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Chapter One

A dark cloak shielded Brianamun from the cold, night air. It also protected him from the unseen, all-seeing eyes. If he was seen, it would mean death for treason.
He was the leader of a conspiracy against the king, Akhenaten. The man was barely even a king, but a heretic against the gods of Egypt! He’d denied the existence of the true deities and placed a god of his own creation above all others. The main god Amun’s name and image had been forsaken. Amun’s priesthood had been abandoned, angering all the god’s followers. Few supported the king and many opposed him.
Brianamun’s father had been the first to be begin the plot against the pharaoh. When his father had died, Brianamun had took over the position. Brianamun approached a large, airy mansion. He rapped on the door.
A young woman opened it. “How may I help you, my lord?”
“I am here to deliver my debt to his lordship,” Brianamun gave the secret code-phrase.
“How much do you owe?” came the other part of the code.
“Ten rolls of linen.” He brought forth his bundle. [They didn’t have real money in Egypt. Things were traded for things of the same weight or debens.]
“His lordship is in the garden with his other guests.”
“Thank you.”
Brianamun made his way through the house into the courtyard. Several figures were gathered around, sitting in chairs.
“I’m sorry I’m late,” Brianamun told the other four men.
“We were beginning to fear that you were caught,” a medium-height man, Alexhotep said. His father was Egyptian, and his mother had been Libyan. Ruggedly handsome, Alexhotep held a prominent position as one of Pharaoh’s soldier. He was their link into the army, most of which supported Amun.
“You mean you were starting to worry,” Nickathor laughed. He was popular with people and surprisingly bright. He was the link to other, supporting countries, being a Greek living in Egypt.
Howymose sighed. He was Pharaoh’s personal scribe. Having to be ready to be received by Akhenaten or his family at any time, it was extremely dangerous for him to meet with his fellow, secret conspirators.
Kevinkare was their host. Tall and dignified, he was the court doctor--physician to unsuspecting Akhenaten himself! Brianamun went by the name Brianaten, so he would not be watched by Pharaoh’s guard. He was one of the few priests of Amun who still carried out his duties to Amun in Thebes, the god’s holy city--what had once been the country’s religious capitol. He was on his four month leave and had been sent as a spy to Akhetaten, Akhenaten’s hastily built capitol dedicated to Aten.
“Who’s the new girl?” Brianamun inquired, referring to the one who’d admitted him.
“My sister,” Kevinkare replied. “Do not worry. She can be trusted.”
A servant entered, carrying a tray laden with beer. The five men each took a cup.
“To victory,” Howymose cheered, raising his mug.
“I’ll drink to that,” Nickathor grinned.
“You’ll drink to anything, Nickathor,” Alexhotep teased.
“Naturally,” Nickathor replied.
“We’re here on business,” Brianamun reminded them.
Kevinkare watched the others silently and finally spoke. “Our time together is short. No one must know that we are aquatinted--”
“We’ve been over this, Kevinkare,” Brianamun told him. “We all the know the risks and the consequences for being discovered. Have any of you found anything useful?”
Howymose perked up. “Akhenaten recently received a letter from our northern protectorates. They’re in turmoil in the north because the Hittite emperor is slowly taking over their lands, and Akhenaten didn’t even allow me to respond. He doesn’t care what happens to the Egyptian empire!”
“Hurry!” Brianamun cried. “”We must take advantage of this. Nickathor, get up to Syria and travel to our forts. Talk to the commanders.”
“I’ll leave immediately.” Nickathor sped toward the door. After cloaking himself, he hid behind the cloth and made his way through the nearly deserted streets.
“Alexhotep, I want you to start finding out who truly supports us in the army,” Brianamun continued. “Kevinkare, Howymose, you know to keep your eyes and ears open in the palace.”
They nodded.
“What about you?” Kevinkare asked.
“I will do as much as I can do without attracting attention to myself, our group, or the priesthood of Amun.”
