"You!" Nefertari gasped, halting suddenly in the darkened passageway barred by the silhouette of a man she would never forget. A cruel smirk flashed on his face. "Yes me, Princess." Nefertari drew the dagger from her belt with inhuman speed, but somehow he was faster. He seized her wrists, slamming her into the rough stone wall and holding her there with his weight. She inhaled as best she could, meeting his eyes with fiery hatred before pulling her knee up hard. Twisting sidewards, he swiftly avoided her assault, reluctantly releasing one of her wrists. Nefertari's hand instantly balled into a fist and she swung it at his face. Moving aside, he used her momentum against her. Turning her around, he slammed her back into the wall, grabbing a fistful of her hair and yanking her head back. Nefertari grunted, unable to free herself. She felt the unbidden connection between them awaken again at their touch, its golden radiance coursing through her veins. "What do you want?" she asked through gritted teeth, ignoring the sensation. "You." His breath danced along the curve of her neck as he leaned in close. "Just you." ~ Nefertari was no warrior, but she was hardly a docile princess either. So, when her city becomes a target of the dark ones known as the Drakkon, she takes up arms to save her people. There was however, one problem. Him. A man born of shadows, raised by the sword and gifted with power beyond her understanding. How was she meant to fight such a man? Yet, Destiny had named its chosen and she was among them. Why her? She had no idea, but she would do all she could to banish the threat that sought to suffocate them. With loyal friends by her side, and all the courage she could muster, she hoped that Egypt could be saved from the one man whom her fate was unequivocally tied to.

"Do you know what to do, Amunet?" A voice as sweet as silk whispered into the young girl's ear. Amunet didn't look over her shoulder, but shifted uncomfortably on her bare feet before nodding her head. A soft hand touched her back and urged her forward. All eyes turned towards the girl dressed in transparent linen with her dark hair tumbling down her back and her violet eyes lined by kohl. Every movement caused the jewels on her wrists and ankles to dangle and shimmer in the light. She raised her head and found the Pharaoh's transfixed stare. His jade eyes narrowed in on hers and the room became still and silent. Amunet bowed and, at the pluck of a harp string, began to dance. --- DISCLAIMER: this story is NOT historically accurate. It does not take place in any real time period and therefore there will be inaccuracies and areas that don't make sense in the context of "ancient Egypt." CONTENT WARNING: though this story is not explicit (sexual or otherwise), it does mention more mature themes that may be troubling to some readers, including but not limited to forced prostitution and miscarriage. cover by @Addietay

**Watty Honorable Mention/Undiscovered Gem** He lies awake in bed, thoughts of her still overpowering his brain. He wants her back lying next to him. He needs to feel her touch just one last time and maybe then he could move on. But that's not possible because wounds like these never heal; they only deepen and get worse with time. He could tell himself that he would be okay. He could tell himself that she was in a better place now but that still didn't help the fact that she was gone..... ~~~~~ Highest Ranking-> #647 in Teen Fiction (9/6/15)