by T. J. Quinn
“I trust you’re fair enough, that you won’t act on a whim when your needs aren’t satisfied,” she said, with a slight tremor in her tone.
“The gods aren’t known exactly by their patience or even their fairness,” he pointed out.
She nodded and thought, but you’re just an emissary, and yet, he was right. She had always treated him as if he was an ordinary man, someone she could face on the same level, and he was not.
She ran her hand over her face, trying to pull herself together. “I guess I wasn’t prepared to deal with a god’s emissary. Perhaps, you can find in you enough patience and comprehension to forgive my mistakes and show me how you expect me to act in your presence, your highness,” she finally said in a subservient tone, with her eyes lowered.
There was a long silence between them, and Aneksi had to make a huge effort not to look at him, desperate to know what was going on through his mind, not knowing if she had brought disgrace over her family.
“I never said I didn’t like the way you are, Aneksi,” he finally said, and she raised her head to look at him, too surprised with his words to keep her eyes down. “I was just asking you, why weren’t you afraid of me. All of the people around me measure every single word that comes out of their mouths afraid of offending me in any way, that your attitude is quite refreshing,” he explained.
She frowned. “I don’t know the answer to that. I’ve always felt you are someone I could trust, someone I could show myself to, with no fear of misjudgments,” she confessed.
“Good. I don’t want you to change,” he assured her, “but I also want you here for me, whenever I come back. I don’t care what you say to others; I just want you to follow that rule in particular,” he added.
She nodded. “I will. I have no interest in socializing with the people here. Their tiny conspiracies over the Pharaoh’s favor bore me to death,” she assured him.
He chuckled. “Yes, I’m sure of that.” He closed the distance between them and surrounded her waist with his arms.
She instinctively leaned her head back against his chest, and he pulled her closer to him. “Thank you for understanding,” she mumbled, closing her eyes when his hands slid up her belly and under her kalasiris to cup her big, round breasts.
“Don’t ever be afraid of talking to me. I want to know what’s in your head and what’s going on around you,” he asked her, in a serious tone, while he nuzzled her neck and his fingers clamped her hard nipples.
“Yes. I will,” her reply sounded more like a moan, while he helped her out of her clothes, too eager to have her.
Once he had her naked, he made her rest her hands over the combing table as he pulled her hips to meet his, allowing her to feel his hard cock against her buttocks.
“I’ve missed you. Have you missed me?” he asked, leaning on her back and nuzzling her neck.
She gasped, trying to clear her head from the waves of lust rushing through her. “Were you gone? I didn’t notice,” she teased him, ripping an amused chuckle from his lips before he bit her earlobe in retaliation.
“Are you sure?” he insisted, running his hands down her back until he had them over her buttocks, slightly squeezing them. “I can smell your arousal from here,” he added, flaring his nostrils with pleasure. She moaned and closed her eyes, surrendering to his passion.
Pleased, he slid a couple of fingers down her slit, until he reached her engorged clit and started to rub it, gently at first, but quickly going faster and rougher. Her legs started to shudder under his touch, while powerful waves of pleasure rushed through her, making her whimper.
He abandoned her clit and slid his hands up to her breasts, cupping them in a tight grip as he rested his hard cock at her entrance. Using her breasts as support, he thrust his cock deep inside her, ripping a loud moan from her lips. Her walls stretched to fit him, right before they welcomed him, clenching around his hard shaft as if she didn’t want to ever let go of him.
With his strong hands still grasping her breasts, he started to push in and out of her, dragging her back to the path to paradise, willing to take her along, one more time. Thrust after thrust, he went faster and deeper, until they were flying over the edge, right into the turmoil of pleasure and bliss they summoned together.
Aneksi collapsed over the table, and only the strong grip of Setau prevented her from falling to the floor.
Sliding out of her, he carried her to the bed and lying next to her, they stayed there for a few moments recovering from their sizzling passion.
That night, they were invited to have dinner with the Pharaoh, and though Aneksi would have rather stayed in their quarters, she knew she was in no position to say no.
Putting on her best garments, she accompanied the prince to the celebration. Fortunately, it wasn’t a big one, with just the Pharaoh’s family present and some of the Court residents.
Aneksi felt a bit out of place, since she had nothing in common with the women gathered in the room, but she did her best to be friendly and polite.
Unfortunately, one of the Pharaoh’s daughters seemed determined to make her night a living hell. Apparently, she had wanted her position and, as the Pharaoh’s daughter, she wasn’t used to having her wishes ignored so blatantly. Unable to go straight to the prince and protest, she had decided to attack Aneksi. What she was pursuing with such attacks, though, was beyond Aneksi’s comprehension. It wasn’t as if she could walk out on the prince, assuming she would want to. After the past days with him, she wasn’t so sure anymore.
Being with him had become an unexpected pleasure she wasn’t willing to lose so soon.
“I really don’t understand how a prince like Setau would choose someone with so little importance as you,” Nubia said, for the third time.
“You should ask him, your highness. After all, I wasn’t consulted,” Aneksi replied, with her best smile pasted on her face, though she could feel she was about to lose her patience.
