The loud rhythmic sound of heavy marching feet preceded the Queen in a dramatic entrance into the throne room.
  Seven guards emerged from two concealed doors. Both of which opened into the room. Situated right and left of the pair of beautiful wood carved thrones, on a round, white marble dais. Of which, one belonged to Pharaoh and the other his Queen.
 
  Like links in a chain, her guards stretched out to form a line. No one would get past them. Hiding a smirk, she knew as well as everyone else in the room, the seven men were trained assassins. The signature silver and black daggers strapped to mid thigh, matched the short swords strapped to the center of their backs, with simple leather harness that criss-crossed their chests. Each blade was forged from the strongest high grade steel, and laced with poison. The slightest knick of either weapon, meant imminent death without the antidote. And the Queen knew the men wearing them were immune against the effects of the poison.
 
  Each assassin was dressed in the rich, dark, red kilts of their station, with a black sash tied loosely around their lean waists, decorated with neat rows of gold beads. Each bead represented a kill in battle and the Queen could clearly see a dozen or more beads on each guard.
 
  Yes, her husband had chosen wisely.
 
She resisted the urge to dismiss them. Not that it mattered. Pharaoh’s decree was law. And until his return, she was stuck with them night and day. Running her tongue over her teeth she imagined poking her tongue out, but not at the risk of damaging her cool outward appearance, besides, today was special. She would contain her frazzled nerves at her bodyguards, as she searched the familiar group awaiting her decision.
 
Her eyes drifted over the faces of her council. Forty-two members stood waiting for her permission to sit. With a subtle nod from her, there was a rustling of robes as a wave of bodies re-seated themselves on marble benches, covered in bright, gold, threaded cushions.
 
Her bodyguards stood to attention with their swords and daggers drawn. The sound of metal striking metal told her they were in position.
 
Still standing, the Queen lifted one arm up with an elegant sweep, making the delicate gold collar around her neck shift upward. The signal cued the servants, and immediately another door opened without making a sound.
 
The Queen lowered her arm slowly, careful to keep her appearance immaculate as she witnessed the slow, torturous pace the group of girls made, as they approached the Throne.
 
The Queen gave another sweep of her hand in dismissal. The virgin maidservants bowed and disappeared from sight, leaving behind one young girl. She was dressed in a simple white kilt, with strands of beads that barely covered her breasts.
 
‘I have a gift for you. It will protect you from evil and shroud you in eternal companionship. Guard it with your heart and you shall be rewarded tenfold.’
 
  The girl remained where she stood, too anxious to move, she could feel everyone looking at her.
It was the first time she had been summoned to the throne room during morning council, and it made her stomach feel unsettled. Standing in front of her Majesty, she couldn’t help but stare at her astounding beauty. Her red crown accentuated her elegance, that was a symbol of her power, with the gold asp and cobra, both titles of her stature as ruler of Upper and Lower Egypt. Her majesty’s golden, lioness eyes, framed by dark eyelashes, trimmed in black kohl, softened for a mere second as she stared down at the young girl; who’s eyes mirrored her own in color and shape.
 
The Queen gave her a responsive smile, which quickly turned stern. ‘Come child, it won’t bite you.’ The Queen held her breath and watched with pride as her eldest daughter sank to her knees, bowing before her. It pained her to subject her child to the formalities of court life. She would have to master it, if she was to be the next ruler of all Egypt.
 
‘Arise my child and come forth to accept your gifts on this day of your birth.’ The Queen reached out offering her arm, when all she wanted, was to take her child in her arms and hug her close.
 
Neenah balanced herself on the balls of her feet, letting her toes grip the warm marble floor as she lifted her body up to her full height. Head high, arms by her sides, Neenah took each step with the self assurance that came with the royal blood in her veins. She smiled at her mother until she reached her outstretched arm. She swallowed the tight knot in her throat as they turned in unison to face the council.
 
The Queen gave her a quick wink of support and beamed with pride. Her offspring, once again proved without condition her ability to rise to the challenge of being the First Daughter of The Queen of Egypt. Her elegance and loveliness would continue to flourish under the vigilant eyes of Isis, as she had reached the age of womanhood. Her first shedding had been brought to her attention on the eve of her birthing day. It would mean many changes to Neenah in mind and body.
 