Then one by one, Brianamun, Howymose, and Alexhotep left the house. They waited ten minutes between when each person left.

Chapter Two

Nefret stood in the doorway of her brother Kevinkare’s bedroom. Squaring her shoulders, she knocked on the wall, announcing her presence.
“Come in,” Kevinkare replied.
Nefret entered. Kevinkare eyed her expectantly.
“I want to go back to Thebes,” she stated.
“We need you here, Nefret. You know that.”
“I hate it here. It’s even worse when you bring me to court with you. This god of Akhenaten’s must have no respect to allow his follower’s to watch me like that!”
Kevinkare smiled as he watched his sister stand, rigid and defensive. It wasn’t only Aten’s heresy that attracted men to her, but her lithe, slender body with wide, turquoise eyes--the same shade as Kevinkare’s. To top it all off, she had a mane of ravishing, black hair. It was extremely thick and fell down her back in torrents of glossy waves.
There was an edge to Kevinkare’s sister, however. She had the tendency to take charge of situations. She was very independent and stubborn. While her temper was like that of Sekhmet (goddess of destruction/violence/storms) herself, the clouds quickly cleared, and she was sunny once again. Kevinkare thought a moment. “Would you prefer a job that allowed you to travel more often?”
“That would look suspicious to be a young woman traveling alone.”
“True.” He paused. “Then talk to Brianamun about it. He directs all of us.” Nefret gave him a weary look. “Where can I find him?”
Kevinkare gave her directions and the password for their group.
As soon as she was about to leave, Kevinkare called, “Oh, Nefret. Remember, Brianamun doesn’t exist. You’re visiting Brianaten.”
Nefret smiled and left.
****
Boredom filled Alexhotep. Akhenaten left his army to wither away, only using the top officials as his personal bodyguard. To be that close to Pharaoh was Alexhotep’s goal and not an easy one to achieve. As he was lounging in his private house, a soldier ran in, breathless.
“Pharaoh calls for you personally, Alexhotep.”
“Why me?” he replied coolly, fiddling with the date (an Middle Eastern fruit) in his hand before popping it into his mouth.
“His Excellency summons you!” the loyal soldier cried in disbelief. Alexhotep had to go if it was Pharaoh’s wish.
“The I suppose I must go.”
Alexhotep followed the young soldier to the palace in his prize chariot. Alexhotep hurried through the many corridors of the palace towards Akhenaten’s suite. A servant admitted him.
Akhenaten stood by the window staring toward the sun, the face of his god. His Great Royal Wife (or high queen), Nefertiti, stood beside her husband, her hand affectionately resting on his shoulder. Alexhotep disguised his disgust of the two and cleared his throat to announce his presence.
The royal couple turned to him. Alexhotep had seen the king before. His weak, slight frame was no surprise to him as it was to most who had the vision of him as the warrior king he was not. However, Alexhotep had never seen the queen. He had only heard of her legendary beauty. Nefertiti was elegant with a long, graceful neck and full lips. She had a small, slightly pointed chin and large, almond-shaped, brown eyes. However, there was something about her that frightened Alexhotep: a coldness within her eyes and a commanding air about her.
Quickly, Alexhotep bowed, realizing Akhenaten would be an easy adversary, but that his wife would not be.
“How may I serve you, my king and queen?” Alexhotep asked.
“I am waiting for one more,” Akhenaten responded, sounding upset. Alexhotep heard footsteps behind him.
Kevinkare appeared at his side, his parcel of equipment in hand. Kevinkare gave Alexhotep a curious glance, pretending that they’d never met. Akhenaten “introduced” them. “Alexhotep, this is my court physician, Kevinkare. Kevinkare, this is my new captain of the guard, Alexhotep.”
“Your Majesty!” Alexhotep exclaimed. “I am only a soldier in your army.
"You must be mistaken.”
“Does Pharaoh ever make a mistake?” Nefertiti asked icily.
“No, Majesty, of course not,” he answered, trying to appear humble though he was fuming with rage and indignation.