The other girl huffed, disdainful. “I can’t do that; it wouldn’t be correct,” she said, in an arrogant tone. “You should admit you’re way over your head and ask him to let you go. I’m sure he would understand. Whatever was the whim that took him to pick you is sure to have faded by now, and I’m sure he’s ready to choose someone more appropriate,” she added.
“Someone like you, you mean, your highness?” she wasn’t able to hold back the question, starting to feel annoyed with the woman’s insistence. “And how do you suggest I do that? After all, he could feel insulted and turn the gods’ anger on our people,” she pointed out.
“Oh, please, I’m sure he would feel relieved for the chance to get rid of you, an obvious misjudgment on his part,” she assured her, with a scornful tone.
“Then, you should tell him that yourself. I’m sure he would be grateful to you for pointing out his mistake. In fact, why don’t you do it now? He’s coming this way,” she said, looking over the other woman’s shoulder at the prince, who was crossing the room in her direction.
“Have you lost your mind? It’s not my place to tell him that,” Nubia grumbled, putting her best smile on her face before she turned to greet the prince.
“Princess Nubia, I didn’t know you were such good friends with Aneksi,” he said, with a polite smile.
Aneksi could tell he knew the truth, that he was poking fun at the other woman and she had to make a real effort holding back her laughter.
“Oh, no… I mean… we hadn't met before… I was just…” the other woman mumbled, not sure how to explain the whole situation.
“Princess Nubia was just telling me how everybody was surprised when you chose me to be your guide during your stay with us,” Aneksi said, giving back a bit of the other woman’s medicine.
“Why surprised? You’re one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen, not to mention the one of the most interesting,” he said, arching one of his brows.
The look on the princess’ face was almost comical. “I was just saying, you went straight to h
er, you didn’t look around.” With every word, she dug her grave a bit deeper.
“I was looking for her, just her,” he replied, without explaining further, increasing the other woman’s confusion. “And it was the right choice.” He wrapped his arm around Aneksi’s waist as if to emphasize his words and Nubia nodded, defeated. Fortunately for her, they were called to sit at the table, and she didn’t have to comment on his words.
“Was she giving you a hard time?” he asked, whispering in her ear, as he walked her to the table.
“No, she was just being annoying. You’ve left a few broken hearts behind when you chose me,” she teased him.
“No, hurt pride I can accept, but surely not broken hearts. I doubt they know what love is,” he replied, scowling.
She chuckled and nodded. He was right of course. Nubia wasn’t in love with Setau. She just wanted to be the center of the attention and being the woman by the god’s emissary would give her just that.
Dinner was delicious, and Aneksi really enjoyed the food, relishing in all the flavors presented exquisitely.
“You seem to really enjoy food,” Setau said, with a smile.
“Yes, I do. I love to cook and try new récipes, and my parents allow me to cook for them. They actually prefer my food to that prepared by the cook,” she explained with a smile.
“You’ll have to cook for me one of these days,” he said, with a bright smile.
“I would love to,” she assured him.
When dinner was over, he guided her to the gardens outside their chambers. The sight of the big pyramid against the starry night was breathtaking.
“It’s an amazing construction,” she said, letting out a deep sigh.
“Yes, it is. I’m happy it’s going according to the plans,” he said, smiling pleased.
“Will you ever take me see it?” she asked him.
He laughed. “That’s the only reason you’re with me, isn’t it?”
She winked at him. “Of course, what else could it be?”
He laughed louder. “Come, I’ll take you now. It will be easier to go unnoticed,” he said, taking her by the hand and guiding her out of the palace, through the gardens.
“Are you sure?” she asked him, with a slight frown.
“Yes, no one will ever know we were there,” he said, with a wicked grin.
Smiling, she followed him, gladly. Like all of those living around the huge construction, she was very curious about the pyramids interiors. It was forbidden for those not involved in the construction to go near it, and those working on it weren’t allowed to talk about it.
That of course, only increased the people’s curiosity, and Aneksi was not the exception. She wanted to see what they were building, how they were decorating it, and she couldn’t believe he was really taking her there.
CHAPTER 7
Like Setau said, they went unnoticed. It was as if they were covered by an invisible dome, that allowed them to see people around them, but they weren’t able to see them.
Soon, they had walked by the guards in silence, and they were entering through the main gate. The huge doors opened up for them in silence, just to close again behind their backs, while all of the torches lighting the place lit up, allowing them to see the interior as if Ra himself was lightening the pyramid.
Aneksi was in awe. The paintings on the walls were fantastic, the colors so vivid she could almost see the scenes coming to life. She walked down the halls in silent amazement, and Setau followed her, with an amused grin on his face.
“This is amazing. A place worthy of the gods,” she finally uttered, when they reached the last chamber.
“I’m glad you like it. I have to admit the artisans are doing fantastic work,” he nodded, pleased. “It’s the kind of construction that will mark the world and its history.”
“Your mark in this world,” she said with reverence.
