“What do you mean?” I asked, my breath catching.
The physician avoided eye contact with me, but answered to Malachi. “Your time left here in this world is limited. I would ensure your affairs are all in order.”
Malachi tensed beside me and drew a sharp breath. “Isn’t there anything you can do? My wife needs me, and we have seven children, four under the age of eight. I can’t leave them.”
He shook his head. “I can give you a list of herbs and ointments you can use to ease your discomfort, but this is something I cannot treat. I would recommend you pray to your Hebrew god and ask forgiveness for whatever you did, before you’re taken from this world.”
He wrote down a list for us and handed it to Malachi before leaving.
I gazed up at Malachi in complete shock while he stared down at the paper. He handed it to me and rubbed his eyes. “This is terrible.”
My tears burst out and my head fell into my hands. My beloved, wonderful husband was going to die soon and there was nothing I could do about it. He didn’t deserve this; I should be the one counting the days. He was the one who was always honest, loyal, and strong. His arms wrapped around me and he pulled me close. I clung onto his robe, sobbing uncontrollably at the thought that soon, his arms would never hold me again.
“It will be all right, Naomi,” he said softly, his voice steady. “We can make this work. At least I have time to prepare for you to be taken care of once I’m gone.”
“But you’re the one who is supposed to take care of me for the rest of my life.” I sobbed. “My heart will break the day you die. You have always been there for me. How will I survive?”
He sighed and stroked my hair. “There are others who have always been there for you, too. They will continue to be there for you, and even more so once I’m gone.”
I looked up into his eyes and saw tears in them. I gently caressed his face, wishing I could look at it for all my days, and trying to memorize it perfectly so I would never forget him.
He shut his eyes and leaned into my touch as tears ran down his face.
“I have no regrets, Naomi. The only thing that saddens me is leaving you behind with the children. But I know for sure that we will be together in the next life. Your father himself performed that covenant with us, so don’t forget we are eternal.”
I tried to smile, tried to force my faith to be stronger than my fear. “Yes, we are, but it will most likely be many years until I pass. I will miss you terribly until then.”
He clasped my face and pulled me in to kiss me. When he let me go, he turned to face Horemheb.
Horemheb stood facing away from us, whittling at the doorframe with his knife.
“As much as I never liked you,” he said without looking over. “I would never wish you dead this way. If you would prefer, I can take you to the barracks and we can duel to the death. It would be less painful and far more honorable.”
Malachi raised his eyebrows.
“I’ll think about it,” he said in a tone I knew meant no. He stood and guided me to the door where he stopped and looked down at Horemheb. “Give Naomi her position back. She will need to build up some money before I pass.”
Horemheb nodded. “Done.”
“Also, let her inform Tut.”
“I will hold my tongue when he asks.”
Malachi sighed and looked down at me. “I wonder what I did to be cursed like this? Maybe my time in Amarna hiding our god away, or the men I had to kill, is catching up with me.”
I felt alarmed by such a thought, but before I could even open my mouth, Horemheb scoffed. “If there’s one thing I know for sure about the gods―no matter which one you believe in―is that they don’t care how we die. I have seen good men die alongside evil men. There is no curse in these things. If that were true, then I would be the one suffering and not you. I have killed far more men than you, and plotted and schemed my whole life, whereas you, according to Naomi, are the epitome of integrity. I may hate you, but I will never stand by and let any man believe his death is an act of one of the gods. They don’t deserve the credit. This is just nature, a side effect of mortality.”
I stared at him, completely stunned, wondering where exactly that had come from.
“Thank you, Horemheb,” I said softly.
Malachi stepped closer to Horemheb and pointed at his chest. “Promise me you will continue to do what you do best.”
Horemheb surprised me even more by gazing firmly up at Malachi and saying, “I will.”
Malachi nodded, with a stern expression, then he wrapped his arm around my waist and said, “Come, my dear wife, let’s go home.”
We walked in silence back to the farm, where he took me into our room and we spent the rest of the afternoon together wrapped around each other, rarely saying much, just engrossing ourselves in one another. I wanted to pretend he wasn’t sick, that he was simply my healthy, strong, ever-faithful Malachi. I tried to hold onto the moment forever. I focused on imprinting him into my mind, soul, and body. Every touch, every kiss had to last.
Finally, as it grew late in the afternoon, he said, “I don’t want the children to know.”
I turned to him, surprised. “But, Malachi, they will be able to tell.”
“Not for a while,” he responded, running his hand through my hair. “I still feel strong, and so I want them to know me as I am for as long as possible, especially the youngest ones. Ezra may not even remember me, like Tut has forgotten his real father.” He ran his hand over my hip and kissed my shoulder. “Naomi, you are the best thing that has ever happened to me, and it pains me to see you grieve for me. I don’t want to see it in our children’s eyes as well. Promise me you won’t speak of this to anyone, and you will keep this between us for as long as possible.”
I stared into his eyes, feeling my heart wrench. “Malachi,” I said breathlessly as I wiped a tear from my face. “If it’s what you want I will do it.”
“It is, Naomi,” he whispered then pulled me in to kiss me.
