The King's Court

By Erin Chase

From the author of Behind Palace Walls...

Queen Sheshamun has finally found her place within the palace. But peace and tranquility can only last for so long. Her sister, Meriamun, has tried to repent for her wicked ways, and grows close to the king, queen, and their fledgling prince.

Since escaping from her bonds in the slave camp, the queen has sworn to push for judicial and political reform. Alongside her husband, she is destined to turn Ancient Egypt on its head.

Sheshamun’s crusade is interrupted by the resurgence of an old enemy and the disappearance of her young son. In order to find the future pharaoh, the queen must reopen old wounds, test new alliances, and face down a forgotten, but deadly foe.

A great deal of research went into the creation of this novel about Ancient Egypt. The author was committed to making sure all details were historically accurate, from the food to the flora and fauna, and the daily practices of the Ancient Egyptians. This historical fiction even contains a topic, though currently taboo in today's world, was culturally relevant and the key to the survival of the Pharaohs.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Erin Chase
• Release date: Jul 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9780995007345

Erin Chase

Erin (Thompson) Chase grew up in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, where she still lives. Erin began writing at an early age, and even though they were simply silly poems or school requirements, she loved it! This passion continued into adulthood, when she decided to try her hand at writing full novels. Erin’s debut novel, BEHIND PALACE WALLS, took several years to write and perfect. Since it’s an historical fiction set in Ancient Egypt, Erin knew she must go to Egypt and explore the pyramids, temples, and lay of the land for herself. She was able to tour the country for 12 days in 2010, before the Arab Spring.BEHIND PALACE WALLS is available now in electronic and paperback formats. It has received only positive reviews from beta readers, with several inquiries as to when a sequel will be released (it’s in the works).Erin is extremely excited to share her work with the rest of the world, and hopes you will be intrigued by the time period, captivated by the plot, cheer for the protagonist, and boo the antagonist as she did!

Book preview

Chapter 1

The young queen was putting the final touches on the hall for her son’s first birthday. Sheshamun knew most people would leave the decorating to their servants, but the queen had grown fond of this pastime. She paused as she was hanging the last garland of flowers on the throne, reminiscing about one of the happier times she spent in the slave camp. The floral scent of the garlands, combined with the smell of perfumed cones, rushed back to her in a pleasant wave. It wasn’t that long ago she had been preparing for a well-deserved party, but in a much different locale. That night was sure something! Sheshamun sighed aloud.

While attending to the final preparations for the princeling’s birthday celebration, the queen had left her son in the charge of his two nursemaids. Even though she had left him for only a brief time, Sheshamun missed him already. She finished with the decorations and went in search of her son and his nursemaids.

The second anniversary of Queen Sheshamun and King Ramose’s nuptials had just passed. The party was like no other. Beer and wine flowed freely; extravagant meats were laid out as far as the eye could see. No one went hungry – not even the poorer peasants in Thebes. Ramose was determined to make a difference in his kingdom. Much of his desire could be attributed to his beautiful wife, Sheshamun, and her humble roots.

Now the couple, as well as all of Egypt, looked forward to celebrating the first birthday of their child. The queen had adopted her own pet name, Little One, for her son. Each time she said those two words, she thought of the parents who raised her – Hury and Nefra. The couple were thrilled to be grandparents and spent as much time with little Sutenrekh as they could. Sheshamun had asked them more than once to move into the palace with her, but they politely declined each time. Hury still enjoyed working the land and was not about to take any handouts. However, he knew one day he would have to give in to Sheshamun’s pleading, as he could already feel how much his body had worn down in the past few seasons. His wife, Nefra, could sense it as well. She was looking forward to the day they finally moved in with their daughter and grandson.

The palace still amazed Nefra each time she visited. Ornate wall hangings could be found in every room. The previous pharaoh, Ramses, Ramose’s father, had quite an interest in décor and trinkets from the Far East. He had amassed a large collection of colorful linen tapestries – their deep reds and vibrant pinks and greens were placed throughout the palace. The murals Ramses had commissioned were also very energetic and pleasing to the eye. The former king was depicted spear fishing, hunting quail, and smiting his enemies. Slowly Ramose was having similar paintings designed for himself and his queen.

