CHAPTER 9
THE SLEEPING SPELL“My lord,” General Horemheb stands very straight before the king, and I can see the veins on his neck and in his hands. He is frustrated and angry, but keeping himself under control. Nefertiti stands behind her husband’s chair with her arms around his shoulders, and her chin resting on his head. Her eyes never leave Horemheb. His never leave the king. I can feel their awareness of each other like a tangible but invisible thread between them.
Akhenaten is looking relaxed, enjoying the embrace of his favourite wife. The presence of his friends and family give him confidence in the company of the man who has always made him uneasy. Tadukhipa, his young Mitannian wife descended from his own grandmother’s royal line; Ankhesenpaaten, his daughter-wife; Nezem-mut, no
