by T. J. Quinn
When it finally ended, she let out a silent sigh hoping they would be able to go home as soon as possible.
“I want you to stay here at the palace with me, from now on,” he said, as he helped to get up.
“Now? As in tonight?” she asked, in shock.
“Yes, as in tonight,” he confirmed, with lust written all over his face.
“I don’t have anything here. I need to go back home and get my things,” she protested, feeling her heart drumming inside her chest.
“I’m sure your mother can send you whatever you may need tomorrow in the morning,” he replied, in a firm tone.
“But, I would like to do that myself. I’m sure we can start this… whatever it is… tomorrow,” she grumbled, barely controlling her anger.
“I don’t want to wait. I should have taken you with me that first night,” he said, with so much eagerness in his tone, it surprised her.
“I’m not an object for you to take, whenever you please,” she said through gritted teeth.
“And yet, here you are, with me,” he pointed out, with a devious smirk. She pursed her lips for a few moments, trying to control the urge to smack that grin out of his face. “Yes, here I am,” she agreed. “But I would really like to go back home tonight and return in the morning, with all the things I may need for a few weeks stay. I’m sure that’s not too much to ask,” she insisted, determined to at least have one more night of freedom.
“Is it important to you?” he asked, with a slight frown.
“Yes, it is. This was quite a surprise for me, and I need time to put my mind in order, get my things, and prepare everything for my absence,” she explained, wriggling her hands, nervously.
He stood silent for a few moments looking at her before he finally nodded. “Very well. I’ll come pick you up early in the morning. Don’t make me wait.”
She sighed, relieved and nodded. “Thank you, I won’t.”
He took a step towards her as if intending to do something else, but he looked around them and stopped himself, nodding.
She quickly went to where her parents were waiting and after saying goodbye to the Pharaoh, they left the palace.
“When do you have to go back to the palace?” her mother asked, when they arrived at their home.
“Prince Setau will be picking me up tomorrow early in the morning,” she explained, as she headed to her bedroom.
Her mother followed her, nervous. “I know this was the last thing you wanted, but you do understand the importance of this, right, Aneksi?” she asked her, as she took a seat on her bed, watching her walking around, gathering her clothes.
She had already called Kiya. She was going to need help if she wanted to have some sleep that night.
“Yes, mother, I’m well aware of that,” she replied, as she checked her kalasiris and chose the ones she wanted to take with her.
“We can’t offend the gods. It would bring such disgrace, not only for our family, but also for our people,” her mother continued.
Aneksi let out a deep sigh before she walked to the bed and kneeled in front of her mother, taking her hands in hers. “Mother, please, don’t worry. I’ll do all I can to please the man. I will keep my protests to myself and I’ll do whatever he asks of me. I know I’m not an easy daughter, but I assure you I won’t let you down this time,” she assured her, with a faint smile on her lips.
“I promise we will make it up to you. We won’t ever mention marriage unless you ask us to.” Her mother seemed willing to promise her the world, but she shook her head and smiled.
“Rest at ease, mother. I will be fine. Who knows? I might even learn to like living in the palace.”
The look of incredulity on her mother’s face was almost comical. She knew very well Aneksi wouldn’t last long at the palace. People there were conspiring all the time, looking to get more benefits than the others and playing games Aneksi would find disgusting.
“Just stay away from the court ladies,” her mother advised her. “I’m sure most of them envy you for being chosen by Prince Setau, and they will do all in their power to make your life as miserable as they can.”
“Oh, don’t worry, I will. Prince Setau said he wanted a guide, right? Well, I intend to be exactly that. He won’t go anywhere without me, right next to him,” she assured her mother, and for the first time since they had gotten home, her mother chuckled, starting to feel a bit sorry for Prince Setau. He had no idea what he had gotten himself into.
CHAPTER 5
The following morning, Prince Setau arrived personally to pick Aneski up, with the horses and the camels that would carry her things to the palace.
“There was no need for you to come personally,” she grumbled, as he helped her on the horse that would take her. He hopped on behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, making her gasp, as jolts of energy rushed through her body.
“Oh, but I wanted to. Now that I found you, I don’t want you out of my sight anymore,” the prince replied, making the animal start walking towards the palace.
She huffed, determined not to believe a word he said. She had no idea why he had chosen her, but she was sure there wasn’t anything more profound than lust behind it.
“I’m glad you’re not wearing your wig this morning,” he whispered in her ear. “I find you so much more appealing with your natural look than all fancied up like you were last night,” he added.
“I’m not sure how I’m supposed to take that.” She frowned, tilting her head to look at him.
“It was a compliment, believe me. Your hair is too beautiful to be hidden underneath a wig,” he assured her.
“Well, it’s a good thing you think that, because unless I’m forced to, I rather not use that tortuous thing over my head,” she assured him, in a bratty tone.
“Then, I’m glad we see eye to eye on this,” he said, chuckling.
Only a few minutes later, they were arriving at the palace, through an entrance in the back wall surrounding the majestic construction.
