The King and The Deliverer

Chapter 7

The following day, Laxus approached his son Natsu with exciting news. He had secured what he believed to be a remarkable opportunity for his eldest son: a chance to serve as a new palace guard for the pharaoh. But Natsu wasn't exactly thrilled with this new position. He'd never admit to it, especially not to his father, but he didn't like the pharaoh. He thought he was an odious, insufferable, pig whose benevolence only existed in his own head. Why the Gods chose him to rule Egypt, Natsu would never understand.

But he wasn't foolish enough to let his distaste been known. He knew he'd probably lose his head if someone even suspected him of disliking the pharaoh. So he smiled when his father told him the news and he would look his best, work very hard, and show the pharaoh respect. To please his family and people, and to save his own neck.

"You are to serve Pharaoh, his wives, his high priests, and his children." Laxus instructed him. "You are to obey every command without question. You will bow when Pharaoh enters and you will not speak until he gives you permission to."

"Yes Father." Natsu said.

"And you must never ever enter the royal chambers or the harems. You must never sit at the royal banquet table or partake of any food or drink unless permitted to, and knowing your stomach-"

"Father I'm not that stupid."

"That remains to be seen."

As they approached the pharaoh's palace, Natsu momentarily stopped to take in its great majesty. The palace loomed before him, an architectural marvel that shimmered under the blazing sun. Tall columns adorned with intricate hieroglyphics reached towards the sky, while golden accents glinted at every turn, reflecting the opulence of the pharaoh's reign.

"Remember, Natsu." Laxus continued, his tone serious. "You are not just representing yourself; you are a reflection of our family and our lineage. Carry yourself with honor."

"Yes Father."

As they reached the grand entrance, a massive door adorned with carvings of mythical creatures swung open, revealing a lavish interior filled with vibrant colors and the soft glow of oil lamps. Once inside they walked up a stairway and entered a room with a marvelous balcony.

"Wait here my son, I shall alert them of your arrival."

Natsu nodded and Laxus left. Alone, Natsu walked out on the balcony and looked out at the great view. He could see the bustling streets full of merchants shouting their wares, children playing, and the scent of spices wafting through the air. In the distance, the Nile River glistened like a silver ribbon, winding its way through the landscape, a lifeline for the people of Egypt.

His gaze fell upon something he knew he shouldn't see, yet he found himself unable to look away. A woman bathing in the river, her neck slender and graceful, her high cheekbones accentuating skin that glowed like polished copper. Her lips were red and moist like a ripe pomegranate, while her almond-shaped brown eyes sparkled with life. Her hair flowed like the finest gold, shimmering like treasures from the world's greatest vaults. She eclipsed even the goddesses Isis and Hathor; he had never encountered such a vision. Who was she?

His answer arrived in the form of handmaidens, who approached to bathe her, anoint her with fragrant oils, and wrap her in silks, adorning her with gold and jewels. Only one woman in all of Egypt was permitted such opulence, radiating with such beauty: Pharaoh's daughter, Princess Lucy. Natsu felt as if he might leap out of his skin. He had gazed upon the naked body of the pharaoh's daughter—an offense punishable by death. Of all the mistakes he could have made, this was undoubtedly the gravest.

He looked away, silently praying to the gods that his accidental eavesdropping would remain undiscovered. Though there was no law against listening in, he still felt a pang of guilt.