A story set in Ancient Egypt in the time of Ramesses the Great. A young girl called Khepri ( meaning the morning sun) is brought up in the palace alongside the Pharaoh's children, until one day her world is shattered and she is sent to train as a pr...
She stood rooted to the spot as if her feet had turned to stone.
Ramesses turned back to look at her.
" Thank you Khep" he smiled a gentle and warm smile.
"That means a lot to me"
Closing her eyes, her head still spiraling she could feel a headache brewing. Politely she bowed slightly, wishing him a good night before turning and walking back towards the corridor.
Tarik stood alone further down the corridor. He went to open his mouth to speak but saw her face and stopped dead. She walked past him in silence.
What a night this had turned out to be she thought. Then she thought what if she did marry him? he said he loved her ? What if perhaps over time like Amunher did with Nefertari she grew to love him back?
Even that thought was enough to make her want to scream as Prehir's face filled her vision. What would she say to him?
" By the gods "
She moaned saying it aloud.
"Do you want to talk about it? "
Her brother asked cautiously as if unsure to even be asking that question. He knew his sister's moods either went one of two ways. She wanted to talk or she didn't. Then instead she would cry and scream and he would never have a clue on what to do other than to call for Mawat to help him navigate those strange occurrences but he was never quite sure which way it would go and in the past had learnt this the hard way. Caution was definitely the better option.
After a while she answered but not giving him the answer he quite expected.
The cheering had turned now to a full on roaring as the drink had been flowing.
Not feeling in the party mood at all she did help herself to Shedeh. Turning to her brother, but he had disappeared. Sighing, she tried to see if she could see Pili or Anippe on the wooden tables but couldn't find them either. She also tried to find her family but they were nowhere to be found in the sea of now drunk people. She looked up at the top table and saw Amun laughing with Nefertari averting her gaze quickly her eyes fell upon Wadjet but the space next to hers was empty.
Suddenly a hand touched her shoulder gently. Startled, she spun round to find a servant timidly bowing to her.
"My lady. I have been trying to find you. Please come with me" he quickly said... his voice filled with urgency.
He melted back into the crowd as quickly as he had come. Glancing back to the top table she caught the look on Amunher's face.
Ramesses had appeared at his side and whispered something in his ear. His eyes found her's, then widened before a flash of anger appeared. Not knowing what that was about she followed the servant into the crowd.
Stepping back out into the hallway she saw the servant usher her quickly waving his hands.
" This way"
Following him they came to a door. It was Prehir's old chamber. He knocked three times before gesturing her to enter and running off down the corridor.
Opening the golden door. The ray's of the sun god Ra shone down at her from the ceiling above as she entered.
Prehir was pacing back and forth. Still in his ceremonial robes, his wig lay on the floor as if he had thrown it in a rage. Upon seeing her he stopped dead.
" Khep"
His voice strained, he ran to her embracing her tightly.
Confused, she let go gazing up at him.
"Whats wrong?"
"She knows. I don't know how she knows but she knows. She knows I spent the night with you before the wedding." He stopped briefly before continuing.
"Agh"
He cried putting his hand to his face and rubbing his forehead frantically.
" She will kill you Khep. I don't even know what she could be capable of and I put you in this situation. By the gods. Khep I'm sorry "
Before he could say another word, she took his hand pulling it down and taking it in hers. Kissing it softly before looking up.
" I put myself in this situation too and I would do it again and again. "
His face softened.
" By the Gods Khep I love you."
She closed her eyes melting into those words, breathing in his scent of Citrus as he pulled her back into his embrace, burying her head into his chest before drawing back slightly.
Looking up, she could see the look of fire in his eyes and lust.
" Oh, how I have wanted it to be you by my side today"
He held her gaze speaking so quietly it was almost a whisper.
" Marry me. Don't become a priestess please. I could not bare it if you left me now"
He faltered, his eyes growing dark before continuing
"But I would understand if you did leave . Because I honestly don't know what Wadjet will do. I still don't know who she is working with but I do promise you this. I will do everything in my power Khep to protect you."
He kissed her forehead lightly, then titled her chin up so his lips could meet hers and kissed her. The kiss was soft and sweet and tasted of Shedeh a fruity taste of red grapes but soon grew into a deep passion.
He pulled off her wig letting her dark hair go free, watching intently as it spilled down her back, unwinding itself from its prison.
" Who do you want to be Khep ? Whoever it is, I will understand and I will support you. Even if it means you leave me or marry someone else"
Her gaze averted before looking at him directly.
" I know what I want.
she said chuckling
"Which is funny because the goddess told me that once even before I knew.. she said I would know."
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