Page 29 of Cleopatra

“Are you journeying to the mainland? I can call for your escort—”

“No, I wish to go alone.”

“Alone, Pharaoh?”

Unbeknownst to him, this was not the first time I had slipped away from Antirhodos. Usually Charmion went with me, but today I needed her to remain in the palace; there was too much to be done.

“Forgive my impudence, my queen, but I do not think it wise to travel unaccompanied.”

I sat down in the boat and reached for the oars. “I have never been wise.”

“Pharaoh…” Ahmose sounded pained, and I felt a little sorry for him.

“Come if you must, but I would appreciate your discretion.”

He hesitated.

“What is it?” I prompted, my patience waning.

“Will you permit me to tell Charmion? It’s just that she’s given each of us a long list to carry out before the morn, in preparation for the journey to Hermonthis.”

I laughed. Of course he was more fearful of Charmion than of me.

“Yes, Charmion will know of my endeavour tonight. And I’ll be sure to mention you accompanied me.”

He nodded before joining me on the boat. I handed him the oars and together we set off across the short distance to the mainland.

Once we had docked the boat, I said, “Stay a few paces behind me. I do not wish to draw attention to myself.”

Ahmose frowned but did as he was bidden, duly following me as I weaved through the streets.

Alexandria was a city that never slumbered. The night markets chimed with the sound of coins changing hands. The bakeries had already begun their preparations for the morning and the air was filled with the scent of warm bread.

I thought of Sōter, and how he had walked the length of the Nile, learning all he could of the people he was to rule.

“It must have been wondrous.” I spoke my musings out loud.

“What was, Pharaoh?” Ahmose said behind me.

I didn’t respond at first; I was caught up in the rare joy of seeing the sights of Alexandria without the cover of a litter, or the footfalls of a dozen guards at my back.

“Sōter—his journeying across Egypt must have been an enriching experience,” I eventually replied. Then I added, more to myself, “I long for it.”

I slowed as I moved through the heart of my city, savouring each step. My meandering took me to the poorer districts to the south. No longer could I smell fresh bread and the sea breeze; instead, the odour of stagnant water from the swamps of the Nile Delta filled my nostrils.

I stopped outside one of the mud-brick homes that lined the street.

Ahmose whispered behind me, “My queen, I don’t think you should—”

“Stay here,” I ordered.

I dipped under the door arch of the homestead, ignoring his protestations.

The room was dim, lit by a single torch to save fuel. A woman moved into the flickering light. “Are you the healer?”

I nodded. “I am Selene, Archibios sent me.”

The librarian was often petitioned to attend to the sick. It had been my idea to take on some of his charges covertly as the healer “Selene.” I could no longer safely walk the streets as Pharaoh.