“You will become captain of my bodyguard and that of my family if you successfully complete the task I have called you here about.” Akhenaten paused for a moment of thought. “My eldest daughter is suffering from an unknown ailment. It looks like poison to the priests. Kevinkare, I need you to cure my Meritaten. Alexhotep, you must find out who did this to her.”
“Yes, Majesty,” both said simultaneously.
Kevinkare bowed and left for Meritaten’s quarters.
Alexhotep started at Akhenaten. Being captain of his guard would put him in a better position than the one he was in now! Besides, it would be good for his professional reputation as well.
“They are sure it was poison, Majesty?”
“Unless they are wrong, but I doubt it. Aten tells me the same explanation.”
Oh, yes, Alexhotep thought sarcastically. The “great god” only talks to the royal family--never anyone lower than someone as divine as thou.
“Begin immediately,” Nefertiti ordered.
“May I interview the victim?”
“If necessary,” Akhenaten replied.
“It is, Majesty.”
“Then begin.”
Alexhotep bowed and followed Kevinkare’s footsteps toward Meritaten’s rooms.
*****
Kevinkare walked the familiar halls toward the young princess’s lodgings. Several servants scurried to and from the entrance to Meritaten’squarters. Taking a deep breath, Kevinkare entered. Meritaten lay on her sofa-bed, looking pale and near-death. Nurses and priestesses of Aten attended her.
Kevinkare dismissed them. “I am the doctor. I’ll take care of it from here.”
He felt the princess’s forehead. She was burning up with fever. Despite her pallor, there was a bluish-tint to her face. Kevinkare’s mind raced. Who would poison Meritaten? The group you belong to, his mind replied. But she’s innocent! Akhenaten’s heresy has nothing to do with her! She is his daughter... Kevinkare gave himself a mental shake. I’m going to have to discuss this with Brianamun.
He offered up a small prayer to Isis, goddess of magic and healing, for the poor girl.
Almost immediately, as he worked, he recalled a type of snake whose bite caused similar symptoms: the viper. Abruptly, Kevinkare turned from his patient and retrieved the cure tothe bite from his bag. It was a mixture of the snake’s venom and several healing herbs.
Pouring the substance into a cup, he brought it to Meritaten’s lips,forcing it in. Reluctantly, she choked the horrid-tasting potent down.
“Keep cooling her off,” Kevinkare told the servants. “She should begin improving immediately.” He remained another half-hour, and sure enough, there were visible signs of improvement in Meritaten’s physique.
As Kevinkare was packing up to leave, Alexhotep appeared at his side. “Do you know what poison did this to the princess?” Alexhotep inquired.
“A viper, but how it got in her rooms is beyond me. That’s your job. Good day.”
“Will I be able to interview her?” he cried.
“Not for a few days.”
The next step for Alexhotep was to interview Meritaten’s plethora of servants.
Chapter Three

Brianamun sat within the recesses of his Akhetaten home’s chapel. It was dangerous to keep images of Amun there, but the chapel was a sanctuary, private and sacred.
As the second prophet (just under high priest) of Amun, Brianamun was allowed into the sanctuary of Amun’s temple. He was one of the few privileged to see Amun, “the Hidden One.”
A servant called him. “You have a guest.”
“Who?” he asked, emerging from the chapel.
“She says she is Kevinkare’s sister.”
“Ah.”
“She’s in the living room.”
Brianamun went to meet his visitor. He found her gazing around the room. “Hello,” Brianamun greeted her.
“Hi, my name is Nefret.”
“Brianaten, but I guess you already know that.”
“Oh, yes, ‘Brianaten.’ ‘Within every mighty wall lies a weakness,’ Brianamun.”
He smiled. “Does Kevinkare tell his sister everything?”
“No, but a lot.” A seed of suspicion crept into her mind, but Nefret went on, “I want an active role for the cause,” as their movement was called.
Brianamun’s eyes lit up. “It’ll be good to have a woman working with us.”
