His new lover

A broken moon

(The video above is only supposed to be for a part in this chapter so when it's time I'll let you know and what time in the video to go to)

Ahkmenrah's hands shook as he laid down the sheets of papyrus on his pillow. He had written letters to everyone he loved - his parents, Kahmunrah, Zahara, Akin, Mekal, Menhit explaining what he had decided to do and why. Lev had filled packs with money, food, clothes, and water while Ahkmenrah had been writing, and he wrapped his arms around Ahkmenrah from behind when he noticed his staring at the papyri.

"Are you ready?"

Ahkmenrah gazed at the letters while Lev pressed a kiss to his neck, and he sighed before turning in Lev's arms.

"Yes. Yes, I'm ready."He smiled then, overjoyed at the idea of their new life together, and laughed happily. "I love you so much, Lev."

Lev kissed him tenderly. "I love you too, Akhmen."
They separated and slung their packs onto their shoulders. Ahkmenrah stood in the center of his room and looked around one last time, glancing at the doors and hoping that Mekal and Menhit would fnally settle down and live a comfortable life after he left.

Whispering goodbye, he turned and followed Lev out into the garden. His bracelet lit their way as they walked past swaying flowers and rustling tree branches. The garden walls weren't terribly high, so helping each other climb other them was a simple matter. They moved quickly and quietly towards the stables, ducking behind columns and crouching silently when a guard passed by on his patrol of the palace.

Finally, the stables were in sight, and the couple ran forward when they didn't see anyone nearby. Pressing themselves flat against the wall, they paused to make sure that they hadn't been seen. Ahkmenrah crept forward and peeked around the corner to the stable's entrance. He gestured for Lev to follow him, and they walked quickly forward, pushing open the doors of the stable and-

"Going somewhere?"

Ahkmenrah jumped, startled, and whipped back around to see Kahmunrah standing there. "Kah?! What are you doing here?!"

Ahkmenrah kept his voice hushed, though he felt his anxiety growing rapidly. "Oh, that's not important. What is important is the fact that you are sneaking off in the middle of the night like a little thief, abandoning your family and your people. Why, it's downright criminal!"

"Kahmun, please."

Ahkmenrah shook slightly, the vicious gleam in his brother's eyes frightening him. "Let us go. I promise you'll never have to see me again, and you'll be Pharaoh, just like you always wanted."

Kahmunrah paused for a moment, looking as if he was pondering Ahkmenrah's words when, in reality, he had made up his mind the moment he'd found out about their plan. "Hmm. You know, little brother, I am sorely tempted to accept that offer."

Lev held Ahkmenrah's arm protectively, and Ahkmenrah felt his heart drop to the pit of his stomach at his brother's next words.

"But you see, Ahkmen, you have stolen something of mine. The eldest son is supposed to be a father's pride and joy, and yet here you are, born seven years after me and yet instantly father's favorite. You have basked in that stolen love all your life. I think it only fair that I take something of yours."

Kahmunrah raised his hand and Ahkmenrah gasped, jerking back in fear when he saw the khopesh he was wielding. The wickedly curved blade gleamed in the moonlight, the golden hieroglyphs carved into the black metal glinting ominously. Its handle was cut from the finest ivory, and it had been a gift for Kahmunrah's coming-of-age celebration. It was his favorite weapon.

Lev pulled Ahkmenrah backwards, awav from Kahmunrah, and Kahmunrah turned his attention to Lev.

"I will never know what my brother sees in you, peasant, and frankly I don't care. His reasons for whoring himself to whoever will have him are his own. But your being in this palace insults me, has insulted me from the moment you came here, and I will greatly enjoy this."