Golden flower of Seth

Golden flower of Seth: Part 2

*Anubis' POV*

I shivered in anticipation, too disturbed the whole night to have slept. I was waiting at the window on the second level. The sun was starting to colour the bleak sky. And swiftly, fur erupted over my skin, reclaiming my human face. I have waited till night withered into morning... yet the day was still a child. How many more hours till noon? It was the longest morning of my life. Yet I refused to leave the window, determined not to miss their arrival. I waited and watched, unmoving despite the restlessness that accompanied my lupine form.

The horizon line that laid at the far end of the desert broke. It started as an outlying dot, then a speck, then I could make out a man's shape. The procession.

Like burning coals in the sand were Seth's fiery salamanders. Beautiful amber in colour, toxic in nature. To have such violently vivid colours, the animals' body must contain inorganic and lethal compounds like poisonous metals. Such creatures were impure in substance.

The procession increased in proximity, though at a frustratingly slow pace. Where was she? She was still nowhere in sight. I paced about the room. This room was to be our nupital room, one that she would be sharing with me. This notion was accompanied by a small wave of bliss.

Seth was clearly in view now, almost approaching my shrine. And then, in the distance, a carriage with a white cover appeared. My bride. I clambered to the window. The white carriage covered her too well, for I couldn't see her at all. Paranoia struck me, making me doubt whether Seth would really give his golden flower to me so easily. What if the girl in the carriage wasn't Nefret?

No, it was irrational. Seth would never lie to me where Mia's soul was at stake. But it seemed too good to be true. Nefret, beautiful and mild Nefret would be mine. I closed my eyes, savouring the notion. She would sleep beside me or in my arms, she would smile at me and dance with me. I couldn't help a small smile. This palace will be filled with her laughter. Soon, I told myself, soon.

"Great father, Seth has arrived at your holy shrine." Kasih announced with a bow.

I nodded and descended to the main hall to greet him.

"Seth." I acknowleged him, seating myself on the throne.

"Anubis, I bring my young flower." Seth said, somewhat resigned.

"Where is she?" I said, not having completely overcome my suspicion.

"She is dismounting from the carriage." He answered dismissively before walking up to me.

There was a moment of silence as Seth formed his words.

"I remember when you came to my shrine for hundreds of years ago. Then, Nefret was only just learning to walk. You played with her and you seemed fond of her... To think that today she becomes your bride. Nefret... she may not be my favourite, but I hope you will treat her well. My young flower has not yet seen the world for itself. She is not tutored in the dark ways... or  the ways of men..."

I rose my eyebrows at that.

"Yes, she is yet untouched," Seth responded quite irritably, "So I hope you won't rush her into these things. She isn't clever or gifted with the sand but she is an affectionate girl with a good nature. If you be kind to her, she may grow to love you." Seth hadn't finished but I cut him off.

"I give you my word, Seth. I will love her and she will want for nothing." I hadn't needed to hear any more praises of Nefret. She was exactly everything I wanted.

At that moment, I picked up a strong draft of chamomile and rose. I looked up to see a veiled figure just walking into the hall. My heart stopped, and the world went still. All I could hear was the intense rush of my blood. Nefret. There she was. Here. Even through her veil I could tell it was her. Her scent, her eyes, her feline and feminine beauty.