(M) What I Desire Most Is... (Panu and Natora)

[Natora]

(This roleplay is rated M for mature themes, violence, love angles that might not be all that attractive to some, and colourful language and scenes.)

Name: Necolita Tao
Age: 17
Description: Dark skin (though lighter than slaves) and black hair that is typically braided with strands of gold. She has brown eyes and a very delicate look about her. She is a typical princess and has been born and bred that way. She is quite thin and typically very quiet, only finding her voice in the privacy of her rooms and with the safety of her brothers peresence.
Personality: Quiet and reserved. With her family in private she is adorable and quite able to have great conversations and good ideas though understands proper etiquette and follows it very strongly, with the exception that she treats her adopted brother as her equal in all ways no matter the situation.
Things to remember: Loves her family to all the ends. Doesn't really want to be married.

Name: Amenhotep Tao
Age: 20
Description: Dark skin (though lighter than slaves) with a shaved head so he can wear wigs whenever needed. He is very muscular and strong with his body showing it. He has dark brown eyes and typically has a very firm expression on his face. His face is very square and has a stern expression.
Personality: He knows he's to rule the kingdom one day and treats it incredibly seriously. He is always training or doing something that he believes will make him a better ruler. He is always trying to prove himself and will not turn down a challenge.
Things to remember: Only afraid of disappointing his father. Accepts his brother whole-heartedly and loves him as a brother would love any of his siblings.

The sounds of the khopesh swinging through the air and clanging together was all that could be heard on this side of the palace. The practice of the battle was done in a sand pit to make it harder for one to move and to practice what would actually be needed to be done when it ever came time for a war to be fought. The arena was lined with a wooden rail allowing a ring of sorts so others were not blindly wander into a battle like the one that was happening now. It also allowed a place for spectators to lean to watch. None would take the royal seats that were set on a small stage on one side of the arena so the part of the army that was watching the match and waiting their own turn to enter the ring were leaning on the rail and watching with excitement and baited breath.

Amenhotep fought his brother with all he had had, the sweat running down his muscles in the hot afternoon sun. His adopted brother was the only fighter in the whole cavalry that held any candle to Amen's abilities. He still hadn't managed to find out if that was because the others were too afraid to hurt the crowned prince or if he really was that much better. In any case, this fight was a challenge for both of them as it was the hottest day in a very long time and neither of them was willing to let up and allow the other a victory without taking it strongly and sternly from the other.

A few more swings and holds later Amen finally asked, "Ready to give up yet, brother? Father probably wants us to prepare for the feast tonight." This was followed by a grunt and another flurry of matched hits between the two and another hold. He was trying so very hard to distract his brother and though it was difficult, it had to be done if he wanted to win. "How many do you think will try for Necolita's hand tonight?"

Necolita was upstairs being primped and polished until she glowed. The maids were bathing her and making sure that her braids were immaculate. She was the only royal woman left in the palace now and it was a terrible burden to bear. So for the entire day before a large feast like this she was polished and catered on to make sure that there could not possibly be a woman there that would outshine her.

Being almost 18 now her father had been trying to have her married a dozen times already. Somehow Necolita managed to make it not stick every single time. There was always a reason that the wedding was not a good idea but she was running out of options as she knew her father was running out of patience. Thankfully, though tonight was not fully in her honour, tonight would be a night where Amenhotep might be able to choose his first wife finally. Both of them were quite old for not being married yet but their father was still quite healthy so they did not yet need to worry about keeping the family line alive forever. That was still to their father to worry about.

All around Necolita her room shined with the polished stone that was her floors and walls. The warm and rich carpets on the floor served to keep her feet warm in the night when she woke and make sure that the room looked wealthy more than anything else. As far as she was concerned, Necolita never wanted to marry. She had grown up being trained to be the perfect princess, which she was...except for this part of the "job". In any case she sat there as the maids continued to prepare her for the dinner and gossiped around her as she sat quietly trying to think of another excuse for not getting married.

[Panu]

Name: Sethos Tao
Age: 19
Description: Dark skin (lighter than the slaves, but not as light as the rest of the family) with a shaved head so he can wear wigs when it’s needed. He has brown eyes with relaxing look in them. Like his brother, he’s also very muscular but don’t really show it off. Personality: In contrast to his siblings, he doesn’t have a special title he needs to obtain and he knows for sure. He has a more relaxed personality and like to go around helping out in the palace or make fun of some of the priests. Sethos loves to train together with his brother and spend a lot of time doing so.
Things to remember: Loves his family and will do anything to protect them. Support his brother with everything he has and will do anything to help him out.


They had already had this practice going for quite a while now, none of them wanting to give up. Sethos was not one to give up a match, even if the match was against his own brother, when the hold came he answered “if you are nervous not making it in time for the feast, you better give up now brother” a small smirk appeared one his lips. Knowing Amenhotep, Sethos knew that he would never surrender if he could avoid it, which meant that Sethos either had to hurry up and defeating him or he had to give up very soon. Another matches hit between them “Is that a beat? Around five, and no one will get her hand tonight” his body was beginning to feel the consequences of practicing outside on such a hot day, but he refused to give up “don’t try to distract me dear brother, I’m well aware of what you are doing”

“Do you think Necolita will ever get married?” it came from the younger brother after around 10 mintues, his body was killing him but he had to keep pretending that he was still full of energy. A couple of matches hit between them and as Sethos took a step back, his foot slipped and suddenly he was staring up in the air and up at Amenhotep “I guess that’s your win today.” The army who was standing around watching was clapping as Amenhotep pulled Sethos up from burning sand. Sethos picked up his sword from the sand and couldn’t help but to sigh a bit “I want a rematch soon, just remember that” he laughed and grabbed Amenhotep by the arm “time to get ready for your big evening”

The pharaoh was walking down the big long hall, two priests following him around. After having checked that everything was ready and prepared for tonight, he slowly but stead walked toward Necolita’s room. There was a few knocks on her door, before a priest opened it and the pharaoh walked his. Steadily walking towards his daughter, not really looking at the servants as they bowed for him “Leave us” the words came out as a firm order and everyone left the room. “Dear daughter” the pharaoh said in a calm voice “you look more beautiful and brighter than the sun” he smiled, but as he walked over to her, the smile slowly disappeared and instead a serious look ran over his face “even though tonight is not your big night, I still expect that you will consider some of the marriage offers that will come”

He turned around and headed for the door “I’ve been really patient with you Necolita, but it’s about to run out. I expect you to find a husband before you turn 18” The pharaoh left the room without another word and the servants once again entered the room to help Necolita finish.

[Natora]

Amenhotep laughed gently as his distraction was found out quickly. He expected nothing less but it still amused him to know that his brother really was on his best foot today. Instead of wasting words and energy on lesser things, he continued to spar and match with his brother to make sure that he wouldn't fall under again. When his brother asked about the eventuality of her getting married he considered him for a second. "Father is getting impatient with all of us and our lack of marriage. She'll be married sooner or later," he insisted before pressing on just as Sethos slipped.

Amenhotep stood at his brother's side looking down on him and smiling. It was the first time in a long time that either of them had literally slipped but it was understandable. He offered the hand to pull his brother back up. "A rematch would imply that you could beat me at a later date," he said with a smirk, teasing only. When he was grabbed to go get ready, though, he rolled his eyes. "We all know this isn't just for one of us," he pointed out. Father wanted them all married and giving him grandchildren but all of them seemed a little resistant. Still though, if Amenhotep could find a good wife tonight he might take one soon. His body was getting restless and he too was growing more excited at the prospect of giving himself an heir.

Together they walked off the sandbox and went to their individual chambers to get ready. There was a hot bath that had already been prepared for them by the servants and Amenhotep took advantage immediately. He bathed himself, finding it odd and unpleasant sometimes to let others do this one particular chore for him. With great speed the sweat from the match was relieved of him and he was able to get dressed. It being such a hot day he did choose to only wear his shendyt without the full body coverage. It was too hot to put a shirt on truly. The servants had pulled out the wig for him that was short hair but held a small circlet of gold to show his status. With that he was ready for the night and went out to the hall to see if Sethos and Necolita were ready considering their rooms were all beside each other.

****
When her father entered her room Necolita knew what was about to come. It was a lecture that typically preceded all events where there was potential to find a husband. She hated the conversation. She smiled and nodded to her father as he complimented her. When she saw the smile fade, she had a good idea about what was coming. Of course there was the lecture but as he left, he gave her a deadline. He had never done that to her before. This was different this time. This time she wasn't sure any excuse would do for her.

As the servants came back in to finish preparing her, her brow was furrowed making it more difficult to apply parts of the coal to her eyes and brow. Needless, by the time her day dreaming was over they were finished and she was dressed perfectly for the feast. Her kalasiri reached her ankles and was wrapped tightly around her. A short shawl of sheer but shimmering fabric covered her shoulders slightly for fake modesty and allowed her to move easily. With a sigh making her worried that this feast may prove different than all the rest, she moved outside.

Looking right she saw Amenhotep leaning on his door waiting for her and Sethos. He looked surprised when he saw her. "You're not normally so dressed up. Happy for me are you?" Amenhotep asked her. She had never worn a shawl or cape before. What kind of game was she playing at? She looked gorgeous. "Father put the servants up to this didn't he?" he asked.

"Do you really think I am trying to look more attractive for those gross men down there?" she asked referring to the suitors.

[Panu]

Sethos rolled his eyes a little when Amenhotep mentioned that all of them had to find one to marry “but we also all know, that the most important ones are you and Necolita, and that I can wait.” He followed Amenhotep until they had to go into their own individual chambers. Sethos threw his shendyt on the floor and dived into the hot water in the bath, he quickly washed away all the sand and sweat from the practice. Everything had already been prepared by the servants and Sethos stopped for a second and just stared at it, sometimes he was wondering what it would be like, to do everything on his own, without any servants around. Sethos pulled on his shendyt (http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5OAe-J3lMY/UYKRBs4dvTI/AAAAAAAAADw/IiKUeLHLjm0/s1600/image5.jpg) and associated jewelry, like Amenhotep, a wig with short hair and a short circlet of gold had been prepared and as he put it on, he was ready for the evening.

As Sethos left his chamber, he looked to his left and saw Necolita and Amenhotep talking together. His body stopped for a moment when his eyes fell on Necolita, she looked really gorgeous tonight. He was really surprised and his eyes soon met Amenhotep’s and a smile spread over his face as he walked toward them “You look great tonight Necolita” he leaned in and softly kissed her forehead, as he had done many times before. “So you are both ready to find a partner tonight” said in a teasing tone, knowing how much they both hated it.

Together they all walked down to the hall and shortly before they entered, Sethos leaned into Necolita’s ear “I have your back the whole evening if you need it” he said and smiled softly at her. The room was filled with people already and attention was soon brought to all of them as they entered. A lot of young women were there in hope of being married to Amenhotep. Sethos quickly also was able to point out some of the suitors for Necolita tonight, not that they were something special, he could tell by now. They were all sitting on the golden chairs, while one after one, women were introduced to Amenhotep and men were introduced to Necolita.

Sitting next to his sister, Sethos had a good view of which suitors came up to her. A man came up and in Sethos eyes, he seemed a little creepy and really not a guy Necolita should end up with “how are you any different from the other guys? In my eyes you are the most plain one of them all” Sethos said in boring tone and couldn’t help but to laugh a little when the man turned around and walked away. Their father wouldn’t be pleased, but he wouldn’t give that kind of guy a chance.

***

After the pharaoh had visited Necolita, he walked down to the big dining hall to great all the guests. He sat down on the throne and one priest walked up beside him and began to tell about the different suitors for both Amenhotep and Necolita, telling about their pasts, their families and what bloodline they came from, everything important to know.

As the three siblings walked in, the pharaoh stood up, just as rest of the dining hall and he went over to greet his sons “I hope for you to find a good wife tonight my son” he looked at Amenhotep and turned around to the crowed “this feast tonight, is a great celebration for my oldest son, who have now reached the age for marriage. Before the night is over, he will maybe have found his wife-to-be and the future queen of this land” he gave a last glare to Amenhotep and sat down on his throne again.

Tonight he wasn’t going to be the center of attention, his children would. The pharaoh watched the entertainment which had been prepared while he kept and eyes on the suitors as they walked up to Amenhotep and Necolita.

[Natora]

Walking down to the hall with her brothers was something that Necolita had come to love and appreciate. It was the calm before a storm of a fest as going to happen and it was very possibly the last time that they would do this together with only the three of them. It was sad as she walked with them but she still couldn't help but be grateful for these two that she was with. It was a rare opportunity to have her two brothers that loved her so much. When Sethos offered his help the whole night, it made Necolita smile truly for the first time that night. "I will welcome the help," she said to him though it did only sound half hearted.

As they entered and were announced, Necolita and Amenhotep both caught the lasting glare from their father before the three siblings went and sat in their three chairs that were in front of the throne for the presentation of the suitors. Woman after woman was introduced to Amenhotep though only a few were able to solidify themselves in his mind. Most were beautiful. Quite beautiful. But only a few stood out because of what was behind their eyes and he knew he would pursue them later after the entertainment and meal were over.

Necolita sat on the end with Sethos between her and Amenhotep. As suitor after suitor presented themselves, she became more and more disheartened. There were a few that had returned from trying for her hand previously but there were quite a few new faces as well. To think that one of them who she only just met tonight or once before would be forced to be her husband almost sickened her. When Sethos commented on one of the men, however, she had to stop herself from laughing out loud. The only sign that she enjoyed his little commentary was a slight upturn at the corners of her lips making the rest of the presentation bearable. She had a feeling he might have an opinion on every man that was presented to her and she intended to ask for it later. If she had to choose one in the next few months she might as well have some decent council.

Once all the suitors were presented to both the prince and the princess, there was a clap from behind them and the entertainment started. It was Amenhotep's birthday so most of the entertainment revolved around him and what a man might enjoy. There were some fine dancers though they were only dressed with long shendyts even though they were women. There were some movements that had their chests bouncing quite happily. There were a few points where Necolita gave looks towards her brothers to see if they were being phased by these dancers. Amenhotep kept his eyes forward but the skin on his cheeks started to darken a bit to show he wasn't so unaffected by the women. Necolita shook her head and turned her attention back to the dancers. Truly they were good dancers if one wanted to evaluate them on their form.

After the dancers were done the gifts were starting to be brought forwards to Amenhotep. When it was her turn, Necolita signaled to some ladies in waiting that were standing and watching for her signal. They brought a box up to Amenhotep and kneeled in front of him to present it. Amenhotep looked at his sister curiously. She always chose beautiful gifts though some were more useful than others. As he lifted off the top of the box and then the pulled the paper back underneath he revealed a beautiful khopesh that had a jewel encrusted handle and precious gems that made their way up the blade. He lifted it and held the beautiful weapon with awe. "It's beautiful Necolita," he complimented. "Thank you."

"A khopesh to fit a future pharaoh," she insisted with a smile.

[Panu]

Once in a while, Sethos would also look over at Amenhotep to see some of his suitors, because of course, he would speak with his brother about it afterwards. It wasn’t that he was really jealous of his siblings for having suitors, because he knew how difficult it was for them, but sometimes he wished that he would also have a couple of suitors, but that might not happen right away, he was adopted after all. He turned his eyes back on Necolita and smiled, as soon as he saw a small upturned corner of her lips. As soon as the dancers appeared, Sethos straightened his back and looked at them while they were dancing. Being a man, it wasn’t easy not to be at least a bit affected by it and of course Sethos’ cheeks also darkened a little. Not only his cheeks, but also his face would show shortly.

Sethos had been waiting for his turn to give Amenhotep his present, so when it was his turn, he signaled to one servant who walked up to Amenhotep with a box and opened it. In the box was a shendyt in dark fabric with golden strings, which where wowen in a pattern and some of it matched the khopesh that Necolita had presented in. In the box was also a gorgerine matching to the shendyt. Necolita and Sethos had been working together and tried to create a great and powerful outfit for the future pharaoh.

When the dancing was over, another clap was heard from behind them and the food was now being served. Sethos leaned towards Amenhotep and smiled “have you decided on a girl yet? There have been some good options so far. I have to say that I’ve been a bit jealous of you so far” Sethos laughed a little and began to eat some of the food that was served in front of them. Truth be told, he wasn’t really hungry, but in order to keep the good manners, he would eat a little. Sethos’ eyes turned to Necolita “you did well earlier, just remember to relax and breathe once in a while” a smile appeared on his lips in order to make her relax a little.

[Natora]

Amenhotep thanked Sethos for the gift. Truly it was also beautiful and to have both these gifts on him at one time would certainly make him look fierce. That was what he needed for father to trust him. He needed to be and look fierce. If he could pull that off and lead an army to their victory maybe then their father would trust and love him more. There was always an uncertainty in Amenhotep that their father didn't truly believe in his rule quite yet.

When Sethos mentioned the women as they started eating he laughed. "Sethos, if you want one, just say so. Any f them would be more than honoured to have an offer from either of us to be wed. As long as you don't choose the one I have as a favourite then there is nothing to fear," he said with a smirk.

"Of course," Necolita added to the conversation, "I would be more than willing to offer up one of my suitors to your name as well Sethos." She smiled and her and Amenhotep laughed gently at the thought while they teased their brother. Amenhotep was certain that father was simply concentrating on finding offers for them more as they were his true line. On his birthday Amenhotep intended Sethos to have a fleet of women asking for him.

Necolita looked up at her brother half way through the meal. Quietly she whispered, "Where are those dogs you love so much? They could finish both our plates so that we wouldn't have to." She smiled a little bit wanting just to see Sethos with a true smile instead of pretending to be happy for them. "Besides, one of those dancers had her eyes on you," she insisted with a small smirk.

Dinner was done not long after and the plates were removed. Now was the time for mingling and speaking. Now was the time that their father expected them all to find partners. Necolita turned to Sethos and asked, "Care for a drink, brother?" Amenhotep was already gone and milling about to find the women he had taken to the most so far. Necolita still wanted to avoid the topic as long as possible.

[Panu]

Sethos laughed a little together with his siblings “I really appreciate your offer Necolita, but I’ll have to pass that one, none of them seemed like my type” he laughed again “and no Amenhotep, I’m not going to take any of your suitors, they are here for you and not me, so don’t try to push them to my side, okay?” A smile once again came across his lips and he continued to poke to his food with his fork. When Necolita made the comment about his dogs, he couldn’t help but to laugh a bit “they would finish plates in a split second, unfortunately they are not allowed to be invited to this feast” Sethos looked at her “there were a dancer? I didn’t even notice at all, maybe I should try to find her later” he smirked back.