“I’ve been assigned some private quarters, with my own servants. This way, though we’re still at the palace, we’ll have a lot more privacy, and we’ll be able to control who comes in and out,” he explained when he noticed the surprise on her face.
“That sounds great, but aren’t you supposed to be here to counsel the Pharaoh and the priests on the construction of the pyramid?” she asked, a bit surprised.
“Yes, I am, but that’s not the main reason for my visit to this land,” he said in a mysterious tone.
“Oh, and what is it then?” she asked, again, intrigued.
“You’ll know soon enough,” he replied, jumping down from the beast carrying them before he helped her to hop down.
He guided her inside, though a small garden with palm trees and water fountains and roses of all colors and shapes. The scent in the air was simply delicious. She had heard about this garden but had always thought it was a myth. Egypt didn’t have many flowers due to the heat and the desert, but this place, with all those fountains and palm trees, seemed to be the best environment for all the flowers growing there.
“This place is amazing,” she said, ecstatic.
“Yes, I thought you would like it.” He guided her through the small terrace into a small room with huge cushions spread all over, as well as some chairs and tables. “There’s a bathing room through that door, and our room is through here,” he explained.
“Our room?” she asked, a bit startled. Of course, she knew why she was there, but the impudence of his acts undoubtedly shocked her.
“Yes. I believe I already told you I don’t want you out of my sight.”
“Not even at night?” she asked, shocked. Not even her parents shared a bedroom. Why would he want to share one with her?
“Not even at night,” he confirmed. “You’ll get used to it.”
“How long will you be here?” she asked, with a slight frown.
“Long enough.”
A female ser
vant walked in and welcomed them to the palace. “I’m here to provide all your needs.”
“Good. We brought back all Mistress Aneksi’s things, and I would like you to put them away as soon as possible,” he ordered, as he guided her to the bedroom.
The place was huge, probably twice the size her room back home and the bed in the middle of it was indeed fit for a man of his size.
“Do you like it?” he asked, as he showed her around.
“Yes, it’s lovely,” she nodded.
“Perfect. Please, settle in and make yourself at home,” he told her. “I have to go check the pyramid with the Pharaoh, but I won’t be long.”
“Can I go with you? I have to admit I’ve always wanted to visit the construction,” she asked, remembering what she had told her mother about not leaving him alone.
“Not today. The Pharaoh wants to keep the pyramid’s plans as secret as possible,” he explained. “I’ll take you another time.”
She nodded and watched him leave their quarters through the inner door that linked it with the rest of the palace. Looking around, Aneksi tried to find something to do, but the servants were already finishing unpacking her things, and there wasn’t a kitchen here where she could relax and spend the rest of the day, as she waited for him to come back.
She turned to one of the servants. “Is it possible to find a loom around here? I need something to do, or I’ll start climbing the walls,” she asked the older woman.
“Yes, Mistress. We can find you one, if you want it,” the servant said, looking at her as if she had lost her mind. She was used to that kind of looks, and she didn’t pay any attention to them anymore.
“It can be a small one. I doubt I’ll be here that long,” Aneksi added.
“Very well, Mistress, I will find you one.” The woman bowed and left the room, returning shortly thereafter, with two male servants carrying a warp-weighted loom. It didn’t have anything in it, but the servants also brought her a small basket filled with cotton threads.
Excited, as she always was before starting a new project, she began to put the threads onto the loom and soon she was starting her tapestry. She wanted to make one of the God Anubis, with his jackal head, and after sketching her idea onto a papyrus, she allowed her hands to fly on the loom.
She was still working on it when Setau returned.
At first, she was so absorbed in her work that she didn’t notice his presence. It took her a few moments to perceive she was being watched; startled, she tilted her head to the side to find him leaning against the entrance arch.
“It seems you made yourself busy,” he said, in an amused tone.
“Yes, I’m afraid I can’t stay still long. My hands need to be busy at all times,” she explained, securing her work before she turned to face him. “How was your day?” she asked, wriggling her hands a bit.
The sun was going down on the horizon and soon the night would be there, with all it entitled.
“I would say it was very productive,” he replied, closing the distance between them. “But I would have wished the Pharaoh hadn't kept me busy so late,” he said, running the tip of his finger down her cheek, sending thrilling chills down her spine.
“Perhaps, a long bath would make you feel better,” she suggested.
“Yes, that would be perfect, especially with you keeping me company,” he said, with a wicked grin.
“Oh, but I’m sure the tub isn’t big enough for the two of us…” she started, but he didn’t let her finish. Instead, he guided her to the bathroom she hadn't explored.
The bathtub was the size of a small pool, clearly fed by the same water that supplied the fountains in the gardens. The servants had filled it with scented oils and rose petals.
“As you can see, there’s more than enough room for the two of us,” he said, standing right behind her.