In addition to the elaborate tapestries and murals, Nefra was in awe of the giant vases that lined the hallways. Intricate scenes had been captured on these as well: farmers working the field, feluccas floating down the river, and temples being erected. Fresh water lilies were placed in the vases each day, bringing a clean, pleasing smell to the palace. The corridors were also filled with random smatterings of gold chairs and end tables. The tables held small statues made of red granite, which depicted all animals known to man: hippopotamus, ibis, cat, jackal, fish, crocodile, and numerous others.

Sheshamun too enjoyed walking the corridors and admiring the enormous paintings that covered entire walls. Though she had been permanently situated in the palace for two years, she was just now starting to think of it as home. The two teenage years she spent in Thebes, before marrying Ramose and becoming queen, were not happy ones. She had initially been invited to become a member of Pharaoh Ramses’ harem, but it did not take Sheshamun long to realize this wasn’t the life for her. She had defied Ramses on a number of occasions, made fast enemies with his second wife, and found herself serving out her time in a slave camp.

The young woman might still be trapped in the slave camp if it were not for being kidnapped by the soldiers, who had been sentenced to the camp for deserting the army. Though Sheshamun despised Akar, the leader of the offending soldiers, she did attribute some of her freedom to him. She could still remember the way he had his thugs manhandle her and march her through the desert at night. At the end of their journey, Akar had ordered Sheshamun to be killed, but a kind-hearted member of the troop secretly spared her life. The number of times Sheshamun thought she was going to lose her life is far more than she cared to think of.

After Sheshamun had escaped the labors of the slave camp, Ramose acknowledged the love the pair had for one another. They did not wait to wed, nor did they wait long for their first child to bless their lives with his birth. Ramose could sleep easy knowing he had a male heir to one day take his place on the throne. However, Sutenrekh was not simply an heir, but one of proven, royal blood, which no man or woman could attest. Pharaoh Ramose was the product of Pharaoh Ramses and his Royal Wife, Queen Mira.

Sheshamun’s true lineage on the other hand remained a mystery for quite some time. She had been adopted in a village along the Nile River and grew up unaware of who her birthparents were. After being kidnapped from the slave camp, Sheshamun was brought back to the palace. Ramses had sentenced her to death for her alleged part in the escape from the camp. Before he could carry out her execution, the king had a revelation and learned the young woman was his spawn as well. Ramses originally thought this baby had been lost to him, but soon learned Sheshamun’s birthmother, Senra, had commanded her death. Senra had a vision of her baby bringing about her demise, and knew she must get rid of her. The woman was right. Though Senra failed to kill the infant, she did succeed in poisoning Ramses; thus bringing about her own execution for all she had done to poor Sheshamun, as well as the king.

The young queen thought about her birthfather on occasion, but cared to spend her time concentrating on Ramose and Sutenrekh instead. Sheshamun also invested much of her time in trying to convince her husband the need for judicial reform. Many of the friends she had made in the slave camp were unfairly sentenced or received a punishment much harsher than they truly deserved. Though King Ramose was receptive at first, his attention soon turned to other matters. The forces of Mitanni had reared their ugly heads along the Egyptian border once more. I’m sorry my queen, but my primary duty is to keep Egypt safe from her enemies. When I have stomped them out once and for all, you have my word that the slave camps will be my first priority. After planting another heir in you of course. Ramose winked at his wife and tried to humor her. Sheshamun simply smiled and walked away.

Sheshamun’s mind snapped back to the present, as she regained focus on the young son she left playing with his nursemaids. Oh Little One, you will be the death of me! Queen Sheshamun laughed while grabbing her son. The young queen had come upon Sutenrekh, as he was only inches from falling in the nearby fountain. Each week he seemed to be crawling faster and faster. Sheshamun had to be on guard at all times to make sure the one-year-old stayed out of harm’s way. Although Sutenrekh’s speed and energy were almost too much for her to bear, Sheshamun knew she wouldn’t have it any other way.