After the food and the plates were finally removed, Sethos stood up together with the rest of them and before he knew it, Amenhotep was already gone and out talking with the girls who had caught his attention. Sethos’ attention was soon turned to Necolita when she asked him for a drink “that would really be nice with one” he gave a signal to a servant and soon enough they each had a drink “still haven’t found anyone who’s interesting?” he looked at her and took a sip from his drink “In my opinion, and I know I’m not the one to choose one, but they all seem somewhat boring. You don’t need one who just follows order because he’s scared of the consequences”

While they had been talking, a couple of suitors had tried to come over and talk with Necolita, however either she had seemed uninterested or Sethos had made some kind of comment, so they would leave again. The pharaoh had been watching them all from his throne and was now on his way down, soon standing with Necolita and Sethos “I would really appreciate if you didn’t tried to run it for the suitors, Sethos” even though his voice was calm, his eyes was telling another story, a story which would never have a good ending. Sethos sighed a little “I’m sorry father, however the suitors today are just not worth Necolita’s hand, I’m just trying to…” he was quickly interrupted by the pharaoh “I don’t care of what you are trying to do Sethos, don’t get in the way of her marriage, this is the last warning I’ll give you tonight.” The pharaoh turned to Necolita “remember the deadline I set for you Necolita, it would be a good idea, if you did like your brother, went out to talk with your suitors” The pharaoh turned around and walked away once again.

The pharaoh walked over to his eldest son “have you found a suitable woman to be your wife?”

[Natora]

When their father came down to them, Necolita looked nervously from her father to Sethos. She was aware of the restrictions he had placed on her but hadn't had the chance or reason to share either of them with her brothers yet. This was now intimidating. Necolita finished her drink and gave her cup to a passing servant. Maybe the shot of extra wine would make her brave.

As the pharaoh left she looked over the sea of people there. Sethos was right! There was not one man here that piqued her interest. Maybe if she talked to one of them her father might be satisfied. "I suppose my birthday isn't that far off," she said softly in almost a whisper. Her birthday. The day that she would need to be married away by and have a terrible and tied down rest of her life. As much as she liked the other parts of royalty, she didn't like this one at all. "You go find that dancer and I'll start speaking with suitors," Necolita bargained with Sethos. "She was the one with the dark hair and the coal around her eyes," she gave pointless help as all the dancers had had coal around their eyes and dark hair.

Amenhotep looked up at his father as he approached. He smiled and nodded. "There is one great woman in this room that I would consider," he assured his father before pointing to a young woman he had spoken with earlier. "Lady Delphi. She is standing with her father now. Beautiful, calm, elegant. What more could I want of my first wife?" he asked his father. He had spoken to a few other ladies around the Lady Delphi but none had been as alluring as her for some reason. She really was quite stunning and as Amenhotep stood with his father, he caught the young woman's eyes. He smiled to her and nodded.

[Panu]

As their father left, Sethos couldn’t help but to sigh “he really doesn’t have much patient lately… by the way, what deadline was he talking about” looking down at Necolita he was a bit curious of why there suddenly was a deadline and it only made him sigh even more “I guess it’s important to him to get you and Amenhotep married to someone” Sethos placed his hand on her shoulder “everything will be alright, you will find a good guy before your birthday, I’m sure of it” he gave her a calming smile “I’ll try to find the dancer then and by the way, you are really bad to explain how she looked like” he laughed “you are still great though Necolita” Sethos softly kissed her forehead and disappeared into the sea of people in search for the dancer.

It didn’t take long before Sethos had found the dancer, who Necolita had talked about. It actually had been easy to find her because she had been staring at him. Shortly after Sethos was enjoying a conversation with him, he was flirting with her, not sure if it was in hope of getting her into bed, but at least just some entertainment for now. It wasn’t uncommon for the princes to sleep around a little before marriage, Sethos had done it and had been told that he had to be at least a bit experienced for his future wife.

While talking with the dancer, Sethos had been eyeing Necolita the whole time, just so he knew where she was in case she needed help, so he could rush over to her quickly. The dancer had been leaning against the wall for a bit and a smirk appeared on Sethos lips, he would never be allowed to marry a dancer, not in a million years, but a night right now wouldn’t be so bad.

The pharaoh looked in the direction were Amenhotep pointed “she’s a fine woman, beautiful and elegant, she would make a fine wife.” He looked back at Amenhotep “You’ve been doing great tonight my son, is has been a feast worth remembering” The pharaoh rested a hand on his shoulder “I want you to be a great pharaoh in the future, you’ve grown up to be a fine and strong man. Let’s go over and talk with your wife-to-be” he walked over to Lady Delphi “Lady Delphi I assume, my son has spoken great words about you. Your beauty caught his eye and now I want to know more, do you care to tell or do you want my son to tell?”

[Natora]

Amenhotep was more than willing to appease his father. He was less opposed to the idea of marriage than his dear sister and as such wouldn't mind taking the attention away from her as long as he could. He walked with his father through the crowd. It wasn't a hard thing to do. The crowd parted quite easily for the pharaoh and his son. Standing in the pharaoh's way would never prove worthy.

When they arrived to where Lady Delphi was standing and the pharaoh announced them, the people around stopped talking immediately to listen. When the pharaoh asked for more details, Lady Delphi smiled and bowed her head towards the pharaoh and Amenhotep. Amenhotep looked at the good Lady, she was being very coy and demure, almost batting her eyes at the crown prince. "Father I was speaking with her earlier. She has told me more than I shared. She is not only absolutely stunning but has learned to dance very well, she says, as well as the bells," he spoke while not letting his eyes wander from her.

Necolita walked around the night trying to find a man that was at least a little bit attractive but there was none of them that could hold her attention for very long. After a fair time wandering on her own she moved back to where Sethos was standing with the dancer that had attracted his attention. "I am certain that my brother is being a proper gentleman tonight," she said to the dancer that was leaning against the wall. "May I steal his attentions for a small time. I promise to return him in the same condition," she said to her softly.

Once the dancer walked away for a little bit, Necolita turned to Sethos. "You were right. The suitors are worse tonight than they typically are. Do you think I turned too many away to have a decent man?" she asked him curiously.

[Panu]

Sethos turned his eyes to Necolita when she walked over next to him. The dancer bowed her head towards Necolita and walked away for a bit and Sethos just smiled at Necolita as she spoke “dear Necolita, I’m sure the right guy will be there when you least expect it. You are such a beautiful girl and you look even more breathtaking tonight, so it will attract a lot of weird men, but the right guy will be among them somewhere, just be a little patient.” Sethos kept his eyes at her for a few seconds, she really was the most gorgeous girl tonight, he really couldn’t deny that.

A smile once again appeared on his lips as he rested a hand on her shoulder “just take a look at Amenhotep” Sethos softly turned her around in the direction to where the pharaoh, Amenhotep and Lady Delphi was talking “I sure Amenhotep feels more pressured about marriage than you, he’s the crown prince and need a heir soon, sure he’s more relaxed when it comes to marriage than you, but look, he has already found on” Sethos turned Necolita towards him again “so now father will be occupied about that the rest of the evening, so I think you can relax now, no need to talk with that boring suitors of yours anymore tonight”

Sethos signaled to a servant to come over “please bring a drink to my sister, and also, take the dancer over there to my chamber and tell her I’ll be there shortly” when the servant left Sethos eyes fell back to Necolita “finish the drink, not too fast and then I’m sure you can excuse yourself to your chamber, there won’t be happening more tonight, I’ll also excuse myself for now. If there’s something, you are always welcome to come to me” he bowed his head a little and walked over to Amenhotep and the pharaoh “honored pharaoh, dear brother, I’ll excuse myself from the feast for now, I hope you will enjoy the rest of the evening” he bowed his head and walked out of the hall and down the hallway towards his chamber.

The pharaoh had been listening as Amenhotep had told things about Lady Delphi “I will look forward to enjoy your dance in the future” he patted Amenhotep’s shoulder a couple of times in sign of approval “you have found a beautiful and unique flower my son” The pharaoh turned his eyes to Sethos when he came over to them to excuse himself for tonight and the pharaoh just nodded. Looking back at Amenhotep he said “there won’t be much more tonight, but I will arrange a meeting, so the two of you will be able to talk more in privacy”

[Natora]

Even though Sethos was adopted young you would never be able to tell with his grace and ability to demand things so easily and quickly. He near pushed Necolita around just as easily as Amenhotep would have. It was barely fair that Necolita was still the youngest of the three of them. She was only a princess and her brothers were supposed to defend her, not push her around as they wished. But she moved with the grace she was taught as Sethos turned her around and showed her that father and Amenhotep had found himself a wife. Well at least one child found a mate tonight.

When Sethos ordered her another drink and then said he was going to dismiss himself, Necolita smirked and then curtsied to him gently as he bowed to her. There were only three people in her life that she would curtsy to and they were her brothers and father. Even with visiting royalty she found it hard to bow but when required she did. As Sethos wandered away, Necolita took the drink the servant brought back for her. She started to sip on it before another suitor approached her. She smiled kindly and continued a conversation with him for the time being. He was there and she had to be at this party until she finished the drink so she might as well have a conversation with him. He wasn't terrible to look at and his conversation wasn't terrible though it all seemed to rotate around him. By the end of her drink, Necolita was more than ready to leave. She excused herself and moved to leave the grand room on her own. She had no want nor need to walk with anyone tonight.

Amenhotep nodded to his father as he dismissed everyone but assured his son that he would see the Lady Delphi again soon. Amenhotep smiled and gently said, "Thank you, father," as he gave him a bow. Turning back to Lady Delphi, he smiled and leaned to take and kiss her hand. "I look forward to that time together," he assured her. He spent a bit more time with the Lady Delphi. In fact, until the guests started to leave he had stayed there and spoken with her. When her father insisted they leave, he did not stall them but kissed her hand again before turning and retiring himself for the night.

[Panu]

Sethos retreated to his chamber and when he arrived the dancer was already there waiting for him and he just smiled at her “you haven’t had dinner yet, right? I’ll order some dinner for you and while waiting you can take a shower if you want to” he called a servant and ordered some food with some fruits as well. Sethos would always treat his girls food and comfort if they needed it. He knew that some of them didn’t come from a good home, so if could help them feeling comfortable and get enough food for one night, he would do it.

It took some time before the dancer had taken a bath and gotten some food to eat, but Sethos didn’t care, he was patient and just waited for her. Afterwards he approached her, even though he had someone else on his mind, he would still treat her well and spend the night with her. The next morning, Sethos woke up when Amenhotep walked into his chamber, Sethos was barely covered by a blanket and when the dancer woke up, she almost jump out of bed and went on knees to bow for Amenhotep even though she was naked. Sethos looked down at her and got out and covered her with a blanket “you should take a shower to freshen up” he smiled softly and let her walk over to the bathtub.

Sethos quickly got dressed and walked over to Amenhotep “wait a minut” he hurried to call a servant and ordered some breakfast for the dancer before he walked back to Amenhotep “congratulation on finding a wife, she was beautiful” Sethos wrapped an arm around him “that is the way to do it” he couldn’t help but to laugh “so how was the rest of the night?”

[Natora]

Amenhotep spent the night alone but let the dogs sleep in his chamber. They liked to take turns between Sethos and Amenhotep and since Sethos was entertaining someone tonight Amenhotep had no problems being the one to keep them for the night. They were loveable creatures and didn't bother Amenhotep much while they were all asleep. He only hoped that the night had been just as fruitful for Necolita.

The next morning he was up and dressed more simple than the night before though still like a prince of Egypt. There was nothing planned for today so they would be able to do as they pleased rather than plan all day to prepare. So, his first stop was in finding his brother and deciding what they would do for the day. As he walked into Sethos' room without bothering to knock he found that he wasn't as welcome as he should have been. He covered his smirk with a hand and watched as the dancer scuttled off. He looked to Sethos and nodded that he would wait for his brother and laughed gently when he finally mentioned his new wife. "Well obviously it did not go as well as yours," he said with a smirk. "I made a more mature decision and thought that I should make sure my wife-to-be will not be too disappointed with my actions after I voiced my intentions. Do you know how Necolita is? You spoke with her last night more than I did," he said simply, changing the subject to the sibling he could not walk in on.

Necolita spent almost as much time with the maids that night as she had during the day to make sure that her hair was undone and the makeup on her face was properly washed off. Once her hair was out of all the braids she looked almost like her head had tripled in size and the pounding headache that came of it didn't help much either. She slept unsoundly dreaming of men that would never treat her properly or take what she had to say for consideration. Being up so late she chose not to wake as early in the morning as her brothers did.

[Panu]

Sethos laughed together with him “well there is a difference between just one night and your wife-to-be” he smirked “as far as I know, you also have to wait with your wife-to-be, until you are married, or am I wrong? I don’t really think about marriage, so I don’t know the rules” a sighed left his lips when he mentioned Necolita “it was a bad night for her, they were all boring and not interesting at all, believe me, I was watching the whooole time, really horrible suitors” Sethos sighed once again “if this continues, she will never find a good guy and father will probably force her to marry some boring and annoying guy” it annoyed him that Necolita would end up marrying someone she didn’t like, it just wasn’t fair at all.

The dancer returned from the shower and Sethos walked over to her “I have ordered some food for you, get something to eat and gather your strength, afterwards a servant will show you out. Unfortunately I have to go now, but thanks for a good night” Sethos softly planted a kiss on her hand and walked over to a servant “when she is done eating and ready to leave, please show her out of the palace” Sethos went to Amenhotep and walked out into the garden with him “it’s good with some fresh air, so where were we? Oh yeah, besides from being beautiful, tell be about your wife-to-be” Sethos sat down and waited for Amenhotep to tell more.

The pharaoh was sitting in a meeting with other important people, they had a really busy schedule to follow today and most of it was concerning some of the neighbor regions which they were not getting along with that well. Things were getting out of hand and they had to work on a way to fix it and come to some agreements before it would end out in war instead.

[Natora]

As Sethos took care of the dancer, Amenhotep watched on more than amused. There had been a few weeks since he had taken any woman in his bed and watching how Sethos was dealing with it not only reminded him of what he had done in the past but also how terrible it looked from this angle of things. Nonetheless, he held his tongue until they were in the hallway together. "That poor girl just lost her heart over you," he said with a smirk as he walked with his brother towards the gardens, hesitating only a moment by Necolita's door. He kept moving when he heard her soft snoring. "Poor sucker who marries her," he teased before moving out with his brother.

"Oh so you want to hear about Lady Delphi?" he asked with a small smirk. He hadn't learned absolutely everything about her yet but truly all she needed to be was a trusted woman and have a brain on her shoulders. Other than that, nothing else really mattered all that much. In public she would be a silent partner but in private a part of trusted council and a woman to lay with after a long day. "Well... she's talented; knows how to dance and play the bells," he started with a few nods. "She sounds quite lovely and is very respectful. Father is setting up a time soon for us to come to know each other better," he said simply. "And I want to talk to him about you. You need to find a wife too soon. He can't be setting all the pressure on Lita and I and simply ignore you. I don't see how that's fair," he told his brother.

[Panu]

Sethos sighed a bit at Amenhotep’s comment “I’m not someone she should lose her heart over, really not” he sighed again but laughed a little when they walked past Necolita’s room “I hope she finds a good guy” Sethos actually thought that it was cute that she was snoring a little and it wasn’t something he minded. After they came out Sethos listened to Amenhotep “it really sounds like you have found a good woman for marriage” he sat down and looked at a fountain, just staring at how the water was moving around “so you want me to get married as well? I think I don’t mind, so go ahead and talk with father about it. It is not fair for you and Lita to be the only two, it’s a lot of pressure to put on the two of you” Sethos smiled at Amenhotep.

They had been discussion girls and suitors for Sethos and he just leaned back “maybe it would actually be a good idea to get married, having someone to lay with after a long working or training day” Sethos laughed a little “by the why, when are you going to participate in the meetings father are holding, it’s soon time for you to get started on it, just so you can be trained in that kind of things” Sethos stood up and stretched his back “maybe I’ll go out to train, I have too much energy build up and I need to practice, so I can defeat you next time” he just laughed a little “you could go and talk with father about the whole marriage thing” he just smiled before leaving for the training hall.

Sethos was the only one training today, the rest of the army was off for today, so he was just practicing with his khopesh by himself in the sandbox, practicing defense and attacks.

The pharaoh had finished his meeting and was on the way to the dining hall, even though Amenhotep and Sethos had been up early, the pharaoh had been up before sunrise to work on a lot of reports which had been handed in the day before. For now it was time for breakfast, so the servants had served a lot of food and the pharaoh was just enjoying the food by himself, having ordered everyone to leave the room, so he could eat in peace.

[Natora]

Amenhotep discussed women with Sethos until he became bored of he subject and decided that training was a good idea for him. "Perhaps I will join you once I talk to father," he said with a smirk and a gentle shrug before moving over towards the palace again as Sethos left for the training grounds. Amenhotep walked slowly as he went back inside. He had to think of the right words, the proper thing to say to bring up the subject without doing it in a way that would make their father angry. And Sethos was right! Amenhotep should be allowed in the meetings. He would become pharaoh soon enough and he needed to know how to handle things.

When he arrived in the hall where his father was dining alone, he entered as quietly as he could before walking up to his father and bowing to him. "Father. There are some things I wish to discuss with you if I may," he said gently before waiting for his father's approval to speak. Even though they were alone, there was a better and more respectful way of doing things that he knew his father would appreciate.

Necolita woke in the late morning to the servants bringing her breakfast and water. She groaned as she sat up in bed. Her head was still pounding from all the braids that had been in it last night and the resulting poof hadn't died down almost at all from it either. She sat in bed and broke her fast alone, not caring to get up and out and about quite yet. She ate slowly and was careful not to spill anything even in the privacy of her own chamber.

Once she was done she got up and got dressed, still smelling nice from the oils and the bath last night that they had treated her to. She decided after finding that both her brothers were already up and moving today that she would take herself for a walk in the gardens. She needed to think after all that had happened last night and truly consider if there was even a small chance that she could manage to choose one of the suitors from last night.

[Panu]

Sethos had been training for some time now, he didn’t really knew for how long, but for some reason it had felt like a long time. It felt like his body was becoming heavier, even though he hadn’t trained that much; it was like it wouldn’t really response as it should. Just like yesterday, today was a really hot day and there had been no skies to cover for the sun. Sethos started to feel a bit dizzy as well but decided that it was probably nothing and continued his hard training. Not long after Sethos started to become unsteady on his legs and soon enough everything just turned black.