Nervous, Aneksi didn’t feel ready for this. Though she was eighteen, her parents hadn't been in any hurry to marry her off. When she was chosen to be the emissary’s companion, she hadn't had the talk her mother had given her sisters about marriage, and what it meant to be with a man, so she had no idea what to expect. The whole idea scared her a bit, and for a moment, she wished she could escape away from him and what was expected of her. Shuddering a bit, she looked out the door, and he must have seen the longing on her face because he made her turn around and face him.
“You look distressed. What’s going on?” he asked, in a stern tone.
How was she supposed to answer this question? “I guess I’m just a bit nervous, that’s all. I’ve never done this before, so I don’t really know what to expect,” she tried to explain it as best as she could.
“I’m sure you have an idea of what happens between a man and a woman…” he started saying but stopped as she shook her head.
“No, no idea, at all,” she confirmed his suspicions.
He seemed shocked and looking at her standing in front of him so nervous, he seemed to make a decision. Guiding her to the main room, he called a servant. “I want to talk to the main servant from the women’s quarters,” he demanded. The woman nodded and disappeared.
“What are you doing?” she asked him, surprised with his request.
“You need to hear from a woman what goes on between a man and a woman before you come to me. I don’t want you to fear it or to feel nervous about it. It would ruin a moment that should be precious for both of us,” he explained.
“Why can’t you tell me yourself?” she grumbled, crossing her arms over her chest, not liking his idea at all.
“Because I’ll never have a woman’s point of view on this. The palace’s women dedicate their lives to please the Pharaoh; they will know how to explain to you what happens and what you should expect from it,” he replied, in a firm tone.
“I’m not sure I want to discuss this with women I don’t know.” She grumbled, once more.
He chuckled and cupped her face before he leaned over and stole a passionate kiss from her full lips, sliding his tongue inside her and swirling it all over, until they were both breathless and heaving.
“It will make things easier for you,” he assured her.
She stepped back from him, overwhelmed by his presence and unable to think straight. “I don’t want other people telling me what’s this all about,” she insisted. “Perhaps, you would prefer someone more experienced, and if that’s true, then I wouldn’t mind leaving.”
“I don’t want anyone else. I want you,” Prince Setau assured her, slightly raising his tone to emphasize his words.
“Then, take me as I am. Teach me whatever there is to know. I’d prefer hearing it from you than from a stranger I know nothing about,” she retorted, without budging an inch.
He stared at her for a few moments, as if considering her words, and when the leading servant from the women’s quarters entered the room, he quickly dismissed her, telling her he wouldn’t need her services, after all.
“I hope you won’t regret this,” he said in an ominous tone.
She took a deep breath as she shook her head. “I know I won’t.”
He stretched out his hand to take hers. “Come, let’s start by bathing together.”
A bit shaky, and shier than ever in her life, Aneksi put her hand in his and allowed him to take her back to the bathing room. A servant was there waiting to help them, but to her dismay, Setau sent her away. She wasn’t sure how she felt about it, but she had asked for this so she would have to go through it all the way to the end.
When they were finally alone, he closed the distance between them and started to slowly remove her clothes, one item at a time, as if he was enjoying the task. When she was finally naked, feeling more exposed than ever in her whole life, he made her turn around as he released her long mane from the loose bun she had combed it in the morning.
“Get in the water,” he instructed her, as he started to take off his own clothes.
She did as told and entered the water. Fortunately, it wasn’t
freezing, and she could submerge her whole body in it, trying not to look at where he was standing.
He joined her in the tub just a few seconds later and swam right next to her. “This tub is perfect, don’t you think?” he said, standing next to her.
The tub was deep, but he was so tall that the water barely reached his abdomen though it reached her neck.
“Yes, you could say so. Though, I have to admit I prefer bathing with warm water.” She said, playing with the rose petals in front of her, so she didn’t have to face him.
“That’s easily fixed,” he said. Puzzled, she looked at him. He put his hands over the water and a strange, yellow light seemed to emanate from them and in a matter of seconds, the water was warmer.
“How did you do that?” she asked, startled.
“You seemed to often forget who I am,” he said, with a devious grin. “I have powers beyond your wildest imagination, Aneksi,” he added, closing the distance between them, but still not touching her.
With her heart hastening its pace, she nodded. “It’s easy to forget, when you look just like any other man,” she explained.
“That’s because I’m showing you my ‘human look,’” he explained. “I don’t look like this when I’m home, amongst my people,” he added.
“Oh. I had no idea. How do you look when you’re home?” she asked, curious.
He chuckled. “I’ll show you one of these days,” he promised, cupping her face with both his hands before he leaned over and grazed her full lips with his.
A gentle touch, and yet it was able to set a fire inside her, like nothing else. She moaned and he took advantage of it, sliding his tongue inside her mouth, swirling it all around, leaving no inch untouched, fueling the fire building inside them.
When they were both breathless, he released her, lingering on her lower lip, capturing it with his teeth up in the last moment. “I believe you’ll be an excellent pupil, Aneksi,” he murmured, with a naughty grin on his handsome face. His hands slid from her face, down her neck, and over her chest until he reached her full breasts. Cupping them with his big hands, he slightly squeezing them, ripping a loud moan from her lips.