“How can I help?” she asked eagerly.
He thought a moment. “We already have people within the palace, but what we need is someone who’s there day in and day out. Would you consider becoming the mistress of Nefertiti’s household, a position that would make you one of her closest confidants?”
Nefret watched him incredulously. “She’s smart and would be on me in a second.” Brianamun took her in with his eyes.
She blushed under his scrutiny.
“I think you could handle the job,” he replied, “or of course you could settle for Kiya or Meritaten.” (Kiya was Akhenaten’s lower wife.)
Nefret glared at him. “I’ll try my best,” she snapped, “but what about her present handmaiden?”
“The girl quit earlier today.” He smiled. “See? We’re one step ahead of the gossips of the court already.”
She returned the favor.
Nefret had to admit that his smile was heart-melting: both boyish and mature, laughing and serious. Her pride faded and she watched him, her head cocked to the side. “How do I start?”
“How would you like a trip to the court?”
“Now? I’m not dressed properly for a possibility of meeting the queen.”
“When will you be ready?”
“Give me an hour.”
Brianamun appeared amused. “A woman can be ready in under an hour?!”
She smiled smugly at him. “This woman can. Be at our house then or I’m going without you.”
Grinning, Brianamun watched her leave.
****
After dressing up himself, Brianamun made his way to the court physician’s house. A servant admitted him. “Whom shall I tell the mistress is calling?”
“Brianaten.”
Brianamun waited, fiddling with his hands, impatient to be off. The rustle of linen sounded behind him, and he spun around. Nefret stood there, clad in a tight-fitting garment, showing off the many curves of her shapely body. It was covered by a sheer, pleated gown, falling down to her sandals. At her tiny waist, a red sash tied to the outfit. She wore simple, yet elegant jewelry. Her wondrous hair needed no wig. Brianamun was left speechless. Her beauty had been apparent before, but it was overwhelming then. It was other-worldly, and he had to pinch himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming.
Nefret smiled, uncharacteristically shy. “Are you ready?”
“Uh... yeah,” he replied, trying to swallow the lump in his throat.
He led her out to the busy street and gestured to his chariot. Two strong horses pulled it. The male tossed his mane. Brianamun stepped up and offered his hand down to Nefret, who ignored it and jumped up herself. Smiling to himself, Brianamun snapped the reigns and sent the horses on their way.
****
Alexhotep paced in front of the nervous servants, who were lined up in front of him. “How would a snake come to be in the princess’s rooms? Let me put that more bluntly... who would put it there?”
Their eyes shifted, but no one spoke up.
“If any one of you changes your mind, come and speak with me in private. I’ll be in my new headquarters, courtesy of the... er, mighty Pharaoh. You can tell me in confidence there.”
Alexhotep retreated to his office. It was only a matter of severalminutes before one of Meritaten’s servants knocked on the door. Entering, she eyed him with a apprehensive expression. “Sit down,” Alexhotep offered.
She slid onto the edge of a papyrus, straight-backed chair.
Alexhotep eyed her expectantly. “I don’t know if this pertains to the poor princess, but last night there was some commotion outside her room. No one knew what it was, but we’d been ordered to stay in our rooms and not to leave--”
“By whom?”
“We all thought it had been our overseer, but now I’m not so sure.”
“How did you receive this command?”
“By letter.”
Alexhotep sighed. No wonder... “Do you still have it?”
“Yes.” She pulled it out and handed it over to him.
Alexhotep scanned it. Gulping, he dismissed her and went to find Brianamun.
*****
Brianamun and Nefret entered the palace courtyard in time for Akhenaten’s announcement. Taking a place in the back, a familiar voice hailed them. “What are you two doing here... together?” Kevinkare asked, joining them.
“Hi,” Nefret greeted him. “I’m to become the mistress of ‘Her Majesty’s’ household.”