Ara and Karun were proving to be exceptional caregivers for Sutenrekh when his mother had to attend to royal affairs. Sutenrekh seemed to adore them as well. The young prince giggled uncontrollably when the pair first came into sight each morning. His loose, dark brown curls bounced as Ara picked him up and swung him into her arms. Karun played with his soft locks while Ara changed him, knowing the boy’s curls wouldn’t last forever.

Though the young queen had only just come back from her task of decorating, she was summoned once more by a royal guard. Sheshamun waved fondly at her son as she sped off, hoping she wouldn’t be away from him for too long. The guard escorted her to the audience chamber, where she discovered Ramose bickering with his mother, Mira. The pair seemed to be locked in an eternal struggle over how to smite the forces of Mitanni. Queen Mira had sent one of the guards to fetch her daughter-in-law, the only other woman who could talk some sense into Ramose.

Sheshamun, kindly tell your husband his tactical plan is far too similar to that of his father’s failed attempt. Son, do you not remember how your father almost wiped Egypt from the map by choosing to advance too many of his troops at once? Mira pleaded.

Mother, you know very well I fought in that battle. I understand what went wrong, but I also know what went right. I will not make the same mistakes Father did.

Sheshamun wasn’t able to interject before Mira had a counter for her son. The pair continued to squabble, without the young queen uttering a single word. She decided to return to Sutenrekh and his nursemaids.

When Sheshamun neared the fountain she had left the trio at, she noticed something was off. Ara and Karun were nowhere to be seen, and another young woman was sitting on the grass in place of them. She could hear Sutenrekh happily cooing, but could not actually see him past the female figure. Upon hearing the queen’s approach, the woman turned toward her. Sheshamun gasped, "You! Get away from my son!"

Meriamun did as she was told.

Sheshamun ran to her child and snatched him up quickly. He had been lying on his back on a blanket happily gazing at the sky. What were you doing with Sutenrekh? Where are his nursemaids?

They forgot his little linens inside, so Karun went to find them. Not long after she left, Ara became ill. I was taking a stroll by the fountain when she called out to me. Ara begged me to watch Sutenrekh until Karun returned. I didn’t even have the chance to decline. I’m sorry, Your Highness.

Sheshamun had long disliked Meriamun. She too was the product of Ramses and Senra. She was born one year after Sheshamun. Their birthmother had been grooming Meriamun to wed Ramose, though he never showed any interest in her. The young woman was raised as a spoiled brat, who defied everyone but her mother, and treated the palace servants like dirt. Meriamun still blamed Sheshamun and Ramose for her mother’s death. However, the king had been gracious enough to allow her to stay in the harem, much to Sheshamun’s chagrin.

Though Ramose rarely visited the harem, Sheshamun did not feel comfortable with Meriamun being so close to her and her son. Meriamun had become very hard since her mother’s execution, but had slowly begun to soften over the past couple months. Members of the royal palace did not interact with her, and the other women in the harem wanted nothing to do with her. Meriamun was still bathed and fed, but she quickly realized she had no friends or allies in that place. However, she had nowhere else to go.

After Sheshamun checked Sutenrekh over to make sure no harm had come to him, she waved Meriamun away. The young queen watched the curvy figure walk out of sight. Sheshamun and her sister didn’t look much alike. Sheshamun was petite, even after giving birth, and had long, straight, dark brown hair. Although the tradition was to shave your head and place a wig atop, Sheshamun chose to keep her own locks. Meriamun on the other hand was tall and curvy. She was much more vivacious and knew how to swing the mop of tight black curls that adorned her head. The only thing the pair really shared was their beautiful green eyes.

The queen was grateful that she and her sister did not look alike. Meriamun was only a constant reminder of her wicked mother and the torment she rained upon Sheshamun, her mother-in-law, and eventually the king.

Except for Meriamun, all of the members of the palace were thrilled when Senra was finally put to death – perhaps none happier than Mira, Ramses’ Royal Wife. Mira had watched year after year while Senra manipulated the queen’s husband and tried to pair Meriamun with her son, Ramose. Like her daughter, Senra was a spoiled brat. Mira couldn’t even remember how Ramses had stumbled upon her, nor did she care to. Now with Ramose securely in power, Queen Sheshamun by his side, and a healthy baby boy under their care, Mira could rest a bit easier. Meriamun was of no threat, unlike her mother had been.

