I couldn't sleep. A deep sense of guilt weighed heavily on me. Pretending to be Kenefer's fiancée, his wife, while having a loving husband and children waiting for me back home—it felt wrong. And now, pretending to be a goddess... I was just a normal human being, and this façade didn't sit well with my conscience.
Abasi didn't deserve to be treated as he was, forced to crawl in front of me. The thought made me sick to my stomach. And Kenefer... the pain in his eyes, the turmoil I had caused him... it pained me deeply.
From my window, I could see the lifeless bodies scattered in the streets. The plague seemed to thrive in the darkness, with the corpses covered by swarming bugs. Strange frog-like creatures emerged from the muddy ground, feasting on the insects. The grotesque scene only intensified my distress.
I didn't know what to do next. I had absorbed all the knowledge the AI possessed about the future king of Egypt, Meryibtawy. If history had chosen him to rule, perhaps I could leverage this to save lives. My support and endorsement could provide him with the recognition he needed. Maybe the riots and wars could be averted.
But what if Meryibtawy refused? What if he saw through my charade? What if he was a savage, intent on violence and plunder? In the end, he was just a man... Perhaps appealing to his ego could be my strategy? Countless thoughts raced through my mind, leaving me overwhelmed and uncertain.
Suddenly, my contemplation was interrupted by a noise. I turned around to find Michael quietly entering the room.
"You can't sleep either?" he asked. "I came to check on you. I heard a noise."
"It must have been the creaking floor, I'm sorry. I can't seem to stop pacing... Sleep eludes me; I've given up on it," I confessed.
"I understand," he replied, coming closer to me.
"
In your travels, have you ever met or heard of Meryibtawy? I can't help but wonder what kind of man he is," I asked Michael, my curiosity getting the better of me.
"No, I haven't had the pleasure... Honestly, this isn't my favorite era to visit... Egypt consumed by the biblical plagues..." Michael replied, his voice tinged with a hint of unease.
"So, these plagues... Are they what we're witnessing now?" I inquired, hoping for some clarification.
"Yes, I believe so," he confirmed.
"Didn't the River Nile turn into blood during that time?" I asked, but before Michael could respond, the door swung open, and Abasi entered the room.
"Amunet," Abasi bowed respectfully. "Meryibtawy is at your service."
"Now?" I asked, taken aback by the sudden turn of events.
"He wishes to see you immediately," Abasi explained.
"Where is he?" I inquired, my curiosity piqued.
"He is waiting at your temple," Abasi responded.
"At my temple? Why there?" I questioned, feeling a mixture of surprise and intrigue.
"We thought... or rather, I thought, that you might be most comfortable in the place of your worship," Abasi explained, his voice filled with a mix of nervousness and anticipation.
I looked at Michael with a hint of doubt, but he stepped forward and gently took hold of my arm, offering me support while seemingly acting as my escort.
"Very well, then," I said, making up my mind. I walked out of the room, with Michael and Abasi following closely behind.
As we stepped outside the inn, we were greeted by a crowd of people, holding candles and torches. It was a breathtaking sight. The crowd parted, creating a path for us, and we walked through, with Michael at my side, heading towards the temple, with the crowd trailing behind us.
When we reached the temple, it was ablaze with fire, torches, and candles. Music filled the air, and young girls danced to the rhythm. In one corner, a group of men dressed like Abasi stood, likely the temple priests. I made a decision and headed toward them.
But as I walked further into the temple, my eyes locked onto a massive stone statue of myself, wearing the exact wedding dress I had on. Ignoring the priests, I decided to make a spectacle of my own. I knew the temple was filling up with people, and Abasi was right behind me. Walking past the priests, I caught their shocked expressions.
I reached the end of the temple, released Michael's arm, and stood before the statue. Slowly, I turned around, allowing everyone in the temple to witness the uncanny resemblance between me and the stone figure. As their gazes met mine, one by one, the people dropped to their knees in astonishment.
"People of Egypt! I have heard your cries and felt your broken hearts! Today, I stand before you to announce a new union for Egypt! Just as I bestowed my favor upon my fearless, brave, and mighty husband, Prince Kanefer, long ago, I now bestow a new union upon you, with Meryibtawy! He will lead you out of this misery!" I shouted, my voice resounding through the hall.
With each sentence, the crowd erupted in cheers. Tears streamed down the faces of some, while others fell to the floor in disbelief. Hope radiated from their expressions. Taking a moment to absorb their reactions and revel in their presence, I noticed a man rising from his knees.
He was imposing, adorned in animal skins and crowned with animal horns. His face was painted with green and light blue hues, and his body adorned with jewelry. This must be Meryibtawy, I thought as he approached, kneeling at my feet.