Forgetting Malachi’s sickness came easily. Most of the time, he was completely normal. He played with his sons, doted on his daughter, showered me with his affection. But he bruised easily, and tired out faster as time passed. The herbs and ointments I administered to him seemed to ease his discomfort, which in turn eased my mind.
I started back as a servant at Horemheb’s house, as requested by Malachi. It seemed to bring confusion among the family, especially his brother Tobiah, who came to me to question my motives.
“Naomi, you said you resigned that position to separate yourself from that particular issue.” He towered over me as we talked in my home. “Why have you returned? Do you wish to cause my brother unnecessary grief?”
“No!” I told him. “He wanted me to return. After Liam’s death, he’s afraid for me and wants me to build up extra money―”
“There are other ways you could do that. You’re a talented cook, so could find employment elsewhere, and you are also gifted and educated with languages.”
“Tobiah, please, he asked Horemheb to take me back.”
He laughed sarcastically. “He would never do that! This is going to stop. I will not allow you to treat my brother like this!” He stormed out.
Later that evening, he returned and took Malachi and me outside and away from the house, where he began making accusations against me.
Malachi frowned through the whole thing, letting Tobiah speak his mind, and when he was done, said, “I did arrange for her to return. She had nothing to do with it.”
Tobiah’s jaw dropped. “Are you mad? That man is still in love with her!”
“He is wealthy and can give her an income, and I know that she and the children will always be safe there.”
“Safe?” He scoffed. “Malachi, are you listening to what you’re saying?”
“Please don’t yell at him.” I clutched Malachi’s arm. “He’s only trying to take care of me.”
Tobiah’s gaze flashed angrily to me
. “He does take care of you, or has your time in the palace made you crave the more luxurious ways of life?”
“I’m dying, Tobiah,” Malachi said, so calmly it gave me chills.
Tobiah tensed and swung back to him. “What?”
“I’m dying.”
Tobiah stepped toward him and grabbed his robe. “You… But you seem fine to me.”
“The physician called it an issue of the blood, and said it affects each person differently. I suffer daily from pains in my joints, and I bruise easily. Naomi agreed to keep it secret so as not to alarm anyone and to protect the children. Her servitude was indeed arranged by me so she will be able to support herself once I’m gone.”
Tobiah’s gaze flashed between us. I knew he didn’t want to believe what Malachi said. The thought of another one of his brothers dying was unbearable. But he could tell by the looks on our faces that we were very serious, and he took hold of Malachi to weep.
“Say it isn’t so! Malachi, my youngest brother, you should not die before me! This grieves me deeply, but I promise you, brother, I will watch over your family when you are gone. You say the word and I will take your wife as my own to care for her.”
“No,” I said firmly. “You already care for Enoch’s wife and children. I won’t burden you with a second brother’s family.”
“Naomi.” He turned to me in distress. “You would not be a burden―”
“Tobiah, let her marry who she wants when she’s ready,” Malachi told him.
Tobiah glanced at him. “How about Jared, then?”
“Tobiah,” Malachi said firmly. “She will make the decision, and I hope when she does, you will accept and support it.”
Tobiah’s eyes narrowed on Malachi for a moment before he said, “Very well, brother, and until she makes that choice I will watch over her to ensure she is never wanting.”
“Thank you, Tobiah,” Malachi said with relief, taking his arm and embracing him.
tapped on Horemheb’s door.
“Come,” he called.
I pushed the door open and entered with his breakfast.
He inhaled deeply and rushed over to break off a piece of bread. “How I have missed this.”
I smiled, flattered, before noticing he was only in his skirt. I glanced around for his jewelry and hat and said, “Do you need something shined or―?”
He caught my arm. “No, Naomi. I’m just running a little late today.” He pulled the tray out of my hands and set it down. “How are you faring?”
I sighed sadly. “I’m worried daily for Malachi. But he seems to be remaining strong and is fighting his illness. I pray and hope that means he will live as long as possible. I dread the thought of him dying before Itani is returned to us.”
“Would you like news from Itani?” he asked, turning to a pile of papyrus on his dresser. “I received a letter from her yesterday.”
My heart lifted. “Very much. I miss her terribly.”
He shifted some papyrus, then took a piece from the pile and handed it to me. “Keep it safe. Ay still desires her for his son. He questions me for her whereabouts, so from that I know he suspects me of concealing her from him. But don’t worry. Tut has told him that his sister is married already and needs to be left alone, so any active searching is prohibited. Despite this, I have caught whisperings that he is still searching for her in secret, and that’s why I haven’t brought her back to you.”
I slipped the letter into the pocket of my robe. “Thank you, Horemheb, for watching out for Tut and as a consequence, my family. It means a great deal to me to know I can still rely on you after all this time.”
“You know that will never change, Naomi.”
I flushed and turned away from him. “I must get on with―”
“Naomi, what happened to the child you were carrying?”
I took a sharp breath and turned back to him. “Tut didn’t tell you?”
“He did not.”
I sighed and looked down at my feet. “It was twins, actually, but one died before it was even born, and the other was born deformed and died within the day. Between the two of them they damaged my womb so severely that I am now barren.”