“Yes, exactly, our mark,” he agreed. “It wasn’t easy to teach your people to build this, but I have to admit they have exceeded our expectations.”
“Thank you for bringing me here. I have wished to see it for a long time, but unless I volunteered to work on the construction, that wouldn’t have ever happened,” she explained, with a scowl.
“There are some advantages to putting up with me, after all,” he teased her.
She chuckled and nodded, “Yes, I have to admit it.”
He took her back to the palace and straight to bed. His eagerness for her didn’t seem to fade, and she had to admit hers matched his perfectly. She loved the way he took her to paradise with just a few caresses and kisses.
The following morning, he informed her they had been invited to several parties. “The Pharaoh has asked me to attend them, so you’ll have to accompany me.”
“Are you sure it’s a good idea? I’m sure my presence won’t be welcomed,” she pointed out, sure the reason behind those invitations was a blatant intent to gain Prince Setau’s favor, and she was sure there would be a parade of single women for him to choose from.
“I don’t care. You’ll go with me,” he stated, in a firm tone, and she knew it would be useless trying to change his mind.
“As you wish. Just try not to leave me alone with the beasts. I might not survive,” she joked, with a scowl.
He chuckled. “You’ll be fine. No one would dare to harm you.”
She shook her head. “You don’t know us very well if you think that. People will do anything they think will take them where they want to get,” she warned him.
“I’ll protect you, don’t worry.”
She nodded, but she had to admit she wasn’t convinced.
That night, they were carried across the city to their first party, at the house of one the Pharaoh’s younger brothers. The man had five daughters, some had already married, but at least two of them were still single, so the reason behind the invitation was quite clear.
As expected, Aneksi’s presence was received with cold glances and impolite comments. She did her best to ignore them, staying next to Setau as much as she could, but that didn’t help her avoid the confrontation with the two single daughters of the house. They cornered Aneksi right after dinner, just when Setau was talking with their host.
“Aneksi, right?” one of them said. “What made you come to our house tonight? You weren’t invited,” she asked, in a scornful tone.
Aneksi let out a sigh before she answered. “Prince Setau was invited, and where he goes, I go. I thought you knew that. It’s common knowledge, really,” she said, in a calm tone, with a hint of mockery. She wasn’t going to let these women upset her.
She hadn't chosen Setau. He had chosen her. It wasn’t her fault if people had trouble accepting that fact.
“Of course not. I’m sure you forced Prince Setau to bring you here,” the other girl said, sounding annoyed.
Aneksi shook her head, with disbelief. “Do you really think any of us would be able to force a man like him to do anything he didn’t want to?” she pointed out.
The other two women looked flustered and unable to find the words to reply her question. “Even so. You know why we invited him. You could have found an excuse not to attend,” the first girl said, after a few moments.
“I have no say in this. Haven’t you realized that? I do what he tells me to do, not the other way around,” she told her, impatient. “Look, I’m sorry you weren’t chosen to be with him, but that’s not my problem. Just deal with it.” With those words, she walked away from the two women and wished he hadn't chosen her.
But she immediately took back her wish. It wasn’t sincere. She didn’t wish Setau hadn't chosen her. He was giving her the time of her life, and though she knew there was no future in it, she wanted to enjoy it as much as she could. She joined Prince Setau with her best smile and didn’t leave his side for the rest of the night.
“I saw you talking with the prince’s daughters,” he said when they were on their way back to the palace.
“They weren’t
pleased with my presence like I told you,” she replied, scowling.
“Do you want me to talk to their father and let them know I won’t tolerate this kind of behavior from them or anyone else, for that matter?” he asked, with a deep frown.
“It’s not important. The last thing I want is to make more enemies for my family and Ime. I’ll have to live with these people after you’re gone,” she replied, trying to assure him she could deal with the situation.
He stared at her with a strange look on his face and even opened his mouth as if to say something, but ended up not saying anything.
“I’ll do all I can to make things easier for you, I promise,” he finally said, after a few moments of silence.
“It’s alright.” She smiled at him.
He leaned forward and cupped her face to claim a passionate kiss from her lips. “You’re too good.”
“Of course not. I’m just a normal woman, I’m nothing special.” He shook his head but didn’t insist.
The following days were a succession of similar parties, and in each, Aneksi was confronted by the daughter of the house about her presence at the party. The situation would have been comical if it wasn’t tiring and stressful.
When they were invited to her friend Berenib’s house, she thought she would finally have a pleasant night, but unfortunately, her friend turned out to be exactly like all other girls.
“I can’t believe you’re doing this Berenib. I thought we were friends,” she grumbled when her friend confronted her.
“You knew how much I wanted to be chosen,” Berenib said, whining.
“You’re talking as if I had any choice in this,” she said, waving her finger in front of her friend’s face. “I was chosen, not the other way around and you know I had no choice but to say yes.”
“You can’t tell me you’re not happy he chose you,” the other girl protested.
“No, I can’t, but that doesn’t change the facts. Nothing I could have done would have changed things,” Aneksi pointed out, in a cold tone.