Shadow of the Sun (The Shadow Saga) by Merrie P. Wycoff

Hanuti will agree to it.” Mery-Ptah inhaled deeply. “We did agree. Only to keep them out of trouble.”
     
“Seems silly to allow them to build anything for this blasphemous worship of light. If you give those Semites some birdseed, they demand a bag. This Aten is meaningless, an insignificant lesser deity reinvigorated to gain power.” Sit-Amun gritted her teeth; her blood boiled just thinking about those impure races infiltrating the royal ranks of her beloved Khemit.
     
“They should have stuck to sheep herding.” Mery-Ptah wrapped his arms around her. “But do not worry. The Hanuti will allow one small temple, and they will demand total control over their Atenic Rituals. These heretics will bend their will to Amun, or they will be wiped out.”
     
“Khemit is at the apex of power and wealth because Amun has deemed it so. We have peace and abundance. What fools would want to destroy that and put our country at risk?”
     
“Do not let it vex you. Nothing will upset the rule of Amun. We are too powerful,” replied Mery-Ptah, soothing the tension from her face. “But if something should happen to Ti-Yee, then perhaps my little brother would not be so bold in the revival of Aten worship.” Sit-Amun cupped her lover’s jewels.
     
Mery-Ptah met those full lips with a delicious embrace. She melted into the strength of his arms, breathing in the heady scent of Khyphi incense still clinging to his yellow embroidered robes.
     
“We could rule. My brother is aging. Senility is creeping up behind him. You saw for yourself tonight. His indulgences make him weak in body and spirit,” whispered Sit-Amun.
     
“It is only time. His blood contract with the Hanuti is coming to a close. Then you, my darling, will be the Hanuti’s choice. I am sure of it.”
     
“Today is always better than tomorrow,” said Sit-Amun as she loosened his garment. “We cannot let my little brother or his narcissistic consort Nefertiti be named as co-regents.”
     
“You worry about them, but what about the child, Merit-Aten? I have heard she is their prophecy. She is the one that supposedly destroys the age of Amun.”
     
“She will not be hurt!” said Sit-Amun pulling away. “She is out of bounds to the Hanuti. Do I make myself clear?”
     

 
A few months later, I entered the workroom behind my Father’s estate. On the granite tables, mountains of architectural drawings were spread next to a miniature clay Aten Temple and tablets with crude drawings. A plate of unfinished cooked vegetables and barley attracted flies. My father had been giddy working late into the night on his plans to introduce the Aten with his extravagant Gem-pa-Aten Temple. My parents perused the plans.
     
“Just a few more changes,” said Father.
     
Mother pointed. “You enlarged the courtyard? And you moved the walls in the offering halls again? We will need the Hanuti’s approval.” Netri kissed her cheek. “The Aten Temple must have the same perfection in this temporal world as exists in the celestial realm.”
     
“I do not understand that, my Heart. But your architectural drawings outshine your Father’s Amun structures. Will it make the Amunites angry?”
     
His eyes glittered. “The Hanuti have offered us their artisans to complete the statuary and the temple paintings.”
     
“Really? Then maybe they will support our rise to the throne after your father wests.” She placed a delicate hand upon his knee.
     
Father rubbed his chin. “I do not know. Mery-Ptah publicly opposes it. That Amun High Priest has great sway with the council.”
     
“Who else is even suitable to rule? Your other sisters’ consorts are weak. Besides, your mother favors you. Your father will announce us as co-regents, I am sure of it.”
     
Weighing the consequences, his face turned ashen. “If someone outside our lineage is placed upon the throne, our family dynasty will end.” Meti yanked her earring. “Your family has held the power for