HETAERA: Daughter of the Gods

by Coffey, J. A.

  Throngs of people, common and not, cheered for us. They stamped and shouted my name. An immense feast was given, and I was overjoyed to see most of the noble families attended. And not two weeks later the news came that the mighty Kourosh of Persia was dead. He’d dared to cross an eastern queen who did not take well to the death of her son on his battlefields. She took the life of Kourosh as recompense to her gods.

  Egypt settled once again in to a routine of exports and trade. Life resumed its normalcy.

  And, in true Egyptian fashion, I gained a new throne name, ‘Nitocris’, chosen by my husband. It meant “Beloved Treasure of Neit” his patron goddess. So, three names.

  And I’d not thought such a number to be lucky.

  “Honorable Wife of the Sun,” Isesi, now made a vizier, inclined his head at my approach.

  “Elevated One.” I offered him a white rose from my hands. I heard Amasis laugh at something, just out of my sight. The sound gladdened my heart.

  “It seems the gods favor you,” Isesi said. “I hope you are worthy of their notice.”

  “I am a Daughter of the Gods and Mother to Egypt, Isesi.” I would not think about what the royal houses might do if they thought me lacking. For today, it was enough that the sun rose and set, and Amasis loved me.

  Just then, the sistrum rang and cymbals clanged and the air was filled with the flapping of wings as a score of birds took wing. Not sparrows, but doves, crated especially for the temple blessing. The afternoon sun blazed on their feathers and turned them to rose-gold. I felt the shackles of doubt, pain and misery fall away from me. For once, my future seemed bright and secure.

  Amasis motioned for me to join him on the dais. His dark eyes sparkled. My heart leapt just looking at him.

  “Excuse me, Vizier. My husband waits.” I gave Isesi a smile, and he bowed and moved towards his wife Wakheptry who nodded to me, her eyes politely lowered. The sun glittered on the wide electrum band set on my heart finger, the one adornment I would never be without.

  I joined Amasis near our thrones, a pair made of ivory from Kush. It took most of my will to hold myself to a sedate pace in front of the eyes of the noble houses. In truth, I wanted to fly into his arms.

  “Are you happy?” Amasis asked. “I would have my clever Great Wife content.”

  The air was cool upon my skin. Gone were the worries of my past and the fear that I no longer had a place in this world. I had made one, here, in Egypt.

  “I am more than that.” I leaned my head against his shoulder, inhaled the sweet almond scent of his skin and watched the sun sink into the brilliant green waters of the Nile. “I am free.”

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  J.A. Coffey has been fascinated with mythos and legend for as long as she can remember. She grew up in the Dustbowl of the Midwest-hence her flights of fancy. Since then she's lived in all parts of the country and traveled abroad. She currently resides in North Carolina with her husband and four large dogs.

  J.A. holds a Bachelors Degree of Fine Art and a Masters Degree of Education in Educational Leadership. A popular presenter and conference speaker, she tries to write through the lens of an artist. When she isn't writing or reading, she can be found toiling in her raised bed gardens, painting, or "feathering her nest". She dreams of restoring a historic home. A former Romance Writers of America Golden Heart finalist in the "Best Manuscript with Romantic Elements" category, J.A. is currently working on a Young Adult urban fantasy series and her latest historical novel.

  To find out more, please visit www.JACoffey.com.