The Queen studied her daughter's face for a moment before continuing. ‘I bequeath you,’ the Queen said, raising her voice so that her words could be heard by all. ‘My heir,’ she paused again for effect, playing the court along. ‘Neenah is our future for Upper and Lower Egypt.’
 
As a ruler for many years, she wore supremacy like a mask. It concealed her true feelings as she glanced around the vast openness of the throne room, daring anyone to object. A deafening silence filtered through the forest of pure white columns, that made up the grand room. Not a whisper, or shuffling of feet caught her hearing. Not even the wind itself, dare make a noise to defy the Queen’s ruling.
 
Neenah held her breath at the booming silence; it caused her feeling of queasiness to return. Not to mention having the new responsibility of being next in line to rule in her father’s footsteps, until she was wed. She felt sick to her stomach, but refused to allow anyone to see how the news had affected her.
 
The Queen surveyed her council, and gave a graceful nod of approval as she turned back to her eldest daughter. ‘I also offer you this…’
 
Neenah watched as her mother slowly opened her hand and revealed a tiny wooden statue. Her brow rose in confusion and was met with a patient maternal look of understanding.
 
Her Highness placed the figurine in her daughter's hands, before gently squeezing her fingers around its smooth surface.
 
‘Take heed my words daughter, guard him as you would your kingdom, and you shall never be alone my child. Our life such as it is can be a friendless path. We place our trust in no one Neenah, and as Egypt’s fated ruler, you will face many challenges along that dangerous path.’
 
 Neenah glanced back and forth from her mother to the tiny wooden charm. What was she to do with it?
 
Her mother touched her cheek and sighed. ‘I will guide you through the steps of life Neenah, but, as a ruler you need to learn patience and to accept gifts with gratitude, no matter what form they take.’
 
Neenah’s face lowered at her mother’s wisdom. ‘I meant no disrespect my Q—’
  Neenah felt her chest tighten as her mother lowered to one knee. Both her arms dived forward to take Neenah’s face between her slim, bejewelled fingers. At once, she felt the slight tug of her chin as her mother tilted her head back to look her square in the eyes.
 
‘I am your mother Neenah, you must remember that above all else. Being Queen is a title, being a mother is a privilege, one that you will learn in time.’ And with that, her highness rose from the floor in one smooth fluid move.
 
Neenah closed her eyes and fought back the burning tears, a sensation of embarrassment that she had never felt before, as her mother motioned for her to stand by her side. Neenah imagined every head turned in unison to assess her pedigree. Taking a deep breath, she turned to face the men and women that made up her mother’s council and began to feel dizzy.
  
Be strong.
 
Neenah’s head whipped around, her eyes searching the vast room, hoping to see who had spoken to her.
 
Her mother noticed her look of confusion and flashed a supportive smile, as she continued speaking with her council.
 
It made Neenah forget momentarily, the bodiless voice, as she stood quietly listening to the sharp steel voice of her Queen. That demanded an unquestioning loyalty when it came to her people, as she went through the motions of conversing with her council.
 
As the morning session retired for refreshments, Neenah was allowed to make her dignified escape.
Her mother gave her a brief wave and quickly returned to her responsibilities as co-regent.
 
Neenah walked slowly, one foot in front of the other through the opened hallway that adjoined the throne room to the Palace. As Pharaohs First Daughter, she had been given the same education fit for his sons. She could read dozens of ancient languages and earlier symbols of dead civilizations. She even took to mathematical equations to keep her mind from boredom. But for some reason, she could not form a plausible answer to why her mother had given her a burial charm?
 
She flipped it over and around in her delicate hands, taking in all the intricate detail. From its long hair around a strong face, to the sandaled feet, but what got her attention the most, was the hieroglyphs. Obvious the craftsman had put countless hours into this Shabtis. Perhaps her mother meant for her to make use of it in her afterlife? There could be no other logical purpose than that.
 
