Curse of the Scarab King

by Wend Petzler

  Setti placed an unsteady hand over the amulet. His mind veered away from the unbearable thought of Kate leaving and onto his country's needs. So much needed be done to set Egypt in order, he must think of his people and not his broken heart. The next several hours were spent regaining order in the palace and in the streets. The first problem of state came when there were none found to be elected High Priest of Amun Ra, and one was needed to crown him. Ramose broke the news to him when he caught up with Setti.

  "Grandson, we must elect a High Priest before sunrise."

  An idea swiftly came to Setti. “I want Sabni elected as High Priest of Amun Ra. He has the Sight and will be an excellent teacher for the next generation of priests to come."

  Having heard how Sabni had helped his grandson, Ramose inclined his bald head, approving Setti's nomination, “Yea, I believe Sabni is an excellent choice. I shall proceed and ordain him as High Priest.” Bowing to Setti, he hurried away, seeking Sabni.

  Restless, Setti went for a walk around the lush gardens set in the center of the palace. Following the graveled footpath along the thick, green foliage, torches lit to guide his way, he frowned when he saw a woman sitting on a bench. With a shock, he realized it was Kate.

  "Why are you out here alone?” Setti felt the wind knocked out of him when she rose to greet him. The heart wrenching sadness in her beautiful eyes made him suddenly realize she was as unhappy as he about her leaving.

  "I needed to be alone. Why are you here?"

  "I suppose for the same reason. Walk with me, we need to talk.” Amazed by the wondrous feeling of being whole again with Kate beside him, he was lost how to keep her with him for an eternity. How can he let her go when she was the other half of his soul? As they walked along the lush garden's pathways, Kate and Setti remained silent, unsure what to say in light of their unusual predicament.

  She knew they were never meant to be together. A Pharaoh and a commoner could never have a chance at a life together, especially when the king was an immortal. Kate had her work at the archeology site at Thebes, and Setti had a kingdom to set straight for his beloved nephew to rule. Their brief time spent together would have to be enough to last her a lifetime. Well, she had tonight and damn well was going to take full advantage of it with Setti. Rising on her toes, she kissed him, savoring the heady feel of his powerful arms wrapping fiercely around her. Kate shared his desperation, and her heart soared when his arms tightened around her, drawing her hard against him.

  Setti swept Kate off her feet and strode from the gardens. Heading straight for a private chamber, Setti kicked open the door and used his heel to shut it. In those few, precious hours, he bared his soul before her. For the first time in his life, Setti held nothing back, showing her by way of touching, caressing how much he loved her, unable to tell her out loud his true feelings. Every touch memorized, every caress etched forever in their minds. Life flowed through Setti and into her. Time ceased, and in those stolen moments they shared a lifetime.

  Afterward, held in his powerful arms, she wept in the curve of his shoulder. To be honest, Setti felt like crying, too. How can he let Kate go without losing a massive piece of his soul? What would the endless years of immortality hold for him if he outlived all he loved, generation upon generations passing him by? His heart shattered as tears dropped like diamonds from Kate's shining eyes. Rising to his knees, he drew Kate to him, gripping her hard as tears racked her slender body. Through his war-hardened emotions, a single tear broke free and fell.

  Kate lifted her head and saw the precious drop fall. Lying back on the bed, she cradled his head against her bosom, his arms near crushing her ribs, but she did not care. “Setti, the sun will rise in a few hours. Shall I go?” Kate's voice broke upon a sob at the hated thought of leaving him.

  "No!” he cried out, desperate to be with Kate as long as possible. “You will remain with me. Get some sleep, dearest Kate."

  A small smile curved her lips. Stroking his bare head and broad back, Kate loved the way he trembled at her touch. Kate whispered past a tight throat, “Yes, Setti, I will remain with you until they come to prepare you for the crowning ceremony."

  They barely slept, held prisoner by their tormented thoughts of parting forever. A knock on the door sounded more like thunder, an anvil slamming down to sentence them apart forever. At Setti's beckoning, Ramose entered.

  "Setti you must bathe and ready for your presentation.” Ramose bowed low to Kate, seeing the anguish in her reddened eyes. Ramose felt torn by the rules of his family and the desire to see his grandson happy. Exiting the chamber with a silent Setti following, Ramose squared his shoulders, confident his grandson would do his duty to his people.

  Depressed when Setti did not look back at her, Kate didn't have long to dwell on her misery. Women entered, drawing her from the bed and quickly went about sponging her off with warm, scented water. Drying her with a towel, they insisted upon dressing Kate in a beautiful gown of the finest white linen and a sheer shawl to go over the form fitting gown. Her hair was brushed until it gleamed and left to flow loosely down her shoulders and back.

