Another couple of hours pass before I see the sun emerge from Nut, out of the corner of my eye.
It's not been that long past dawn when I spot the palace.
Home, sweet home.
The raiders continue on, trudging on and on towards home. The early morning light is warm and a slight breeze ruffles my hair.
Soon, we arrive at the giant gates to the city. We walk through the great looming gates and push through the bustling crowds. The merchants and maids were readying themselves for the day ahead. Swirls of colour flood my vision and trivial chatter fills my ears. None of the sleepy guards posted near the entrances of various alleyways take notice of the raiders' presence. Before long, the pristine palace patio is just mere inches away. The raiders don't dismount, they just ride their ill-mannered camels through the palace. The camels grunt as I watch their hoof-steps leave sand and muck on the mosaic flooring.
Then one of the raiders, Dakarai, slides off his camel's humped back and opens up the doors to the great hall. Dakarai pulls himself back up onto his mount and they carry on. They stop before my father's throne. Darius tugs at my bindings and pushes me off his camel. I land with a thud on the hard tiled ground. Sitting up onto my knees, I'm faced with my father. His face is contorted into an expression of shock and disbelief. So is the wench standing at his side, my old captor and clone.
"Pharaoh Horus, we have come for a trade, not war. Our sister, the woman standing behind you, for your precious daughter." Darius bellows, there's not even a hint of fear in his steely eyes.
"No, no. You must be mistaken. This is my daughter." The king's voice is shaky and uncertain, he looks back and forth between me and my so-called sister.
"I can assure you that I'm not mistaken. This is the real Princess Azizi. This can be peaceful, all we want is Akila." Darius continues slowly.
So her name is Akila...
Akila glares at Darius and Dakarai then puts on a sickly sweet voice, "No, Father. That woman there is the imposter. Bear no ill-will to the raiders, it's not their fault that they've gotten the princess and the traitor mixed up.".
YOU ARE READING
The New Princess of Egypt
Short StoryAnger flashes in the king's eyes. He's figured it out. My senses are instantly put on high alert. I hear the tell-tale chinking of armour and spears. Akila, adopted daughter of a well-known raider, is on a mission. She is to travel to the Capital a...