As she walked, the memory of her father caused her mind to drift back to a stolen moment shared with him; when she was, but four years old.
 
He had explained in length the ways of his ancestors. How devoted servants declared their loyalty by mass suicide. Poisons either ingested, or inhaled, would claim the healthiest within minutes.
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heir bodies arranged in honor, laid to rest in their masters’ tomb. To join him in the long journey ahead, to provide the same existence as they had on earth. He then went on to explain how the Shabtis had been created. So that no one had to forfeit their lives to aid Pharaoh in his next life. The Shabtis would carry out the important jobs, that would sustain and keep Pharaoh safe and healthy in his continuing journey into the afterlife.
 
Neenah had been so fascinated by the subject, that she immediately sought out Kaalos, the Chief priest of Anubis. He had always been friendly to her, but then all the people of Egypt were. After all, she was Pharaoh’s First Daughter.
 
Kaalos was very tall at six foot, and had no hair on his body. As all priests shaved every seventh day out of respect to Anubis, like all other deities, gods and goddesses, and he wore a black, linen kilt with silver trim and white papyrus sandals for his feet.
 
Neenah remembered running up to him as a child with an infectious smile on her face, he always had an offering of fresh flowers for her to wear around her neck.
 
The scent of roses combined with jasmine incense made her eyes close in recollection. It surrounded her in its blissful, distinctive smell, clinging to her hair, clothing and skin.
 
‘Hello Kaalos.’
 
She giggled at the sight of his bald head bowed low before her with his offering of flowers by his feet.

‘You must not bow to me Kaalos.’ Her childish giggles made Kaalos’s smile spread out on his gentle face.
 
‘Modesty is a virtue my future Queen.’ He rose gracefully to place the red roses around her neck.
 
Her brown doe eyes widened in disbelief, as her tiny mouth fell open in shock. She quickly placed a small finger against her lips. ‘Shush. You must not address me so.’ She looked around with wide eyes, as if someone might be watching them. ‘Father would be angry if he caught wind of this, as mother is with child and it is fated to be a son for Pharaoh.’
 
Kaalos feigned shock at the news of a new baby. ‘I beg your forgiveness, First Daughter of Pharaoh.’ He bowed low once more, touching his forehead to the cold, marble floor, just inches away from her dainty bare feet.
 
She giggled again and quickly reached over to help him up. ‘Stop that! I came to ask you about the Shabtis.’
 
He squatted down to her height and bowed his head once before giving her his full attention. ‘My child the Sia* you seek is not meant for you to learn. I am aware that Pharaoh explained what a Shabtis is and you know I am bound by oath to never speak of Heka* or the Hekau*.’
 
Neenah frowned at this. She had never been refused anything in her life thus far. And to have her friend be the first, caused confusion and anger.
 
‘You will understand my oath as you gain in age and wisdom Neenah.’ He gave her a brief smile while brushing her cheek with his thumb. ‘Now off with you child, go play and be merry, as your life will have very little.’
 
Neenah stopped dead in her tracks, released from her memories, she realized for the first time that Kaalos had used his Heka, his magic, to see her future. How else would he know of her destiny to become Queen to all Egypt? And why would he use his powers to glimpse into her future?
   
He cares.
 
Neenah’s head jerked around with frustration. There was that voice again; it was the second time she had heard the deep mysterious voice.
  Looking around at her surrounds, she saw no one but the palace guards and they were forbidden to speak until given permission. Perhaps her sisters had snuck into the Throne room with a boy to play hide and seek. As soon as the idea formed, she dismissed it. Instead, she lowered herself to the floor and inched her way across the sandstone hallway, peering behind potted plants and statues of her ancestors.
 
The heavily armed guards watched in amused silence. To them, it looked as if the First Daughter was searching for something, or someone. Which was impossible, no one was allowed in the Palace at this hour of day. Pharaoh and his Queen forbade interruptions of any kind, thus no visitors were ever allowed past their stations.
  
Who are you searching for?
 
Neenah stood up and looked wildly around. Arching one fine eyebrow, she turned back to the guards. ‘Did you speak?’
 
