Hearts and Curses

Chapter 1: Back to Him

I stood hands in my jacket pockets as I starred at the buzzing city below. Memories of everything I'd been through over the past two years floated in my head. I was eighteen when it all began, but now I had lived past the curse- twenty years and a few months. I spun on my heels. Jase( my first love ) was in the hospital resting up from his surgery. Due to his arm incident two years ago. The ride there this morning was quiet, due to the fight that we had the night before.

He would be there for a week" which made this the perfect time " I thought as I walked to the V-shaped bookshelf that stood against the white walls of our large suit. The ring-sized royal blue velvet box stood on the shelf just opposite me soo close calling me. My lips hung in a straight line, I was determined. I opened the box and slid the amethyst and gold ring down my finger. I was prepared to go back, with my bag slouched across one shoulder and a scarf-tied hijab style over my head. Guilt pricked through as the knowledge of Jase's well-known disapproval of this stung me.

POP! ( rubbing of eyes )

The ancient exterior of the wall I was facing told me my location - Ancient Egypt. This time I'd landed in an alley with little space between the two opposing buildings. I squeezed my way out of there, letting myself into the market. Oddly enough, people seemed to be leaving their stalls and rushing towards somewhere. As any normal person would, I tried to ask; but got snubbed. After ensuring the safety of my things saddled to my back I dove into the crowd.

They were ushered into some kind of big arena. Maybe the royal palace front yard.

The thought of the word royal palace made my heartache. At the announcement of the pharaoh's entry, everyone got down - including me. No. Not greeting the Pharaoh was not my entry plan.

" Rise " he commanded

The crowd now risen, I heard murmurs. I could particularly hear one of the old ladies around me. " his highness is probably going to ban the mention of her name "an old woman gossiped beside me.

" No worries there are many hers, " I thought inwardly try in to soothe my worries. But the name another mentioned confirmed my thoughts:

"Tausret the Queen"

I pushed my way through the crowd. To hell with my entry plan!!! At the foot of the stairs, two guards stopped me from proceeding, their spears in an X- pattern. I raised my head making sure to open my eyes wide and gave them a who-dares-look. When they saw my face first shock then submission, acceptance. Like in the past. Gasps came from the crowd who was this that the guards stood aside for, but there was nothing that would distract me.

I ascended the 150 steps and it seemed everyone was waiting for me. Sweat betrayed my wanting to be "godly" as I proceeded straight towards the Pharaoh. It was funny though, how no one - no minister tried to stop me.

At last, I stood directly in front of him head bowed. Then I looked up searching every inch of his face with my eyes. He didn't move. Pharaohs didn't show fear. Something I'd learned from my former stay but he didn't need to.

His golden eyes said it all.

As though planned another announcement resounded in the high steps of the open Arena. Who but my son PIA. By the looks of it he was four or five. Despite the fact that he walked gracefully followed by his entourage, it was ( to me ) that h missed something. Although, I couldn't quit figure out what.

In the middle of all the commotion I caught Biraf [ "Pharoah's" only childhood friend #the closest to him] smirking.