Chapter 22

The whole way to the king’s palace was silent. Neither she nor Urmah spoke after his request. She doesn’t know what she should say or do. What he was asking her was out of line, not because she didn’t like him.

No, it was because this was the wrong timing. Right now, she needed to focus on her future, on reclaiming her throne and avenge her father’s death. Being in a relationship would only be a distraction.

She sighed. Was this true, or she was just a coward. She knew now that there’s an attraction between them; it was the first time a man enticed her. The truth was, she didn’t know how to tread there; it was uncharted territory for her, no mother, no female to ask about her feelings and how she should react. Mandisa was useless in this situation, too.

She could depend on her to watch her back or kill a small battalion, but in the matters of heart, she was as ignorant as her. The two were clueless.

She glanced at the male, who was an enigma to her. She still couldn’t understand him or his actions, but she was drawn to him. He was stiff, and his face held a permanent scowl. She couldn’t help but smile.

She was sure he was thinking the same thing as her. He was confused and at the same time; it felt right to be closer to each other. It was like when he was closer, she could breathe easily.

The city today was different. It was buzzing and full of life. The market was set the same as the day before, but the people weren’t selling their goods and conversing. No, they were dancing and drinking in the streets celebrating the king’s fifty-five name day.

There were people from different countries. She even saw a group of Egyptians who were laughing in a corner. She tried to stay away from them even though there was no way they would know her identity, but still she steered away.

She caught her sister’s worried eyes but ignored her.

“Don’t worry, no one will notice you. For thirty days, everyone in the city will be very drunk to even piss correctly. We won’t stay here for long three days more and we will leave to Sippar to plan what you should do next and how I could help you.” She smiled at him when he held her hand for a fleeting moment.

“I trust you, Urmah. You don’t need to pledge your loyalty to me every now and then.” He shook his head and sat hunched over his horse.

"I don’t want you to fear me after what happened between us and after my...... request.” She had hurt him, she knew, but still she couldn’t give him what he wants just.... not now at least.

“Urmah I....” She tried to speak, but nothing came out. He straightened.

“Nothing Tiye, there is nothing. It was stupid of me to ask for things you are not ready for. Especially now when you have too much to deal with.” He glanced at her and his face held a hint of a smile.

“I am a patient male. I can wait. Besides, I know no one could fight my charms.” Adadanu interrupted their laughing.

“You are such an awful liar. You are not patient with anything at all. You always take what you want with your fists since you were a little boy, so whatever he has been telling you, don’t trust it. He is just deceiving you to get what he want.”

Urmah sneered at him while the other male kept laughing. She laughed too. She knew that Adadanu was trying to get under his friend’s skin.

Mandisa got closer to her and whispered or acted as if she were, because her voice was very loud. “I don’t trust him princess, stay away from that male. I don’t like the idea of him touching you.” Now Urmah growled loudly.

“What is it Mandisa? Are you in love with her or something? Are you even a real woman? Do you love cunts too?” The poor girl sputtered. “Fuck you prince Urmah.” And with a huff, she left them alone.

“What is your problem, Urmah? Why do you keep antagonizing her?” The prince didn’t say a thing, he just grumbled about women who were actually men in disguise.

Walking to the throne room behind the prince, she looked around, trying to memorize the surroundings.

“Brother, it is pleasant to see you here finally. Ardusin told me that you had arrived late. I hope your journey was enjoyable.” A male who is a little shorter than Urmah approached them. He was wearing an expensive Persis.

It consisted of a long skirt that wrapped tightly around his waist with a golden belt which was adorned with colorful big jewels, then stretched to drape on his left shoulder. His hair was long with a few braids that kept it in place, while a small portion hid one of his piercing dark eyes and even though he looked very hospital and friendly, his eyes held distaste and hatred.

Urmah stopped in front of her. “Prince Ardorash, yes I met him for a brief moment, and thank you it was bearable.” He tried to act normal and unfazed, but she noticed that his body was stiff and rigged.