Not knowing how long he had been gone, Sethos opened his eyes slowly, finding out he was in his own bed. At first everything in the room was blurry but it soon became clear again. Sethos sat up and a servant looked over at him “you shouldn’t sit up so fast my prince, your body needs rest” the servant bowed and walked out of the room to get some food for him. Sethos sighed “I wonder what happened? Did I pass out?” still sitting up, he began to figure out why his body had suddenly given up. In the end, his conclusion was training really hard yesterday with Amenhotep, barely eating anything since yesterday and not getting sleep at all. Sethos hoped that the servants hadn’t said anything to his family, he wouldn’t make them worried.

The pharaoh ate and looked up at Amenhotep as he stood in front of him and then gave a sign to him that he was welcome to sit down. Seconds became minutes and the pharaoh looked at Amenhotep, waiting for him to say something “what is it you want to talk with me about Amenhotep?”

[Natora]

Necolita was sitting on the bench in the garden for a long time before she looked up and decided to go back in. There were many different circumstances that could land her in a decent relationship but she had a lot to consider about the men she had met last night. As she was almost in the palace, though, she noticed something that distressed her. It was Sethos being carried in by a pile of guards and servants.

Stunned, she ran in behind them, demanding an explanation and a reason as to what had happened to lead him to this point. The assured her he would be all right but she followed them anyways until they made it to his bed chamber and she stood outside, waiting impatiently. Once the last servant left, informing her that he was awake, she walked in without losing another second. Her brother had been hurt and she wasn't about to let this go easily.

"Anubis, Sethos. Are you all right?" she asked worried as she rushed over to the bed where he was sitting. After his assurance, she slapped him across his shoulder as hard as she could and then pushed him back down on his bed. "Well damn it, you idiot. What were you thinking?!" she demanded angrily. She had been worried sick for over an hour and he was just waking up and wanting to get up so easily.

Amenhotep took his seat next to his father before looking up at him when he asked him what was on his mind. "I was thinking about Sethos, father. You have been so concerned over Necolita and me that you haven't considered what he might need and want right now. I was speaking to him this morning and I think he's ready for a wife but not a single suitor has been put forward for his hand," he said as delicately as he could for his father to consider.

[Natora]

Necolita was sitting on the bench in the garden for a long time before she looked up and decided to go back in. There were many different circumstances that could land her in a decent relationship but she had a lot to consider about the men she had met last night. As she was almost in the palace, though, she noticed something that distressed her. It was Sethos being carried in by a pile of guards and servants.

Stunned, she ran in behind them, demanding an explanation and a reason as to what had happened to lead him to this point. The assured her he would be all right but she followed them anyways until they made it to his bed chamber and she stood outside, waiting impatiently. Once the last servant left, informing her that he was awake, she walked in without losing another second. Her brother had been hurt and she wasn't about to let this go easily.

"Anubis, Sethos. Are you all right?" she asked worried as she rushed over to the bed where he was sitting. After his assurance, she slapped him across his shoulder as hard as she could and then pushed him back down on his bed. "Well damn it, you idiot. What were you thinking?!" she demanded angrily. She had been worried sick for over an hour and he was just waking up and wanting to get up so easily.

Amenhotep took his seat next to his father before looking up at him when he asked him what was on his mind. "I was thinking about Sethos, father. You have been so concerned over Necolita and me that you haven't considered what he might need and want right now. I was speaking to him this morning and I think he's ready for a wife but not a single suitor has been put forward for his hand," he said as delicately as he could for his father to consider.

[Panu]

Sethos was so surprised to see Necolita rushing into his bed chamber and over to his bed “Necolita, calm down, I’m fine, I just passed out because of the heat” he looked at her, when she all of sudden pushed him back down on the bed “there’s no need to be so angry Necolita, I’m fine, really I am” he smiled at her and took her hand “there’s no reason to be angry, please don’t look at me like that, okay?” he smiled once more and sat up “I’ll stay in bed, don’t worry.” Sethos looked at her hair “you looked pretty with your hair braided yesterday, but you still look great today after they’ve taken out the braids, is you head okay? Don’t you have a headache? Turn around, I’ll give you a massage”

Sethos moved a little so she could sit on the bed and began to massage her scalp gently, but still in a way which would remove at least some of the headache. While massaging her he could ask her about the feast after he left “how long did you stayed yesterday?” one of the dogs walked over to them and jumped up in the bed, laying down with its head in Necolita’s lap so she could pet him “he really likes you Lita” Sethos just continued to massage her.

The pharaoh looked at Amenhotep and gave him a few nods “you are right, if he is feeling ready for it as well, I will find suitors for him. Sethos is at the age as well.” The pharaoh finished his food “Now we are at the topic, I have given Necolita a deadline to find a husband before she turns 18, if not I’ll find one for her. But I have changed my mind, I think you should be the one to point out her husband among her suitors. Also you will join in on our meeting tomorrow, I want you to be a part of it” He looked at Amenhotep “was there anything else you wanted to say?”

[Natora]

Necolita stood there standing over him with her arms crossed angrily. He took one of her hands after promising to stay in bed and asking that she stopped looking at him as if he had done something wrong, which he had. When he started complimenting her and pulling her onto the bed with him she rolled her eyes at him. "Really, Sethos? Using cheap tricks like compliments to bend women to your will?" she asked him. It didn't really make her feel cheap but when he used the same techniques pulling women into his bed it made you wonder a little bit.

As he massaged her head, though, she nearly melted into him. This felt so much better than simply sleeping and hoping the pain would go away. If he kept massaging her scalp he would realize that there were still a few braids at the base near her scalp that the maids hadn't managed to get out all the way. As sleek and down as her hair had been last night, it had only managed to about triple in size with the spring that the undone braids gave. "I only stayed until that drink was finished. A Lord Grunion decided to speak to me while I was standing there until I was ready to turn in for the night. He wasn't horrible," she said softly, feeling completely at ease again.

When the dog jumped up and laid his head in her lap, Necolita blindly pet his head. She laughed at Sethos' observation. "He only likes me because I haven't chased him out of my room yet for stealing food from me," she said with a smirk. "Isn't that right, Ru?" she asked the dog as she pet his head. Deciding to explore into his night as well she asked, "How was the dancer?"

Amenhotep was surprised his father was taking so well to the new idea. When he heard about Necolita's deadline, however, he frowned a bit. He knew Necolita didn't want to be married and it was a terrible thought that she was being given a time frame within which to fulfill her fantasies. But when his father informed him of his new task of being the final say on Necolita's husband, though, he looked surprised. "But father, I-" he started but the pharaoh continued as if he didn't hear him. "I will gladly sit with your meeting tomorrow but father do you really think Necolita needs to get married so quickly? I found a woman fine but...it's Lita. She's a little more...spirited," he said simply.

[Panu]

Sethos laughed at her ”it was just a compliment, not trying to bend you to my will Lita, just telling you that even though your hair is almost third the size from yesterday, it still looks good on you” as he continued with the massage, he found the few braids that the maids hadn’t managed to get out, so he started to softly getting them out of her hair while listening to her “so if he wasn’t so bad, is he a possibility that he could maybe be your future husband” he smiled and continued to massage her scalp, moving a bit down to her neck as well.

A laugh once again ran over his lips “Ru just like to steal food, it’s not that he isn’t getting any food at all, so I wonder why” Sethos found a few more braids and got them out and then Necolita asked about his night with the dancer “Well, she’s from a poor family and she was clearly starving, so I gave her some food and a shower, but when it came down to it, I just couldn’t do it, she was beautiful yes, but” he held a short break “I have someone else on my mind, so I just couldn’t get into the mood when the clothes were off, so we talked instead and yeah” Sethos sighed once again “I let her sleep in the bed, I thought that she might need it for just one night and this morning, she got some food and a shower, I left with Amenhotep because he called me out, so I’m not really sure when she left.”

Shortly after there was a knock on the door and a couple of servants came into the room with some food and fruits, which they had picked out so Sethos could get something to eat and get some energy back in his body. Sethos looked over at them as they placed it on his table not far from the bed “thank you” he managed to say before they all left the room once again. Ru jumped down on the floor and went to lie down under the table, waiting for Sethos to feed him some food as well. Sethos laughed a little and finished the massage on her shoulders “all done” he smiled at her “is your head feeling better now?” Sethos got up and out of bed and sat down by the table and threw some meat down to Ru and looked over at Necolita “there’s too much food, why don’t you help me eating it?”

The pharaoh took a sip of his wine and when Amenhotep began to question the decision about Necolita’s marriage, he sat the cup down on the table really hard so some of the wine flew out on the table “I don’t remember raising you to go against my order Amenhotep” the pharaoh had raised his voice and stood up, clearly angry “Necolita’s deadline is her 18th birthday, if she hasn’t found any suiting husband at that time, you will be the one to decide on one. Just because you found a wife, doesn’t mean that she should be excused, she’s the only daughter in this family and I want her to continue the family line as well, is that understood Amenhotep?” he looked down at him “if there wasn’t anything else, I’m going to leave now” the pharaoh walked towards the door, servants coming in to clean up the table after he had left.

[Natora]

When Sethos decided to press on about the suitor Necolita sighed. "He's as close as it gets to being a possibility," she said to him easily. She really didn't want any possibilities but she supposed she should consider something or someone at some point. Having father choose her future husband would be a terrible fate where she would have no say and be married to someone in favour of a peace treaty or some such nonsense. She didn't want to leave her home but she knew she had little choice in the matter really.

When he mentioned what had actually happened with the dancer, she was surprised. She didn't have a chance to comment on it as the servants came in right after. Instead she considered what she might say and waited for him to move to the table before she said anything. "My head feels much better, yes. Thank you," she said to him gently. As he threw some meat down to Ru, she laughed. "Well no wonder he refuses to beg from me. He is just treated by you," she said before moving over to sit across the table from him.

She picked at the food, taking some fruits and cheese before she moved on to the meat but she never passed any on to Ru. "So who was this girl that you were thinking of instead of the dancer last night?" she asked him with a small smile. "A possible wife one day?" she asked again curious to his own start at the marriage world.

Amenhotep looked down as soon as his father got angry, knowing he had spoke wrongly. When he was finished with his rant all Amenhotep said was, "Yes father. I am sorry for doubting your wisdom." He waited until his father was gone before he took a piece of the meat from the table and ate it. He didn't have an appetite for anything else but he knew that if he was about to confess to his sister that he had to choose her a husband soon that would be a conversation he really didn't want to have. He needed time to think and so asked the servants to bring him food to where he was. When he had a fresh plate he picked at it a little bit but really didn't eat too much as he sat there thinking.

[Panu]

When she talked about the suitor, Sethos jut listened and nodded a little “well I guess it’s better if you are able to choose one for yourself instead of father choosing one for you”

Sethos just smiled “Amenhotep spoils them way more than I do, so if you think that I gave them a lot, you should see when they are close to Amenhotep” he laughed and looked at her when she asked about the girl “I’m not going to tell you who it is. It’s not a future wife, I don’t stand a chance with her to be honest” he sighed a little at pick some food, giving Ru one more piece of meat and ate some grapes himself “Amenhotep has talked with father about me getting suitors as well, I thought it might would be a good idea, then I will have someone else to think about and maybe I will forget about the other girl” Sethos smiled “I’m glad to hear that your head feels better now, if you need more massage, just let me know, okay?”

Ru ate the second piece of meat and stood up stretching his body a little and then walked over to Necolita, sat down and looking up at her with begging eyes. Sethos laughed “I guess he also wants food from you” he looked around “I wonder where the other one is, maybe just sleeping somewhere, maybe in Amenhotep’s chamber” Sethos ate some more food “will I be able to leave my room soon Necolita? You are the one deciding that” he smiled and leaned back on his chair “I’m bored here” he smiled again and looked towards the door as Amenhotep came through it.

[Natora]

Necolita was about to talk with (well argue about) Sethos refusing to tell her who the girl was. She could help him! She could pull the girl aside and talk to her and ask her if she even considered Sethos to be a man she could engage with. Who in this country that was out of his reach? He was a prince of Egypt and there was absolutely no one that he couldn't have. Whether or not they would willingly have him was another question entirely but one that Necolita could help with.

But then Ru put his head on Necolita's lap begging for food. "Oh no. That is not okay," she said simply before standing up. "Ru, come," she demanded easily as she walked to the door of the room. Sure it was Sethos' room but if she didn't punish the dogs for begging from her they would just keep doing it. "Out," she said after she opened the door. As she walked back to the table she looked to Sethos. "I don't care if you're bored. You passed out from training too hard and so you will eat and sleep and after you are strong again you can leave his room," she said sharply to him.

After picking at half the food on his plate, Amenhotep decided that he really should talk to his siblings about all of this. It wouldn't be fair to Necolita if she didn't get the full chance to disclose anything she wanted in a suitor with him and maybe even Sethos would have something he would like to say about his future brother-in-law. In any case he left the food on his plate and walked out of the hall with a new found purpose. He went to his sister's room first and knocked. When there was no answer he was curious and a little confused. Where would she have gone? That was when the door opened and Ru was walking out of Sethos' room.

Amenhotep walked over and opened the door to Sethos' room just as Necolita finished her small lecture of Sethos. "Oh good. You are here. I want to talk to you both about something," he said. It was quite clear that whatever was on his mind was bothering him. Seeing that rather plainly, Necolita went and sat back at her spot before taking a few more grapes in her hand. Amenhotep walked over to the table and rather than sitting down leaned on the back of a chaise.

Taking a deep breath, Amenhotep let himself gain strength from Ra to make sure that he would be able to say all of this without letting their upset get to him. "I know you both know by now that Lita has to find a husband by her next birthday," he said without surprising either of them. "I just had a meal with father. He... He told me that if she doesn't find someone then I will be choosing the husband for her," he finished before looking up at them.

Necolita looked at him in horror. "So he's actually being serious about this?" she asked sounding awestruck. "But... But... Well could you tell him that I don't want to be married and we leave it at that?" she asked.

Amenhotep shook his head and shrugged. "I already tried, Lita. You know I would," he assured her.

[Panu]

When Necolita forced Ru out of the room Sethos just sighed “couldn’t you just have given him so food, you know he doesn’t like to be locked out in the hallway” he just leaned back in his chaise and took a couple of strawberries before Necolita began to give him a small lecture about how he should rest the rest of the day “you really are stubborn Lita” he laughed a little and when Amenhotep came into the room, it was so easy to see that something was bothering him.

While they both listened, Sethos just sighed. He hated when they had to be forced into things, just like marriage, but there were still some positive things about the whole thing “isn’t it better that you choose her husband than father? I mean, if father were to choose her husband, it will be based on peace and so on without Necolita having a saying at all, but now, she can tell you what she likes and you will be able to actually find a descent husband for her” Sethos looked over at Necolita “don’t you think it’s better Lita? You know that Amenhotep is on your side. But why don’t you tell us what you want in a husband and then it will be easier for Amenhotep and maybe me, to look around for one?” he smiled softly at her.

As they were talking there was a scratching sound on the door, so Sethos stood up and opened it and in ran Ru, over to Amenhotep and hid behind his legs “I told you he hates to be locked out of the room Necolita” he smiled and sat down once again and threw some meat to Ru, before picking a couple of grapes to eat himself. “so what do you guys suggest that we do? We know the father won’t change his mind, so the best is to find a good way for everyone”

[Natora]

Necolita looked up to Sethos in surprise but Amenhotep had looked over in amusement. She shook her head and asked, "Why do you have to see the bright side in everything, Sethos?" Then he got up to let the dog back in. "And will you please stay seated or resting already!?" she asked getting annoyed at his constant up and down that he was doing. "I'm well aware that Ru and Deidra don't like being locked outside. When they beg from me, though, that's what happens," she said to him simply.

Amenhotep shook his head at Necolita's stubbornness and her cocky self. "Well why don't you just tell us what you're looking for in a man, Lita? We'll start looking through the list of suitors and see if we can think of any," he said with a small smirk. His little sister was always adorable. He pet Ru on the head before walking over and sitting on a chaise next to Sethos to pay attention. He munched again on the food in front of him, finding that his appetite had come back after finally talking to his siblings. He was also not against feeding Ru from the table.

Necolita shook her head at her brothers. Why were they so annoying sometimes. "Do you think that if I knew what I wanted in a husband I might not have tried to find one already?" she asked them simply.

"Well what do you find...might be good to have in a future husband?" Amenhotep rearranged his words so that they might appease their sister more.

Necolita sighed before thinking again about what she might want in a future husband. "I don't know," she said, sounding defeated. "Men like you two. Someone who appreciates me without me having to be silenced and just stand in quiet as they run over you," she started finally. "Someone who is strong and willing to put their neck on the line for you. Look, I really don't know, Amen," she said with a sigh.

[Panu]

Sethos just smiled at Necolita “does it bother you that I see the bright side on this case?” but he soon sighed as she asked him to rest “I am resting Necolita, I’m sitting down in my room, together with the two of you, do you see me do any work out right now?” Sethos just leaned back and relaxed instead. He knew that he should be resting right now, but doing this, was resting for him, he also had a really hard time sitting still. When Amenhotep took over the speaking, Sethos just looked back and forward between him and Necolita.

At the time she finished telling about what she wanted, Sethos nodded a little “well the things you just told us is a start, you now know a bit of what to look after Amenhotep” he said as he looked at his brother “we can always help to find a guy to Necolita, not only among the suitors, what about the army? We train with them often, don’t you think there might be someone among them?” Sethos looked over at Necolita “would you be interested in a soldier maybe?” he smiled at her.

Shortly after there was a knock on the door and a servant came in and bowed her head “crown prince Amenhotep, Lady Delphi has just arrived unannounced and she wishes to see you, she is now waiting together with the pharaoh in the grand room” the servant kept her head down all the time while talking, avoiding eye contact, because they were not allowed to look them in the eyes. When the servant left again, Sethos looked at his brother “so your wife-to-be has come on an unannounced visit, she really is into you Amenhotep” he laughed a little “you shouldn’t let her wait, we can always continue this talk all of us in the evening” he smiled and watched Amenhotep leave and then looked over at Necolita “don’t you have any plans today?”


