Pharaoh's Desire by Chanta Rand Page B

still feel the Pharaoh’s eyes upon her. The nerve of him, ogling her like a piece of cattle! She knew her fate was sealed here, but she could not bear the lustful way he looked at her. She chanced another surreptitious glance at him, but he never took his eyes off her, staring at her with that lecherous grin. She knew he was thinking of the kiss in his chambers; she burned with embarrassment. At least she would not have to ride with him.
    Kama had turned to whisper to Dyzet when she noticed a burly man out of the corner of her eye. He stepped close, intruding on their space, and his formidable presence could not be ignored. “Why is that behemoth lurking around?” Kama whispered. “Making sure I have no chance to flee?”
    Dyzet smiled. “His name is Shu. He will stand guard over you,” she said. “The Pharaoh wants you protected at all times.”
    Kama made an undignified snort. She needed no protecting. If anything, Shu’s presence was more of an annoyance than a comfort, a constant reminder of her place. “Give him leave,” she told Dyzet. “I have no need of a guard.”
    Dyzet shrugged. “The Pharaoh thinks otherwise. And whatever the Pharaoh desires—”
    “Yes, yes. I know. Whatever the Pharaoh desires is fulfilled without question. You may wipe that stupid grin off your face.”
    Kama watched Amonmose pull one of the men aside and point in her direction. She stared, mortified, as the messenger walked toward her. As he made his way through the throngs of soldiers, she recognized his tall, dark form. Nadesh! She had not laid eyes upon him since the night of the fire. Just looking at him brought back all the horrible memories. He’d wanted her raped and killed. If not for the Pharaoh’s interference, his will would have been done. Her eyes narrowed, but she caught herself. Now was not the time for confrontation.
    “You are to ride with the Pharaoh,” Nadesh said as he approached.
    Kama merely gave him a curt nod and brushed past him without speaking.
     
    Nadesh inhaled Kama’s scent as she passed and turned to watch her go, mystified. He knew she recognized him, yet she said nothing. He’d expected her to try to claw his eyes out, but she barely acknowledged him, practically made him look the fool with her indifference. Was she trying to embarrass him in front of his men? Did she think her new status as the Pharaoh’s consort gave her such a right? He wondered if Amonmose had bedded her yet. But no, he would have heard. The palace was a breeding ground for gossip.
    This Kama was not the wild woman Nadesh saw in Aswan. She was more reserved, as if she’d been humbled and now accepted her fate. A grin split Nadesh’s face at the thought that she had been broken, and his   loins tightened. If only the Pharaoh would find disfavor with her, then, perhaps she could be his.
    “She is the Pharaoh’s woman,” Dyzet said aloud.
    Nadesh looked sharply at the pretty girl. Just two summers ago, she’d been a flat-chested child. Now, she was on the verge of blossoming into a fertile, young woman. He licked his lips. “And what of you?” he asked. “Whose woman are you?” He was a powerful man, very well respected and financially stable. He knew he was not handsome, but his invitations for illicit encounters were rarely turned down.
    “I am my own woman,” Dyzet replied haughtily, before walking away.
    Nadesh watched the sway in her young hips and mumbled under his breath.   In Egypt, foreigners were regarded with suspicion.   Yet, Kama was being treated like a queen.   She was a Nubian.   She didn’t deserve the privilege of riding in the Pharaoh’s litter.   As of this moment, it was his sole purpose to make certain Amonmose did not fall victim to her charms.

    The Pharaoh’s caravan consisted of seven litters, four dogs, and a party of well armed soldiers. It was Kama’s first journey out of the palace, but Amonmose’s close proximity made her so nervous that she found it hard to enjoy