  Feeling more than a little woozy, her body tingling, Kate decided she was merely exhausted. Leaving the chamber, she smiled, greatly relieved when she saw Sabni and Jarha waiting in the garden for her. “I guess we had better go and watch Setti accept his crown.” She tried to be light-hearted, but they knew she was broken inside.

  Sabni was the first to speak. “Worry not, Kate. Amun Ra will show us our paths in due time."

  Absently nodding her head, she accepted Jarha's offered arm. Kate looked at Sabni closer, startled when she noticed he wore the ceremonial necklace and cloak of a High Priest. “Sabni, what has happened while I slept?"

  Laughing, he twirled around for her to see the intricate detail of the gold robe he wore. “Setti nominated me as High Priest of Amun Ra, and Lord Ramose seconded it. I was ordained an hour ago and will officiate the crowning of our new Pharaoh.” He replied, still in awe of being forgiven by the gods and a man who he hurt deeply with his selfish ambitions.

  Kissing his lean cheek, Kate smiled up at the blushing High Priest. “I know of none other more worthy than you, Sabni. You will make a great High Priest. Others will learn from your mistakes and become better men from the experiences you share."

  "Thank you, Kate. If it were not for your determination and desire to see our kingdom restored, none of us would have survived SobeKnefru's evilness. Come, we must go.” Smiling sadly, he hated the idea of Kate not being around anymore. He'd miss her determined spirit and unwavering loyalty. They all had learned to be better men by knowing the strange, foreign woman from the future. A woman whose precious hiccupping gave him the hope they could face their fears, no matter how scared they were on the inside.

  Making their way amongst the massive crowds gathered in the Throne Chamber, Sabni left them and joined Ramose at the base of the throne. Taking her hand, Jarha led her along the procession as nobles and servants gathered in anticipation of seeing Setti crowned Pharaoh.

  A blast of trumpets announced sunrise. As one, the people lifted their faces up to the skylights above, watching the sun rising in the east. The brightening sky was seeped in hues of sienna and indigo. Setti took his rightful place before the reinstated golden throne of Egypt, displacing the alabaster one SobeKnefru used.

  Setti's eyes fixed on Kate and never left her as she remained steadfast, watching him. Barely listening to the ritual words spoken by Sabni, Setti stood motionless, numb. Sabni held the sacred Pharaoh's shawl necklace of Divine Power high above him before settling it about Setti's neck and fastening it. The ruby scarab amulet glowed eerily when the sun's rays touched it.

  Accepting the Double Crown from Ramose, the red symbolizing Lower Egypt and the white stood for Upper Egypt, Sabni placed the heavy crown upon Setti's head. “May Amun Ra bless your Divine hand as you rule Egypt with fairness and love.” Sabni stepped back, allowing Ramose to take over.

  Ramose accepted the
Crook and Scepter from a kneeling servant and bowed in great reverence before handing them to Setti who accepted them with a regal nod. Facing the expectant crowd and in a great, booming voice, Ramose commanded, “All bow to Setti, Pharaoh of Egypt!"

  Kate knelt on both knees and paid homage to Pharaoh Setti. Pride filled her as she viewed his magnificence, standing so proud with his honey-brown eyes fierce. When his eyes met hers, a sad smile curved his firm lips. All of a sudden his handsome features grew distressed and he started shouting. Dropping the Crook and Scepter, he ran toward her, shoving people out of his way. Alarmed, Kate rose to her feet, not understanding what Setti shouted amongst the terrified screams as people tried to get out of his way. Pain exploded in her back, through her chest. The tip of a sword ripped through her body. Collapsing to her knees, Setti slid down on his own and caught her in his arms. He cried out as the sharp tip ripped through his own flesh, burying deep in his own heart. They stood entwined as the newly appointed Pharaoh's bodyguards swarmed the man who stabbed Kate, wrestling him to the ground. Faintly she heard her attacker cursing her, blaming her for SobeKnefru's death. Sagging in Setti's arms, her head lolled to the side, recognizing the attacker as Omar, the Queen's captain. He was dragged from the chamber. Ramose shouted for everyone to clear the room.

  Coughing, flinching at the unbearable pain, Kate lifted her eyes to look up at Setti, frightened by what she saw. Silent tears coursed down his high cheeks, and she knew the wound was fatal. “Do not worry, Pharaoh. I will love you beyond my last breath. At least ... we will not anger ... the Gods by ... invoking a time ... portal to send me home.” She attempted to smile, becoming more of a grimace.

  Setti growled at Ramose, “Pull it out of her!"

  "But Setti, she will bleed to death,” Ramose protested.

  "Do it!” he yelled, feeling the life slipping out of Kate. “Kate, be brave, it will only hurt for a brief moment more,” Setti whispered comfortingly, tears blurring his vision as he held her tighter in his embrace. Resting his cheek against her silky hair, he closed his eyes, waiting for Ramose to pull the blade out of them.

