Flail of the Pharoah by Rosanna Challis

Charmian ventured to ask.
    ‘Because my inner channel would be dry and the forced entry of his phallus would be painful for me, and unsatisfactory for him. A degree of lubrication is essential for a smooth coupling. If the woman cannot provide enough, the man must use oil or grease.’
    ‘How can a woman provide it?’
    ‘Through desire alone. If a woman truly longs for a man to enter her, the secret wellsprings within her body will flow and her channel will become wet and slippery for him to enter. A skilful lover, like the Pharaoh, will know how to rouse a woman’s desire and then she will be ready for him.’
    ‘I see.’ But it all seemed very strange to Charmian, like two pieces of machinery that needed oiling before they would work well together.
    ‘This will seem peculiar to you,’ Mira said, reading her expression. ‘But it is nature’s way. I am telling you all this because the king has told me he wishes to initiate you tonight.’
    ‘Tonight?’ Charmian had not thought it would be so soon and was filled with dread.
    ‘Don’t be alarmed; there is nothing to fear. You should be honoured that the Pharaoh desires you so much he cannot wait a day longer. All you have to do this first night is relax and enjoy the experience. You are fortunate that your first time will be with a considerate lover, not some brute of a man who has drunk more than his share. Such is the fate of many a captive woman. You should thank the gods that you were brought here, and not sold to some barbarian or into sex slavery.’
    Charmian tried to gain comfort from these words, but her mind was still reeling at the prospect of sharing the Pharaoh’s bed. She believed he would be kind to her, but after seeing his son’s endowment the idea that such a sturdy organ could penetrate her was both strange and unnerving. How would she feel afterwards? Would the experience change her? She would no longer be a prized virgin but a grown woman, like the others in the harem, including the queen herself. And what if the king lost interest after deflowering her? What would be her fate then?
    Charmian dared not voice these fears to Mira, but remained meek and silent as the queen went on to explain how she must prepare herself. This time she would not be dressed as an Egyptian, but her natural beauty must be allowed to shine forth, as the Pharaoh had commanded. But before she went to his chamber she must present herself to the high priest for ritual purification in the temple.
    ‘I shall take you there, when Iras has oiled your body and dressed your hair,’ she explained. ‘But for now you have had enough preparation. Come with me into the garden, for some air.’ She smiled. ‘We shall not let the sun burn your fair skin, yet I am sure my husband would like to see some roses in your pale cheeks. Come, Charmian, and let the scents of the flowers and herbs calm your soul. Today is the most important day of your life, and you must face it with dignity and courage.’
Chapter 6
    It was evening, and Charmian followed Queen Mira into the antechamber of the great temple, where Tut-Tut was waiting for them. The fat priest bowed low.
    ‘Your majesty,’ he began unctuously, ‘it is indeed a pleasure to be of service.’
    ‘This is the new concubine,’ she said. ‘You know what to do. Make sure the girl is well prepared for the Pharaoh’s bed tonight.’
    ‘Of course, my queen.’
    Charmian thought she detected a coldness in Mira’s manner as she was handed over to the high priest. Yet she had no time to brood on this. Tut-Tut led her into the dark recesses of the temple, where huge columns reared up in the gloom and seated figures of the gods occupied niches in the sandstone walls.
    ‘Come to the sanctuary of Isis,’ Tut-Tut said in sibilant tones. ‘There the goddess shall bless your first congress with the Pharaoh.’
    Charmian felt uneasy in the man’s company. He wore a simple white robe with a knotted belt, no doubt concealing a grossly