He flinched. “You, Naomi? That seems impossible.”
I struggled to answer him. “Yes, after nine pregnancies, it does seem a little hard to believe.”
He turned his back on me. “Thank you for the food. Now I must get ready.”
I knew he was dismissing me, so I turned to leave but paused, sensing he was distressed. I turned back to him. “Horemheb, do you…?”
He looked over at me calmly. “Leave me, Kiya.”
He stared me down until I backed out of the room and shut the door behind me.
I paused to listen. It only took a moment to hear him sobbing softly. My suspicions were right; he had still wanted me to mother a child for him, and my news had shattered that hope. I took a deep breath and pushed open the door. He swung toward me as I rushed over and grabbed his hand. “I know you wanted me to carry a child for you―”
“Naomi, I told you to leave,” he said with a growl, struggling to hide his emotions from me.
“But I know you, and I knew you would hide your true feelings from me. Horemheb, you must find yourself a wife. I can no longer give you the child you desire, so waiting for me is in vain.”
He grabbed me by the waist and pulled me against him. “It’s not just about the children with you.”
I gazed up into his eyes and remembered how drawn to him I had always felt. I pushed away, ashamed. “But you need someone who can give you an heir.”
“Naomi.” He reached over and grabbed my hand.
“Mama?” I glanced across and saw Aaron standing by the door. Horemheb stepped back from me.
“Yes, Aaron? Is everything all right?” I asked, rushing toward him.
“Ezra bit me.” He frowned and showed me his arm.
I kissed it softly. “Is that better?”
“No, you need to get him in trouble.”
Horemheb chuckled behind me as I stood. “Come, Aaron. I will go talk to him.”
He looked around me to Horemheb. “Is Tut coming today?”
“I’m sure I could ask,” he replied.
Aaron yelled in delight and ran down the stairs calling for his siblings.
Horemheb came up behind me. He touched my hand for a moment before he withdrew. “Naomi, you know I love each of your children, so if you need any help, you must tell me.”
I nodded, without turning to him. “Thank you. But for now just focus on Tut and Itani. They need you.”
“Indeed they do.” He moved away, so I turned to face him. I watched as he picked out a wig and slipped it on, then said, “Ay continues to push Tut and me about the Hebrew issue. Your people are growing too numerous, Naomi. You must tell your brother to be more heavy-handed with the relocation of families. Since Tut is insisting on keeping Amarna alive, I would suggest they head there. The majority of Egyptians are avoiding the place, but it is good for farming, I will give it that. So it would be well suited for many of your people.”
“But Samuel is already moving as many as he can,” I answered, stepping closer to him. “It’s a long way on foot. Maybe if some ships were offered, it would be more appealing.”
He huffed. “I don’t think you understand the serious nature of this matter. Ay is pushing for a minimum of mass slavery, but would prefer genocide. Kiya put a sour taste in his mouth regarding Hebrews, when he was already prejudiced against them. He may call your people ignorant beasts of burden, but he fears that if you, a woman, could be so clever, what is stopping the rest of the people from being the same way and rising against us? Naomi, you must stress to your brother the urgency of this matter. Ay has many supporters, and has more power than I do in the court. I fear soon I may not be able to prevent what he plans to do to resolve this issue.”
“But Tut wouldn’t allow such a thing,” I said weakly.
“As king, he is obliga
ted to his people, and if they insist upon it, he will have to yield, unless he wants to risk an uprising.”
I touched my chin. “I will talk to Samuel. Maybe you could speak with him also.”
“I cannot afford to be seen in that sector right now.” He turned and picked up his necklace. “I am already suspected of concealing Itani, and if I’m seen as sympathizing with Hebrews I could lose my position. If you want me to speak to him, you will have to bring him here as a servant or trader.”
I frowned, knowing that Samuel’s pride might get in the way of doing that, but I had to try. If the situation had become as bad as Horemheb said, we could all be in very serious danger.
“I’ll do what I can,” I said and turned to leave.
Tut did visit with us that day, and brought Ankhe with him. He went to play with his siblings in the gardens, while she came and found me. She sat opposite me as I salted and dried some meat.
“I wouldn’t know how to do that even if I wanted to,” she said, watching me wide-eyed. “But Tut says you make the best food.”
I smiled. “Well, I am his mother, so he’s probably biased.”
She reached across and picked up a pomegranate. “I have eaten your food before and it was quite good. It’s no wonder your family and Horemheb are well fed and healthy.”
I smiled gratefully, while trying to hide my emotions regarding Malachi’s ill health.
“I have news for you,” she said softly. “I have not told Tut yet, but I am with child again.”
I paused and looked across at her. “That’s wonderful news. But do you fear telling him because of what happened before?”
She nodded solemnly. “I don’t want him to be displeased with me. I feel like I am doing all that I can to keep these children alive, but…”
She trailed off and stroked her belly. “I think I’m too small. My midwife said I struggled for too long because the child couldn’t fit through. It terrifies me because that was how Meki died. I’m not ready to die, Naomi.”
KIYA: Rise of a New Dynasty (Kiya Trilogy Book 3) Page 9