by T. J. Quinn
“And yet, she acted like a murderer. There’s no doubt Aneksi would have died in that tomb if I hadn't found her,” he replied in an ice-cold tone.
“No… no… she just wanted to make you think she had left. She wouldn’t have left her to die,” she tried to convince him, to no use.
“Not even you believe that, Nefertiti. We both know she would have left Aneksi there to die,” he retorted, more coldly, if that were even possible.
“She’s just a girl, she wasn’t thinking straight, you must have mercy on her,” the woman was begging now.
“I don’t ‘must’ anything. I’ll announce my decision regarding your daughter when I’m ready, and until then, you’ll stay away from Aneksi. She has suffered more than enough at the hands of your family,” he added, pointing at the exit door.
The woman opened and closed her mouth a few times, before she pursed her lips and stomped out of the room.
Anubis walked across the room and picked Aneksi in his arms. “Did she trouble you?”
She shook her head. “She had just arrived. It’s only natural that she would want to protect her daughter,” she replied, nuzzling his muscular chest. She hated conflict.
“She should have taught her better,” he retorted in a stern tone.
“I guess you’re right.” She nodded and after a few moments in silence, she dared to speak again. “I don’t want anyone dying on my account,” she whispered.
“She would have let you die without a second thought,” he grumbled.
“Perhaps, but that doesn’t mean I have to lower myself to her level and act the way she would have,” she stated, tilting her head to look at him. “I’m sure you can punish her without taking her life or making her wish you had,” she added. She was probably too soft on a woman who had tried to kill her, but she really didn’t need that kind of weight on her shoulders. Besides, she was sure whatever he did to Nubia, would revert to her and her family once he was gone.
“I will take your desires into consideration,” he said, without committing to anything. She let out a loud sigh and put things in the hands of fate.
“Thank you, I couldn’t ask for more,” she assured him.
“Why don’t you take the day and go visit your family? By the time you get back I’ll have everything solved,” he suggested. She nodded, happy to escape the palace for a few hours.
She took a quick bath, and in no time, she was on her way to her parent’s house, surrounded by so many guards people would stop and stare at her.
Men always exaggerated.
Her mother was very happy to see her. She had heard some rumors about her disappearance, but Aneksi calmed her fears, with half-truths and blatant lies. There was no point in worrying her until she had better knowledge of the outcome of the situation.
She spent the whole day with her mother, while she updated her on the latest family news and when the guards finally returned to take her back, Aneski was ready to go back to Anubis.
No matter what happened, she would always want to be with him. She knew she didn’t have much time left, but she was determined to make the most of what time she did have. But her time ended that same night, or so she thought.
That night, right after dinner Anubis announced he had decided Nubia’s fate. Worried, Aneksi looked at him, with a slight frown. “Please, tell me about it.”
“You look too concerned, taking into consideration all she did to you,” he said, in a stern tone.
“You don’t seem to realize whatever you do to her will mean retaliation to my family and me,” she replied in a grim tone.
“You can’t be serious,” he was shocked.
“Oh, but I am,” she assured him. “You’re talking about a princess, not someone of no importance.”
“What she did should have been punished with death, it’s hardly something you can overlook,” he protested, in an angry tone.
“Things don’t work like that here, and you should know it. Your people have been guiding us for a long time now,” she pointed out, in a cold tone.
“I have to confess I didn’t know this side of your society,” he said.
“Now, that you do, please, take that into consideration,” she asked him.
“Either way, you won’t be here, but I’ll make sure your family is well-protected, after my departure, tomorrow.”
Startled with his words she tilted her head to look at him. “What do you mean I won’t be here?” she said, with a low voice. “Tomorrow? You’re leaving tomorrow?”
“I should have said we are leaving tomorrow. I’m taking you with me.”
“Where? Why?” she was so confused, the questions come out of her mouth at full speed.
“I thought you knew. That’s what drove Nubia insane, the fact I was taking you with me as my mate,” he said, looking puzzled.
“She said something about it, but I thought she was delusional,” she confessed, still not sure what to think.
“Well, she wasn’t.”
“But, why would you want to take me with you? It doesn’t make any sense,” she asked, trying to understand what was behind his announcement.
“Why I shouldn’t I? Even we gods, need mates at our sides, someone to share our lives with,” he explained.
“That I can understand, but why me?” Aneksi wanted to hear him tell her she was special, that she meant more than just any other woman, but she knew she was only dreaming.
“There’s a special connection between us I would like to explore more,” he replied, grazing her cheek with the tip of his finger, sending thrilling chills down her spine.
“What if it doesn’t work? What would become of me?” she questioned him, not entirely happy with his answer.
“Can we cross that bridge once we get there?” he asked, sounding a bit impatient.
“You’re asking me to leave my family, my people, and even my whole world to be with you. It mustn’t surprise you I’m a bit wary,” she grumbled.
“Most women would jump at an opportunity like this one,” he protested, crossing his arms over his broad chest.
“I’m not most women,” she stated, matter-of-factly.
