at him for a moment, and he thought a smile flickered on her face. There was a flare of violet black light and she was gone. A lone wasp buzzed on the floor and he crushed it under his sandal.

Tiya showed Khenet her wrist. “The mark—it’s erased!”

“And the one over your heart as well,” Ma’at assured her, eyes crinkling in good humor. She winked at Horus. “Things fell out well today, after all.”

“Indeed, sister.” He nodded and waved one hand at the doors.

Khenet swept Tiya into his arms and kissed her passionately as the doors to the chamber flew open and the first wave of courtiers and soldiers crept timidly inside. The newcomers fell to their knees in awe as Horus and Ma’at stepped forward.

“Kneel to your new ruler, people of the Viper Nome,” Ma’at commanded, holding her red feather like a scepter. “You know I am the embodiment of truth, can speak nothing but the truth. I say unto you this day Lady Tiya-ami-kitara has properly ascended to the title of nomarch.”

Horus laid his hand on Khenet’s shoulder. “My warrior will be the strong right arm of your new nomarch, her husband, your protector.”

Bringing Tiya with him, Khenet marched past the Great Ones. She squeezed his hand nervously as they stopped in front of their new subjects.

Khenet held up their joined hands. “Together we’ve defeated Smenkhotep and his blasphemous plans against Pharaoh and the true gods. We prevented Qemteshub and his minions from invading. You’ve heard the will of the Great Ones expressed—Lady Tiya-ami-kitara and I will hold Viper Nome from this night forward, making the province a bulwark for our Pharaoh. Will you accept our rule?” He stared at the shocked faces in the crowd, making eye contact with each person.

There was a moment of utter silence.

“We will, my lord, and will be proud to do so” said Narmer. Jumping to his feet, he addressed the crowd behind him. “Our prayers have been answered by the Great Ones—the rule of Pharaoh’s law has returned to Viper Nome. Three cheers for our new nomarch, Lady Tiya-ami-kitara, and her consort, Lord Khenet.”

Khenet took Tiya in his arms as their new subjects cheered themselves hoarse. He gazed into her eyes. “I’m not sure what I’ve gotten us both into.”

“We’ll make this work together.” She kissed him.

Horus and Ma’at joined Khenet and Tiya, the Falcon motioning for quiet. As the crowd fell silent, the Falcon said, “I summon blessings upon this nome, its people and upon Lord Khenet and Lady Tiya. We leave you in good hands.” The Great Ones vanished in an explosion of green light that momentarily blinded everyone in the room.

Khenet rubbed his hand across his watering eyes, then held Tiya closely.

“What is your will, my lord?” Narmer asked, hand over his heart.

“For your loyalty to Egypt and your support to us this night, we name you as commander of all forces in Viper Nome. There’ll be much to do, to make the nome whole and healthy again, the people strong,” Khenet answered. “For today, I declare a day of feasting and celebration in honor of your new nomarch, my lady wife Tiya. Break into the granary, distribute food freely among the population, and rejoice in the new order of things. If any of the craven mercenaries dare to remain within our borders, your men may capture and execute them. Tomorrow we’ll make plans for rebuilding.”

Narmer saluted. “Well said, sir. I’ll see to it at once.”

As the crowd filtered out of the room, buzzing with chatter about what they’d seen and the momentous events that had come to pass, Khenet sheathed his sword. Despite the events of the last hour, he still felt the uncanny energy running through his veins, and he breathed a silent prayer of thanks to Tla-amu.

“Shouldn’t we go with them? Preside over the celebrations? Make ourselves known to our new people?” Tiya asked, eyebrows drawn together in a puzzled frown.

“In a moment. I have something for you.” He fumbled in his belt pouch while she stared wide-eyed. Smiling, he brought out the little lotus-and-hippo enameled necklace. “It’s a bit bedraggled and worn now, a trumpery gift for a fine lady such as yourself, I know, but I give it to you with my whole heart.” He stared down into her eyes. “If you’ll have me?”

“A bit late to be asking, isn’t it, after telling Ma’at and Horus we’d rule together? Telling the entire nome we’d be married? A woman does like to be consulted, you know.” Before he could draw breath to apologize, she gave him a breathtaking smile and raised her hair off her slender neck with one hand. “Put the necklace on for me?”

With trembling fingers he looped the satin cord around her neck and tied a makeshift knot.

“Wasn’t the Last Man of Avsarum supposed to marry a princess?” she teased, gazing up at him from under her long eyelashes as she rubbed her fingers over the disks. “Are you sure a mere nomarch will suffice to satisfy the legend? I don’t want to hear about any lingering second thoughts in the future—”

He caught her in his arms, crushing her soft body against his. Lowering his head to kiss her, Khenet said, “The Last Man is marrying the woman who rules his heart and body, the woman he loves—
you.
”

* * * * *

In the mood for more ancient Egyptian romance? Look no further than Veronica Scott’s first novel,
Priestess of the Nile
, available now!

Priestess of the Nile

Egypt
,
1500 BC

Drawn to his abandoned temple on the banks of the Nile by an enchanting song, Sobek the Crocodile God is even more captivated by the sight of the singer herself. Appearing to her as a man, he learns she is Merys, a descendant of his last priestess. Though filled with lust, Sobek believes Merys deserves to be more than just his mistress. But the rules that govern the Egyptian pantheon forbid anything beyond a physical joining of a Great One and a human.

Merys is attracted to the handsome stranger, who arouses passions in her that no man ever has. But with no dowry and no hope of ever leaving her village, she dares not dream of the future—or love.

Sobek takes every opportunity to visit Merys, taxing his resolve to leave her pure. When he saves her life, their mutual desire must be sated. But can a love between a human and an immortal survive the ultimate test of the gods?

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About the Author

Veronica Scott grew up in a house with a library full of books as its heart, and when she ran out of things to read, she started writing her own stories. Married young to her high school sweetheart, then widowed, Veronica has two grown daughters, one young grandson and cats. She loves reading all genres of romantic fiction, growing roses, admiring Mars rovers, listening to bagpipes and wearing long earrings.

Veronica is the proud recipient of the NASA Exceptional Service Medal but must hasten to add the honor was
not
for her romantic fiction! She received a 2013 SFR Galaxy Award for one of her novels.

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ISBN: 9781426896354

Copyright © 2013 by Jean Walker

Edited by Alison Dasho

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