There was only one thing, or person, that still troubled the dowager queen – Tokahiru. Tokahiru was one of Pharaoh Ramses’ acquisitions from the Far East. She was a dancer, who performed for the court. Her exotic features and sensual movements stirred an interest in all who looked upon her, particularly the men. She had been Senra’s spy and cohort, and had more than facilitated the death of Mira’s husband. Unfortunately, the woman fled before she could be brought to justice like her partner. Mira knew deep down that the pair were more than just friends. For a long time the queen suspected the two women were an intimate couple. Since Senra was not only a concubine, but also married to the king, this relationship was strictly forbidden. Mira had been trying her best to provide Ramses with proof, but was never quite able to.

As Mira got to know Sheshamun better, she confided in her new daughter-in-law about her past suspicions of Tokahiru and Senra. Sheshamun tended to agree. The two queens always kept a watchful eye open for Tokahiru, but by the time a full two years had passed, the thought of the dancer from the Far East became almost a distant memory.

Chapter 2

The next morning when Sheshamun dropped off Sutenrekh to Ara and Karun, the queen tore a strip off of the nursemaids. I don’t care what the reason is, don’t you ever leave my son alone with Meriamun again! Do you understand me?

The girls trembled and nodded, not daring to reply. Neither had seen Queen Sheshamun this angry before. However, when it came to her son, a person would be wise not to tangle with her.

As Sheshamun stormed off toward the audience chamber, her anger began to simmer. I suppose Ara didn’t think she was doing any harm by leaving Sutenrekh with Meriamun. After all, she was very ill and unable to watch my child herself. I’ll have to apologize when I see them again, she resolved.

Ramose was already seated on the dais and attending to the day’s business.

Our crop of einkorn wheat is up by 150%, whereas emmer wheat is down by 30%.

Ramose’s eyes started to droop as his advisor droned on about the weekly harvest report. The king was much more interested in war, justice, and punishment, than he was crops and other domestic matters of state.

Sheshamun saw her husband’s disinterested look. She clasped her hand over her mouth, trying to stifle a giggle. She sat down beside him on the dais, nudged Ramose with her elbow, and winked at him as he turned one sleepy eye toward his beautiful wife. The pair listened as the advisor switched from grain crops to cattle.

Sheshamun did not usually care for financial matters; she concerned herself more with building allegiances with other nations, minimizing the control held by the priests and temples, and ensuring the welfare of the poorer peasants. Growing up poor along the banks of Herwer taught the queen to always remain humble, remember where she came from, and help those in need as much as she could. Sutenrekh’s birthday was one way she was trying to reach out to her more unfortunate subjects. She wanted all of her citizens to know they were important to her.

Speaking of the birthday party, I better choose my outfit! Sheshamun remembered she had promised Mira and Serera they would go into the market together before their afternoon sleep. The young queen made her way to the kitchen. I do my best shopping on a full stomach, she grinned to herself.

After a light meal of bread, dates, and melon, Sheshamun headed toward Queen Mira’s quarters. She caught up with her best friend, Serera, only several paces from the dowager queen’s door. Sheshamun could still remember the first time she met her friend. They were roommates in the pharaoh’s harem. Serera showed her the ins and outs of the palace, explained who everyone was, and explained how Sheshamun would best please the king. Perhaps the most valuable advice her friend could have ever given her was to stay far away from Meriamun and her treacherous mother, Senra. The new concubine explained how she had already come across the wicked pair in her hometown. At the time, Sheshamun had been enlisted as one of the local peasants who were in charge of serving the pharaoh and his entourage during a visit to Herwer. The young girl knew right from the beginning that the two were evil.

Through thick and thin, Serera had always been there for Sheshamun, and the latter would never forget it.

Sheshamun tapped on Mira’s door and was bade entrance. She found her husband already inside with his mother.

I truly believe it would do her some good to go to the market with you three, Ramose said.

