Pharaoh's Desire

by Chanta Rand

  Kama wailed louder, and laid her head on Latmay’s shoulder, awash in tears.

  “See what you’ve done?” Latmay shot a look at the guards. “Crushed the spirit of a fragile girl, a gifted assistant in the Pharaoh’s employ.” He glared at them.

  Guilt washed over the features of the first guard. “Get her out of here,” he muttered. “We’ve got prisoners to tend to anyway.”

  Latmay offered a perfunctory nod and quickly led Kama away. Only when they’d reached the end of the corridor out of earshot of the guards, did he speak. “Kama, I can tell you that performance was worthy of applause. I never knew you were such a talented actor.”

  Kama still clutched his arm. She squeezed it tight as she sniffed back tears. “That, my friend, was no act.”

  Amonmose gazed into the sea of faces assembled in the great room. It was filled to capacity with women of every shape, size, and age imaginable. They milled about, talking to each other and eating the variety of delicious food that was offered. Amonmose sat at the end of the room, lounging comfortably in a gilded chair adorned with his signature lions’ claws. Many women cast promising looks in his direction; some even gazed boldly. Yet others pretended not to look at him at all.

  “I bet I can tell you what you’re thinking,” he heard a soft voice purr.

  Amonmose turned to find a stunning woman standing beside him. Her lips pressed together in a sexy pout. No other woman in the room had dared to approach him. He was impressed by her bravado. “I have serious doubts that anyone can predict my thoughts at this very moment,” he replied.

  She fixed him with an intense stare. “I’m willing to wager that I can.”

  He smiled, amused. . “What are the stakes?”

  Her eyes swept the length of his body. “A night with me.”

  “And if you win?”

  “The same.”

  He chuckled. “So, I have nothing to lose?”

  “And neither do I.”

  Amonmose stroked his goatee. “That sounds like an interesting proposition coming from a beautiful, albeit strange woman.”

  Her expression changed, hovering between anger and shock. “Stranger? You do not remember our last encounter? We shared a passionate kiss and you spoke sweet words of tenderness.”

  Amonmose stared at her. Surely, he would remember being intimate with someone as alluring as she. “How did I come to know you?” he asked.

  “I am, Zahra, your grand vizier’s niece.” She politely explained, eyeing him. “Most men find me unforgettable.”

  Amonmose grimaced. Nadesh. Now it all made sense. This was the redhead he spoke of. “You are indeed a woman of immeasurable beauty,” he told her. “And I am certain our paths have crossed before. But our encounter could not have been that impressive—because I do not recall any of it.”

  Zahra rebounded with a seductive rebuttal of her own. “Just because you do not remember something, that doesn’t mean it never happened.”

  He watched the exaggerated sway of her hips as she walked away. He would have to keep a wary eye on Zahra.

  When Kama and Latmay arrived to the great room, they found it a flurry of activity. Crowds of women surrounded tables abundant with fruits, meat, and a variety of delicious dishes. Wine and beer flowed freely. Dancers with tambourines and zills twirled about, flaunting their flexible bodies. In the background, the sweet sounds of harps and flutes floated lazily through the air.

  Kama’s eyes darted back and forth across the room. The animated chattering matched her frantic heartbeat. There were so many women here. Some were attractive. Some were not. She could feel their curious stares upon her, but she refused to make eye contact with any of them.

  Latmay whispered in her ear. “There he is.”

  She followed the doctor’s gaze. For the first time in nearly two months, she was able to look at the man she loved. Her breath caught in her throat. Time stood still as she stared at him, drinking in the sight of his powerful body and his handsome face. He was dressed regally in a short tunic crafted of the finest linen. A thick, gold necklace encrusted with turquoise, coral, and lapis lazuli graced his neck. At his wrists were equally stunning gold bracelets, adorned with gemstones and engraved with ornate designs. She’d never seen him look so ceremonial. His strong, slender fingers protectively gripped his royal flail. And he wore his intimidating crown, sending a clear message to everyone that he was indeed in charge.