Kevinkare arched an eyebrow. “Can you handle all that work, Nefret?” Her eyes lowered, and she glared at him. “You know I could, Kevin--”
Brianamun cut the quarreling siblings off. “Hush. Akhenaten and Nefertiti are about to come out,” his tone was mocking.
The Pharaoh and Great Royal Wife appeared in the Window of Appearance. Akhenaten spoke, “An enemy of Aten has attacked our oldest daughter. The new head of our bodyguard is on the case, and my physician is curing her. All rumors about her dying are untrue, but should Aten call for her...”
“He’s a fool,” Brianamun hissed. “If he would address his people about something that the gossips call ‘old news’ by now, then he’s putting his life in danger for nothing.”
“Point for us,” Kevinkare whispered with a smile.
As Akhenaten rambled on about the glory of his god, with Nefertiti standing behind him, supportively, Brianamun ordered Nefret to make her way to the front and make herself seen by the queen.
Nefret slipped through the crowds of people.
A harsh hand took Brianamun by the shoulder and spun him around to face him. “What do you think you’re doing?” Alexhotep spat at him.

Chapter Four

Brianamun stared at Alexhotep, confused. “What are you talking about?” Alexhotep lowered his voice. “You ordered for the snake to be put in Meritaten’s room!”
“I’m sorry, but you’re mistaken. Our problem is with the royal couple, not their children.”
“Then explain why your handwriting is on the order for the servants to stay away from Meritaten’s rooms last night.”
“I had nothing to do with that. We met last night, and I just arrived from Thebes. When did I have time?” he retorted.
Alexhotep removed the letter from its place and showed it to Brianamun and Kevinkare.
“It does look like your handwriting,” Kevinkare admitted.
“Someone’s on to us,” Brianamun muttered, looking up to see if anyone was watching them.
Everyone’s eyes were fixed on the Pharaoh and his wife.
“We’re going to have to tighten security,” Brianamun whispered. “As soon as Nickathor gets back from Syria, we’re going to have to have a major meeting. Where’s Howymose?”
“Get word to him, one of you. Until then, in the public eye, only two of us at a time can be seen together. No more meetings like this. We don’t know each other.”
“Well, you’re escorting my sister so I know you,” Kevinkare corrected.
“Whatever,” Brianamun sighed.
Alexhotep took the letter and disappeared into the crowd.
*****
Nefret had found her way to the front. She stood, calmly watching Akhenaten as he spoke. Occasionally, she felt Nefertiti’s gaze upon her, but Nefret never turned to meet her eyes.
When Akhenaten had finally completed the speech, he turned to leave. Nefertiti linked her arm through his, and they disappeared. I should have known, Nefret thought bitterly. Damn the priest! He was only doing this to be rid of me.
“Excuse me,” a young girl told her. “Her Majesty wishes you to see her in her audience chamber. Follow me.”
Surprised, Nefret followed the girl. The girl stepped aside in front of a large room, allowing Nefret to enter by herself.
Nefertiti was reclining on a sofa. Her heavy crown resting on a nearby table. Her shrewd eyes took Nefret in. “What’s your name, child?”
“Nefret,” she replied, bowing low.
“This may just be a fancy of mine, but you look capable.” It was as though Nefertiti was speaking to only herself. Shaking herself out of it, she went on, “You look calm and collected. Besides, I can tell about people instantly. I like you. I wish you to become mistress of my household.”
Nefret’s eyes widened. “Majesty!”
“Well, will you?”
“Oh, um, yes, of course, Majesty.”
Nefertiti smiled and her icy look melted for a split second before returning as cold as ever. “You’ll begin immediately and live at the palace. I’ll send servant to your home. You are not married?”
“No, Majesty.”
“Very good. I’ll send word to your father.”
“My father is dead. I live with my brother, Kevinkare, the physician.”
Nefertiti’s eyes flashed. “Well, perhaps some good will come of him yet if you work out. You’ll have every tenth day off to visit him and whatever lover you have.”
“As you wish.” Nefret bowed low again, blushing.
