Beauty and the Pharaoh

The Curse

Hi everyone!

Welcome to the prologue of the new rewritten version of Beauty and the Pharaoh! Like I mentioned before, I will be posting a few chapters here for you guys to preview the new version before its release!

Hope you're excited to see more of May and Atem and I really hope you enjoy! Don't forget to vote and comments to let me know your thoughts!

Love,
Luckycharms <3

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Silent, cold, and unreadable, the Pharaoh held the attention of all those in his presence that evening. With the warm glow of the sun's dying rays leaking through the windows of the vast throne room, he appeared larger than life from where he sat. Even after a long day, he looked unyielding, projecting an aura of unwavering strength and authority. It was as if nothing could ever harm him, not even the gods themselves.

Beyond his imposing presence, he was handsome too. His tall frame complemented by his well-proportioned build, and his skin a shade of copper, though radiant and golden wherever it was touched by the setting sun. Oftentimes he looked rather statuesque, as if cut from granite, with piercing dark eyes that were devoid of any feeling behind them. It was as if there was no sign of weakness in him.

Of course, the mighty Pharaoh Akhenatem of Egypt had no weaknesses.

Everyone in the room believed that because–as their gazes shifted from the prisoner cowering at the foot of the dais to their Pharaoh on his throne–not one of them truly understood that cruelty itself was one of the greatest of all weaknesses.

"Kill him," the Pharaoh's voice resonated through the room, the deepness of it reverberating through the bones of his court. "I have little patience for such nonsense."

"Without a trial..." one of his advisors began, but his voice trailed off when the Pharaoh turned his head, glancing at him with his usual expression of displeasure. The man proceeded to bow, "as you wish."

The guards grabbed the shouting man and immediately dragged him away, undeterred by his cries. "I'm innocent!" he screamed, his voice echoing through the otherwise silent throne room. "Please! My Pharaoh, please!"

King Akhenatem's scowl persisted, and once the unfortunate prisoner had been removed and silence returned to the throne room, the Pharaoh stood. "That is all I will tolerate," he said as he made his way down the dais and started towards the large doors of the throne room, "I am returning to my chambers and do not wish to be disturbed."

Everyone responded by bowing, not moving an inch until their king was gone.

The Pharaoh strode through the corridors of his palace with a glare, scowling at the top of his subjects' heads because no one dared to meet his eyes. Not ever.

Except his mother, of course. "My Pharaoh!" she called, hurrying after him.

The Pharaoh's frown deepened as she stepped in front of him. "Please, listen to me, son," she begged, her voice filled with worry as she took his hand in hers. "This is getting out of control. You cannot just kill–"

He pulled his hand away and stepped around her. "I am tired, mother."

"Tired of what?" his mother cried out. "Of this cruelty?"

He paused now. Cruelty? The word echoed in his mind as he turned to face her, his expression hard.

"How many innocent people have you imprisoned, Akhenatem?" she asked, tears in her eyes. "And now execution? The gods will punish you dearly if you continue on this path. This is not righteous of anyone, let alone a Pharaoh!"