Have you discussed the matter with your wife? asked Mira. The pair turned toward the doorway.

Discussed what? inquired Sheshamun.

My son wants us to take Meriamun to the bazaar this morning, Mira explained with a hint of disdain in her voice.

What? Why? Sheshamun tried to control her growing anger.

Would it really be such an imposition? After the morning matters were concluded, I took a leisurely stroll to our favorite fountain in the courtyard. I found Meriamun there, alone and crying. Of course I asked her what was wrong.

Sheshamun rolled her eyes at her husband’s chivalry. Though most times she found it admirable, this was not one of them.

Ramose continued, Meriamun explained to me she has no friends, and still endures taunting from the other women of the harem. She reassured me she is truly sorry for what her mother did to Pharaoh Ramses, and if she could have stopped her, she would have. I believe her. Therefore, I have invited her to the party this evening, and told her she is more than welcome to go with you, my mother, and Serera into the marketplace to find a new outfit for the special occasion.

Sheshamun began to protest, but Ramose held up a hand. Yes, I know how you and my mother feel about her, but everyone deserves a second chance. You of all people should know this.

The young queen gave a slight nod in agreement. Her husband was right, and Sheshamun knew it all too well. When Pharaoh Ramses was still alive and Sheshamun was just new to his harem, she had directly disobeyed the king. She had asked to return home when she learned of her friend, Nubi’s, death. The king would not grant her leave. The young concubine was furious and chose to ignore Ramses’ command. She ran away from the palace, but did not make it far before Pharaoh’s guards had found her hiding on a felucca sailing on the Nile. As punishment, Sheshamun was sentenced to spend the rest of her days in a slave camp. She had begged and begged the king for a second chance; he did not grant it.

Ramose knew he needn’t linger on the subject with his wife. He simply looked at his mother, who could not disagree with him either.

Sheshamun, Mira, and Serera departed the queen’s chambers for the harem. The trio did not speak about the subject on the walk to Meriamun’s room. The tension was palpable, and the women already knew what each other were thinking.

After making their way through the small maze of pathways in the harem, the group came to Meriamun’s doorway. Sheshamun paused. Do I really need to go through with this?

Serera could feel her friend’s growing apprehension. She gave Sheshamun a light nudge and a tiny smile, prompting her to continue.

The young queen rapped on Meriamun’s door, much more sharply than intended.

The curly-haired concubine let out a small gasp when she saw who stood before her. Meriamun’s pride was still stinging from the tongue-lashing she had received earlier. Her eyes dropped to the ground immediately. Your Highness, what can I do for you?

Sheshamun required another nudge from Serera before she could will the words from her mouth. Queen Mira, Serera, and I are venturing out to the market to do some shopping for my son’s birthday party. Would you like to join us?

Meriamun thought this must be a trap of some sort. She paused and considered, This is something Mother, would do, may she rest in peace. What are these women up to?

When she didn’t answer, Sheshamun continued, I know this comes as a strange offer, but my husband thought it would be a good idea to include you more in the palace affairs. He reassured me you had changed your ways. The young queen couldn’t help but add a snarky tone to her last line. All the horrible memories of Meriamun and Senra came rushing back to her – the insults they hurled at her in her home village of Herwer; the threats the pair delivered to her once she was in the palace; the lies Senra had spread about her. The painful memories, coupled with her aggressor standing right before her, were almost too much for Sheshamun to bear.

The concubine spoke before Sheshamun could change her mind. "Your Highness, Pharaoh Ramose is absolutely correct! I have changed my ways. I knew my mother could be a wicked person, but I did not realize her full intentions. Meriamun continued as she saw the queen open her mouth to object, I know, I know. I could have been much nicer to you, and I should have seen my mother for what she was. I understand now. I understand how she hurt you – how I hurt you. For that, I am truly sorry." A weight seemed to visibly lift off of Meriamun’s shoulders. She had never atoned for her past mistakes, and she was already starting to feel better.

Sheshamun tried to object, but couldn’t. She knew the concubine was speaking from the heart. The young queen simply held out her hand and motioned for Meriamun to follow her. The four women walked out of the harem and off the palace grounds in pleasant silence.