  His body was exactly as she remembered. Beautiful bronzed skin. Strong, taut muscles. Lean, chiseled physique. She shivered as she recalled all the intimate moments they’d shared. Even now, her skin was tingling, desperately itching for his tender touch.

  At his side was a woman for which she harbored no love. Zahra. She was flaunting herself in front of him and coyly batting her long eyelashes. Kama clenched her fists. She wondered if the woman knew Amonmose had amnesia.

  Latmay touched her arm. “Be at ease,” he said. “You must stick to the plan. An argument with Zahra will do us no good.”

  Kama nodded. Latmay was right. She was glad to be hidden beneath her veil and robes. Her anonymity comforted her. “Take me to him,” she whispered.

  Amonmose shifted restlessly. Like a preying hyena, Zahra had returned to lavish him with compliments and lustful promises. Her efforts were comical, but he was spending so much time with her that it was hard for him to focus on anyone else. Then, he noticed a familiar face approaching him.

  He smiled in greeting. “Latmay, I am surprised to see you here.”

  Latmay returned his smile and bowed slightly. “Your mandate required the presence of all women today, so I made haste in getting here.”

  Amonmose frowned slightly. “I don’t understand.”

  “A thousand pardons.” Latmay bowed again. “I am here to make certain this young lady is properly chaperoned.” He extended his arm with a flourish. “May I present my niece?”

  Amonmose’s gaze settled on the veiled figure standing beside Latmay. She was draped from head to toe in loose-fitting, dark garments. A hood and veil concealed her face so all he could see were her dark, sparking eyes.

  He smiled patiently. “I share a love of mystery perhaps even more so than the next man. But do you think your niece could indulge me by removing her veil?”

  Without further hesitation, Latmay pulled off the veil and the oversized hood covering the woman’s head.

  Amonmose’s breath vanished. She had skin as smooth and dark as the rich soil that prospered beside the Nile. Her kohl-lined, dark eyes twinkled like stars in the night sky. Long braids framed her exquisite face and cascaded down her shoulders. She removed her robe and he saw that she wore a finely spun, white sheath dress embroidered with gold threads. Gold bracelets adorned her arms, and at her neck was an amulet of the goddess Pakhet.

  His heart kicked wildly. He knew what lay beneath her clothing. He’d seen the supple curves of her breasts, the pucker of her dark nipples, the rising swell of her firm backside, and the gentle slope of her thighs. He’d seen it all before. He knew where she liked to be kissed. He knew how to pleasure her. He’d made love to her many times in his dreams. This was she!

  Standing before him in the flesh, she was even more bewitching than in his dreams. She openly gazed back at him as if she knew him, as if she was familiar with him, comfortable—as if they shared a secret that no one else knew.

  The woman bowed. “It is an honor to be in your presence, Pharaoh.”

  He stood and silently approached her. When he spoke, it was for her ears only. “You are the most ravishing creature that I’ve ever laid eyes upon,” he whispered softly to her. “Tell me your name.”

  “I am called Kama,” she answered.

  Amonmose studied her, staring into the mysterious depths of her eyes. Something held him captive in her gaze, pulled him closer. Her look was almost pleading, as if begging him to do something. But what?

  “Do I know you?” he asked.

  “Yes,” she said. “In some ways, you kno
w me better than I know myself.”

  Amonmose knew she was telling the truth. On unsteady legs, he walked back to his chair and sat. From the corner of his eye, he saw Nadesh approaching.

  Nadesh advanced toward Amonmose, barely containing his smile. Zahra sat on the other side of the Pharaoh. Perhaps she had finally made an impression on him.

  “I have made my choice,” Amonmose told him.

  Nadesh followed the Pharaoh’s gaze to the dark woman standing in front of him. Nadesh’s gate faltered. Kama! How had she managed to get free? And look more exquisite than the last time he saw her.

  He masked his horror with a look of false concern. He took a seat next to Amonmose and leaned over, whispering in a conspiratorial tone. “Sire,” he spoke cautiously. “There are many women here worthy of your affections. This foreigner cannot possibly be your choice. Let me introduce you to my niece—”

  “Silence!” Amonmose hissed. “You may dismiss all the other women—at once!”