In the grand room, Lady Delphi was talking with the pharaoh, keeping her head slightly down while talking with him. When Amenhotep arrived, she looked over at him and bowed her head “I apologize for the unannounced visited my prince” still holding her head down, not looking him into the eyes. The pharaoh looked at Amenhotep “I just told her about the arrangements of your marriage, the marriage announcement is being prepared and I will let her father know when the preparations are done. I will let the two of you get to know each other.” The pharaoh turned around and walked out of the room, followed by his priests and servants. Lady Delphi still held her head bowed “I apologize once more for my unannounced visited my prince, but I…” she held a small break “I just had to see you again.”

[Natora]

Necolita considered Sethos' suggestion. It wasn't the most appalling thing she had heard of. Many of the guards had been ordered to protect her before with her ventures out into the city and all so what would be the harm in considering them among the men that could be fit to have her hand? "A soldier might be more humble than a noble and less eager to take the crown from us," she said with a small smirk to them as she looked between them. It was true. The guards had a sense of pride in their country and allegiance to the pharaoh. It would be hard for one of them to simply do something drastic enough to take over.

Amenhotep seemed to have an opinion on the subject but then the servant walked in and gave her announcement. He was irritated at first but that quickly ebbed away to show surprise and a little hint of excitement. He nodded to both of them. "If you will both excuse me I have a beautiful woman waiting downstairs and I would hate to make her speak with father longer than need be," he said to them. He stood and quickly followed the servant out before running past her and going to the grand room.

Necolita looked back to Sethos after Amenhotep left. "Oh to be so lost in a woman," she said teasingly with a smirk on her face. "And as much as you would love to get rid of me, my plans today include making sure that you actually rest rather than dong something like slipping out and going to cause mischief," she said to him before standing and grabbing a board game and the pieces. "We can play Senet while we try to tie you to your room," she said before sitting down with the board between them.

Amenhotep smiled to Lady Delphi as he came into the room, no wig on and just in his bald glory. There was no reason to wear one if there wasn't a formal gathering going on. Today was rather informal as she just told him and as he walked up to her he found himself intrigued and curious to know what her eyes looked like. She had been so good and proper with him thus far that he didn't want to make her uncomfortable but there was something that he needed to see and it was her eyes. "Well I am glad you did," he said gently before putting a finger under her chin and tilting it up so she was looking him in the eye. "Absolutely beautiful," he complimented her softly. When he let go, he only hoped that she wouldn't look away. "I have been thinking of you much as well. Tell me more of yourself," he said simply.

[Panu]

Sethos smiled at her ”you are right, they won’t be eager to take the crown and they will be able to protect you” he looked back at Amenhotep waiting for his answer when the servants came in and delivered the message, to which Sethos couldn’t help but to laugh “have a good time brother” Sethos leaned back and looked at Necolita “I think our dear brother has fallen in love. Else he wouldn’t be so eager to see her again” he laughed a little but quickly sighed at Necolita’s answer to his question about what she wanted to do today “you really are stubborn Lita, really” Ru jumped up on the chaise and laid down next to Sethos. Sethos followed Necolita with his eyes as she stood up to take the game, while he blindly pet his head “why do you think I would run out and cause mischief? I’m not going to do that” he laughed a little.

“You mean while you try to tie me down to my room?” Sethos corrected her and smiled “you know, if I really decided to go out of her, you wouldn’t be able to stop me, I can easily lift you up and just walk” he smirked a little and laughed “but let’s play Senet, I won’t go easy on you though, just so you know” Sethos let her set up the game and after the first round, he had already lost but continued to play it with her “I wonder how Amenhotep is doing, I have never seen him so excited to meet a woman” Sethos looked over at Necolita for a couple of seconds while she was making her move in the game “your future husband will be lucky to get you as his wife” he smiled at her and just looked back down at the game, as it was just a common thing to say.

Lady Delphi was looking down and when Amenhotep lifted her chin so she was looking him in the eye, her cheeks became slightly pink. She looked down as soon as he removed his finger, but after a few seconds she looked back up at him “I really don’t deserve such a compliment my prince” she bit her lip slightly and a small smile appeared on her lips as he told her, that he had thought about her as well “actually I came to also learn more about you, it will be too selfish to only speak about myself” she bowed her head a little but soon looked up at him again “what about we do it like this, I will tell something about myself and then you will tell something about yourself? I know it’s not the proper way to do it, but it’s just an idea”

They both sat down “I am the middle daughter among three, so I’m the second to get married away” Lady Delphi softly smiled at him, she couldn’t help but to smile and blush whenever he was looking at her.

[Natora]

"Why do I think you would run out and cause mischief?" Necolita asked with a smirk. "Have you met yourself?" she asked him rhetorically before grabbing the game and returning to the table. "And if I have to I will go get the guards and have them strap you down to your bed if it is a necessity to make you rest," she said to him simply. "I would not test me. As you said yourself, I am stubborn." She finished setting up the game easily and looked over at him to let him make the first move. He may not be willing to take it easy on her but she wasn't very set on taking it easy on him either.

Her diligence payed off as she was playing and then won the first game. The boost to her confidence made her want to concentrate harder to see how much she could beat him by in the next game. When he commented about her future husband being lucky she couldn't help but to comment herself. "If I like him at all. Just think about how demanding I am with you and Amenhotep and I like the two of you," she said with a smirk before making her move and then waiting for Sethos to have his turn. "But what about you? What are you going to be looking for in a future wife for yourself?" she asked curiously.

Amenhotep walked with her when she went to move to a seat and at the comment that she was not worthy of the compliment, he decided to nip that in the butt. "Whatever I say is the truth so if I say you are beautiful, which you are, then you can accept it as true. You are more than worthy of a compliment, Lady Delphi," he assured her gently. As she proposed the idea to share and compare cooperatively, he smiled. "Spoken very well. We will do this your way," he agreed before sitting beside her.

He loved to see the cute blush in her cheeks. It was beautiful and he really enjoyed that it was there because of him. "Well I am the first born son to the pharaoh and so I am the first to be married though my sister and brother will follow shortly after," he said with a small smirk.

[Panu]

A laughter just spread in the chamber “really Necolita? I’m not that bad” he leaned back and looked over at her “do you really want to call the guards and make them tie me down, just to make me rest? I know that you are stubborn, but that’s really going too far dear Necolita” he softly smiled and watched her move and then answered on her comment about her future husband “that’s true, I will correct my statement then, you will be a horrible demanding wife in the future, poor guy who’s going to marry you, maybe I will help him in the future instead of you, because you will be able to kick him around” Sethos just smiled at move his eyes back on the game.

When Necolita asked him about he was looking for in a future wife, he just made his move and smirked “do you really want me to tell you? Well, let go then” Sethos looked at her “I want her to have big breasts, slim waist, not saying no when it comes to sex and just be all obsessed with me” he smirked and laughed teasingly, clearing joking around and laughed because Necolita looked so surprised at him “it’s a joke Necolita, I want a loyal girl, someone I can talk with and someone who can make me smile, I’m not demanding anything else than that” Sethos looked down at Ru and pet his head “maybe also someone who can accept the dogs, I don’t want someone who hates animals, one with a good heart. Amenhotep talked with father earlier about me getting suitors as well, so maybe I will look for someone soon as well.”

Lady Delphi smiled at him and then looked down again “soon the marriage will stand and I will become your wife” she bit her lip once again “I want to be of good use to you, if there is anything I can do or anything I must change, I will do it for you my prince, my body belongs only to you” Lady Delphi looked up at him again “I promise that I will give birth to your heir, I will do my very best” it was clearly to hear that it was something she had been taught for a long time, to just get married to him, please him and give him an heir. Lady Delphi was once again looking down, keeping her head low and not looking him in the eye.

[Panu]

A laughter just spread in the chamber “really Necolita? I’m not that bad” he leaned back and looked over at her “do you really want to call the guards and make them tie me down, just to make me rest? I know that you are stubborn, but that’s really going too far dear Necolita” he softly smiled and watched her move and then answered on her comment about her future husband “that’s true, I will correct my statement then, you will be a horrible demanding wife in the future, poor guy who’s going to marry you, maybe I will help him in the future instead of you, because you will be able to kick him around” Sethos just smiled at move his eyes back on the game.

When Necolita asked him about he was looking for in a future wife, he just made his move and smirked “do you really want me to tell you? Well, let go then” Sethos looked at her “I want her to have big breasts, slim waist, not saying no when it comes to sex and just be all obsessed with me” he smirked and laughed teasingly, clearing joking around and laughed because Necolita looked so surprised at him “it’s a joke Necolita, I want a loyal girl, someone I can talk with and someone who can make me smile, I’m not demanding anything else than that” Sethos looked down at Ru and pet his head “maybe also someone who can accept the dogs, I don’t want someone who hates animals, one with a good heart. Amenhotep talked with father earlier about me getting suitors as well, so maybe I will look for someone soon as well.”

Lady Delphi smiled at him and then looked down again “soon the marriage will stand and I will become your wife” she bit her lip once again “I want to be of good use to you, if there is anything I can do or anything I must change, I will do it for you my prince, my body belongs only to you” Lady Delphi looked up at him again “I promise that I will give birth to your heir, I will do my very best” it was clearly to hear that it was something she had been taught for a long time, to just get married to him, please him and give him an heir. Lady Delphi was once again looking down, keeping her head low and not looking him in the eye.

[Natora]

Necolita looked up as Sethos seemed willing to start speaking with her about what he wanted in a woman. Perhaps, since he was looking with Amenhotep for her husband, she could look around for his wife! It would be a good trade off. When he described her, however, her jaw dropped a little bit and she had a fairly surprised look on her face. What was he thinking? She had never heard him speak so callously towards women and be so superficial! When he said he was kidding she shook her head. "And you wonder why I thought you might cause mischief," she said to him before looking back at the board to make her next move.

When he finally actually described what he would like in a girl for himself she was a little more relieved. "If a woman was not loyal and faithful to a prince she would most likely lose her head. I find that a very good reason to be faithful to a prince," she said to him. "How many wives do you think you'll take?" she asked him curiously. It wasn't uncommon for men to have multiple wives and enjoy all their company together. Her father still had two wives though neither of them had given him an heir at all.

Amenhotep listened to her words and looked at her concerned. When she wouldn't look back up at him he knew that he had to truly consider his next words lest he scare her off for a very long time. That wouldn't be the best thing to do to his future wife. After a decent pause he decided to speak again. "Lady Delphi, I apologize if that is the impression I have given you, that all I wish is for a woman that will give me an heir. That is extremely false and it is my great fault if that is what I have made you believe," he started gently. "And if anyone else has told you that is what I wish to hear then I beg you to stop listening to them," he said to her sincerely. He tried to show her his sincerity by tilting her head to the side just enough that he could land a soft kiss on her cheek. "As it is I want to know about you. I want to know what makes you happy and what you wish to have for yourself. Please tell me those things," he said to her gently.

[Natora]

Necolita looked up as Sethos seemed willing to start speaking with her about what he wanted in a woman. Perhaps, since he was looking with Amenhotep for her husband, she could look around for his wife! It would be a good trade off. When he described her, however, her jaw dropped a little bit and she had a fairly surprised look on her face. What was he thinking? She had never heard him speak so callously towards women and be so superficial! When he said he was kidding she shook her head. "And you wonder why I thought you might cause mischief," she said to him before looking back at the board to make her next move.

When he finally actually described what he would like in a girl for himself she was a little more relieved. "If a woman was not loyal and faithful to a prince she would most likely lose her head. I find that a very good reason to be faithful to a prince," she said to him. "How many wives do you think you'll take?" she asked him curiously. It wasn't uncommon for men to have multiple wives and enjoy all their company together. Her father still had two wives though neither of them had given him an heir at all.

Amenhotep listened to her words and looked at her concerned. When she wouldn't look back up at him he knew that he had to truly consider his next words lest he scare her off for a very long time. That wouldn't be the best thing to do to his future wife. After a decent pause he decided to speak again. "Lady Delphi, I apologize if that is the impression I have given you, that all I wish is for a woman that will give me an heir. That is extremely false and it is my great fault if that is what I have made you believe," he started gently. "And if anyone else has told you that is what I wish to hear then I beg you to stop listening to them," he said to her sincerely. He tried to show her his sincerity by tilting her head to the side just enough that he could land a soft kiss on her cheek. "As it is I want to know about you. I want to know what makes you happy and what you wish to have for yourself. Please tell me those things," he said to her gently.

[Panu]

Sethos looked at Necolita “I won’t cause mischief, I can’t guarantee you that” he smiled softly and looked at her once again “I don’t want a woman who is loyal to me out of fear, I want her to be loyal to me because she wants to. No one should be forced to be loyal to someone else against their will.” He looked down at the board and was keeping an eye on her moves and made his right after “if it is possible, I only want one wife, if she is going to be faithful to me, I will also be faithful to her and only marry one” Sethos looked at Necolita once again without her seeing it, this time he wasn’t only looking at her to see her move, this time he was looking at the small details on her face, small beauty marks on her face and neck and the way her hair curled.

He quickly shook his head a little and sighed “why don’t we change the subject Necolita, none of us have a wife or husband, so it’s meaningless to talk about what we want. We might not be lucky enough to get our dream partner, right now Amenhotep seems to be lucky to have found a really sweet girl, but we don’t know if we are so lucky.” Sethos sighed a little, clearly the subject about his own dream woman was a bit depressing to him “why don’t we finish this up and then I will take a nap, I feel a bit tired now.” They ended the game and Sethos stood up, which resulted to Ru also getting up and looked at them “you are welcome to stay in here Necolita, I just need to sleep” he smiled softly and went over and laid down on his bed.

When Amenhotep began to spoke, Lady Delphi was listening, still not able to face him. At the time she felt his lips on her cheek, her blushed once again and when she looked up at him, her eyes were filled with tears “you will become a great pharaoh one day” she smiled a bit “I will stop listening to what people tell me and listen to you instead. What I wish for the most right now, is just to be with you and only you. What makes me happy is to be able to be by your side” Delphi looked up at him and into his eyes “I want to be able to make you smile, just as you make me smile, be able to wake up next to you every morning… I know we haven't known each other for so long, but I think I've fallen in love with you"

[Natora]

Necolita finished the game of Senet with Sethos and noticed his change in attitude quite easily. She watched him get up and go to his bed on his own and gave a quiet sigh. "Are you okay, Sethos?" she asked gently before moving over to the chaise that he had been sitting on moments ago. She leaned down on it so that she was laying in the shorter space. The bed was as large as hers was but she didn't need all that space and if he was willing to share his room with her then so be it. She would nap on the chaise and try to relieve herself of the remnants of the headache that she had left.

Amenhotep smiled as the Lady Delphi finally looked up at him again. With the compliment he nodded and said a gentle, "Thank you." As she continued he was seeming to get more and more excited with her. The thought that she might already be falling for him was surprising but well worth the words. "You are an intriguing woman, Lady Delphi. I am looking forward to spending a very large amount of time together," he said with a smile. "I am going to ask my father for a feast to celebrate our engagement. It will be a way to shorten the time before the wedding. Would in four days be favourable to you?" he asked gently. "Of course you will also have to meet my sister and brother and spend time with them. They will be around for quite a while."

[Panu]

Sethos looked over at her and smiled “I’m fine Necolita, no need to worry. I’m just tired, that’s all” he lay down and closed his eyes, soon enough Ru jump up into the bed and lay down next to him. Shortly after Sethos had fallen asleep but woke up soon enough and looked around in the chamber, seeing Necolita sleeping on the chaise. Sethos slowly crawled out of his bed and took a blanket and softly wrapped it around Necolita, making sure not to wake her up. He then walked over to his walk-in closet and changed his shendyt and quietly walked out of the chamber. Sethos knew that Necolita would be pissed if he woke up and he was gone, but he just wanted to go down to the kitchen and get some grapes. Knowing Necolita loved grapes, there should be some when she woke up.

When he came down to the kitchen, all the servants looked surprised and bowed their heads “please don’t stop, just continue with your duties” Sethos smiled softly and went over to one servant and asked for help with the grapes. In the meantime, Ru jumped off the bed and walked over to the table and stood up on his back legs to get some of the last meat on a plate. When he couldn’t reach from the floor, he jumped up on the chaise where Necolita was sleeping and quickly grabbed a piece of meat, jumped down and ran over to the corner of the chamber where the dogs big dog basket, so he could eat the meat there. Shortly after Sethos was through the door and into his chamber with a plate of grapes.

As Amenhotep was talking, a smile appeared on Delphi’s lips “I too am looking forward to spend a large amount of time with you my prince” she nodded and listened to him “four days from now will be plenty of time, I also look forward to meet your siblings, you have spoken so good about them, so I can’t wait to meet them in person” she smiled once again and stood up “it is already late, I have to take my leave, but I will see you again in four days” Delphi bowed her head and smiled at him.

[Natora]

Necolita shook her head at Sethos. Her brothers always wanted to make something into nothing but there were only so many times that this would work before the heat and the fainting or overtraining would catch up with them. For now Sethos was asleep and she could rest for a little while knowing that. Necolita fell asleep rather easily as she knew she wanted her head ache to go away. While she slept, she was relaxed and for the moments that she was able to sleep nothing mattered, not the deadline, the men, nothing. It was beautiful.

Then the dog jumped on her. She woke up with a start and the first thing she noticed was the dog on the table. She swatted his bum to get down as she sat up, the blanket softly falling off her. That was the second thing she noticed. Her hand felt the soft fibres of the blanket as she sighted. Then she looked up to the bed. Sethos was gone. She looked around the room expecting to find him somewhere but he was no where to be seen. She sat up and crossed both her legs and her arms. Waiting impatiently for him to return. When he walked back through the door, her back was to him and she chose not to move or change.

Amenhotep stood with Lady Delphi as she said that she had to leave. He started panicking inside. There was something about her and the fact that others had been telling her how to act that made him nervous to let her go. He took a breath and shook his head when she said she would come in four days. "Come tomorrow. You should be dressed in the best money can buy. I will have a seamstress fit you for a new dress for the engagement," he told her with a smile. It was a much better idea, he though, and his reasoning was decently sound even if it was a little desperate.

[Natora]

Necolita shook her head at Sethos. Her brothers always wanted to make something into nothing but there were only so many times that this would work before the heat and the fainting or overtraining would catch up with them. For now Sethos was asleep and she could rest for a little while knowing that. Necolita fell asleep rather easily as she knew she wanted her head ache to go away. While she slept, she was relaxed and for the moments that she was able to sleep nothing mattered, not the deadline, the men, nothing. It was beautiful.

