"Son, enough I'm sure they know the consequences of our land, isn't that right mister Frederick?"
What a peculiar name. One I've never heard of. My father though open to thoughts of power and business, also is very strict towards opening them same doors unto his family.
"Sefti, I extend to your heir the same respect I extend to you." He backed up.
The foreigner seemed to have thought this was a game, the way he casually smiled.
"I too know the importance of family, my son keeps close to my side as well as yours does." We extended his hands behind him.
He presented his son we had hair as gold a wheat, maybe paler. His eyes were brown eyes.
"I see the resemblance." My father spoke. "Aza, why don't you find Hotep, and continue your lessons." My father directed me.
I took this as more of a means to get me out of the area. This is the first time my father has had me around in men affairs, and I wouldn't be surprised if it was the last. Hotep oversaw a tent close to the outskirt of the temple, and I dreaded being around her in these times, she loved to dress me up in the newest and finest clothing we had. When I hit the outside a couple of servants bowed.
"Welcome ma'am." Hotep turned to see me.
"Aza! You were to be here a hour ago." She grabbed me and shook me.
If this was any other person they'd have their head piked on rod and stuck out in the battle field. Hotep has been with this family so long she knew the color of the soil before I even saw what light was. My father and Mother appreciated her ambition and loyalty to this family, this is why she was an exception.
" was I?" I said in a sarcastic tone.
"Really? I didn't take you for the type to be interested in those smart meetings." She said.
"What is that supposed to mean?" She did a fake laugh and began pushing me inside the tent.
"Now, down to the business. As you know the festival is in 3 days, your birthday the next day, suitors will be flooding the temples. We must go over the expectations your father has for you, your beautiful mother's requests, and last knowledge on your suitors."
"Knowledge on my suitors?" I asked.
She said suitors in tone as if they have already been picked.
"Well yes, didn't Ahkmad tell you?"
Of course Ahkmad didn't tell me. He's too busy learning to climb the throne.
"When will this bad dream end?" I spoke aloud.
"Aza, many young maidens would dream to be swept off their feet to a young handsome man." Hotep said holding close some flowers.
"Well, they can take them." My statement caused flowers to be thrown to my head.
Was she crazy. If not for her devotion to this family, and the care she gave me when I was young, Hotep would have fallen victim to many lashes.
"Now, no more fussing, your father wants you to be cautious, never alone with your suitors, such scandalous things may cost the family a great hardship, also do not stray far from your guards." My father seems to be inviting some people if I he's telling me to be cautious.
"Yes, cautious." I spoke.
"Your mother wants you to remain graceful, and watch your tongue, no running none of them away, which will also cause bad mouth about the family, and honestly with you this might be the biggest challenge." I frowned to Hotep.
"You know, you're pushing your luck today." I told her.
"And finally your majestic brother has narrowed down to 3 suitors. All coming from good families. I hear it already the final bells before sailing you away into the sands on the finest camels. "
"3? That's a lot no? How will I have time to choose in 3 days?" Hotep was digging in a chest off to the side.
"Nonsense, it's plenty time, you just have to split your time wisely, She brought over a handful of jewels and trinkets."
I looked confused.
"Now, each of your suitors have many things they are known for, but your father weeded out what would be more beneficial to keep close. Prince Shahadi comes from the west, they adopt more tribal clothing as they are closer to many tribes, His kingdom mostly thrives on good trades, they trade with many foreigners, and often meet others from other lands, even known to others across the world. Prince Ombte comes from the north, they are the last of the people of the desert that have greenlands, they attract more animals, and even material growth there is far more bountiful. Lastly, Prince Ratuk, comes from the east, they have the finest jewels you can imagine and also are met by many of the world. Actually you use to play with Ratuk when you were young, him and Ahkmad were pretty close." My ear twitched.
I don't think I remember anyone else playing with me and Ahkmad. I feel I would remember given we played many times by our self. No matter if I can't remember sad story for him, not like I would have thrown a bone just because our families were close at one point. I guess my decision lies at what would be more important to my father. The disappointment of it all may be that they are all unattractive that leaves me with the weak end of the stick. I'm as excited as Hotep is, maybe there is something she knows. Three days from now huh? I guess I should make a smart decision before that time comes. If this is for the family, I should do a good job, I can worry about looks later.
With one day left I saw my father and mother less. My brother was more with the guards. Nezhii almost lived in the library. What was there for me to do? After weighing heavy thoughts, I realized I'm not really good at making big decisions as these, what if I regret my decision? I guess as long as my family remains my number one all will be ok. Tomorrow night will mark the festival. Something that was marked as moment of joy, will now become a battle field of wits to my father. It's best if I stay out of his way. I looked in the mirror and saw my hair was longer. To my waist now. I truly have changed. When I was younger I begged my mother to cut my hair shorter, she refused for so long until I cried. Once It was short I said I'd never do it again, and to my surprise my mother cut her hair as well to match me. In the sands, it was known as a bad omen for royalty to cut their hair, unless it was the men. Men with short hair represented men who never fought in war. Men with long hair were known to be in wars. Though as times have aged it does not matter if you wear short hair even after battle. I flopped in my bed and brought a scroll with me. The scroll I had was a wedding ceremony scroll. No use and waiting for the day to be educated in the matter. I saw multiple sayings of courting until the pharoah deemed them ready. Surely I have lost already. My father seemed eagerly to sell me off. The only thing that would delay my time is if my father was digging into their business and family history. That may be the very time I need to find freedom for myself. If I can provide proof that these men aren't worthy, I could prove to my father that maybe this is not the right time for marriage, therefore, freeing myself a little while longer from unknown duties. Then I can live a few more of my days rotting in the sun in comfort.
"Aza, your father calls for you for dinner." One of the servants spoke.
Was it that time already? I guess it was game plan time. It was time for me to write my own destiny.