“Thanks to Sin, brother, come father is waiting for us. He told me that he has a big declaration today.” With that, he turned and entered the great room. Urmah looked at them, then took a big gulp of air, then followed him.

They first bowed to the king, paying their respect to him, then went to stand beside the two other princes. The place was crowded, like the city. There were many people with different origins and nationalities.

And again she encountered Egyptians, but this time she recognized them. They were two from her father’s court, two from his closest circle. Two who have betrayed and helped to dethrone and kill him.

She growled deep in her throat and wanted to draw her sword and advance. She wanted their blood now, but her companions didn’t give her the chance to take a small step.

They held her in place, each one of them grasping a different piece of limb. The prince who was behind her whispered in her ear.

”Easy princess, you can’t lose your temper now here. In these closed quarters, we can’t do anything. We will be at a disadvantage. We will be killed as soon as you draw your sword. Calm down and let us think clearly." His hands on her shoulders squeezed tightly, as if putting force in his words.

“Are you denying me my vengeance?” Her voice was rough and menacing. She felt her blood heating the same as the day before. He flushed his front to her back and lowered his voice.

“No digir-gu, never I’m protecting you like I have vowed. Please calm yourself down. We don’t want you to suffer again. You know these days, you are already on edge, till your name day and even then we are not sure what would become of you.”

She clenched her fists tightly till she drew blood and tried to even her breathing. He was right, she needed to be staid.

“Dear friends, it is an honor to have you here to celebrate my fifty-five name day and thank you all for your gifts and good wills.” The king’s voice boomed, killing all the noise and the small talks. Everyone watched him intently and listened to his speech.

“This year is very special to me. I had decided that I will take a much-needed rest....” people started to murmur, speculating the king’s next words and actions.

“Today I wanted to announce that I have decided to relinquish my throne.” He stood silent to let the news settle in, and when the chatter grew louder, he spoke again.

“But I won’t name an heir. I have decided that the one who is worthy of my three sons will have it. In my next name day, I will name the new king and this will be after he conquers the trials I’m preparing.” Tiye’s gaze swept around gouging the princes's reaction after this big proclamation.

one of them was stoic. His face showed nothing. The other was furious. She took a fighting stance when she saw him take a move to face the king Mandisa and Adadanu shadowed her.

“Father, what you are saying is unorthodox. I’m your firstborn and I should be the king after you.” The sneer on his face spoke volumes of how much angry he was.

“Oh Ardusin, prove that you are worthy and you can have It.” The king waved his hand dismissively as if to end the boring discussion.

“What? You want me to fight this bastard, that half-blood, for what is rightfully mine? No, father, I won’t allow it. I’d kill him right here in front of everyone and spare myself the humiliation.”

Ardusin turned to face the Sumerian prince, his hands already on his blade, but Urmah didn’t move or react. He looked stoic, but with sharp eyes.

“How dare you question me? My word is the law, and it’s final.” The king roared, making everyone flinch.

“Prince Ardusin,” Urmah advanced towards his brother. “I have no interest in your throne. I already have mine. You have forgotten that I am the prince of Sumer and the only heir to its throne.” The prince’s voice started calmly at the beginning, then changed into a growl when his chest almost touched his older brother’s.

“Brothers calm down....” The third prince walked over and stood between the two, his hands on their chests. “These times aren’t for fighting and sparring among us. They are for celebrating our father’s long prospers life.

You should be ashamed of yourselves for your despicable attitude.” He turned and bowed to the king, addressing him.

“Please, father forgive my brothers. They know nothing but blood and sword. They aren’t scholars like me. Please spare their lives, great king.” The king scowled at his youngest son and waved his hands.

“Thank you ....” Bowing his head again, he turned to the attendants “Friends and family let’s start our festivities, may Sin bless the king and his great lands.”

Everyone in the room cheered, and the music started. Dancers came from everywhere and servants held wine and food and everyone forgot about the king’s declaration and the confrontation between the two princes.

Even though they still stood in their places, glaring at each other.

Tiye’s hands flexed on her daggers and cursed silently. The gods hate her indeed. Even here, where she was escaping her fate, she has brought the bad omens with her.