The Goddess and the Golden Sunflower

Chapter seven

Anthony stared at The Queen as she hissed, “Just sit.” He plopped down on the chair, shaking his head, his heart banging against his ribs.

As he turned his head in her direction, Maestro, Blond and Angel appeared at the table. “Jesus Christ!” he murmured. Maestro, who looked enraged, put the books on the table, and so did Angel and Blond.

“Everybody sit. What’s going on, Maestro?” The Queen asked.

“Nothing, Majesty,” Maestro answered, glaring at Blond.

“What is going on?” she repeated, stressing on each word.

“I apologize, Majesty,” he said, rocking his legs, “but we shouldn’t be leaving you alone with strangers.” He turned to Blond. “Don’t you think?”

“Maestro,” The Queen said in a scolding tone, “we are in a library. We will talk about that later … in private.”

“I apologize again, Majesty,” Maestro muttered.

“Anthony,” she called.

Preoccupied with the chaos in his skull, he didn’t answer.

“Anthony, are you okay?”

Her voice tore him away from his thoughts this time. He gathered his strength and managed to lie, “Yes, I’m fine.”

“Let’s start then,” she prompted. “These books are very rare ones. You won’t find them anywhere else. Go ahead. Take a look.”

Anthony scowled in disbelief and grabbed the first book he could reach. It was wrapped in leather and secured with an old piece of rope tied in a bow. He opened the wrapping, unrevealing a collection of Egyptian papyri written in hieroglyphs. At first, Anthony thought it was some kind of joke, a prank they were pulling on him, but after a few minutes in discovering this hidden treasure, he was positive the papyri were authentic.

His eyes kept flickering between the papyri and his classmates. He couldn’t speak. He could only gasp.

“This is incredible. How did you get this?”

“My ancestors collected them through the centuries, millennia actually. They passed them from one generation to another,” The Queen replied. “This is our family legacy. We guard it with our lives.” She gazed directly into his eyes. “You do understand that now we are sharing a huge secret with you. So, can we trust you?”

His jaw fell. “Of course, you can. It’s an honor.” He moistened his lips. “You don’t know how much this means to me,” he said, reveling in the beauty of the discovery, forgetting all about his earlier worries.

“Actually, I do know what it means to you. You showed signs of… appreciation for such a great history, and that’s the only reason why I decided to give you… that chance, a chance to see what others are not allowed to see. Consider it… a reward… for being such a dedicated person to Egyptology undiscovered secrets.”

Is she saying what I think she’s saying? Anthony’s heart thumped. “Thank you so much for your generosity.” He grinned. “I promise I will never betray your trust.”

“We shall see,” she replied. “Now, Angel and Blond will help you with translation and any further explanations you seek.” She threw a quick glance at Blond and Angel, as if she was making sure they would obey her. “As for the books, they will remain with us, of course. You can’t take them with you, or be left alone with them under any circumstances. This is why we’ll have to schedule regular meeting dates until we finish the research.”

A chance to meet her regularly. He couldn’t be more grateful.

“Do you have a laptop?” she asked him.

“Yes,” he answered.

“I suggest you bring it. You cannot use the library computers for this.”

“Sure.” He felt stupid that he hadn’t brought it in the first place.

“Good,” she said and called Maestro’s name.

Maestro stood and pulled out the chair for her. When she wasn’t sitting any more, Angel and Blond rose, as well, militarily erect. Anthony pulled himself up as he realized he was the only one still sitting.

“You’re leaving?” he asked.

“I said Angel and Blond will help you. I never said anything about myself.”

“But why? I mean… you didn’t even say when we are supposed to meet again?”

“We shall be here at the same time every day until Friday,” she said, moving away.

“Wait…”

She turned back.

“I’m really sorry, but I promised to help a friend of mine with something important tomorrow. Is it possible to reschedule?”

She stepped toward him, her mesmerizing eyes locking with his nervous ones. He believed she could hear the sound of his chest while it heaved with every labored breath he took.

“We shall be here at the same time every day until Friday,” she said. “You are free to choose whether to come or not.”

Anthony closed his eyes for a moment and let out a troubled sigh, yanking himself out of that spell she put on him every time she was close.

When he opened his eyes, Maestro and The Queen had already departed. Their incredible speed reminded him of the chair incident, and how almost instantly The Queen’s followers appeared after he went back to his seat.

She must have known they were coming, that’s why she sent me away… but how?

“Anthony, please sit so we can finish. We don’t have all day,” Angel said.

“Yeah… I’m sorry.” He took a seat.

He fished a pencil out of his bag. He needed something to fidget with to keep his hands busy. Otherwise, his fingers would linger on the old papers, and he knew better than to touch them with bare hands.

“There are tons of secrets buried in here,” he whispered as he read through. “So Amenhotep didn’t renounce Amun because he just wanted to maintain power?”

“No, he was a drug addict who actually believed he was God,” Angel said, laughing.

He snickered, flipping the pencil through his fingers. “Unbelievable.”

“Do you know who offered him his first drug?”

“Who?”

“His own sister. She did it on purpose.”

“No way. But why?”

“She wanted—”

“It’s time,” Blond abruptly said.

