Counted With the Stars (Out From Egypt, #1)

by Connilyn Cossette

another. As did I.” “You didn’t love my father?” “I did. Well, in a way, I loved him. He adored me and pampered me, treated me like a queen. But not the way I loved Shefu. Shefu was my morning sun and my evening star.” “Tekurah always knew?” She closed her eyes. “No. I am sure she had heard rumors of affection between me and Shefu, but he never told her.” “Then how did she find out? She surely knows. I dealt with the results of her knowledge every day.” Her expression was tortured. “I know, my dear. I’m so sorry. I was told how awful she was to you. I was helpless to do anything, but I knew you were strong. I knew you would endure.” “Yes.” My tone was brittle as anger began to burn in my chest. “I endured. I endured daily humiliation, shame on every level, and complete lack of dignity.” Her eyes welled with tears, and her chin wobbled. “Please. My beautiful girl. Forgive my weakness. When I came home that day and you were already gone, I should have gone after you. Begged Shefu to reconsider. My heart splintered into a thousand pieces that day. If it weren’t for Jumo, I would have come. I promise. I would have come.” What would I have done, in her place? Caught between love for her son and love for her daughter. I knew the answer. Jumo would not have survived slavery, and there was nothing I would not do to save him, even now. A thought struck me. “But Tekurah—why was she so vengeful? It was not simple jealousy, Mother. The way she beat me that day . . . there must be anot...