Then the dog jumped on her. She woke up with a start and the first thing she noticed was the dog on the table. She swatted his bum to get down as she sat up, the blanket softly falling off her. That was the second thing she noticed. Her hand felt the soft fibres of the blanket as she sighted. Then she looked up to the bed. Sethos was gone. She looked around the room expecting to find him somewhere but he was no where to be seen. She sat up and crossed both her legs and her arms. Waiting impatiently for him to return. When he walked back through the door, her back was to him and she chose not to move or change.

Amenhotep stood with Lady Delphi as she said that she had to leave. He started panicking inside. There was something about her and the fact that others had been telling her how to act that made him nervous to let her go. He took a breath and shook his head when she said she would come in four days. "Come tomorrow. You should be dressed in the best money can buy. I will have a seamstress fit you for a new dress for the engagement," he told her with a smile. It was a much better idea, he though, and his reasoning was decently sound even if it was a little desperate.

[Panu]

Sethos walked into his chamber and looked over at Necolita “oh you are awake again, how did you sleep?” he smiled even though she couldn’t see it because she was sitting with her back towards him. “I have brought some grapes for you” he continued “you ate the others and I know you like grapes, so I thought it would be good when you woke up again, they all went crazy when I showed up in the kitchen, but I just sent them back to work and asked only one to help me” Sethos placed the plate on the table next to her and walked over to his bed and wrapped his blanket around himself “why are you sitting like that Necolita? Is something wrong?”

Ru jumped out of his basket and walked over to Sethos’ bed and jumped up and laid with his head in Sethos’ lap “good dog” Sethos smiled and began to pet Ru.

Delphi looked surprised up at Amenhotep when he shook his head at first, not sure why, but then he told her to come the next day to try on a kalasiri for their engagement feast “I… I don’t know what to say, I’m really overwhelmed when you say that” still looking surprised up at him “I would love to come back again tomorrow, you will be there, right?” a smile appeared on her lips and she was slightly blushing again “I will look forward to see you again tomorrow my prince” curtsied to him and was followed out by a servant.

[Natora]

Necolita listened as Sethos walked towards her again. She listened to him carefully as he spoke, watched him as he put the bowl of grapes down on the table between them and then sit back in his bed. Ru was certainly choosing his favorite, not that Necolita blamed him. Finally after silence between then long enough Necolita spoke her concerns.

"I may like grapes but I think I like my bother more," she began rather calmly before losing her temper. "What were you thinking, Sethos? What if your body hasn't been ready for you to get up yet and you fainted on your way again?! You're a freaking prince of Egypt for Ra's sake! Why can't you just ask a servant to go get them?" she demanded with a hot temper before calming down just a little bit more. "Thank you," she finally said, not wanting to be completely disagreeable before grabbing a few grapes to eat.

Amenhotep smiled and watched Lady Delphi go for the day. Once she was gone he panicked a second longer realizing he didn't know who to ask about a seamstress. Then he realized he was royalty. He turned to a servant and said, "Be sure the woman who makes Necolita's dresses is here when Lady Delphi arrives tomorrow." With that he went to find his siblings for the time being

[Panu]

In the evening, Sethos had just been joking around with his siblings in his chamber, after Amenhotep joined them again. The next morning, Necolita had finally said yes to Sethos so he could leave his room, so Sethos had joined his siblings for breakfast. They were all sitting around the table, just eating in silence while the servants were standing around the table, waiting for orders or just to be there to help. Sethos looked at his siblings “have you both slept well?” he smiled at them and looked over at Necolita “thank you for letting me out of my chamber, I really appreciate that” he laughed a little and continued to eat “hey Amenhotep, what about doing a rematch today, I still won’t accept that you were able to beat me the other day, just because I slipped” he sighed a little and just waved a hand to the servants to pick up some more to drink for him, and shortly after he had some more to drink.

Sethos leaned back and just looked up at the ceiling, it was amazing how they were able to build such a huge and beautiful palace, he wondered shortly how many years it must have taken to build it all, also worrying about how many slaves had sacrificed their life unwillingly to build this great palace. Sethos had once before been with their father out on the building site, where the slaves had been working on a new pyramid for the pharaoh, Sethos was really feeling sorry for them. He was brought back to reality when Ru and Deidra came running into the dining hall and both ran over to Amenhotep, sat down beside his chair and just looked up at him for food, which just lead Sethos to laugh a little “they know where to be at the right time and the right place” even though he knew Necolita hated that both he and Amenhotep fed them by the table, Sethos threw some food on the floor and they were both quick to run after it before returning back to Amenhotep “I’m sorry Necolita, I know you dislike it, but can’t you just look the other way and continue not to feed them by the table yourself?” Sethos smiled at her.

Shortly after they were interrupted by a servants coming into the dining hall and walked over to Amenhotep “your highness, Lady Delphi has arrived, do you want me to show her into this hall?” after getting a quick answer, the servants walked out and returned shortly after with Lady Delphi following after. When she walked over to them and noticed Necolita and Sethos as well, she clearly got a bit nervous. Delphi bowed her head and looked at Amenhotep as he went to meet her “I’ve returned as you asked me to yesterday my prince” a smile finally appeared one her lips as she looked up at him “I’m guessing that these are your sister and brother?” Delphi smiled once again and bowed to Necolita and Sethos “it’s my pleasure to meet you both in a quieter environment, I was only able to meet you shortly at the birthday party.”

Sethos smiled at her “the pleasure is all mine, even though you and Amenhotep aren’t married yet, you are already a part of the family, so welcome to the family Lady Delphi” he smiled softly at her. Ru and Deidra were both looking at Lady Delphi and both walked over and smelled her, which made her a bit surprised “is it your dogs my prince?” Delphi looked up at Amenhotep and smiled.

[Natora]

Necolita harassed Sethos for the rest of the night even after Amenhotep came back to the room to spend some time with them. Sethos had tricked her and he wasn't getting away with it, no matter his intentions about the whole thing. He had been told to rest and damn it he should listen to someone other than himself once in a while. In any case, Amenhotep had lightened her mood when he had come in and the rest of the night was a very good night where they were able to laugh and joke together.

The next morning they were all dressed rather casually as there were no formal events until Amenhoteps engagement party in three days. It was normal to do an engagement party but Necolita thought it was rather quick. Not to mention that she had even met the girl yet that Amenhotep was doing nothing but gush over. As they sat eating breakfast together she smiled to Sethos and said, "I slept well knowing that you were in your bed and not moving," before throwing a grape at him after his comment about being allowed to leave the room.

Amenhotep looked between then. "Both of you should be on your best behavior! Lady Delphi will be coming soon and I don't want the likes of you two and your shenanigans scaring her away," he chastised them though mostly Necolita.

Necolita leaned back in her chair and said, "Oooo. I am terrified," in a mocking voice before tossing another grape in her mouth.

The dogs came in to start begging then and Amenhotep satisfied them, tossing a bit of bread to both of them before Sethos chipped his offerings on to the puppies. "She refuses to feed them?" Amenhotep asked before looking at his sister as if she had just grown a third eye. He had never noticed before but he supposed it was true. He had never seen her feeding the dogs from her plate.

That was when Lady Delphi arrived. At the announcement Amenhotep stood, smiling, and watched her come in. She seemed to float like an angel and he quite enjoyed watching her. When she was close enough that he could step around the table easily, he did just that as Ru and Deidra ran up to her to see who she was. "They are," he agreed. "Ru, Deidra, sit," he said authoritatively before the dogs followed his command easily. He seemed rather impressed with himself.

Necolita wanted oh so badly to tease her brother but thought better of it in front of his new wife to be. She stood from her spot and nodded to Lady Delphi. "It is a pleasure, Lady Delphi. You have taken our brother quite well. He speaks of little else," she said with a smirk looking over to Amenhotep who blushed ever so slightly.

Amenhotep sent a look at her before saying, "Well, dear sister, there is a seamstress waiting for the both you and Lady Delphi to fit a dress for you both for the engagement. Father wishes you to find a husband and I wish my bride to be to be dressed in the absolute finest so you may as well entertain each other." He looked over to Sethos and added, "You, my dear brother, will get your wish and we can go try for that rematch your so desperate to lose at," with a smirk on his lips. Then Amenhotep turned to Lady Delphi again and smiled, nodding. "If it pleases you, you could come and watch us when you are finished. If we are already finished then I would love if you would stay for lunch with me," he said to her gently.

[Panu]

Sethos looked at how Amenhotep reacted when Delphi came into the room and he couldn’t help but to laugh a little. His brother really was absorbed by this woman, that he almost couldn’t see anything else in the room “it’s actually pretty cute how happy you look when she’s in the room Amenhotep” Sethos smiled at his brother and looked over at Necolita “it’s that right? he seems really happy now she’s here” he looked back at Amenhotep again “also, I don’t think we are able to scare her away, she seems too calm for that”

Delphi looked over at them and couldn’t help but to smile at them and especially at Necolita’s comment about Amenhotep not speaking about much else “I’m really flattered with your comment princess Necolita, he has told me great things about his siblings, so I’m really pleased to see how well you all are when you around each other. Hopefully I will be able to see much more in the future” she smiled softly at Necolita.

While Amenhotep kept his eyes at Delphi, Sethos took the chance and threw a grape at Necolita, just like she had done to him earlier. Delphi saw it and couldn’t help but to laugh at them, but when Amenhotep was about to turn his head towards them, just to see what they were doing, Delphi grabbed his face between her hands and smiled “I would love to watch a match between you and prince Sethos, also if you’ve finished early, it would be my pleasure to have lunch with you my prince” Delphi smiled softly at him, trying to keep his attention, so he wouldn’t see the things Necolita and Sethos were doing behind his back.

Sethos sent a smile to Necolita saying, that he approved of how well Delphi reacted to their little fight “well brother” he said as he stood up “I will go and get ready for our rematch, I will try my best not to bet you in front of your beautiful wife-to-be” he said teasing, bowing shortly for Delphi and Amenhotep before walking to the other end of the palace to prepare the rematch. By the time Amenhotep arrived, Sethos was already ready and was just swinging around with his khopesh “are you ready for the rematch Amenhotep?”

At the same time in another part of the palace, Delphi was in a room together with Necolita, picking out things they would love for a dress “it really seems like all of you have such a great chemistry, I’m really amazed how well you are all so relaxed and happy when you are together. Amenhotep has told me great things about both you and prince Sethos, I’m happy to finally being able to meet you in person” Delphi smiled at Necolita and looked at the seamstress was measuring her. Delphi was a bit taller than Necolita not much though, she was skinny but still with breasts bigger than Necolita. Delphi walked over to some of the dresses after being measured and tried to find a good dress to wear.

After they were done trying on dresses and being measured, Delphi walked down the hall with Necolita “everything is going so fast, that it’s hard for me to get used to, but I’m doing my best” she looked at Necolita “I just want to let you know, I’m not here to take away your brother, I really want you all to still have the same chemistry after the marriage, it would break my heart if that changed” Delphi looked down at the floor.

As they arrived at the arena where Amenhotep and Sethos were fighting, all the attention from the soldiers went from the fight and over to Necolita and Delphi. Sethos looked up at them shortly and also noticed a small change in Amenhotep fighting style “do you want me to lose on purpose, now when your wife-to-be is here?” Sethos laughed a little and dodged a blow.

[Natora]

Necolita looked around at the fabrics, looking at the colours, feeling the quality of each piece. If she was to show Lady Delphi how to act when choosing a garment then that was what she would do. Physically the woman was more appealing to men than the princess herself but that is a matter purely of opinion. Necolita was too sure of herself to even entertain the idea that the woman she was about to welcome into her family. She explained a little about the fabrics and considered what colours would look best on Lady Delphi.

Trying her own colours on, she chose to have the dress for the engagement died red and would have gold accents and jewelry. There would be no reason to have extra attention on her. All of the dresses that were made for them covered the ladies from shoulders to ankles. There were some, like the dancers, that weren't covered above the navel but these women could afford the fabric and the privacy that it afforded. Necolita gave her ideas for the dress for the engagement and then other ideas about things she might need after the wedding, just for fun.

After they were finished and the small talk as the girls got to know each other, Necolita walked down the hall with Lady Delphi. "I wouldn't worry so much about all our chemistry, Lady Delphi. Times change. Change is something that is natural and not a horrible thing. We just have to know how to adapt. It will change slowly enough that we will find a new way to get along. Amenhotep doesn't want you to see the shenanigans that Sethos and myself can pull but you are very kind to help encourage us," she said with a small smirk before leading her out to watch the match that was going on between Amenhotep and Sethos.

The men had been beating at each other for some time now. The day wasn't as hot as it had been before but the sweat was still glistening off their bodies already as they continued to swing at each other with all they were made of. They may have been brothers, allies, and sworn protectors of each other but there was no mercy between the swings of the khopesh between them. Both wanted to win as much as the other and neither was willing to let up easily.

Amenhotep laughed at Sethos' suggestion as he tried to keep himself angled so that he was facing the young woman that he was to marry as they came to the fence. The one good thing that he spotted in his peripherals was that even though they were completely engrossed in the fight, any soldiers near his sister or wife to be did bow to them as they arrived. He smiled and then took a swing at Sethos before continuing to fight with him. "I wouldn't dream of it, brother. Besides, there is no reason to lose on purpose when I can help you to do it on my own," he insisted with a smirk and continued to swing at him, matching him stroke for stroke.

The hiccup came as he was adjusting his stance again in order to make it a better view for the Lady Delphi. A well placed hit from Sethos and his khopesh swung far from his hands out of reach even if he rolled and jumped towards it. With a defeated sigh, and several pants afterwards, he threw his hands up in admitted defeat, eliciting a great cheer from the soldiers. It wasn't every day they got to see the crown prince get beat. "You win this time, brother. But another rematch is in order," he insisted. "Not today, however, as I am destined to lunch with a beautiful lady," he said with a smile before sauntering over to Lady Delphi. He gave her a short bow and then kissed her hand. "Care to join me for lunch?" he asked her with a smile, even though he had lost.

[Panu]

Lady Delphi was watching the match with some excitement; smiling every time Amenhotep would look towards her “do they practice a lot, just the two of them?” she looked at Necolita and smiled, before looking back down at the match.

When Sethos gathered his strength and swung his khopesh towards Amenhotep, Amenhotep lost grip of his khopesh and it flew through the air in out of reach from his brother. Sethos smiled and helped his brother up “let’s have a rematch another day, but today I will enjoy my rare victory over you.” He went over and sat his khopesh in the holder and walked over to Lady Delphi and Necolita as well.

Delphi was clapping when the match was over and smiled when Amenhotep walked over to her and kissed her hand. She removed some sweat from his face with her own hand and looked up at him “I would love to have lunch with you my prince” Delphi bowed her head and smiled at him once again, clearly impressed by the match “you really impressed me today my prince, you did an amazing job” Delphi smiled and walked towards the dining hall. When they arrived, Delphi walked over to one of the servants and asked her a question, the servant left and shortly after returned with a bowl with water and a cloth. Delphi signaled Amenhotep to sit down and when the servants had left the room, she took the cloth and softly began to wash Amenhotep’s back from sweat and dirt “it truly was an amazing match, I hope to be able to see more in the future” When she was done washing his back, she sat down in front of him and smiled.

After the match, Sethos walked over to Necolita and wrapped an arm around her, even though he was drenched in sweat “why don’t we stay and watch some of the soldiers practice? You talked about finding a husband among them, so maybe this will be a good time to watch and decide if there are some of them you like, of course I will keep you company” he said with a small smirk. Sethos would help her find a decent man; he wouldn’t let her choose just anybody. As long as he was able to help out, he wanted Necolita to find a good and loyal husband.

When Lady Delphi and Amenhotep had left, the soldiers began to practice against each other and Sethos just leaned back and looked at them “are some of them catching your eyes dear Necolita?” he looked over at her “also to change the subject, what do you think of Lady Delphi so far? You’ve had the chance to be alone with her some time, will she make a good wife for Amenhotep?” Sethos was really curious about what Necolita thought about Lady Delphi.

[Natora]

Necolita watched Amenhotep leave with Lady Delphi before Sethos came over and threw his arm over her shoulder. She looked away from him and gasped a new breath of fresh air. "Well don't you smell like a basket of roses?" she said sarcastically before shrugging his arm off from over her shoulders. "But I will stay with you despite your beautiful smell and make sure that I at least look to consider one of the soldiers," she said to him before sighing and leaning on the fence more. Of course many of the soldiers on the field were good looking young men but really did she have to choose someone to marry? She would have been much happier with someone that had less of a body. Maybe someone invisible.

The change of subject was more than welcome. "Well Lady Delphi seems to have a head on her shoulders and is able to think for herself. Then of course there's the fact that she wants to get to know us as well and make sure that she doesn't change our relationship with our brother, apparently," she said to him with a small smirk. "I told her things would change and that that was an okay thing," she admitted to Sethos before looking away from the soldiers and at him. "So what? You're too good to train with these guys?" she teased.

When Lady Delphi instructed him to sit, he did as she bid. There was something attractive about the way that she could handle herself so easily already. Of course, if she took too much power or control from him, he would easily take it back if needed. But for the time being that wasn't the case. He was stunned into surprise when he started being washed by his future wife. Only servants had ever washed him before. It was uncanny how this almost upset him. This wasn't a job that his wife-to-be should be doing. This was a servant's job! By the time he wanted to stop her, though, she was done.

When she sat down in front of him, he took her hands in his. "Your hands do not need to wash me if the do not wish to," he said to her gently. "There are servants for that," he said to her. He simply didn't understand why she would want to do that for him. He didn't enjoy watching himself. Why would she want to? "In any case," he said softly before clapping his hands twice and food was brought out before them with great and beautiful plates. He turned and took a few grapes on a vine before signaling for her to tilt her head back. Once she did, he plucked a grape from the vine and began feeding her. There was something beyond sexy about this motion.

