Entangled

AGBÉ̩KẸ́

"Are the people I arrived with safe?" I dared to inquire, my voice tinged with a hint of defiance. Rashidi met my gaze with a steady intensity, his eyes betraying nothing as he carefully chose his words. "They're safe, travelling on another ship with us," he reassured me, his tone masking a deeper meaning that eluded my grasp. "I hope you adjust well to our home." With that, he departed.

I scoffed, pondering his words and attempting to decipher how I was supposed to fit into this new place. Rumors swirled about the King of Egypt being a formidable and power-hungry ruler. Recalling my initial moments here, I couldn't shake the feeling that the rumours might hold some truth. Despite the challenges looming, I am determined to confront them and emerge stronger.

As the days stretched into weeks, Rashidi remained an enigma, his presence a mere echo in the vast expanse of the ship. Instead, it was the ever-changing crew who tended to my needs, offering sustenance and fleeting glimpses of the world beyond my cabin walls.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity at sea, we arrived in Egypt, greeted by the scorching embrace of the sun. The king, Rashidi, and a retinue of mounted men awaited us, their silhouettes casting long shadows against the bustling backdrop of the city.

A significant group of soldiers, including myself, walked. The sun shone brightly, and people respectfully made their way and bowed as their King passed on horseback.

The city buzzed with activity - people chatting, trading, and women wearing fitted ankle-length tunics with accessories like anklets, wrist cuffs, armbands, earrings, and bracelets. Most men sported wrapped skirts, some shirtless, and others fully clothed.

The oppressive heat weighed heavily upon me, a constant reminder of the harsh realities of life in this foreign land, and an explanation as to why the locals preferred light garments. Yet, amidst the sweltering heat and unfamiliar surroundings, a glimmer of determination took root within me.

If I was to survive in this land of secrets and shadows, I would need to adapt, to shed the trappings of my old life and embrace the challenges that lay ahead. And as the sun beat down upon my skin, I vowed to emerge from the crucible of Egypt stronger and wiser than before.

After a lengthy walk that left my legs barely feeling anything, we finally reached the palace—describing it as the most prominent and stunning place I had ever seen would be an understatement. Pillars rose like proud sentinels, their surfaces adorned with intricate murals that seemed to come alive in the flickering light.

As we traversed the opulent halls, I caught a fleeting glimpse of my people, but they seemed so distant. With each step, the chasm between my past and present widened, until the faces of my people vanished from sight, swallowed by the vast expanse of the palace.

At last, we reached a chamber of breathtaking splendor, where the King held court with an air of authority that brooked no dissent. Rashidi stood steadfast at his side, a silent sentinel to the throne, while ministers flanked them, their voices a murmured chorus of power and influence.

Clutching my bag tightly, I wished for nothing more than to fade into the shadows, to escape the scrutiny of their penetrating gazes. But fate had other plans, as the ministers turned their attention to me, their voices echoing in the hallowed chamber.

"Your Majesty, the slaves have all been moved to the temple construction site, and the gold now sits in the royal treasury. What should we do with the princess?" one minister inquired, his tone laced with deference.

But the king's response shattered any illusions of mercy or compassion. "She is no longer a princess," he declared, his words a dagger aimed at my heart. "Instead, she shall serve as my maid, attending to my every need."