"My lady, you honor me greatly," he whispered fervently.
"Rise, my faithful one!" I proclaimed in a loud voice. The crowd erupted in cheers as he stood by my side. The excitement surged through me, causing my hands to tremble. However, I sensed the need to bring this performance to an end while I still had control.
"Now that you know my will, let there be music and dance!" I declared. From the back of the room, instruments started playing, and young girls rushed out, dancing with joy.
"Abasi, is there somewhere we can retreat?" I asked, seeking a moment of respite. He nodded and led us into an adjacent room, which appeared to be the priests' quarters.
We filed into the room, and the future pharaoh knelt before me, saying, "Amunet, I am honored to have your favor." A wave of relief washed over me. He was not a savage, and he was playing along with this charade. Perhaps, with his cooperation, I could navigate another day in this pretense.
"Rise, my champion. So, you accept the will of both me and the gods? Will you take up the leadership of Egypt and guide our people back to prosperity?" I inquired, my voice filled with anticipation.
"Yes, my lady, as you wish. But I must ask... Amunet, what of the current ruler? What will be his fate?" he inquired with a mix of concern and curiosity.
"He is not the one to lead Egypt out of this misery. He shall serve as a priest in a temple of his choosing. He should not be harmed, for he still holds favor with some of the gods, and they will not look kindly upon those who would bring harm to the young boy," I explained, emphasizing the need for mercy.
"I understand... When should he step down?" he asked, ready to take action.
"As soon as you request it," I replied confidently.
"Is tonight an opportune time?" he inquired, seeking guidance.
"Do you have men by your side?" I questioned, gauging his readiness.
"Do I need men if I have your favor?" he questioned, displaying his trust in my power.
"Yes, his followers may not willingly accept his stepping down. Even the great warrior Kanefer, who enjoyed the favor of many gods, required an army to achieve victories. You are a champion, the future ruler of Egypt, and you must have an army! If you do not have one now, gather and raise one. With my favor, I am certain men will rally to your cause. Gather your forces and seize Egypt so that your dynasty may be intertwined with its fate," I advised, observing the spark of purpose and belief igniting in his eyes.
He bowed low, with his head touching the ground, and proclaimed, "It shall be as you say, my lady. If I may take my leave, I shall begin immediately!"
"One moment, Meryibtawy. There is one more thing. Once you assume rulership, I wish for you to redirect your devotion away from me and remove my image from temples and the memories of the people. Abasi, my high priest, has already been given instructions and will assist you in this task. Can you promise me this?" I explained, emphasizing my desire.
"I do not understand, Amunet. Why, after giving Egypt such hope, would you ask this of me?" he responded, his voice filled with confusion and sincerity as he bowed deeply.
"Because I am the hidden goddess, the invisible one. Make me hidden," I replied intensely, underscoring the significance of this request.
With his head still lowered, he whispered, "It shall be as you ask."
Just as he was about to depart, a group of priests arrived, blocking the room's exit. Unaware of our conversation, they appeared perplexed by the situation.
Glancing at Michael, I whispered, "Do you think they will take care of the images?" He nodded in agreement, prompting me to address the priests.
"Ah, you have finally arrived. Abasi knows my will as the high priest of my temple. He will collaborate with the future ruler of Egypt, guided by my blessing. Seek him for guidance," I declared, exuding authority as I walked toward the door. Michael, Abasi, and Meryibtawy followed closely behind. The priests, although bewildered, responded to the weight of my command, bowing and kneeling to clear our path. Returning to the main hall, we stood before my statue, and I pointed towards a small fountain. Michael shook his head and reached into his pocket.
Suddenly, the music ceased, the dancing halted, and the crowd parted to reveal Isabell standing there, radiating regality and power. Clad in her black suit, she stood out from the rest of the gathering. Her voice reverberated through the temple.
"Enough of this charade! You have nowhere to run! Surrender!"
"Kauket, the bringer of darkness..." I heard Abasi whisper, his face drained of color in horror.
I surveyed the scene, catching sight of Meryibtawy, his expression filled with consternation as he gazed upon Isabell.
Turning to him, I shouted, "Meryibtawy, my champion! The black serpent has come for me once again! Protect your goddess!"
Without hesitation, Meryibtawy roared and charged towards Isabell. Chaos erupted in the room.
Amidst the commotion, I heard Michael shout, "Isabell, meet Meryibtawy! He's a delightful fellow! Good luck trying not to alter history!"
In an instant, he grasped my hand, and we were whisked away into the white abyss.