The guard nearest her bowed from the waist and answered in a low voice. ‘No, First Daughter.’
 
Neenah repeated her question to each guard, as she moved down the hallway. She rolled her eyes as each armored man bowed and marched in place, before answering with a forceful nod of their heads. She knew the men spoke the truth as their voices did not come close to the beautiful voice she kept hearing.
   
You are looking in the wrong place.
 
Neenah tightened her grasp on the Shabtis, wondering if she heard correctly.
 
Yes you did. I can read your mind.
 
Neenah opened her right hand to stare in awe at the Shabtis. ‘Are you speaking to me?’ She held the wooden figurine up to her face, inches away from her nose, all the while, wondering if she had gone mad.
  
I am a telepathist and can not speak out loud while in this form.
 
Neenah glanced around her with discomfort. The guards would obviously think her insane talking to a wooden Shabtis.
 
So there was only one thing she could do, and that was to go somewhere private. She quickly gathered up the folds of her dress and ran to her personal chambers, on the south side of the Palace. Her long legs carried her swiftly down the cool corridors, that made up the inside of her home. She could hear the slapping of her feet against the floor in her haste to get to her own rooms. She ignored the stinging and concentrated on the voice inside her head.
 
Out of breath, Neenah stopped just inside the doorway. Her lungs burned from the inside with each breath she took.
 
Someone is in a hurry.
 
She gave the Shabtis a glare. An image of it flying across the room made the Shabtis laugh in her head.
 
Naughty. Princess.
 
Once inside, Neenah struggled while voicing a series of un-lady like phrases while she pulled the locking bar across her doors, barring anyone from entering her chambers. When she turned around, she screamed and dropped the Shabtis.
  I
t hit the floor, bounced and landed with a clunk as she backed up against the door spread eagle. Her eyes wide open as she swallowed her heart in one long gulp. She was positive it was the light playing tricks after she spotted a strange man standing out on her balcony.
 
 ‘Hello.’ He greeted her as he exited the balcony and stopped just behind a row of curtains.
It took her a moment before she realized the voice inside her head had a body now.
 
The stranger stared at her from across the room. His face remained neutral as he locked eyes with her. He didn’t move a muscle as the wind tugged on the curtain, molding it to the shape of his body.
 
She felt her heart hammering in her chest as her palms turned clammy. What in Ra’s name was wrong with her? Realizing her awkward pose against the door she quickly restored her appearance and made her way hesitantly towards him. ‘Who are you?’ She put her arm out, pointing her index finger at him in a pose closely resembling that of her mother.
 
 ‘Do you always greet people with that mightier-than-thou tone?’ His eyebrows drew close, as he frowned with irritation, before he realized with shock that the young princess was attracted to him. He could read her mind like a map.
 
 She lifted her head higher than normal at his mocking attitude. How dare he talk down to her? Did he not know who she was, who she would be?
 
He moved the curtain aside with one hand and proceeded to close the gap between them. The image of him like a cat on the prowl, caused her to panic.
 
‘Stop,’ she pushed her hands out at him as if that would deter him.
 
He didn’t take any notice of her commands, which infuriated her even more.
 
‘I order you to stop!’
 
He carried on walking towards her with a humorous glint in his eyes.
 
Neenah’s mouth went dry. What was she going to do now? She would never be able to unlock the doors before he reached her. Images of him attacking her made her dizzy with fright. Her heart racing she began to find it difficult to breath.
 
He reached out grabbing hold of her flying arms trying to turn her around so he could explain who he was. That there was no cause for panic until he heard her gasping for air as she fought harder to be free of him. He stared in utter disgust at the images within her mind. Shaking his head at her he spoke softly into her mind as he loosened his grip.
  
You need to calm yourself, take in long deep breaths. In through your nose and exhale from your mouth.
He was confused, not sure why she would think he would harm her. Obviously she had no idea of what he was. Well he’d set her straight as soon as she calmed down.
 
Neenah listen to me I can only keep this form for a short amount of time. You must understand one thing. I can not inflict harm upon the person I am protecting.
 
That seemed to work as her breathing slowed as well as her struggling.
 