  Sick to his stomach, Ramose took hold of the sword's hilt. With a quick, firm yank, the blade was freed. Kate screamed in agony and slumped back in Setti's arms. Rushing to their side, Ramose frowned, tilting his head in confusion. Motioning Sabni and Jarha to come closer, he pointed at Kate's back.

  Both priests gasped at what they saw. No blood gushed from the wound, only staining the bright blade of the sword still grasped in Ramose's hand. Sabni was the first to speak.

  "May Amun Ra be merciful,” Sabni exclaimed. His shock melted, and he started laughing, joined by Jarha.

  Setti glared at the laughing priests, startled when Kate weakly pushed away from him, her ashen features slowly regaining a sun kissed color. She took a deep breath and smiled weakly up at him. “What is going on?” he demanded from Sabni. The priest cupped Kate's beautiful face, amazed by her quick recovery.

  "When Ra touched Kate, he said he gave her a gift, saying something about her deepest desire. I believe, dear Kate, your desire was to remain with Setti forever. And since Setti refused to take my life and end his curse of immortality, Ra decided you had to change."

  "Kate is immortal like me?” Setti exclaimed in disbelief.

  "Yes!"

  Kate wore a look of astonishment. “Are you saying I cannot die?"

  "I believe that is what the man said.” Setti grinned broadly and gently took hold of her shoulders. “Since we no longer have any obstacles in our way, like dying anytime in the future, Kate Martin, will you please stay with me?"

  Laughing joyfully, she threw her arms around his neck, kissing his gorgeous face ecstatically. After a brief moment, He took control and kissed her long, hard, and slow, enjoying the feel and taste of his beloved Kate. When he raised his head from hers, he looked deep in her eyes of violet. “Kate, will you marry me?"

  A look of indecision came over her. “You are Pharaoh, we cannot marry."

  Boldly winking at her, Setti smiled. “I am only Pharaoh for a brief time. After Egypt is restored, Amenemhet will be crowned and his mother and I will guide him."

  "Well, if you put it that way, perhaps I'll consider marrying you.” A half-smile curved her lush mouth as she withdrew from his arms.

  Arching a dark eyebrow, “You might consider my offer?"

  "I need an incentive if I am to accept your proposal."

  "I have all the incentive you need right here!” Setti growled as he swept her into his arms, claiming her with a bold kiss, leaving no doubt in those present he loved her.

  When he lifted his head, Kate whispered through her tears, “I love you."

  His hard features softened. Pressing his forehead to hers, Setti whispered, “My sweet Kate, I love you, too.” Their lips met, sealing the eternal bond as they pledged their love forever.

  Kate smiled up at Setti, feeling his love washing over her. “Setti, when we marry, can we take another journey?” Kate asked shyly, hope shining in her eyes.

  "Where would you like to go?” Setti asked with a crooked smile, knowing that mischievous look in her eyes only too well. Kate was up to something.

  "Well...” Kate shyly glanced up at him. “Egypt was always my first choice of studies, but I've recently developed a strong yearning to go to Greece."

  Laughing heartily, Setti hugged her tight before grinning down at her. “My love, I would consider it an honor to take you anywhere your heart desires, just as long as we are together."

  Squealing in delight, she threw her arms around his neck, wildly placing kisses over his handsome visage until he took over, kissing her until she was left breathless. The slow, sensual caress left her knees weak with the sure knowledge of the love he bore for her. When he finally lifted his head, she stared at him with awe in her shining eyes.

  "I love you,” she whispered huskily.

  A slight smile of arrogance curved his sculptured lips. “Woman, I knew you could not resist me!"

  Tossing him an eloquent look, she shook her head at him. “I wish you'd quit calling me ‘woman'!"

  "How about Queen of Egypt?” he teased with an impossible twinkle of humor glinting in his eyes.

  Kate frowned, unsure about such a monumental title. “Setti, I..."

  Gently cupping her face with one hand, he whispered in her ear, “How about the title of Wife?"

  "Much better. Come, Pharaoh, I think you and I need to have a little private time.” She grinned wickedly as she took his hand in hers.

  "Yes ... wom—I mean, my Queen.” Setti grinned, chuckling as Kate rolled her eyes as she led him away. His gaze lifted to the brightening sky and smiled as the sun rose with all its magnificence. Thank you, Amun Ra for placing Kate in my path of Life.

  A deep voice, filled with beauty and music, echoed in his mind. Blessed be, my son. Word of warning, Kate will keep you on your toes, Ra warned, laughter in his deep voice.

  Yea, Amun Ra, but what fun we shall have! Chuckling, Setti knew he was about to embark upon another fantastic adventure. Deep within his fiercely beating heart, he knew every precious moment, good or bad, was definitely worth being bound to Kate Martin forever.

  THE END

  * * *

  Visit www.newconceptspublishing.com for information on additional titles by this and other authors.