His tears washed my shoulder. Riddled with pain, exhaustion and frustion, the salt sweetness of Irike's grief fell heavily, releasing the pent up tension of the day. I held him tightly until I felt his body relax and he fell into a deep sleep.

Gently pulled a light linen covering over him, I rose from the divan and walked to the deck railing, watching the Nile slide by. It was strange Irike told his Captain to stay on the water, as nightime was the most dangerous. Whirlpools, sandbars and the fights between crocodiles and hippos threatened the safety of even the largest of barges. Tonight, however, tonight the water was smooth as glass, presenting a peace before what I knew would be an oncoming storm.

The night sky twinkled brightly, illuminating the countryside with Nut's ethereal presence. Shadows danced around the date palms and reeds that lined the banks, both hiding and revealing the countryside.

I slipped my dress from my shoulders, wishing to feel the wind across my bare skin. Presenting myself in a natural state to my beloved country, I felt myself cry out inwardly.

I still do not know the entire story. Irike felt threatened by Ramesses. Something terrible was about to happen. And I could not stop it.

Do I love Egypt? The thoughts warred in my mind. Or do I stand loyal to my husband. A man I've been drawn to like no other. My heart felt torn in two.

Sliding to the floor, I felt the tears I had taken from Irike fall my from my eyes and splatter across the wooden floor.