When she heard him, Angel began to close the books.

Anthony raised his eyebrows and threw the pencil on the table. “Does it always have to be that way?”

“What are you talking about?” Angel said, rewrapping the books.

“You all just come and go whenever you want with no prior notice. Like I have to accept what you do without having a say in it whatsoever.”

He received no reply until Blond and Angel finished wrapping their books and held them all in their hands.

“You’ll get used to it,” Blond said as he started to the exit.

“Where are you going, anyway?” Anthony asked.

Angel gave him a cunning look. “You know I cannot tell you, but if you are smart… you will follow us.”

Anthony grabbed his papers and backpack, and rushed out of the library, following his new acquaintances. He didn’t understand why Angel was helping him, but he was in no position to complain.

Despite running, he lost track of The Queen’s soldiers. He paused by the theater door, where he had last caught sight of them, to catch his breath. He noticed something strange in the papers in his grasp; the painting he had given The Queen earlier had ended up with him again.

When has she ever? He scratched the back of his neck. “First, the chair, and now the painting.” He gritted his teeth. “Unbelievable.”

He nimbly snuck into the theatre. There were more than fifty people inside.

He placed his hand over his mouth. God! It’s the play audition.

The students auditioning for the play were already on stage, the director and the executives were seated, monitoring performance, and a large group of students, Tommy and John too, were there watching as well.

As Anthony took in the place, he glimpsed the redhead he hated the most, standing on the stage. He grimaced and turned his gaze. A familiar smile met his eyes and forced him to smile back.

He waved at his best friend, mouthing “Good luck, Claire.”

On the other side of the stage, he saw Maestro, sitting at a piano, and The Queen standing next to him. Maestro had just started to play a sweet ballad. The music was captivating for the heart before the ears. Then Anthony heard her sing. Her voice was pure and beautiful; it penetrated his soul, setting his tears free, leaving him in awe.

After the song was finished, the director rose and applauded with joy, which prompted the whole audience to follow his lead.

Anthony clapped and wiped his eyes.

“Magnificent. It’s exactly what I’m looking for.” The director went up the stage. “Thank you … both of you. I can see where you got your name, Maestro, and you, my queen, you are simply … majestic.” He clasped his hands together. “Please reconsider my offer.”

“I really am flattered, but as I previously told you, the lead role is a huge responsibility for me to take at the moment. Besides, you have a very … competent actress for the role, don’t you think?” The Queen said, glancing at the redhead standing near her.

“Well, we’re still auditioning. Look at you, you’re Cleopatra incarnated. Seriously, your eyes, your hair, your skin—” the director said.

The Queen interrupted him with a chuckle. “Please, Mr. Mackenzie, you know I can’t.”

“At least let us use this magical voice of yours,” the director dramatically pleaded. “Listen, we can record the songs with your voice and Emma lip syncs. What do you think?”

Emma darted a stern look at The Queen over her shoulder.

“I’d rather not. Let me tell you something. Continue with your auditions, and if things didn’t go very well, let this be our last resort.” The Queen went over to Maestro, who was posing for her to jump on his shoulders.

After The Queen’s infamous leap, Maestro strode toward the director and gave him the music sheets he was holding in his hands.

“Goodbye now, Mr. Mackenzie. I promise I’ll come by later to watch the rehearsals,” she said as Maestro climbed down the stage.

When he saw The Queen and Maestro join the rest of the gang in the front row, Anthony pretended to be busy distributing flyers.

Angel and Blond took the colored papers and gave them a hasty glance.

“We do not go to parties,” Maestro said, his eyes flashing anger.

Anthony frowned and switched his stare in The Queen’s direction. “You were very… good… back there, by the way.”

“Thank you,” she said, expressionless.

He inhaled and rolled his eyes toward Maestro. “You too.”

Maestro continued to glare at Anthony. “Majesty, we should be leaving.”

“What’s the matter, Maestro? Can’t you take a compliment?” Anthony taunted.

Maestro looked like he was going to tear Anthony apart.

“Maestro, Blond, go get our rides ready,” The Queen ordered, her tone sharp.

Maestro put her down; however, his heated eyes were begging her to make him stay.

“Angel will stay with me until you get back,” she reassured him.

Maestro nodded in obedience and left with Blond. Angel stood behind The Queen, a few more steps back from where she should originally have been standing.

“What are you doing here?” The Queen asked, her eyes menacing.

“I’m… handing out these flyers… for the party.” Anthony held up the papers for her to see.

“I know a liar when I see one.” Her jaws clenched. “And I hate liars. Did you follow me?”

He nodded. “I… I really…” he stammered.

She rolled her eyes. “It’s all right.”

Anthony blew out a long breath he was holding inside.

“You have a… sensational voice. I’d love to hear it again sometime… if you don’t mind,” he whispered.

“I cannot believe you.” Her nostrils flared. “You always ask for a lot, don’t you?”

“Only with you.”

She puckered her lips. “Anthony, stop teasing Maestro. You do not know him, and I cannot keep protecting you forever.”

“Protecting me?” He snorted. “Well, thank you, but I don’t think I need any protection.”