He dropped his arms, clasping them behind his back as he waited patiently for his words to sink in.
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urning she looked up into his gold speckled green eyes and felt her body go numb. Was he telling the truth? Her rational side spoke up for him. If he wanted to kill you he would have, instead he talked you through your stupid panic attack. Neenah felt embarrassed. An emotion foreign to royalty, and she refused to allow him to see how he had wounded her pride. Deep down she wanted to run and hide her face, not that it mattered as he could read her thoughts like reading a scroll.
  
Do not worry little one. I do not blame you for reacting in this manner.
 
Neenah shook her head no, wishing that her mother had warned her.
 
No need to worry Neenah as I will explain all you need to know.
 
She gasped with shock as he vanished before her eyes. Perhaps she was sleeping and it was a dream.
   
I am not a dream.
 
She shook her head in speculation at his agitated words. Why would she need him, and why was he so angry at her? She wasn’t the one sneaking around in people’s bedchambers being scary.
   
I was not, nor have I ever sneaked into a woman’s bedchambers.
 
 It was Neenah’s turn to laugh, in fact she laughed so much that it brought tears to her eyes.
 
You find something amusing my Neenah?
 
Her laughter died instantly at his choice of words. ‘What do you mean your Neenah? I belong to no one!’ She huffed and stormed off leaving the Shabtis lying on the floor where she dropped it. He could stay there too for all she cared.
 
Stretching her body out across her bed, Neenah stared at the ceiling thinking about the events of the morning when she felt the bed move. She yelped as something brushed past her. Jumping up she nearly fell off the bed in her hast to get away from what had touched her.
 
Glancing over her shoulder she tripped over the new rug on the floor as her brain registered the giant blue black leopard sitting on her bed. The last thing she remembered was it stretched out, tail waving in the air while giving her a yawn that showed an impressive set of teeth.
 
He knew she was going to fall but figured she needed a good whack on the back side as she was annoying him. She was spoilt, which was stating the obvious as most children of Pharaoh were. He would protect her as was his place, but he would not nor would he ever bow down to her.
 
When she didn’t get up his anger subsided as worry settled in. It was all he needed for Pharaoh’s heiress to injure herself and find himself buried alone…again.
 
He leaped off the bed and padded across the cold floor. As he paced in a circle around her body he inhaled. His whiskers tasting the air as his tail lashed like a whip. She was in heat! No wonder she was so testy with him.
 
Frowning he switched back to his man form and crouched down over her body. He noticed the slight rise and fall of her chest, at least she was breathing. He glanced skyward and thanked Ra for that small favour.
 
‘Where am I?’ Rubbing her head, she felt another spasm. Her blurred vision made her feel disorientated. Lifting her head up off the floor, she blinked her eyelids repeatedly, until her vision cleared enough to see a large hand moving back and forth in front of her face. She bit out at him, snapping her teeth together in a loud chomping sound.
 
He jerked his hand away at the feel of her hot breath and sharp teeth against his skin. Be careful Neenah I bite back.
  Neenah cradled her head in her hands at the sudden headache. ‘How did I get on the floor?’ Her face changed from wonder to rage, as she instantly became aware as to why she had been running.

‘You,’ she spat as her golden brown eyes narrowed in on him, ‘you are an animal!’ She shouted accusingly.
 
 ‘I have been called worse.’ He moved with the intentions of trapping her body under his, but missed as she rolled along the floor. If she wasn’t careful, he was seriously thinking of tying her to a column just so he could explain what he was.
 
Her face positively glowed with satisfaction until he reappeared on the other side of her.
 
 ‘Where do you think you are going to run off to now Princess?’ His smug grin lit up his eyes in a playful mood as she huffed at him again. ‘I have never seen a woman run so fast in all my life, second life actually.’
 
She paused at that wondering what he meant. ‘Must you always speak in my mind?’ She felt like kicking him but knew it wouldn’t change anything.
 
 No. I can be silent if that is your wish.
 
It was on the tip of her tongue to wish silence upon him when she felt the awful pains in her stomach. Why did Isis see fit to make her shedding so painful? Crossing her arms around herself she made way to her door and yanked on the locking bar. That’s when the room began to spin and she felt her knees give way.
 