When Sheshamun or Mira left the palace, they were always accompanied by a phalanx of royal guards. Though the women had nothing tangible to fear, it was simply protocol. The younger of the two had no experience dealing with angry citizens; the elder queen had not been so fortunate. She recalled a few incidents during the unstable years of her husband’s reign. Mira and Ramses were touring some of the smaller villages along the western bank of the Nile. The queen broke away from her husband for only a few moments. She had paused at a stall in the marketplace, a shiny pendant catching her eye. As she reached out to grab it, Mira felt a bony hand encircle her wrist.

The old man who was minding the stall yanked the queen in only inches from his face. You have no business here! Ramses will be the death of us! Get out! he started to shriek louder and louder, and refused to let go of her arm.

Luckily Ramses heard the commotion and rescued his wife from the unsavory scene. Later, the queen simply wrote the old man off as a lunatic, but the incident still made her shiver on occasion.

The women, followed by their guards, initially went stall to stall as a group. They were all eager to choose new outfits for the upcoming birthday party. Even Meriamun slowly started to join in the revelry and happily examined the different fabrics and colors laid out before her.

Sheshamun maintained a frosty demeanor toward Meriamun, but as the pair began to smile and laugh with one another, the ice melted from the queen’s heart. Perhaps my husband is right about her, she concluded inwardly.

The women spent much of the day trying on different dresses and sandals. They also sampled the array of bracelets, pendants, and earrings they came across. There were so many different pieces of jewelry to look at: unique designs inlaid in silver and gold; lapis lazuli highlighted ankhs, scarabs, the Wadjet Eye; every imaginable Egyptian animal carved into pendants.

There is far too much to choose from, and this market just keeps growing and growing, Queen Mira commented. The other women nodded in agreement.

While Sheshamun, Mira, and Serera were busy looking at a beautiful blue dress, Meriamun’s attention was diverted to a shimmering pair of sandals a few stalls away. These are incredible! she exclaimed, while fingering the gold stitched straps. She moved farther and farther down the row of stalls, her dark curls bouncing as she walked, and her sparkling green eyes alight at all the new finds. It had been years since Meriamun took a look through the bazaar.

It did not even occur to the concubine she had become separated from the other women and their guards. She browsed through the different stalls and took her time looking at the different wares. While flipping through bolts of cloth, Meriamun felt someone’s gaze upon her. The short hairs on the back of her neck bristled and she turned to glance behind her. There was no one in sight. The young woman brushed off the feeling, flicked her hair over her shoulder, and continued perusing the pieces of white fabric.

However, when Meriamun moved to the next stall, she felt the same presence upon her. She quickly turned to look behind her, but again, no one was there. Meriamun began to feel uneasy. Perhaps it’s time I meet up with the other women.

She made her way to where she last saw Sheshamun and her entourage. There were plenty of other people around, but not the group she had ventured out with. Meriamun turned down the nearest pathway, hoping to see a face she recognized, but there was none. Her sense of foreboding grew as she went down each path, from stall to stall, in search of her group. The young woman began to panic. Where did they go? What if I can’t find them? Meriamun spun one way and then the next, looking around wildly. As she made a sharp turn down a new alleyway, a familiar face popped up in front of hers.

Well, hello.

Meriamun gasped wordlessly.

It has been two long years, but I’ve finally found you.

Meriamun stood silently, mouth still agape.

I knew there was no way I could get to you while you were in the palace. The guards have kept a close watch over you this entire time. Ramses even sent his guards in search of me, but I was too cunning and always one step ahead.

The scene was finally starting to register with Meriamun. She gazed at the woman’s long black hair. It was still as straight and shiny as the last time she saw the temptress. Her black eyes seemed to bore a hole straight into Meriamun’s soul.

I have finally found you, the woman repeated. It’s time to take revenge in the name of your mother. I will be in touch.

Meriamun watched as Tokahiru glided away, seeming to disappear into the darkness of the alleyway.

Chapter 3

Even after returning to the palace, Meriamun was still shaken by the resurgence of