[Panu]

Sethos couldn’t help but to laugh at Necolita’s comment “I’m sorry that I don’t smell like a basket of roses” he leaned back and looked at her “you don’t need to consider one, just pretend that you are looking for one, after all some of the servants might report it to father” he smiled and listened to Necolita tell about Delphi “she does seem like a good person and Amenhotep has really become obsessed by her” Sethos just smiled “I also like that she doesn’t mind our shenanigans, I don’t think she is easy to scare to be honest” he laughed a little “let’s just make sure that Amenhotep doesn’t see it. It could be fun if she would join us in our shenanigans”

Sethos looked twice at Necolita when she asked him if she was too good to train with the guys on the field “are you telling me to go out and train?” he smiled “maybe I will take one match” Sethos jumped over the fence and walked over to grab his khopesh. Some of the soldiers stepped aside for him as he walked onto the field. Sethos signaled three of the soldiers to step forward to fight him, 1 vs. 3. Sethos looked over at them “I don’t want any of you to hold back, is that understood?” he smirked a little as the first soldier ran forward to attack. It didn’t take long before two of the soldiers were already on the ground and the third slowly started to back away. “Don’t run, attack me instead, if we were on a battlefield, you would be dead by now” Sethos said in a bit of a harsh tone, they had to learn not to be scared just because he was the prince.

Sweat was already glistening on his body again as he fought the last soldier, this one was better than the two others. They kept swinging at each other and the soldier suddenly made a powerful hit, which resulted in Sethos losing his grip on his khopesh “you are good” he smiled, making a backflip as the soldier attacked again, but Sethos managed to get his khopesh and made the last blow on the soldier. The soldier’s khopesh flew through the air, landed in the sand and Sethos holding khopesh towards the soldier’s neck “that was a good match” he smiled and helped the two others off the ground “continue your training” he turned around and walked back to Necolita “I think I’m done for today” he laughed a little.

Delphi smiled at Amenhotep as he took her hands “I don’t mind washing you my prince, it won’t hurt my hands to wash you once in a while” she smiled softly at him and watched as the food was brought to the table. Delphi tilt her head back as he told her to and ate the grapes he would feed her, once in a while her lips would touch his fingers depending on how he held the grapes. Delphi couldn’t help but to blush a little as well “you need to eat as well my prince” she picked a strawberry and fed it to him.

Not long after she looked at him “I have prepared a dance for you, would you care to see it?” when he said yes, she looked around “can you ask the servants to leave? I’m a bit shy to dance in front of them as well” she blushed a little and bit her lip. When the servants had left the room and only a harpist was left together with them, Delphi signaled to the harpist to start playing and when the music began to spread across the room, she was moving her body along to the music. Her body was slowly but precisely moving with the music and she hadn’t exaggerated when she had told Amenhotep that she was a good dancer. Delphi danced towards him and softly wrapped a shawl around his neck while dancing, continuing for a couple of minutes more and she bowed to him as the music stopped. Delphi looked at Amenhotep and blushed a little, she wasn’t sure how he would react or if he even would like it.

[Natora]

Necolita laughed and shook her head as Sethos walked onto the training field. As he chose to use three opponents for this fight, she realized that he was way too over-zealous. Not wanting to see him lose, or win either, she decided to leave as soon as he was distracted enough with the fight. She went to the gardens, deciding that they were beautiful this time of day and deserved some attention as well. Walking in, she found a bench and sat in the sun, enjoying the beautiful day as it was.

Amenhotep decided that arguing about her washing him a few times here and there would be futile. There were better things to discuss besides how many times he would let her do such a menial thing for him. Besides, now he was able to feed her. There were a few times as he handed her the grapes that her lips touched his skin and he knew he liked it already. If this was how he was feeling while simply feeding her, can you imagine how incredible it would feel when they were in the bedroom? It was going to be glorious!

Just when he didn't think it could get any better, she picked up a strawberry and fed it to him. The servants had cut the greens away from it already so he was able to take her hand and kiss each finger softly as he did. This was going to be a glorious marriage. He was getting more and more excited for it every moment. Then she offered to do a dance for him. "I would love to see your dance," he said, leaning back, already impressed that she had prepared one for him. When she asked for him to dismiss the servants, he did so quickly. There was nothing for them to see here. Amenhotep watched Delphi through the dance, entranced and unable to look away. What she was doing...how she was moving... it was stirring things inside him that made him wish they didn't have to wait until the marriage.

When she finished, he stood up from his spot and clapped as he walked up to her and then pulled her from her bow. "That, my dear, was absolutely incredible," he said to her truthfully, leaning in and deciding to do something with a little more risk to show his appreciation. He tilted her chin up ever so slightly before leaning in and kissing her passionately, though gently. A thought hit him about her past that he wanted to know. He looked up to the harpist and waved her off. There was no reason to have anyone but him know the answer to his question. "I want to know something about you and I beg you be completely honest with me. Have you bedded a man before?" he asked. His tone was not accusatory or harsh but more soft and curious.

[Panu]

Sethos looked around when he was done with the fight and stood for a couple of minutes and just observed some of the soldiers while they trained. Some of them were really good fighters. Afterwards Sethos ordered some servant to fill his tub with hot water in his chamber and was soon sitting in the warm water, just relaxing and getting washed by a servant. As Sethos was relaxing, he began to think about the engagement party, it would be a big one with no doubts at all, it was after all the crown prince who was going to get married, but at the same time, he knew there would be suitors for him as well. A small sigh left his lips and he quickly stood up and a robe was wrapped around him. Sethos decided that he needed a massage, something to help him relax. Soon after he was lying on a massage table with his eyes closed, trying not to think of anything.

A servant walked around in the garden, taking care of the flowers and what else was needed. It was someone Necolita had been talking with before. When the servants saw Necolita, she stopped everything she was doing and bowed to her “with all due respect your highness, it’s not so health for your beautiful skin to sit directly in the sun” she was still standing with her head bowed to her “I can recommend another place with less sun, which is just as beautiful as this”

A smile spread on Delphi’s lips as he complimented her dance “it was all for you my prince” as he leaned in and kissed her, she couldn’t help but to response with the same passion as him. At the time their lips were about to part, she leaned in and stole another kiss from him. Delphi was blushing and looked at him as he waved off the harpist. It wasn’t that obvious, but she became a bit nervous now when she was alone with him, it was something she had wanted for some time.

When he asked the question she looked surprised at him, but the surprise on her face soon disappeared “I understand why you ask me such a question” she smiled softly “and I will answer truthfully, I have never bedded a man before, I have wanted to save that thing for my husband” Delphi looked up at him and smiled once again “from the day you decided, that I would be your wife, my body and mind became all yours. You will be the only one allowed to touch me in any way you please” she softly ran a hand over his chin as she looked him into the eyes. She clearly wanted him as much as he wanted her, but because of traditions, they weren’t allowed to do anything before after the marriage. Well Amenhotep had already broken that tradition by kissing her, but she really didn’t care at all about that exact tradition, also no one would know because they were alone.

[Natora]

Necolita looked up at the servant as she requested for the princess to go somewhere else. She sighed and looked around the garden. "If you insist. Next time I will bring shade carriers with me," she said to her gently before standing and moving away without direction. She was choosing to go back inside. All the extra sun had made her feel a little tired and she wanted to rest again. What more was there to do on a beautiful day? Going inside and up to her room, she laid down on her bed and tried to think if any of the men that had been training today had caught her eye.

Amenhotep stood in front of her and heard her answer. "I do not believe you know why I asked and I will explain," he insisted. "I wanted to know if you had any experience in pleasing a man or if I would be able to teach you all of those fine tricks," he said to her gently but reassuring. There was something far more attractive about the fact that he had a virgin standing in front of him that he would get to do with as he pleased.

He put his hands firmly against her shoulders and squeezed gently for a moment. "The god Seth is testing my patience," he admitted to her, closing his eyes and making a decision."For the sake of your good name we will wait until we are married to enjoy each others company in that way. But do know, if you dance like that again I will not be able to hold myself back," he said to her with a smile. He wrapped his arms around her in a hug. "Lady Delphi, you are so talented and beautiful. I chose well when I chose you," he told her with a smile.

[Panu]

Sethos almost fell asleep when he was getting a massage, he looked up and waved them off before sighing a little, for some reason it had felt like a really long day and right now he just felt tired. Sethos got up and got dressed again before walking out on his balcony and just looked over the city and The Nile. It was a beautiful view, he had really been blessed by being able to grow up in the palace as a prince, sometimes he still wondered what had happened and how he ended up there, no one had ever told him about how and why. Ru and Deidra both ran over to him, he sat down on the ground with them and just smiled “you two really make my day.”

Delphi blushed when he told her the reason why, but it was something she had prepared herself on “you will be able to teach me all the things you like, I learn quickly, so I will do my best for you” she smiled softly at him. Once again she smiled when he told her, that the god Seth was testing his patience and she softly put a hand on his chin “I will try my best not to make it harder for you my prince, on thing I have to tell you before handed, my dear father asked me to prepare a dance for the engagement party, so once again I will have to ask you to be patience” Delphi smiled softly at him.

As he hugged her, she returned the hug gently “I am glad you chose what you did” she leaned back a little and looked up at him “I have to ask you a favor, when we are in private, will you just call me Delphi? I feel some distance between us when you address me like everyone else” Delphi tiptoed and softly placed a kiss on his chin “I will not make things harder for you today, I have to take my leave and we will see each other in only a few days” she let go of him and softly bowed “it has been my pleasure to be with you today”

[Natora]

When he heard that Delphi's father asked her to prepare another dance for the engagement party, he nearly squirmed where he was standing. She was a very good dancer and he could picture her in one of those outfits that the other dancers had been wearing before. What more could he ask for? A beautiful woman that would be awaiting him in his bed starting very soon. He wondered how quickly he could convince his father to have the wedding. Then she said she had to leave.

"I will wait with baited breath, my Delphi," he said to her with a smile as he let her go. It was one of the hardest things he had to do. He wanted to keep her with him. She was so stunning and attractive there was no way that everyone would simply leave her be. He wanted to make sure that she would be safe and not harmed now that she was engaged to him. With little delay he went out with her and saw the nearest guard. "Ensure that Lady Delphi has a proper escourt from now on," he insisted before she left. He watched her leave the castle grounds with the escourt and was satisfied before he went back to father's strategy room and was with him for the meetings of the day.

The next two days seemed to drag on for Amenhotep. He spent most of it with his father in meetings as he found out that Libya had been trying uselessly to threaten him for a few months now. His father wanted it ended soon enough but they would after the wedding. Amenhotep figured why that was. He wanted an heir to his throne growing before they risked the crown prince in a battle. Still...there was something to be said for a fast wedding then. Perhaps it would be easier than he thought to convince his father of a quick wedding.

No matter what the reasons he would present, he decided he was going to do it after the engagement party. Then he could talk to his father that night. So, the night before announcing to the empire that he was to be married, he found himself drinking with Sethos in his room. He took another long drink before laughing at another joke Sethos told. "But seriously, brother. She's so gorgeous and her dancing! Ugh. I cannot wait for our wedding night. I know I have to but I don't know how I will do it," he complained to his brother with a small laugh.

[Panu]

Sethos had spent the last couple of days just training from early morning to late evening with the other soldiers and helping some of them out with the training. Knowing Amenhotep was at meeting with their father, Sethos just tried to do his best in the training.

In the evening before the big engagement party, Sethos was drinking with his dear brother and they both just laughed most of the time. Sethos listened to Amenhotep complain about holding back until the wedding night, he dismissed the servants and looked at him “then why not just do it tomorrow?” he looked over at his brother “you and Lady Delphi will have some alone time between the dinner and the entertainment, dismiss all the servants around you and I will cover up. Also I can request to pick the two of you up, when it’s time to entertainment” Sethos just smiled at his brother, knowing him well, he never doubted how difficult it was for Amenhotep to hold back in front of Lady Delphi “no one will know other than us”

Sethos leaned back and quickly looked down at the two dogs, sleeping by their feet “I have to agree, you have found a really gorgeous woman who would have thought that you would marry such a beautiful and talented woman, you truly are lucky that you can just pick anyone you like” he said with a smile but also a small sigh “it would be great if we could just pick the one we actually loved” Sethos grabbed his cup and emptied the remaining contents and poured some more wine into his cup. He looked at his brother once again “have you decided how many wives you want to have?” Sethos said with a small smirk, wanting to know what Amenhotep was thinking about it all.

An servant knocked on Necolita’s door and walked into her chamber and bowed to her “your highness, it is time for us to do some of the preparations for the engagement party tomorrow, would you allow us to do it know or would you rather get up earlier tomorrow and do it?”

[Natora]

Amenhotep laughed at his brother's suggestion to have her tomorrow during the party. "I might have to take you up on that offer," he said to him with a smirk. "I'll let you know tomorrow night how it's going and if I want to do it. If I let you know, you distract everyone and I'll take her out back," he said with a laugh. There was no way that he would be able to get her that much alone for that long. For her first time it needed to be at least a little bit special and he wouldn't make her suffer the lack of that at his hand.

"Well why can't you just marry whoever you want?" he asked. "You're a prince of Egypt, Sethos. Any woman would be lucky to have you go after her. You speak as if you've already chosen her so I'm curious to know what the lucky girl's name is," he said with a smile, refilling his own wine glass as he waited for his brother's answer. When Sethos asked how many wives he wanted he laughed. "Oh no, sir. You're not changing the topic to avoid a question. Who has taken your heart, brother?" he asked with a small laugh. He wanted to know who she was. There was no reason to have a woman on the mind that you couldn't have and there was no one in this kingdom out of Sethos' reach.

Necolita looked up to the servant that interrupted her relaxing that she was doing with Deidra. She was starting to let the dogs back into her room at Sethos' encouragement. "Might as well get a start on it now," she said sullenly. She hated all of this. There had been a feast less than a week ago. There was no reason to be presented with more suitors already.

[Panu]

Sethos just laughed “just let me know, I will get as much time for the two of you as you’ll need” he smiled and took another sip of his wine before Amenhotep wanted to know about the girl on his mind “I know that I’m a prince of Egypt, but that doesn’t make everyone available for me, just because I like her doesn’t mean I can just have her” he sigh and emptied his cup once again even though he had just refilled it “I will find a woman tomorrow when the suitors are being introduced, there’s no need to worry about the one I have on my mind, she is out of my reach, at least when it comes to marriage”

Ru lifted his head and looked up at Sethos, clearly sensing that something was off, Sethos smiled at the dog and looked over at Amenhotep as he wouldn’t accept the change of subject and still wanted to know who it was, who had stolen his heart. Sethos sighed “I… it’s really hard for me to say Amenhotep, as I told you, she is out of my reach” he looked away when Amenhotep asked for the name. At first he was whispering the name and when Amenhotep couldn’t hear it, Sethos looked up at him “it’s Necolita”

Sethos got up and sighed “why don’t we stop this drinking for tonight, you have a great day tomorrow and we need to get up early and get ready” it was clear that Sethos was drunk and not 100% steady on his legs “can’t we just forget about what I just told you, as I said, she is out of my reach and I will find a good woman for myself tomorrow” he forced a smile.

The servant bowed and called in the rest of the team who was going to fix Necolita’s hair. A chair was made ready for her and as she sat down, the servant began to brush her hair “it’s going to be an amazing day tomorrow for the crown prince and his wife to be, we are all looking forward to see it” she smiled softly as she began to braid Necolita’s hair after brushing it. While the servant was braiding Necolita’s hair, some of the other laid out the dress and jewelries for tomorrow, so it was ready. “it is also a beautiful dress you have picked out your highness”

Some hours later the servant was done braiding her hair and bowed “we will be back tomorrow morning and wake you up early to finish your preparations” all the servants left the room and Deidra jumped down from the bed and walked over to Necolita.

[Panu]

Sethos just laughed “just let me know, I will get as much time for the two of you as you’ll need” he smiled and took another sip of his wine before Amenhotep wanted to know about the girl on his mind “I know that I’m a prince of Egypt, but that doesn’t make everyone available for me, just because I like her doesn’t mean I can just have her” he sigh and emptied his cup once again even though he had just refilled it “I will find a woman tomorrow when the suitors are being introduced, there’s no need to worry about the one I have on my mind, she is out of my reach, at least when it comes to marriage”

Ru lifted his head and looked up at Sethos, clearly sensing that something was off, Sethos smiled at the dog and looked over at Amenhotep as he wouldn’t accept the change of subject and still wanted to know who it was, who had stolen his heart. Sethos sighed “I… it’s really hard for me to say Amenhotep, as I told you, she is out of my reach” he looked away when Amenhotep asked for the name. At first he was whispering the name and when Amenhotep couldn’t hear it, Sethos looked up at him “it’s Necolita”

Sethos got up and sighed “why don’t we stop this drinking for tonight, you have a great day tomorrow and we need to get up early and get ready” it was clear that Sethos was drunk and not 100% steady on his legs “can’t we just forget about what I just told you, as I said, she is out of my reach and I will find a good woman for myself tomorrow” he forced a smile.

The servant bowed and called in the rest of the team who was going to fix Necolita’s hair. A chair was made ready for her and as she sat down, the servant began to brush her hair “it’s going to be an amazing day tomorrow for the crown prince and his wife to be, we are all looking forward to see it” she smiled softly as she began to braid Necolita’s hair after brushing it. While the servant was braiding Necolita’s hair, some of the other laid out the dress and jewelries for tomorrow, so it was ready. “it is also a beautiful dress you have picked out your highness”

Some hours later the servant was done braiding her hair and bowed “we will be back tomorrow morning and wake you up early to finish your preparations” all the servants left the room and Deidra jumped down from the bed and walked over to Necolita.

[Natora]

Amenhotep could see his mumbling but couldn't hear his answer. "Come on, Sethos. Just tell me," he encouraged with a smirk. "It can't be that bad," he added just before Sethos said it was Necolita. Amenhotep's face fell quickly and he stood up, also fairly inebriated but not quite so much as Sethos. "You what?!" he demanded almost angrily. Amenhotep put his drink down on the table with the wine and backed Sethos up into a corner. "Sethos, she's your sister," he hissed at him. "I understand that garbage and keeping the bloodline pure but do you really have to have any feelings for her?" he demanded, trying to keep his voice low knowing that Necolita wasn't too far off.

"You better find a girl for you tomorrow," he growled out almost before stepping back off him and turning, leaving the room while slamming the door and going in to his own room to go to sleep. the new found information, though bugged him. How could Sethos like Necolita?! They were related. Why did he have to like Necolita. Out of all the girls in Egypt, couldn't he have chosen another one?

Necolita almost fell asleep in the chair while they did her braids but the braids were still hurting her scalp again. She didn't answer the servants as they expressed their excitement at the event tomorrow was going to bring. What more could they ask for, really? She heard them chirping in the back ground but didn't really care to join in the happy banter as they spent hours braiding her very thick hair. It was braided slightly differently this time, in rows that zigzagged across her head instead of the small and tiny braids like last time. These ones didn't hurt any less. In fact they hurt more.