He caught her before she hit the floor this time. He didn’t have to be a cat to smell blood as he could see it all over her. He lifted her up into his arms and made his way towards the bathing pool. If all of his powers were working at full strength, he could have put them both in the pool with a single thought. Instead he weaved through the large columns of her chambers, past furniture and vases of flowers till he reached the four steps that went down into the bath.
 
She needed to be washed and cleansed. And the hot water would help with the pain or so he’d always been told it did by his sister. If not, then he would seek counsel with a priest of Isis for freedom of her woman pains.
 
Using a little Akhu, his magic, he placed her in a sleep like state as he prepared the bathing pool, then proceeded to find adequate clothing to keep her warm afterwards. He carefully removed her dress which was now soaked in blood and threw it aside. His own clothing joined hers before he walked them both down the steps leading into the deep bath. The rose scented water would make her muscles relax as she soaked in its hot soothing caress.
 
He liked her spirit, she would need it, but she had a way of annoying him with her obedience act. She wasn’t the first royal princess he had protected and she wouldn’t be the last. He paused to let his eyes pass over her body, he had to admit she was beautiful and her body was blossoming nicely. His eyes wandered over her features, from her long dark delicate eyebrows to her high cheek bones and soft lips beneath a pert nose. His body hummed to life as she moved in her spelled sleep. Her breasts moved making little ripples form on the water’s surface.
 
 He licked his bottom lip. Cats like to play in water and he definitely would play with her. He fantasized taking her while in the water. Shaking his head to clear the images he scolded himself.
 
She was untouched, pure and untainted. But he still wanted to taste her as the memory of her scent filled his nostrils. What would it be like to make her his? No, he had no rights to think such thoughts, even if she made his body feel like it was on fire.
 
Calming himself he began to wash her body and soon wished he’d left that for her maid servants, who would less likely become aroused. He cursed out loud as he reached the triangle of hair between her legs. It surprised him as all women of child bearing age shaved their hair off. His hand hovered over the patch of hair. All he had to do was lower it a little and he could touch it.
 
His eyes flickered to her own which were still closed. He half expected her eyes to snap open and demand an explanation as to his boldness. Deep down he knew it was his conscious speaking. Do it. You know you want too.
 
 He refused to give the voice any attention. IT urged him to do things he’d never consider doing to the opposite sex. IT wanted him to take her, and the images flashing before his eyes made him swear to the Gods as he struggled to lock IT away in the ‘cage’ he’d built in his mind. Every time his powers dwindled down to vapors, IT roared to life. Beating at his mind, constantly talking, trying to win him over, but it never worked. Well, not anymore.
 
Throwing caution to the wind he placed his palm flat against her hair. He clenched his teeth together at the soft feel of her dark curls. A painful jolt sliced through his body like a hot knife. A burning ache that made him hard, well he knew that was going to happen sooner or later.
 
 A vivid image of their bodies straining in the throws of passion made his back stiffen. Shaking his head no, he would not take pleasure of her body while she slept. And he knew once she was awake; she’d rather kick and bit him than accept his touch.
 
 Focusing, he picked up a handful of soap beads and imagined she was his sister as he started washing her chest. It worked until she moved; making her arm tap up against his hip. He bit down on his bottom lip as he wondered how she would feel against his skin. His hands gripped her waist, lifting her up from the water so that she sat astride his thigh as he lifted the spell.
 
Neenah woke to the feeling of water rushing down her body. That wasn’t what got her attention. It was him. Her first instinct was to scream. Fight back and run from him, but something inside her told her to stop. Maybe it was how he was holding her up in the water, gently propped up against his body.
 
The feeling of his hot skin against hers made her heart skip a beat. Not to mention the heated look from within his eyes made her nipples tighten. That had never happen before and the strange pulsating feeling between her legs made her want to ask him to touch her there. That wasn’t right. Maybe it wasn’t but her body craved it anyway.
 
He heard every single thought in her head. And he knew what she wanted. Closing his eyes against the bitter sweet knowledge that she wanted him, he fought his instincts.
 