“I’m well aware of that, and it’s only one of the reasons I chose you and not anybody else.”
She rubbed her face, trying to think, but it wasn’t easy. The prospects ahead of her weren’t simple. If she said no, he would leave the following morning, and she would never see him again, and she was sure she wasn’t ready to face that, just yet. On the other hand, if she said yes, an uncertain future lay ahead of her. She would be alone, in a strange place with him and with no certainties at all of a future at his side.
It only took her a few seconds to make a decision. Anything was better than telling him goodbye. Her life would be empty if he weren’t in it.
“Can I say goodbye to my family before we leave?” she asked, with a resigned tone. He closed the distance between them and picked her up in his arms, holding her tight against him.
“Yes, you can,” he promised before he claimed her lips in a passionate kiss, designed to steal her breath away from her and reignite the fire of their passion. In a split second, he carried her to their bed, his lips never leaving hers.
He all but ripped her clothes off and got rid of his so fast she barely had time to breath. Soon he had her naked underneath his powerful body, as he kissed her all over, combining kisses and nibbles with caresses, slowly taking her to the edge.
His hands traveled to her breasts and started kneading them alternating between being rough and gentle, creating intoxicating sensations that made her feel she was going to explode any time now.
His mouth joined her hands at her breasts, for a few moments, sucking and nibbling, before he slid down to her eager pussy. He spread her legs as wide as possible, exposing her dripping pussy. He leaned over and feasted on her delicious essence, his tongue circling her clenching entrance, at first avoiding her clit, ignoring the way her hips rocked to meet him, begging for more.
After a few minutes of sweet torture, he finally reached her aching nub, while he pushed two fingers inside her, ripping a loud sob from her lips, her whole body arching to meet his. His tongue played mercilessly with her clit, combining licks and kisses with nibbles and pulls, while his fingers worked inside her pussy, going faster and deeper until she finally exploded with a powerful orgasm. The wild waves crashed over her, dragging her over the edge, making her whole body convulse at the mercy of the raw pleasure rushing through her.
Pleased, he straightened up and with a single thrust he drove his shaft deep inside her, loving the way her walls clenched around him, unwilling to let him go. Thrust after thrust, he pursued his own pleasure, dragging her along with him for yet another mind-blowing orgasm that left them both breathless and shaking so hard they seemed on the verge of shattering into a million pieces.
CHAPTER 10
The following morning, the departure of the emissary was announced, and once more the people gathered to say goodbye.
Aneksi had gone very early to her parents’ house to pack all her things and say goodbye to her family. Anubis had asked her to keep his identity a secret, and though she wasn’t very pleased, she had finally agreed to it.
Her mother was shocked with the news and she could tell her father wasn’t very pleased either.
“Will he become your husband?” he asked, in a stern tone.
“I’m not sure they have marriages there, father, but yes, there’s a possibility he will choose me as his mate,” she explained.
“And are you happy with this situation?” he asked, deepening his frown. He knew her too well.
“Not completely, father, but much happier than I would be if I didn’t go with him. It’s a chance I have to take,” she explained, in a sad tone.
“I don’t like it, but I guess I understand. If things don’t work, ask him to bring you back home. There will always be a place for you here,” he assured her, stepping forward and hugging her tight before he left the room.
Aneksi did all she could to keep her tears at bay, but when she turned to look at her mother’s face covered in tears, she couldn’t.
“I’ll be alright; I’m sure of it,” she promised, hugging her mother.
“Just be safe, that’s all I want and send me news whenever you can,” she asked, hugging tighter.
Her mother invited all her siblings and closest friends to the house, and she was able to say goodbye to all of them. Berenib was happy for her, but Aneksi could tell she was sad for losing her.
When she was ready, she returned to the palace and met Anubis in their quarters.
“What have you decided to do with Nubia after all?” she asked, not wanting to leave until that was clear.
“Her father and I decided it would be a good lesson for her to experience exactly the same thing you did. She was taken to the same tomb she put you in without knowing her fate and she will be rescued exactly after she spends the same time you spent there,” he explained, with a stern tone. “I believe it’s only fair she would go through the same distress she put you through.”
Aneksi nodded. It was a harsh punishment, but like he said, it was only fair.
“Are you ready to leave?” he asked her, changing the subject.
“Yes, I believe I am,” she replied, unable to suppress the doubt in her voice.
“You’ll be fine. In fact, I’m sure you’ll love Nibiru.”
“That’s where we’re going?” she asked, with a slight frown.
“Yes, that’s our planet. Just outside this galaxy. It looks pretty much like this one, though we have a different kind of vegetation and animals,” Anubis explained.
“Will you show me your real form before we leave?” she asked him, curious but a strange look crossed his eyes, and he shook his head.
“We’ll have enough time for that when we’re home,” he replied, turning around. “I’ll have a few words with the Pharaoh before we leave.”
She nodded and watched him leave the room, sighing. She packed the rest of her things, including the loom, and a lot of wool. She would need something to entertain herself in a strange place where she wouldn’t know other people other than him. When he came back, she was ready to go.
