Page 74 of Conspirators' Kingdom

Nofret was up from her seat in a flash. She grabbed a scroll and unrolled it before Taisiya, displaying a colourful map of an enormous land. It appeared like an upside-down flower in bloom. The delta was a swath of green bordering the sea, shot through with small veins of blue, the Hapi. A thick blue stem, winding in some areas, was bordered by vibrant green. All besides was a rosy golden shade of sand. Towns of importance were indicated in a script wholly unknown to her.

“This is Rhacotis.” Nofret pointed to a small bay. “Prince Mereruka controls this territory here.” She ran her finger along a great green swath. “The nome of Shedet borders the northernmost edge of the prince’s nome. Each nome is named after its principal city. Shedet is located here, at a natural oasis.” She placed her finger on the only patch of blue and green outside the great river that bisected the Land of Maat. A thin blue line connected the oasis to the Hapi.

A plan began forming in Taisiya’s mind.

“Do you think the nomarch might be persuaded to give me a wedding present? Perhaps a territory of my own? Maybe his own nome? I have always wanted a palace by a lake. And now that I know how important the Hapi is, I should like to have a lake filled with its waters. Shedet is the ideal place.”

Mereruka grinned, a hungry look in his eyes. She swallowed. If they had been alone, Taisiya was certain he would have leaned in to capture her lips. As it was, the timbre of his voice left no question in her mind as to the bent of his thoughts.

“For you, Taisiya, anything.”

Chapter 30

Mereruka’sdayhadbeena long one. After setting his palace to rights and assessing his losses, he’d put Taisiya’s plan in motion, calling and provisioning a force of soldiers, bureaucrats and palace staff to be ready to move.

Back aching and feet sore, he was eager to finally have a chance to use his newest facility—the luxurious mage bath he’d commissioned, with a few upgrades. The architect had formed it with magic, and it was just now real enough to use. Never fully comfortable allowing others to get close enough to undress him, he had the little oasis to himself. A flick of the wrist, and his clothes, jewellery, shoes and crown were laid out on a side table, waiting for a servant to remove and care for them when he left. The waters were pleasantly cool and fragrant, just as he preferred. Stepping into the pool, he relaxed onto a sunken bench to allow the waters of the Hapi to fully heal his iron-induced scars, watching the enchanted lotus blooms float by. The only flaw was that his wine was just out of reach. Sending a tendril of magic into his hair, he pulled the glass towards him.

“Bas is right. That’s going to take some getting used to,” Taisiya sighed.

Mereruka’s eyes widened at the sight of her in an airy, transparent wisp of a gown. Did she know that the room’s light behind her, meant to mimic the fast-fading last rays of sunset, left next to nothing to the imagination? Keeping his expression neutral, he reached for the glass, now within easy reach of his fingers.

“I’m certain, with time, you’ll adapt.” He smiled.

She sat down at the edge of the pool, dipping her toes into the water and casting glances around the chamber. Her necklace was absent, the heat undoubtedly the reason for this fortuitous meeting. Hair swept up in a messy style, her gown clung to her, outlining her nipples. Sweat beaded above her plump lip and flattened a copper curl to her neck, trailing down between her breasts. Hunger coiled through him.

“You made a passable copy. It’s a shame you didn’t see my family’s ancestral keep.”

“Oh? Was it impressive?” he asked.

Whatever it looked like, it would have paled in comparison to the sight before him. She shook her head.

“More unconquerable than striking, and with a great many hidden passages and escape routes. Only a trusted few knew them all.” She grinned.

Mereruka nearly choked on his wine. Were they still discussing architecture?

“Would you like to build one, a copy?” he asked.

“No, but I think it would be best if we add a few features to your own.”

“Is that what you’ve been doing today? Assessing my defences?”

She nodded.

“I had Nofret show me your home and describe the household management. I also met with your bureaucrats, sorted the imperial gifts and was liberal with your treasury in the city, appeasing the people and paying for some goodwill. It will take some getting used to, paying for things in enchantments, raw materials and foodstuffs, rather than coin. Qar escorted me. I don’t think I’ve seen so many nearly nude people in all my life. Though, given what Maat feels like without that charm, I’ve begun to understand why.”

She was rambling. He could see a faint blush creep up her chest and neck. Her eyes weren’t on him, but on the cool water below. Was she too shy to slip in, despite her need?

“Would you like to come in?”

“I’ll… come back when you’re done.” She reluctantly pulled her feet from the pool.

He stood and waded over to her. Taisiya was still, her eyes running up and down his body before she turned away. His sneaky little wife liked the sight of him. Good. He grabbed her ankle and caressed her calf.

He had a theory. If he used scheming as an excuse, she might be moved to overcome her shyness where he was concerned. When her mind hit on a good plot, she forgot her timidity. Though he’d promised not to kiss her without her request, it didn’t mean he couldn’t try to seduce her in other ways.

“Nonsense. You’re wilting. Join me and we’ll discuss our plan for Shedet.”

She looked between him and the door, a coward’s retreat. He sweetened the pot.

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