Her body was crying out for his touch, he wanted nothing more than to spread those thighs and feel himself slid deep within her. He couldn’t let that come to pass. ‘I am sorry Neenah-’
She put her hand over his mouth and moaned at the soft feel of his lips pressed against her skin. Immediately she wanted more, much more.
 
He wanted to give her that, but his form was slipping and soon he would disappear. With that in mind he reacted quickly. Jerking her hand from his mouth, he didn’t give her time to react as he kissed her.
She copied his actions and felt her heart flutter when he moaned with pleasure seconds before the kiss ended. She opened her eyes expecting a rebuke at her inexperience to find him gone. Looking around her room he was nowhere to be seen. So there she stood in the water, alone, aching with the strange desire to have his touch again, to hold her close.
 
 ‘Where are you?’ Her voice sounded strange even to her own ears.
   
I am here Neenah.
 
His voice purred inside her head. Making her shiver wishing that he would come back to make the painful throbbing go away.
I will return. Go and rest, when you wake, I will be here.
She waited in the water letting the events play over her mind. One minute she was First Daughter of Pharaoh and now she was Pharaoh’s heiress. Then it dawned on her. That’s why her mother gave her the Shabtis. It wasn’t for her afterlife at all, it was there to protect and keep her safe from harm.

He, Neenah, I am not an ‘IT’.

‘I thought you were going to be silent?’ She said, the humour in her voice masking the desire she still felt flowing through her body.

A loud thumping ended their conversation.

‘My lady,’ the pounding continued, ‘are you well?’ The muffled voice of her maidservant was barely audible through the thick wooden doors. She could pound all she liked as long as the locking bar was in place no one would enter.
 
The Queen is outside your chamber doors with ten guards. I suggest that you let them in, Neenah.
She climbed out of the bathing pool. Water rushed down her body as she emerged from the hot water. Steam swirled from her heated skin as the cool air surrounded her. The muscle spasms had stopped, but the blood still flowed down the inside of her legs as she made her way towards the doors. And as she tugged at the locking bar, she felt the blood running faster than ever before. Help me Isis; I am bleeding my life away! Her last thought before her vision blurred and she blacked out.

He could do nothing but watch her body slam against the hard floor. Why had she locked the damn door in the first place if she couldn’t lift the locking bar?
 

 
The Queen stood patiently waiting with her arms by her sides. Another woman, a healer by the looks of things stood back two steps to the left of her royal highness. She wore a look of panic as she whispered in the Queen’s ear.
 
The Queen gave a stiff nod followed by a frown of displeasure at her servant’s statement. ‘Guards, remove the door at once!’ she ordered. She couldn’t help wondering why her daughter would lock herself inside her own chambers. She had never done so before. Had she misjudged her? Perhaps the morning’s events had unsettled her. She would speak with the Gods at prayer time and Pharaoh when he returned.
 

 
He heard a soft moan from her, but no sign of movement to suggest she was attempting to get up. She wouldn’t die, but if left to bleed as she currently was would weaken her body making her susceptible to infections. And at this rate, it would take the guards a full day to ram the door in, he had to do something.

With his remaining energy he fused his physical body together just long enough to move her away from the double doors. He quickly turned on his heel and raised his hands toward the doors. His eyes full of determination as he reached out with his mind compelling the others to stand back.
 
His power was almost depleted from his long exile. He knew he could only shield Neenah as he concentrated, re-enforcing the shield as his form blinked in and out of existence. His hair and clothing whipped around him in the powerful energy that surrounded him as he floated over to the impeding doors.
 
The sound of creaking wood warned the servants into moving out of the way. The Queen resisted the sudden urge to step back until an invisible force shoved at her until she was standing with her medic and maid servants.
 
He pulled as hard as he could with his last ounce of strength. The locking bar came crashing to the floor as the door splintered and fell inwards pulling part of the wall with it, as well as cracking the marble flooring.

*Sia-knowledge, Heka-magic, Hekau-magician*

Copyright ©2010 - 2013 All rights reserved. A.D.Stewart