  Zahra flashed Kama a contemptuous look before slinking away.

  The Pharaoh’s other advisors approached quickly and visibly held their tongues. Kama had to admire their tact. She forced herself not to laugh out loud at their eerie silence, instead, focusing on Amonmose and holding his intense gaze with her own.

  Abruptly, Amonmose stood and turned to Latmay. “Thank you,” he said. “You have helped me find the precious gem I have been seeking for months. I am in your debt.”

  Latmay nodded graciously, but remained silent. There was still one last piece of the plan to put in place.

  Amonmose extended his hand to Kama. “Would you join me for a private dinner?”

  When their palms connected, it was like a lightning strike. A powerful spark spiraled through Kama, heating her body from head to toe. For so long, she’d yearned for his touch. She missed him more than she’d thought humanly possible to miss anyone, including her own mother.

  The moment Amonmose and Kama had left the great room, Latmay spoke. “Gentlemen, I can see that you are astounded as well as infuriated by Kama’s presence today. I’ll wager that this turn of events was not a part of your grand plan. When you imprisoned her, I’m sure you were only thinking of the Pharaoh’s best interest.” He smirked. “In the short time I have known her, I have found Kama to be a very intelligent and resourceful young woman. She also has a memory as long as the Nile.”

  “What do you imply?” Nadesh sneered.

  Latmay’s voice was low and soft, but there was no mistaking the underlying threat. “Kama has always been the Pharaoh’s choice. No matter how hard you try to control his attraction to her, there is no denying the chemistry between them. Even with amnesia, he still dreamt of her.

  “She was brought to Thebes under protest. She did not ask to be captured, and she did not ask for your hatred of her. She was merely a victim. Yet, each one of you, in your greed and wickedness, sought to destroy her. You have far overstepped your bounds as council to the Pharaoh. If he were to learn of your deception, he would have all of your heads, for certain.”

  “If?” Meketen prompted. “Why do I have the feeling we are about to be asked to make an unyielding sacrifice for the Pharaoh’s paramour?”

  Latmay shrugged. “She will be queen. There is no doubt about it. Even now, she carries his child. The sacrifice you refer to is a small price to pay for what you have done. But, what do I know? I value my life far more than my pride. Perhaps your life is of no consequence to you.”

  Hai blubbered, tears in his eyes. “I never wanted to do this.”

  “You’re just as guilty as the rest of us,” Nadesh bit out. “We never forced you.”

  Latmay cleared his throat. “Kama has laid out specific terms that you are to abide by if you wish to save your sorry hides.” He glared at each one of them. “If I were you, I’d do exactly as she commands.”

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Amonmose closed the door to his chambers and slowly turned to face Kama. “Who are you?” he asked.

  Their eyes locked, but his gaze still showed little recognition. Cool disappointment slipped through her veins. She thought surely the shock of seeing her would cure him of his amnesia.

  “I am Kama,” she answered gently.

  “You know my advisors,” he said. It was more of statement, than a question.

  “Nadesh and I are old acquaintances,” she offered. Amonmose lifted an eyebrow. “We have not always seen eye to eye.”

  “I see,” he said, and he did seem to understand more than she had said. “Who are you to me?”

  Kama gazed into his eyes and spoke softly. “I am your lover.”

  He stared at her, his expressions transforming from surprise to acceptance and then to anger. “Where have you been?” he demanded. “Why did you not come to me all these weeks? Did you know I’d lost my memory?”

  “I was told you did not wish to see anyone. I just learned of your amnesia yesterday,” she replied. Kama did not elaborate on her prison confinement, as part of her deal with Amonmose’s advisors.

  “I gave no such order,” he said, growing thoughtful. “I believe my advisors were operating without my knowledge.” He sighed. “The fault lies with me. I should have taken control sooner.”

  Kama’s heart grew heavy. “You cannot blame yourself. You have known those men your entire life. You had no reason not to trust them at the time.”