“Let’s go. My vessel is ready for us.” She took a deep breath and nodded.
With a comforting smile, he cradled her face and kissed her gently. “You’ll be fine, believe me. It will be a whole new adventure you’ll enjoy,” he assured her.
“Yes, I’m sure of it. It’s not like I’m leaving the most interesting life behind,” she said, scowling. “Though, I have to admit I’ll miss my family.”
“I’ll bring you to visit them, it’s only a few days journey, that won’t be a problem,” he assured her, with a bright smile.
“That would be nice.”
He kissed her forehead and made her turn around. “Go ahead, I’ll put on my mask and join you as soon as possible,” he asked, her with a strange tone on his voice.
She nodded and grabbed her purse, she walked out of the room.
He joined her a few moments later, wearing the golden jackal mask. Now that she was close to him, she was able to admire the mask, and it surprised her to notice just how real it looked. It wasn’t actually all golden, his snout, ears, neck and all the way down to his waistline, was black as the night, though not hairy as you would expect from a regular jackal. The cloth covering his dark hair was the golden part. It even looked like it was partly armor, as well as the part that went around his neck, over his shoulders, and down his chest. She had to admit he looked magnificent, even if a bit scary and imposing.
He walked ahead of the small convoy, and she followed him, wishing she had gone to the vessel before. She hated to be viewed by all the people, but there wasn’t much she could do now.
They traveled to the landing lot, and she looked at the massive vessel, feeling a bit apprehensive. She had never traveled far from home, and evidently, she had never been in a thing like his vessel. It was a bit scary, she had to admit, but she took a deep breath and followed Anubis on the platform.
He said a few last words, wishing everyone well and assuring the people excellent crops for the future. After that, he waved goodbye and taking her hand he guided her inside the vessel. The platform disappeared behind them, and the sliding doors closed, separating them from the outside world.
Wriggling her hands, she looked around, astounded with what she was seeing.
The vessel was completely metallic, but it had brilliant lights all over the place that made the hallway where they were as bright as if they were outside.
Anubis guided her deeper inside, through the hallways with several doors along them into what looked like the front of the ship. A group of men was there waiting for them, and Anubis introduced them as his men and crew.
The place looked surreal to Aneksi. She had never seen anything like that before, and she was astounded with all the bright lights, some small things that showed her the outside of the vessel and a huge window that allowed her to see the pyramid a few yards away from the landing lot.
“I know you have never seen anything like this, but you will get used to it.” Anubis explained, with a smile.
“How is it that we can see what’s going on outside on those small things?” she asked, getting closer to one of them.
“Those are screens, they project what the cameras installed outside the vessel collect. That’s why you can see what happens outside,” he explained.
“It’s amazing.” She was truly fascinated.
“We’ll give your people this kind of technology when we decide they are ready to handle it,” he added, with a bright smile.
“That would be fantastic.”
“Yes, it can be, when handled with caution.” He took her hand and pulled her closer to him. “Otherwise, it can be quite deadly.”
She nodded, turning to look out the window. They were starting to lift off and soon the pyramid was nothing but
a small mark on the ground. Aneksi felt a sudden feeling of emptiness in her stomach as the vessel flew up the skies, but she didn’t mention it, certain she would soon get used to it. The truth was, flying felt quite exciting.
In a few minutes, they had left the planet’s atmosphere, and Aneksi wasn’t able to stop looking at the blue globe in the distance.
“That’s where we came from?” she asked, amazed.
“Yes, that’s planet Earth. It’s quite amazing, actually. Nibiru is quite similar, but it doesn’t have as much water as the Earth,” he explained.
“I can’t wait to get there,” she confessed.
“It will take us a few days. That will give you some time to get used to our technology, so you won’t feel so lost when we get there,” he said, kissing the top of her head, as he pulled her into his arms.
Soon, they were in deep space, surrounded by the dark, starry night and Anubis suggested she should get some rest.
“I know you didn’t sleep much with all the preparations.”
She nodded and he guided her to their quarters. “I’ll get lost in this place,” she said, as they walked through the labyrinth of hallways.
“No, you won’t. All you have to do is speak out and ask to be guided to your destination,” he replied, with a smile. “Like this: Take me to Anubis’ quarters.”
“Welcome aboard, your highness.” A metallic voice sound around them and a path of light was drawn on the floor, allowing her to find her way to his quarters.
“Who’s she?” she asked, with a slight frown.
“That’s Alpha 1, an artificial intelligence that runs the vessel. It’s not a ‘she;’ it’s a machine,” he informed her, while they followed the path until it ended in front of a sliding door he actioned by pressing his hand into it. “Please, press your hand here. Alpha 1 will read your print and allow you to open and close the door whenever you need.” She did what he told her to and a light shined underneath her palm.
“Print added. Please, state the individual’s name,” Alpha 1 requested.
“Aneksi,” she said, amused.
“Welcome, Aneksi. You are now authorized to access this door at will,” the machine stated.