Pharaoh's First Love

page 21

After finely polishing the gifts and wrapping the three into individual pieces of silk he tucked them into a sack and slung it over his shoulder like a satchel as he began to make his way towards one of his generals to see if there was any news about the ongoing battles that were taking place, specifically to where Helm was stationed as he could see upon Shelyn’s face that her thoughts were preoccupied with wondering why her brother hadn’t yet shown.
Shelyn helped Jin who seemed hopeless at this instrument. Yun was just enjoying the sight of it. She was certainly good with children. No doubt she would make a good mother. Certainly, a child from her would be enough to remove his brother.
Shelyn let Jin free from her lap and allowed him a bit of time to cool his fingers. Of course, she kept him right at her side as she played him a soft lullaby. A song that she sang to him. So softly that even the wind seemed to calm. Yun was entranced by such a soft tone that even he neared the two and nested his back to the tree beside them. Listening in peace.
The servants left to pick flowers and arrange them neatly and take turns returning to the palace and filling the pharaoh's room with all the vases as he had said he wanted. Even the halls got flowers. And a sunflower in each of the vases for the pharaoh's room.
Sadly, there was no word on Helm's location despite the war still twisting. And his body was collected so it was assumed he was taken captive if not run off. But he was too good a soldier to just run off right? This was the least of their worries.
Shelyn's parents had already been told when they arrived yesterday morning about Helm. They weren’t exactly pleased to hear it either. But they made sure the pharaoh knew they were still looking for him.
Calion did not take such news very lightly. He instructed a troop of highly trained stealth assassins, skilled within slipping past enemy lines unnoticed. Their objective was not to kill, simply infiltrate the ranks at any cost to find further information upon Helm’s whereabouts and status. He hadn’t expected the assassins to break Helm out, after all they were suited to subtle killings, not openly breaking out a prisoner while surrounded by the enemy, but for now he hoped such a thing might bring about helpful news so that if need be a plan could be put into place. He didn’t particularly want to share the news with Shelyn, but he would if she asked him about her brother. Of course, it might seem unnatural for the Pharaoh to take such an interest in one soldier’s life, but that being said… he’d rather her not be emotionally crushed at the idea of her brother having been killed or gone missing.
With that he returned to his throne room, leaving it behind as he entered the sanctity of his bedroom and living area, sitting down upon the couch as he laid out his gifts on the table, still wrapped, while he had a couple servant girls set flowers and vases and tend to his wine. Of course, they were dressed in very thin silk garbs, thin enough it was quite easy to make out their nipples beneath the fabric although Calion’s mind was upon other matters. After all he’d already slept with the two girls in the past so it’s not as if his mind had to wander. Instead he bided his time, drinking, as well as petting his pet lion, Moshi, running his fingers along the felines finely brushed and pampered fur. He found it fitting to have such a pet… after all… a Lion’s pride was predominantly made up of females all who gave themselves over to the male for mating. In a way they too had harems.
Shelyn soon escorted the brothers back for lunch. As if they had been there all day. Then after Shelyn was able to escape for just a moment. And had a servant escort her to wherever Calion had hidden himself.
A servant leaving her at the door as she hurried to inform Calion that Shelyn had arrived as told.
Shelyn just stood there. Talking to a vase of flowers. Waiting to be approached if anything. After last night she was desperate not to be alone. But still she had questions
Calion still was dressed as he was from earlier, topless with just a thin robe covering his lower body, arm outstretched on the couch while the other hand stroked his kitty before lazily turning his eye towards the young servant girl. “Tell her to come back, the rest of you may leave until we are done.” He said, ridding his bedroom of concubines so that it would just be herself and him as well as the pet.
To be fair he was a little surprised she had shown so early, or at all given by how hurriedly she had left his room the night prior. Still, this would afford him a chance to let his gaze linger upon her since he had kept it off her during breakfast for the most part. With that he waited for the young goddess to enter, half expecting her to be fearful as Moshi rested on the floor beside the couch lazily in the mid-day’s heat.
Shelyn didn’t move right away. But with the urging of the servant she walked in. Stopping behind him. Hugging herself slightly. "You wanted to see me?" She called out. She was behind the couch. Probably in reach of his long arms. "Is...is it about Helm?" She questioned. She couldn’t think of another reason he would call her to his room.
At least unless he wanted to say thank you for the flowers. Of course, he could always bitch that he didn’t like them. She wouldn’t put it past him.
“Ah, Shelyn.” He looked back over his shoulder, his long obsidian hair spilling behind the couch as he turned his body and reached out to gently take her wrist and lead her slowly around the couch. Bit by bit she’d see something else was laying on the floor to which he smiled, not letting go of her wrist or how he guided her. “Don’t worry, Moshi is a lush. He wouldn’t dream of hurting you, just step over him and have a seat.” He said calmly, although he knew she’d likely sit as far into the corner of the couch as she could. Which was fine… he was sitting in the middle so he wouldn’t be too far from her.
“I wanted to discuss with you a few things. But sure, let’s discuss Helm first. I’d like to be open and honest with you about matters. Quite frankly, and I wish this wasn’t the case, but I don’t actually have anything to offer on his whereabouts. Now, it’s not to say you have to jump to a worst-case scenario, because for all we know his group may have just been separated from the main force. That being said… I’ve sent three skilled assassins. Not to fight, simply to blend into the enemy army which is their specialty. Snoop around, keep an eye out and collect what information they can. Of course, if they don’t find anything that isn’t bad either, it could simply mean he’s been delayed and is not being held prisoner.” Calion explained at length to her, shifting his blue eyes upon her with a concerned look. “I did what I thought was best in sending those three, but if you believe I’m being neglectful or wish that my kingdom was doing more you are welcome to suggest to me whatever may help calm your heart until Helm returns.” He said, mindful to always refer to Helm still being alive, after all one shouldn’t lose hope until a body actually showed up.