Once they left, Necolita remembered the massage Sethos had given her before and wondered if he could give her another one. She wandered out of her room and knocked on Sethos' door twice before walking in without waiting for an answer. "Sethos, can you-" she started before she saw the near empty bottle of wine on the table. "Celebrating tonight?" she asked with a smirk. "What about tomorrow?"

[Panu]

Sethos wasn’t surprised by Amenhotep’s reaction, everyone should react like that. He backed backwards as Amenhotep cornered him and yelled at him “do you think I have decided this? Don’t you think I would choose someone else than her if I could? I’m not able to control my feelings more less than you are, also you know that I have never acted on them” Sethos sighed, he really understood Amenhotep’s reaction and he couldn’t argue against him, everything he was saying, Sethos had already said to himself many times. “I will find a girl tomorrow, you don’t have to worry, I won’t act on my feelings, not now not ever, I will find a woman to marry and forget everything about Necolita” he bit his lip as Amenhotep walked out of the room slamming the door behind him.

After a couple of minutes, he just let his back slide down the wall as he sat down on the floor, Ru running over to him and Sethos just softly pet his head “don’t worry buddy, it’s not serious” shortly after Necolita knocked on his door and a small smile appeared on his lip as she walked into his room “why are you always here to save the day Necolita?” he laughed a little as she commented on the wine “I haven’t been along, Amenhotep was here not long ago, but he went to bed to get ready for tomorrow” there was no need in telling her that they had been fighting, because he had fallen for her. Sethos stood up and wasn’t as steady as he wanted to, but he walked over to his bed and sat down “I see they have made does horrible braids in your hair again, are you here for a massage?”

Sethos patted on the bed as a sign for her to sit and when she sat in front of him, he softly began to give her a massage “after this, go straight to bed okay? You have to be ready for tomorrow.” When Sethos was done with the massage, he just leaned backwards and lay down on the bed, falling asleep within only a couple of seconds. The alcohol had really gotten to him and he was just so exhausted.

[Natora]

"Of course I'm here for a massage," Necolita answered with a small smirk. "I'm not one of your little dancers that gets to lie down with you and just sleep," she teased lightly before she saw him walk to the bed. He wasn't completely steady on his feet and she looked at him concerned. "Are you sure you're up for this?" she asked him. When he patted the bed in front of him, though, she walked over and sat down in front of him, closing her eyes and letting herself just get lost in the massage. It was something that she needed to relax. Sethos was good at that. He was always able to make her relax.

When he stipulated that she had to go and get to sleep once he was done, she absentmindedly groaned a "Mhmmm," though she didn't sound all too convinced that she would. When he stopped she made a disappointed sound and looked back up at him. He was already asleep by the time the sound hit his ears. She laughed to herself but then realized how tired she was herself. She leaned back and laid down on the bed to sleep too. They had sleepovers in each other's rooms before. This was no different in her mind.

Necolita groaned as she woke up as servants poured in to the room to help Sethos get ready. When she sat up on the bed she pushed at Sethos' side. "Come on you big oaf," she teased. "They need lots of time to make you look pretty," she said to him with a small smile. There was a small call in the hall ringing that the servants had found where the princess was hiding. "I guess I should get going too," she said with a small groan. "Another massage before I go?" she asked hopefully.

- - - Updated - - -

"Of course I'm here for a massage," Necolita answered with a small smirk. "I'm not one of your little dancers that gets to lie down with you and just sleep," she teased lightly before she saw him walk to the bed. He wasn't completely steady on his feet and she looked at him concerned. "Are you sure you're up for this?" she asked him. When he patted the bed in front of him, though, she walked over and sat down in front of him, closing her eyes and letting herself just get lost in the massage. It was something that she needed to relax. Sethos was good at that. He was always able to make her relax.

When he stipulated that she had to go and get to sleep once he was done, she absentmindedly groaned a "Mhmmm," though she didn't sound all too convinced that she would. When he stopped she made a disappointed sound and looked back up at him. He was already asleep by the time the sound hit his ears. She laughed to herself but then realized how tired she was herself. She leaned back and laid down on the bed to sleep too. They had sleepovers in each other's rooms before. This was no different in her mind.

Necolita groaned as she woke up as servants poured in to the room to help Sethos get ready. When she sat up on the bed she pushed at Sethos' side. "Come on you big oaf," she teased. "They need lots of time to make you look pretty," she said to him with a small smile. There was a small call in the hall ringing that the servants had found where the princess was hiding. "I guess I should get going too," she said with a small groan. "Another massage before I go?" she asked hopefully.

[Panu]

The next morning Sethos woke up when Necolita pushed him a little and he just groaned dissatisfied “Do I really need to get up already” he sat up and looked around, clearly confused about what was going on and why Necolita was in his room. Luckily he wasn’t affected by the alcohol anymore, but he had a small headache, also not really remembering what he had talked with Amenhotep about the night before. They had both gotten pretty drunk, so he hoped it hadn’t been that important. However one thing he did remember was that he would help Amenhotep distract people if he wanted some time alone with Lady Delphi.

Sethos looked at Necolita “did we have a sleepover last night? I really don’t remember a thing” he laughed a little about her comment about them needing lots of time to make him pretty “well we can’t all be born natural pretty, can we?” clearly referring to Necolita. “I will give you a massage, don’t worry about that” he smiled softly and sat behind her and began to give her a massage “I have to say that the braids look really pretty on, too bad they cause such a headache” he said softly as he continued to massage her. When he was done, he sent her off to her own chamber, they both had a lot of things they needed to do before the engagement party.

After the long preparation time, Sethos was standing in front of his chamber in the hall, waiting for his siblings to get ready. This time the servants had done a better job dressing him, the reason was of course that there would be suitors for him today as well as for Necolita. Sethos just closed his eyes as he was leaning against the cold wall, just waiting to hear the door open from his siblings chambers.

[Natora]

Necolita went back to her room to get ready for the party after Sethos was finished massaging her head again. The damn braids were horrible at all times but he helped to make it a little more bearable. She wandered back to her room where they started to fuss over her and the rest of what she needed to do to get ready.

Amenhotep on the other hand was up on his own and making incredible demands of the servants with all his might. This was his big day to shine and he wouldn't let himself be ill prepared for it in any way. He needed this day to be perfect, especially for the lovely Delphi that he was about to engage hands with.

Necolita walked out last again into the hall where her brothers were waiting. Amenhotep seemed almost on edge today but he hadn't come out early enough for Sethos to even get a small explanation. He wasn't about to give one. Sethos was the reason for all his discomfort and anger. "Let's go," he near snapped at his siblings before walking out and down towards the great room. Necolita looked up at Sethos curiously. "What crawled up his butt?" she asked.

They walked together, Sethos and Necolita walked in just a small bit behind him. There was something to be said for the man that the event was about. Mostly that as soon as he saw Lady Delphi he calmed down and was much more at ease once he was in the near arms of his queen to be.

[Panu]

Sethos looked at Amenhotep as he nearly snapped at then and walked after him together with Necolita. He looked down and him and shook his head a little “no idea, maybe he’s just nervous about today, that would make sense” Sethos smiled at her to try and make the atmosphere better “how’s your head?” he said as he softly touched her head “I will give you a massage later again if you need it, just let me know” he smiled softly and looked towards his brother.

Lady Delphi met them in the hallway, dressed in a beautiful blue dress, with even more beautiful jewels about her arms and neck. Her hair wasn’t braided as Necolita’s, but was curled so she had wavy hair. On top of everything she was wearing a transparent shawl. Delphi bowed to Necolita and Sethos to show respect before she went over to Amenhotep and softly smiled at him “you seem really tense, is everything okay?” she softly took his hand and looked up at him.

Shortly after Necolita and Sethos walked into the great room first, leaving Delphi and Amenhotep alone for a moment, the couple was to walk in as the last ones. Sethos sat down on his chair next to Necolita and looked at her “something really seems odd about Amenhotep today, do you think it’s only because he’s nervous?” He didn’t get the answer before Delphi and Amenhotep walked in and everyone was clapping at them as they went over and sat down on their chairs a little behind Necolita and Sethos. The pharaoh stood and looked over the great hall at all the guests “it is my pleasure to announce my son, crown prince Amenhotep and Lady Delphi’s engagement”

After the announcement, suitors for both Necolita and Sethos was brought forward and Sethos began looking at the girls who came forward to him, once in a while he would look over at the suitors for Necolita and sometimes tapping her on the shoulder, to show how he agreed to some of them.

[Natora]

Necolita walked with Sethos and when he offered the massage later she suggested, "And you could even undo the braids." There was absolutely no joy in her braids as far as she was concerned. She understood that her father thought it made her look incredibly regal and so she never tried to argue with it. Perhaps she would start now considering she was being forced to find a husband on his clock. There were better things to bargain for than being single.

When Amenhotep met Delphi in the hall, he took her hand and kissed it. "Nothing that is pressing," he said to her gently in a rather dismissive way. "Let's not let anything ruin our big night, shall we?" he asked, putting on a quite convincing care-free smile as if nothing was wrong and the only thing that was on his mind was Delphi. As of now that was what he needed people to believe. that was what they would see.

As they walked into the hall together and the pharaoh made his announcement, everyone clapped for the happy couple, including Sethos and Necolita. At least if he's here I know he's not chasing Neco's skirt, Amenhotep thought to himself before sitting down with Delphi and asking, "Is the dance you've prepared for everyone to see? If it isn't I have a separate room prepared for us." He knew that Sethos would come through for him. There was no way that he would fall through no matter his feelings for Necolita.

Necolita sat and nodded to each of the suitors that came forwards to present themselves. It seemed like each set was getting worse. She almost wished that she could have chosen a man from the first set again instead of paying some attention to Sethos' suitors. Before long there was dinner served to everyone in the great feast.

[Panu]

Sethos looked at his suitors, some of them were quite beautiful and they really caught his eye. He knew that he would be forced to find one soon, just like Necolita, it would be the best thing for all of them, regarding his feelings for her. Sethos looked at Necolita and smiled “I’ll take your braids out as well, don’t worry. They look beautiful on you though, just sad that they give you such a headache.” He softly took her hand shortly and squeezed it gently to show his sympathy for it.

Delphi looked at Amenhotep and smiled “it’s only for your eyes to see, even though you told me not to. My father was very convincing that I did something to entertain you tonight” she smiled softly and looked at some of the suitors “your siblings seem to have some really presentable suitors today” Delphi looked up at Amenhotep and softly took his hand “I’m sorry to repeat myself, but are you sure that you are okay my prince?” just as she said that, the dinner was served and she looked a bit overwhelmed by all the different and delicious food they could choose among “wow this seems so overwhelming” a small laughter left her lips and she began to eat some of it.

Sethos looked at the food and began to eat some, trying to eye some of the suitors in the crowd, whom he had just seen. He looked over at Necolita “it seems somehow weird that Amenhotep isn’t sitting next to us” he smiled at her “how’s your food? Do you have any appetite today?” Sethos said as he ate a couple of strawberries and sat his plate with grapes over next to Necolita “at least eat some grapes, you can have mine as well.” Sethos looked back at the big table with food, lots of fruits, some salads and some meat “where’s Ru and Deidra when we need them?”

After Sethos was done eating, he stood up and walked up to Delphi and Amenhotep, he bowed his head and leaned down to Amenhotep and told him about the room and which one it was “are you enjoying your Lady Delphi” he looked over at her and she softly smiled and nodded. Sethos looked back at Amenhotep “I think I might have found a girl I like among the suitors, but let’s talk about it later” he bowed again and walked down to some of the suitors. They had about an hour free time now before there would be entertainment, so Sethos could spend the time to talk with some of the girls. However soon enough he returned to Necolita's side.

Delphi looked at Amenhotep as Sethos walked away and walked down to some of the suitors, she softly took his hand “let me show you my dance now, maybe it can make you relax a little” she smiled and stood up together with him. The pharaoh gave an agreeing nodded to Amenhotep about them getting a green light for leaving the great hall for some time. Delphi just followed Amenhotep out of the great hall and into a room farther down the hallway.

As they walked into the room, it was already ready for them, there were plates with fruits on the table, lights around the room and a harpist ready to play when Delphi was going to perform her dance. Delphi looked around the room and smiled at Amenhotep and just waited for him to sit down. She gave a sign to the harpist, who started to play and as soon as they music began, Delphi slowly began to move to the music.

[Natora]

Amenhotep heard her words and smiled gently. Even though she didn't know it, his beautiful new wife-to-be was making him feel better about everything. Now if only he didn't have to look at Sethos from behind for the entire night and he might be a little better than he was currently. In any case, when he began to eat dinner it made him even more calm than he was at the moment. when Delphi commented on the food he laughed gently. "Only eat what you like. You do not have to try to everything," he told her gently.

When Sethos gave him the go ahead once they were done eating, Amenhotep stood with Delphi to take her to the room that had been prepared for them. "I am quite intrigued to see your dance, my dear," he cooed in her ear before they left the main room. He walked with her to the room and opened the door for them. He looked to where the plush pillows were stacked in a seated position for him to be able to sit and watch. The space with the pillows was much to great for him to sit alone but that was so that he might share some time with Delphi later. He got himself comfortable and then looked up at his beautiful fiancé. She was incredible and the way she was now moving was making him want her all the more.

When she was finished with her dance, he couldn't keep his eyes off her. "Leave us," he said to the harpist without looking away from Delphi. Once she was gone, he finally stood. He hadn't wanted the woman to see the strange angle his shendyt was sticking out at. He walked up to Delphi and put a gentle hand on her cheek and turned her face so that he could kiss her passionately. "I did warn you last time what your dancing does to me," he told her with a small smirk. "How important is your virginity to you?" he asked simply, curious to know if she would let him take it from her tonight. "If you wish to wait I will respect that."

Necolita looked to Sethos as he offered his grapes to her. She laughed gently but took them off his plate and ate them from him. There was never any argument from her when it came to grapes being offered. "Well if you insist," she answered with a small smirk. She sat and watched the men that were her suitors as they ate. There were a few of them that were stupid enough to be flirting with other women while they were eating. That one action struck them from the desirable list.

When their hour of free time came, she did as Sethos did, walking and talking with the suitors that weren't completely undesirable. None of them struck her as interesting. Sure they were all from rich families with names for themselves but some of them already had wives or wanted a huge amount of wives. Necolita could see herself being the first of three or four but never more than that. And never the second. She would come second to none.

[Panu]

Delphi had started to move when the harpist started to play, she was a bit focused on the dance, but managed to look over at Amenhotep and giving him a smile once in a while. Her long wavy hair had been flowing along with her movements. She had been using her shawl while dancing and when the music stopped, she took it off and laid it down on a footstool close to her. Delphi looked over at Amenhotep and smiled once again, blushing a little because of his intense stare at her.

When the harpist had left and Amenhotep stood up, Delphi clearly noticed the strange angel his shendyt was sticking out and she could feel her cheeks becoming a bit warmer. She was a bit embarrassed but also a bit happy at the same time to know that she had that effect on him. When Amenhotep gently turned her face and kissed her passionately, Delphi returned it and looked up at him “I know you warned me, but that doesn’t mean I have to listen when it comes to this” she returned a small smirked and looked up at him as he asked her the question.

Delphi looked a little down at him and then back up “you don’t look like someone who is able to wait” she smiled a little and leaned in and softly kissed him lips “it’s not so important, that I don’t want to give it to you now” she took a small step back, softly pushing the straps from her dress off her shoulders, so it slowly fell from her body and she then stood naked in front of him. Delphi walked to Amenhotep and softly wrapped her arms around him, so her breasts was softly pressed against his chest and the rest of her silky skin was touching him “if you want it now, it’s yours” she smiled up at him and slowly loosened shendyt, hoping that he wouldn't reject her right now, because then she would be too embarrassed to look him in the eye again. She was blushing a little, still a tiny bit embarrassed about herself right now and what was going to happen, but she would do her best for Amenhotep. Delphi wanted him just as much as he wanted her.

Sethos had walked around his suitors and started a conversation with some of them, just to get a feeling about how they were as a person. Sure some of them were beautiful, which had caught his eye, but he needed more than just a beautiful shell. Once in a while he had looked over at Necolita to see if she had found something interesting, but it seemed like everything was as they used to. Sethos smiled to a woman he had talked to and bowed “I would love to meet you again, if you so wish” she had smiled and bowed her head. “if you will excuse me, I need to get back to my seat” Sethos turned around and returned to his chair at almost the same time Necolita returned back “anything interesting?” he looked at her with a smile, judging from her face expression, she hadn’t been impressed “I guess not” he laughed a little and looked around “well I guess it’s not the best suitors we have seen today.”

By the time their free hour was almost over, Sethos stood “I will inform Lady Delphi and Amenhotep, that they have to return” he quickly stopped the servant who was walking to the room and smiled at her “I will take care of it” he said and walked to the room. As he reached the room, he just knocked on the door three times “time to finish up” he just said before walking back to the great hall, now he had warned them, so no servants were to walk in on them. Sethos returned to his chair and just sat down, smiling a little to himself. He just looked at Necolita when she guessed what had been going on and he just nodded “I guess it’s hard to keep hidden from you” Sethos just smiled and placed a hand on her shoulder “but nobody should know.” He looked at her and removed a small piece of hair from her face.

[Natora]

((WARNING: Sexual Content is in this post))

When she said that he looked like someone not able to wait he started to argue, "I could if-" but was cut off by the wonderful and breathtaking kiss. He decided then and there that there was nothing that could possibly make him not love this woman. She was willing to give everything to him and that was it's own set of things that attracted him to her. When she dropped her dress to the ground, he took every moment he had to soak up every last inch of her. When she pressed herself back against him, he knew he had to make her comfortable as he knew this was the first time anyone had seen this beautiful woman naked like this.

His hands went to her side, his thumbs gently stroking the soft skin there but only on the sides. As she undid his shendyt, he leaned in and kissed her with passion and longing. "You, Delphi, are an incredible woman," he said simply. As soon as his shedyt hit the floor, he bent down slightly and picked her up, pulling her legs around his waist. "Have faith in me tonight," he said to her with a small smile. He turned them around and kneeled down before letting her fall to the pillows. He had taken a few women for the first time before and knew that she needed to feel relaxed and loved for this to be enjoyable for her. He hadn't made others feel loved but he knew he would do that for Delphi. He also knew they didn't have much time so he went right to work.