“You do not know what you are talking about. You are too smug to see it. Just avoid him, okay?”

“If I avoided him, would you come to the party?”

Her hands balled into fists. “Why do you keep asking me for things in return when I’m the one who is doing you a favor?”

“I’m not asking for something in return. I’m asking you for something I really want. I want to be able to hang out with you, and I just can’t see how. You don’t give me many choices. So, when I see an opportunity, I can’t let it pass me by.”

She didn’t respond. She strode, heading for the door, with Angel shadowing her.

“Why did you return the painting?” Anthony asked, following her.

The Queen left the theatre, ignoring his question.

He pushed the door open and stepped outside. “Why do you care then? If you can’t imagine yourself with me for one hour, why do you protect me or warn me to stay away from your secret boyfriend?” Anthony shouted.

The Queen turned and drew close to him they were no more than an inch apart.

She raised one brow. Her dark eyes bore into him. “When the research is finished I do not want to see this naïve, conceited, sorry face of yours ever again. Not even a glimpse,” she said under her teeth, jabbing her index finger in the air.

The words left him in a spurt. Overwhelmed and light-headed, Anthony stood speechless as he watched her leave.

He cursed as he crouched down. His backpack slid off his shoulder. He put his papers inside the bag and let his head rest on his knees.

The door behind him slammed open. He heard rushing footsteps approaching him.

“Tony, where did you go? The auditions are about to start,” Tommy said.

“I’m not going back inside,” Anthony held his backpack and got to his feet.

“What the hell is wrong with you?”

Anthony twisted and gave him an incredulous stare.

“What would Claire think when she sees you come on the day of her big audition and then leave without watching her?”

Anthony’s brows pulled in. He combed his hand through his hair and raised his gaze to the sky.

“I know you didn’t come for her. But she doesn’t,” Tommy said. Anthony’s gaze dropped down at him. “You can’t hurt her feelings like that. Especially, not today.”

“What about your feelings, Tommy?”

“What feelings?”

“Seriously?”

Tommy swallowed. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Anthony chortled a humorless sound. “Never mind.” He clutched Tommy’s arm. “You’re right. I should be there for Claire. Let’s go.”

****

The Queen tore through campus, heading to the parking lot.

“Majesty, please slow down. I can’t keep up,” Angel said.

The Queen halted, studying Angel’s face. “All those feelings roiling inside of you are driving me insane.”

Angel evened her breaths. “I apologize.”

“You think I’m too harsh on him. Say it, Angel. Get it out of your chest.”

Angel chuckled.

“Let’s hear it.” The Queen gestured.

“Well, Anthony seems like a decent person, Majesty,” Angel said. “I think he deserves a chance.”

“Didn’t you hear how insolent he was? He doesn’t deserve anything. He’s reckless and impulsive and…” The Queen clenched her teeth. “He makes me want to choke him.” She sat on an empty bench.

“All the information we’ve gathered about him so far states that he’s neither reckless nor impulsive.” Angel smiled. “I believe Your Majesty knows why he behaves that way in your presence.” Angel perched next to her.

The Queen looked at her sideways. “Is that why you’re helping him?”

“Helping him?”

“You let him follow you to the theatre.”

Angel swallowed. “We all want Your Majesty to be happy.”

“And you think an eighteen-year-old can make me happy?”

“All I know is that Anthony is not like any teenage boy we’ve ever met.”

The Queen mused. “I admit he’s different.”

“He’s well-read and very intelligent. He can be funny if Your Majesty allows him. Not to mention, he’s handsome, too.”

The Queen grunted. “You might have a point.” She forced the words out of her mouth. “Nonetheless, he’s a distraction, one I currently can’t afford.” She rose. “Besides, I’m certain I scared him away this time.”

Angel stood, too. “I should tell Maestro to meet us here. Your Majesty has walked enough.”

The Queen rolled her eyes. “Fine. Signal him.” She returned to the bench.

“Done.”

A few seconds later, Maestro and Blond stopped their Porcupines in front of the Queen.

“Why hasn’t Your Majesty waited by the theatre?” Maestro demanded, his face grim.

“Oh, spare me, Maestro. I walked a little. So what?”

“Your Majesty should never walk among the common people.”

She smiled as she stared at his deep eyes. She placed her palm where his bulging biceps and the rigid square deltoid of his shoulder met, and rode behind him. As she wrapped her arms around his waist, she could feel his solid abs clench under his shirt. After all this time, you still shiver under my touch. She reflexively unclasped her arms and placed her hands on his broad shoulders. He sped to the parking lot, Blond and Angel behind him.

“Any updates regarding the trails?” she asked.

“The last one ended where we diverted it near the terminal. We haven’t picked up anything new so far,” he answered.

“We have to know what he’s looking for in Berkeley.” She mounted her bike. “And why the trails only started when we showed up here.”

“Perhaps he’s just trying to locate us.”

“We’re not the ones in hiding, Maestro. If he wanted to find us, he’d have done it by now. We’re not exactly the slip into the crowd type.” She put on her helmet. “He’s searching for something he doesn’t want us to discover.”

“What could it be?”

She grabbed the motorcycle handle. “Or rather who could it be?”