  Amonmose walked to the window and stared out into the garden. “I saw you one night, down there,” he told her. “I dreamt of you many times. I wish you had been here to help me. He turned to look at her as she took her place beside him. “The garden was our special place,” she said, caressing his face. “I am heartsick that we could not be together when you needed me most. But I am here for you now. And I will never leave your side. I made that promise to you once, and I intend to keep it.”

  “There is still so much I do not know. Tell me everything about yourself…”

  Kama sighed and gazed out the window. The past…she wanted to forget the past and instead talk about their future. She wanted him to hold her. She wanted to believe this nightmare was over. She looked at him. “I was born Kama Nubemheb,” she said. “I lived with my parents in Nubia until I was twelve. My father was a very cruel man. So, one day my mother and I ran away to Kerma.”

  Amonmose had a look of melancholy in his eyes. “We have something in common. I also lost my father when I was twelve.”

  A flurry of hope surged through Kama. “You remember that?”

  “No, it was told to me by Latmay. Please, continue.”

  “We lived comfortably due to the hospitality of my uncle. He provided for us and educated me until I turned twenty.”

  “And then what happened?”

  She smiled. “I met you.”

  Amonmose returned her smile. “And what of your mother? Is she as beautiful as you?”

  “You asked me that when we first met,” she said, smiling. “Yes, she is beautiful, inside and out. She is a wise woman who passed along her streak of independence to me.”

  Amonmose gazed fondly at her. “You speak of her with great reverence. She sounds like someone I would very much like to meet.”

  Kama grinned. “You already have. In fact, you were so worried that I would be homesick for her that you went to Kerma to bring her back and unite us together. She lives in the palace now.”

  “Truly, did I do that?” He seemed surprised.

  “Yes.”

  He gazed into her eyes “Then, I must be in love with you.”

  Kama returned his look. Any other time she would be lost in the bottomless depths of his honey-colored eyes. “Only you can know the answer to that, though you did profess your love to me. We’ve shared many intimate moments, and you let me see a side of you that no one else was privy to. You have a tenderness that melts my insides. When you touch me, I know no greater pleasure. For me, there is no other that can lay claim to my body or my heart.”

  Needing no further conv
incing, Amonmose pulled her against him and captured her lips with a heart-stopping kiss. His tongue swept inside her mouth, taking command and reclaiming her as his. She let herself be ravished by his touch as his hands roamed across her body.

  Somehow, they ended up on the bed, and in one swift movement, he’d pulled her tunic up to her waist. She found herself lying beneath him, legs apart, welcoming him into the soft folds of her womanhood. She gasped with pleasure as he entered her. His stroke was just as she remembered. Bold and powerful. Yet, tender and caring. She clasped her legs around his back and pulled him inside her, wanting to feel every inch of him.

  Amonmose felt currents of excitement ripple through him. His body was already lingering over passion’s precipice from the moment he laid eyes on her. Her touch had only served to ignite the smoldering fire within him. He groaned with pleasure as he entered her warm haven. Kama’s body was made for his. She smelled like fresh jasmine and she tasted like deep, burgundy wine.

  Her velvety skin clung tightly to his as if they were one entity. As he thrust deeper and deeper, he felt her hips grind against his, matching the intensity of his stroke. The soft warmness of her core consumed him, and he could feel her sinewy walls tugging on him, coaxing his essence from his manhood. He buried his face in her sweet smelling hair, and within seconds, he found himself engulfed in a red-hot chasm of ecstasy. His body was wracked with forceful spasms as he emptied his seed into her.

  Kama immediately followed. She bucked and clung to him, panting, squeezing, drawing out the last thread of euphoria. Then, he felt her body finally relax as the last of her passion ebbed away.

  Afterwards, they lay nestled in each other’s arms. Amonmose held her tight in his embrace. “I am fortunate to have you, Kama. And now that I have found you again, I will let nothing separate us. Any man who tries to do so will pay with his life.”

  “I believe you,” Kama said solemnly. If only he knew how close he’d come to fulfilling that very prophecy.