Continuing on with my paranormal romance set in ancient Egypt…Nima and Kamin have been captured by a caravan master who plans to sell them to the pursuing enemy. Nima challenges the man to a game of senet, with her life and Kamin’s as the stakes and a blood oath between herself and the caravan master that they’ll each honor the outcome. Ptahnetamun, the caravan master, brings out a gameboard and they play, with Kamin, all the caravan workers and many of the caravan passengers watching. Nima won, which we saw last week…and Ptahnetamun is a man of his word, so he grudgingly admits her victory. This next scene is at dinner, after a performance by a troupe of dancers traveling with the caravan. Nima joined them for part of the dance. Ptahnetamun is speaking as she rejoins Kamin and him. He’s offered her a contract and is the first speaker in the excerpt:
“I travel in and out of Egypt all the time. You could dance abroad for a few years, save your gold and then retire anywhere you chose, in Egypt, Thebes even.” Ptahnetamun nudged her in the ribs. “See the world. Live as a lady of luxury, build a tomb as grand as the queen’s for a good Afterlife, eh?”
He’s just offered her one of her life’s dreams on a platter. Kamin’s heart sank. Hating himself but reacting with a jealous instinct he didn’t fully understand, angered by the idea of Nima choosing a different road than the one he traveled, he leaned across her to address their host in disparaging tones, “You forget, we’re hunted by the Hyksos.”
VS sez: The ancient Egyptians had quite a system of contracts and law and there are many surviving records of women doing business, entering into contracts, suing to enforce contract terms in court…
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The story:
Egypt, 1500 BCE
Nima’s beauty and skill as a dancer leads an infatuated enemy to kidnap her after destroying an Egyptian border town. However, she’s not the only hostage in the enemy camp: Kamin, an Egyptian soldier on a secret mission for Pharaoh, has been taken as well. Working together to escape, the two of them embark on a desperate quest across the desert to carry word of the enemy’s invasion plans to Pharaoh’s people.
As they flee for their lives, these two strangers thrown together by misfortune have to trust in each other to survive. Nima suspects Kamin is more than the simple soldier he seems, but she finds it hard to resist the effect he has on her heart. Kamin has a duty to his Pharaoh to see his mission completed, but this clever and courageous dancer is claiming more of his loyalty and love by the moment. Kamin starts to worry, if it comes to a choice between saving Egypt or saving Nima’s life…what will he do?
Aided by the Egyptian god Horus and the Snake Goddess Renenutet, beset by the enemy’s black magic, can Nima and Kamin evade the enemy and reach the safety of the Nile in time to foil the planned attack?
Can there ever be a happy future together for the humble dancer and the brave Egyptian soldier who is so much more than he seems?
DANCER OF THE NILE, an Amazon Best Seller, is AVAILABLE on Amazon Barnes & Noble All Romance eBooks iTunes Smashwords
Do you know what I love about your snippet? Not only do I get an opportunity to enjoy the great bits you post, but I always end up learning a little about a culture that’s always fascinated me, but which I’ve never had an opportunity to explore. Thanks 🙂
TYVM! Sometimes I feel compelled inagoodway to add a little tidbit about ancient Egypt itself so readers won’t feel I’m writing too far outside what could have happened in the 1500 BCE time frame. Well, other than the gods being actively involved in the action and a few other, *minor* things LOL!
Way for Kamin to think on his feet there. ;D
I admire Kamin’s poise in this situation. You really demonstrate a vast knowledge not to mention keen interest in Ancient Egypt. Nice snippet!
Super excerpt, as usual. I thought I’d read somewhere that women could sign contracts. It’s so great to *see* things like that, shown so plausibly. Of course now we’re all on pins and needles waiting for her response!
I forgot to sign up but I posted. At least my excuse is, I was writing 🙂
Business. Always business unless it becomes personal. Marvelous eight and I, like the others, am going to school with your knowledge. Thanks, Veronica.
Excellent snippet, Veronica! The conflict is easily picked up even in just eight sentences. Well done!
And thanks for the additional info about the time period. I love learning about history!
I love Kanin’s reaction. We get his emotion, but he reveals nothing. I love that he responds with a reasoned explanation for why she shouldn’t accept the offer instead of letting his jealousy show.
Obviously she’s become more than merely a help in his escape!
He managed to control his reaction really well:) Great snippet, Veronica!
Oh the challenge is just beginning for Kamin, as far as this issue LOL.
I just love the way you weave historical details and history tidbits into your snippets. It’s such a treat every time! Plus the story is just great too! 🙂
Aww, poor, jealous Kamin. What a tough decision Nima has ahead of her, though. So anxious to see her response! Another fabulous excerpt, Veronica! 🙂
I have the impression Nima isn’t going to like the way Kamin reacted even if he hid his jealousy well. She’s probably quite aware that they’re being hunted and she can’t accept the offer. (All wild guesses here…LOL) I’m intrigued as always. Great snippet, Veronica!
Interesting turn. I love that he’s jealous. That’s kind of cruel of me, but I do. 🙂
I’d love to know her response. Great 8 as usual. 🙂
Love the post and Kamin’s reaction.Well done!
He’s been caught despite himself! I wonder how long it will be before he admits it?
Terrific as usual, Veronica! 🙂
Aww, he doesn’t want her to leave him! Great reaction. He’s going to have to start being a little nicer about it, though, or he might just drive her away.
Yep the culture then was way more sophisticated than in later periods
Oh, he just tipped his hand. Great snippet, Veronica. 🙂
Thanks for taking time to visit today and comment! I really appreciate the feedback…next week I’ll post at least part of Nima’s reaction. Let’s just say it all plays out over the next few days they travel with the caravan…but there’s a lot more plot to unravel before the HEA. At some point I’ll stop running Nima snippets and switch to excerpts from my new Egyptian paranormal, which hopefully will be out in February. But I’ll give you all fair warning…happy holidays!
He’s a cool one. Great 8.
She’s got a difficult decision to have to make in the very near future! As usual, I love all the historical and cultural details you put into your work.
Love how they’re talking about the afterlife so calmly, and then that last line brings it all back into perspective. Definitely want to know the response! Great 8. 😀
I really like the historical details you’ve added. Kamin’s reaction was very interesting!
Still, the girl has to be tempted! Lovely eight.
So looking forward to the rest of this series 😀
I love, love, love, love, LOVE Kamin’s reaction here. On one hand, I’m sure he wants Nima to have everything she’s ever wanted. On the other, he probably doesn’t want her to have it without him in there, somewhere. It’s a human dilemma most of us face in some form or another at some point in our lives. Great eight, as always!