*****
The next day, Meritaten was feeling better. She was able to move around her room; she was feeling alive again. She was sitting at the window, gazing out at the lovely, palace gardens when the doors opened. Believing it to be a servant, she didn’t turn to look. Instead, a deep voice interrupted her thoughts. “It is good to see you looking so well, my princess.”
Startled, Meritaten turned to see a man of medium height with close-cropped brown hair and big, lazy, ebony eyes bowing to her. She started to stand, but he objected. “Please do not use the effort. You were bitten by a snake, and you need to store your energy.”
Meritaten eyed him, slightly amused. “Are you the new captain of my father’s guard?”
“I am.” She looked at him expectantly. When he did not elaborate, she inquired, laughing, “And your name?”
He smiled reluctantly. “Alexhotep. I’m here to talk to you about... the accident.”
“Is that what they’re calling it now?”
“No, but it’s what I’m calling it.”
She laughed. “What do you want to know?”
“Tell me everything that happened to you--all that you remember, that is.”
“I’ll try.” She paused to think a moment. “Okay, I was going to exchange my collar for one more simple. I’d just come from the temple with my mother, and the darned thing was too heavy. I was opening my jewelry case when Ifelt like something had stung my foot, but the pain was much worse than that. I looked down to see the tail of the snake disappear under the trunk again. The pain shot up my leg, and it began to become numb... I don’t remember much after that--just a blur of faces.”
She bit her lip.
She’s strong for a woman, Alexhotep thought. He stood up and bowed. “Thank you for your time, Your Highness.” Bowing, he left.
Meritaten shrugged and limped over toward her bed. As she dragged her misbehaving foot toward it, another person presented themselves. “Really! You shouldn’t be walking,” Kevinkare ordered, hurrying over. He picked her up and carried her to her bed and dropped her down. I thought I was injured, she thought cynically. He looked at her apprehensively and gently took her foot in his hand. Meritaten remembered overhearing her parents saying that Kevinkare’s hands could perform miracles. His fingers were long and slender. He had the touch of a doctor, gentle and soft. The feel of his touch sent shivers up Meritaten’s spine.
As princess, the thought of a lover was unthinkable to her overprotective father, and she’d never been this close to a young man before. “Am I tickling you?” Kevinkare asked, amused, looking up from his examination.
“Sort of,” she murmured, feeling shy all of a sudden.
Deliberately, Kevin slowly moved his fingers over her foot. She blushed and ordered laughingly, “Stop it, that tickles.” His slowly smiled and stopped tickling. He leaned back on his heels. “Well, you have feeling in your foot now. That’s progress.”
“I suppose Aten’s been with me since I’ve been cured so quickly.”
Kevinkare’s emotions dropped from his face, and he became impassive. “Did I say something wrong?” she asked, used to getting all the attention possible.
“No,” he replied shortly, reverting his eyes from her. His eyes flickered back to her, and he was amazed at how much she resembled her mother. The elegant arch of her neck, the grace of her entire frame, the almond shaped eyes.
However, there was something warmer and friendlier that radiated from Meritaten that Nefertiti didn’t have.
Kevinkare shook himself mentally. “I want you to keep off your leg for a while. Try not to move.”
“But what about my temple work?”
Kevinkare snickered, thinking about what she and her mother did. Well, Nefertiti does act more like king than Pharaoh does himself, he thought. Meritaten raised her eyebrows. “Won’t you stay?”
“I have other patients to attend to.”
“You’d refuse the invitation of a princess?”
“To put it bluntly, yes.”
Meritaten didn’t know what had come over her. She’d never acted so stuck-up before in her life, but all she knew was that she wanted him to stay. “If it pleases Your Highness, I’ll come back when I’m done with my rounds. Until then, good day.” Kevinkare tore himself away from her. She was a charming and spoiled princess, but there was more depth to her than that. Perhaps she’d inherited her father’s temperament, which wasn’t bad for a woman. At least her personality is nothing like her mother’s, Kevinkare concluded.

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