He began by kissing every inch of her body from her neck all the way down to her feet though he avoided her most precious of areas for now. When he finished kissing down to her ankles, he brought his lips back up to hers and kissed her passionately. "You can tell me to stop at any time," he promised her to make sure she was comfortable. Then he started more intimate ministrations. He gently rubbed and kneeded her breast with one hand while his other stayed close to her hip. His lips moved down to between her legs and started kissing around and in her precious place. The thought that no one else had been there before excited him. He used his tongue with his lips to make her slick while he pleasured her before bringing his hand from her hips to help get her body ready for him. His pride was an average size but to have that be the first thing introduced to her would be uncomfortable for her to say the least.

After a few minutes of this he added another finger to widen her a little more. His lips moved up to the breast that had been neglected so far before. He kissed and gently nibbled on her soft skin without leaving a mark. His goal was not to mark her but give her a distraction in case she was too hurt lower down. After a few more minutes of priming her, he moved so he would kiss her lips again as his hand slid out of her. He put himself gently on top of her, his prided rubbing against her now very slick space. He waited, stopped kissing her for a moment even, waiting to see if she would protest. When none was found, he poised himself into her and then slowly pushed himself into her, making sure that he didn't go too fast. Her beautiful fresh tightness was so enticing and he wanted nothing more than to just take advantage but he knew that wouldn't be enjoyable for her. He couldn't let her not enjoy this. Once she was used to him, he pulled himself slowly out and then continued a slowly increasing rhythm as his lips kept hers distracted so that any moans or screams might be drowned out in his own sounds of pleasure.

As excited and ready as he was, he made himself hold back until the moment that he knew she had enjoyed this little escapade of theirs. Once he had also ensured he would appear normal as well, he stayed there for a moment before slowly pulling himself out of her and then rolling to the side, pulling her over so that she could lay on top of him where she could be more comfortable. "You, dear Delphi, are the best decision I have ever made," he assured her and kissed the top of her head. "You are stunning, talented, and just...amazing," he decided on happily. It wasn't long after when Sethos made his announcement. Amenhotep groaned and let his head fall back unhappily. "Do you want to go see the entertainment?" he teasingly asked. He knew that wasn't a choice. This was all put out for them.

He waited until Delphi moved first before getting up himself and wrapping his shendyt back around him. He took Delphi's hand and gently said, "Walk as normally as you can. I will be here to support you." His assurance sealed with a smile, he moved with her back to the main room and sat in their places so that the entertainment could begin.

The suitors had all been unimpressive and there was a moment that Necolita wished she could have chosen one from previous years. Most of them were already married off, though. When Sethos left it was the first time that she had noticed Amenhotep and Lady Delphi missing. He left too soon for her to ask what they had been up to but when he came back and she said, "They didn't," Sethos confirmed what they had done. She looked almost irritated. A woman like Delphi deserved proper courting. Why didn't Amenhotep see that that was achieved? He was her brother! He should have more morals than that.

When he moved a stray piece of hair that hadn't been caught in a braid off her face, she shook her head and looked as the performers were setting up their stage. "Why would he risk having an heir outside of wedlock?" she whispered harshly to Sethos. "It's not kind to either of them but especially Lady Delphi. Men should have more sense," she argued before sitting slightly more slouched in her chair, a sign of her annoyance. She heard the return of her brother and soon to be sister in law before looking over to Sethos and shaking her head, rolling her eyes and looking back to where the entertainment was about to take place.

[Panu]

As Amenhotep leaned in and kissed her with passion and longing, she just returned the kiss while his shendyt fell to the floor. When Amenhotep picked her up, she also wrapped her arms around his neck to keep her balance and a smile just appeared on her lips as she looked at him “I will always have faith in you my prince.” Delphi couldn’t help but to laugh a little as he let her fall down on the soft pillows, but she soon closed her eyes and enjoyed him kissing almost every inch of her body. Her nervousness slowly began to disappear the more he was kissing her body, knowing that he knew what he was doing.

Delphi was surprised how sensitive her breast suddenly were, but as soon as Amenhotep reached precious place and used his tongue and lips, a rush of pleasure just ran through her body, one she never really thought the body was capable of and a soft moan left her lips. She wasn’t given time to be nervous, because her body just began to response to his touches on its own. Her breathing also slowly began to become faster, but as he added the second finger, she stop for a moment as her body was getting used to it. Amenhotep had already known this and was trying to distract her, which also helped for most of the time, as she got used to it.

She couldn’t help but to wrap her arms around his neck, as he kissed her lips once again and placed his pride gently on top of her, softly started rubbing against her very slick place. Delphi let her instincts take over and her body was now moving on its own, her hip moving synchronized with his, her breathing was once again becoming faster. Delphi opened her eyes and looked up at him as he broke their kiss and she smiled softly at him and gave him a nod. Delphi was still having her arms around his neck and when he slowly push himself into her, her grab tightened a little and breathing slowed down a little, letting her body getting used to him.

It got used to him fast and Delphi’s lips were once again covered by Amenhotep’s lips. After getting used to it and the rhythm increased, her breathing increased as well and moans left her lips, but they were drowned in his sounds of pleasure. Her body was moving with his and at the time they slowed down and stopped, Delphi just took a couple of seconds to return to reality. She couldn’t help but to smile when he rolled over and pulled her with him, so she was now lying on top of him “that was amazing” she said and looked down at him as she complimented her, which actually made her blush a little “the amazing one here is you” Delphi smiled softly and looked towards the door as Sethos made his announcement. She couldn’t help but to laugh at Amenhotep’s reaction “if we could choose, I would rather stay here, but we should return” she softly leaned closer and kissed him before getting up and pulled on her dress once again.

On their way back to the main room, Delphi was leaning on Amenhotep a little as she was able to feel their past activities, but tried to walk as normally as she could, which were convincing enough. She sat down on her seat as they returned and looked towards the stage where the performers were setting up all the things they needed. Delphi slowly moved her hand over to Amenhotep and locked her little finger with his in a discreet way, just to be in a physical contact with him, also if it was only this little.

Sethos couldn’t help but to laugh a little at Necolita’s reaction, he knew it would only make her more irritated, but he still thought it was funny. He looked at her as she whispered to him and just whispered back “if they were both up to it, what’s the big deal? They will be married soon anyway, so no one will know” he looked at her and sighed when she came with the comment about men should have more sense “maybe she was the one leading him on, we don’t know, so don’t throw all the blame on the men” Sethos turned his looked towards the stage, but once again laughed at Necolita as she rolled her eyes.

As Delphi and Amenhotep returned, Sethos quickly looked back at them but turned around and looked towards the stage “do you know what the entertainment will be?” he whispered to Necolita.

Most of the lights were turned off as the show was about to start, two men dressed in shendyts and two women dressed just like the dancers to Amenhotep’s birthday stepped up on the stage. They began to light small balls, which attached to a string, on fire and the men began juggling with them as the women danced around between them. The fire was turned off when they were done with the fire show, but now one of the men picked one of the women up, she stood up on his shoulders. The other woman was lifted up by the other man and thrown up in the air, where both women locked hands and the woman who was thrown through the air, now crawled up on the other woman’s shoulder and stood up.

The people around the main room were almost holding their breaths, as the man was now balancing with both women. As the top woman jumped, the second did as well and they were both caught by the men. When they all four bowed to the crowed, people began to clap and Sethos also clapped a little and looked at Necolita “is that something for you? Being thrown through the air?” he laughed a little and clearly trying to make her smile again.

[Natora]

Delphi linking their fingers together showed Amenhotep something he had already assumed. After such a romantic interaction, she still wanted contact to know that she was wanted. In all honesty, so did he. He pulled his finger away from her only to replace the touch a breath later with his whole hand holding hers, not caring for discreteness. He was the crown prince. It would be entertaining to see anyone challenge his actions. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed the back of it gently before continuing to hold her hand while they watched the stage.

Necolita did roll her eyes and shake her head at Sethos. Men. They thought the world owed them everything. At least she had managed to ground her brothers a fair amount. When he asked about the entertainment she answered, "It will be people doing things that we hopefully haven't seen before." It was a simple and easy answer but it was true enough. With having entertainment for every life event there was little that they hadn't seen yet. As she watched the acrobatics that were going on, she was amazed. They had actually found something that they hadn't seen before! When the women landed on the ground and the group took their bow, both Necolita and Amenhotep clapped, impressed.

Necolita leaned over to Sethos and said, "See? I was right. It was people that did something that we hadn't seen before." That and his comment finally made her smile again, feeling more at ease knowing that Amenhotep and Delphi were behind her and there was nothing more that they could do while they were in front of such a crowd.

Amenhotep leaned over to Delphi after taking her hand again after clapping. "Impressive," he muttered gently. "But not nearly as engaging as you are," he whispered to her. He hadn't entirely decided how he felt about performers not being entirely covered now that his beautiful wife to be was next to him. They should have more respect for her.

Down on the stage there was a little moving about as a different pair of men took the stage, replacing the acrobats. Necolita looked back down from her brief conversation and was curious to know what they were going to do next. That was when the man started speaking. "Pharoah, princes, princesses," he began, bowing deeply, "ladies, and gentlemen of all kinds." His voice easily boomed off the walls to grab the attention of everyone around. "Tonight we are gathered here to honour our precious crowned prince and his beautiful wife-to-be. So for tonight we would like to perform some magic for you!" he greeted before beginning their show.

The first few tricks were quite simple and made the crowd laugh, going from simple things such as making his assistant become soaking wet from water falling, seemingly, from the air all the way to making small creatures appear. At one point they even managed to make Ru and Deidra appear from smoke! The dogs quickly ran up to Sethos and Amenhotep. Amenhotep looked down at Deidra and made her sit at his feet before petting her gently with his free hand. The tricks were quite well done and he couldn't tell exactly what was going on. That made it all the more fun.

"Now, dear people, I go to our beautiful princess," the magician said before walking to the base of the stairs where the nobility sat. He bowed low again before asking, "Would I be able to entice you to be my assistant for the next trick dear Princess?" He stayed bowed as the crowd waited for Necolita's answer.

Necolita looked at him and nodded, standing from her place and then starting to walk down the stairs.

Behind her Amenhotep piped up. "Do you think this wise, sister?" he asked her sounding a little reserved.

Necolita looked back at him with a smirk. "Please. What is the worst that could happen?" she asked before winking at Sethos and walking down.

"Do not worry, highnesses. I will take very good care of her," the magician assured the royal family. Necolita walked up to the stage beside him. "Now, Princess Necolita, we have never met before have we?" he asked her. Necolita shook her head in answer. "And we didn't plan this before hand?" he added. Again, she shook her head in answer. "Very well. So what I will do for you is we are going to have some fun. What we are going to do is make you disappear before reappearing before the people's very eyes, just like I did before," he assured her.

Necolita nodded with a smile. "Very well, sir. Just make sure I do reappear," she teased gently which earned a few laughs around. Even though she was teasing, Amenhotep was already tensing up, worried about all the possibilities of this going wrong.

"Yes, of course," the magician said with a smirk. "So I will get you, your grace, to stand right here," he said gesturing to a spot.

Necolita obliged, moving to the spot he had shown her and looking up at her family. Amenhotep seemed a little on edge which made her laugh gently and shake her head. What could possibly happen?

Then the magician started his trick. He muttered a few words before throwing smoke bombs on the ground which surrounded Necolita. Underneath her, the floor of the stage opened up and she fell into a hole that was surrounded by the smoke so no one would be able to see. Once it closed above her again, Necolita looked around. "So where do I reappear from?" she asked as she saw two people standing nearby. A third came up behind her and put a cloth over her mouth, wrapping his arm tightly around her. It only took a second for Necolita to figure out what was going on and she started to fight against them. The men were easily twice her size and there was no way she was getting away from them. Soon enough she was asleep and at their mercy.

When she actually disappeared, Amenhotep stood from his seat looking concerned and near furious. The magician began to speak again. "Do not worry! Do not worry," he said to calm the crowd. "She has merely been sent to another room of the palace and by the end of the performance, if she hasn't wandered back, I will make her reappear before your very eyes," he said enthusiastically. That calmed Amenhotep enough that he sat back down on his throne though he was still very much on edge. That was his little sister that was gone.

The magician continued with the show, doing more petty and amusing tricks, winning the love of the crowd back as they laughed with him. Unnoticed, as they had been continuing to do this the whole show, a wagon of props left from under the stage, not long after another box returning to the stage from the caravan that was parked outside. The last trick the magician performed was to bring the acrobats back to the stage. Once they appeared, seemingly from thin air, they did a few more stunts before everyone collectively took a bow at the end of their performance.

[Panu]

Delphi too had been amazed by the acrobatics and had clapped when they finished. When Amenhotep took her hand again, she smiled at him and couldn’t help but to laugh a little as his comment, well she just wanted to kiss him, but that for sure wouldn’t be allowed before marriage, however it was still easy to tell, as her eyes looked at him, then down at his lips, but soon returned up to his eyes “they really were impressive, I will never be able to do that” she said with a smile. Delphi wasn’t happy about seeing the female artists without their breasts covered, she had tried to not show it, but she had tightened her grip on Amenhotep a little when they appeared. Delphi knew that it was somehow normal, but even though she had just been with Amenhotep, there was something about it that made her insecure.

When Necolita finally smiled, Sethos relaxed a little, just wanting to make her smile and not to worry too much about Delphi and Amenhotep. As soon as the man began to speak, Sethos looked down towards the stage and began to follow the tricks he was making, trying to figure some of them out. When Ru and Deidra appeared out of the smoke, he moved a little in his chair and had Ru sit next to him, looking down at Ru just to check that he was okay.

By the time Necolita was called out on stage, Sethos moved a bit forward in his chair, just like Amenhotep he had a bad feeling about it, but stayed quiet because Amenhotep had already spoken his concern. But none the less, Sethos looked back at Amenhotep, just catching his eye shortly to agree that he wasn’t feeling good about this. When Necolita asked what could go wrong and winked at Sethos, he leaned back and muttered under his breath “a lot” without her hearing it.

Delphi was holding Amenhotep’s hand and looked at him, clearly feeling him getting tenser and tenser by the minute. She softly took his hand with her other hand as well, now holding his hand in both her hands, just trying to make him a bit more calm.

As Necolita disappeared, Amenhotep wasn’t the only one to stand up, Sethos did as well, looking at the stage with worried eyes. He slowly sat down again as the magician explained himself and for the rest of the show, Sethos just waited for Necolita walk in again, laughing and sitting down next to him. However when the performances were over and Necolita still hadn’t appeared, he grew worried. The magician suddenly turned around to walk down the stage, which made Sethos angry. He stood up, walked over to the closet guard, grabbed his khopesh, walked towards the magician in a fast pace and pulled him by the collar and held the khopesh by his neck “I swear to Amun, if you don’t make Necolita appear NOW, I will slice your neck right here right now, so if your life is dear to you, you better get her back.”

Now the pharaoh was also standing up, the rage was clearly showing on his face “Sethos! Let go of the magician now and drop the khopesh” there was a lot of anger in his voice and Sethos bit his lip hard “not before he bring Necolita back” he said and looked at Amenhotep as he was now standing by his side and had taken his hand. Delphi stood up as soon as Sethos walked down there, she looked after Amenhotep as he also rushed down there.

[Natora]

Amenhotep realized at the same point as Sethos that Necolita wasn't back for the end of the show. When Sethos took off quickly, Amenhotep dropped Delphi's hand and went after him. "Don't do anything rash, Sethos," he warned before his brother grabbed a khopesh and went after the magician with it. As Amenhotep came up beside his brother, his rage just as palpable and present, he grabbed Sethos' wrist that held the khopesh at the magician's throat.

"'Twas, just a trick, your highness," the magician bumbled as he held his hands up in surrender to the prince. "I don't know where she went in the palace so I can't bring her back." His argument was terrible and invalid but it was just words to stall the blade at his neck.

Amenhotep couldn't agree more with his father but he had a decent reason. "If you slice him open here, Sethos, we will never find her. He's the only one who knows for sure where she went. You kill him and we have to search the world for her," he reasoned. He knew something his father didn't know. He knew of Sethos' feelings. If someone had tried to take Delphi away like that, he couldn't say that his reaction would be any less severe.

He waited, his hand firmly around Sethos' wrist to stop him if he tried anything. Once Sethos began to lower the khopesh, Amenhotep took the opportunity to lay a punch firmly against the magician's cheek while his brother held him. There was little that could be done now as the cowering magician hadn't even tried to bring her back yet. There was no use for them now. With the pharaoh standing behind them there was nothing that they could demand louder than whatever the pharaoh would say. Amenhotep waited with angry panting for the pharaoh to give some sort of orders for them to do.

[Panu]

Sethos looked at his brother, feeling like his blood was boiling, but Amenhotep had a point, he couldn’t kill him right here and now, but he had hoped that he at least had scared the magician enough for him to relive what had happened. He slowly lowered the khopesh, but just as he did that, Amenhotep punched the magician and Sethos quickly grabbed him “if I need to stay calm, you need to as well Amenhotep” he said and looked at him.

The order was soon given, the pharaoh walked down towards them and looked at the guard “lock up the entertainers, all of them. Search the whole palace for Necolita, even search the whole city if necessary. No one is leaving the palace without being interrogated.” When all the entertainers was led away, the pharaoh looked over at some servants “get a chamber ready for Lady Delphi, she will be staying in the palace for now.” The pharaoh looked down at Sethos and Amenhotep “follow me, both of you” he turned around and walked out of the main room and into another room.

Delphi was still standing by her chair, really shocked over what had just happened. When Sethos and Amenhotep walked past her, she just managed to lay her hand on Amenhotep’s shoulder and then looked after them as they walked out. A servant called her and she was brought to her chamber where she had to stay.

The pharaoh was sitting on his throne when Sethos and Amenhotep walked into the room “I’m disappointed about how you handled it!” he stood up and looked down at them “Sethos, I will never see you point a khopesh on someone inside the palace again, NEVER!” Sethos looked up at him “but father, I just tried to threaten him…” “Silence!!” the pharaoh yelled and Sethos closed his eyes shortly knowing he was in trouble “and you Amenhotep” the pharaoh continued “I’m glad to see you trying to stop your brother, when afterwards you hit the magician, that’s not something a future pharaoh would do. I’m disappointed in both of you! You can leave now, wait in your chambers until there is any news, I have nothing more to say” the pharaoh turned around and was standing with his back turned towards them.

Sethos stood up and walked out of the room with Amenhotep “it was a good punch” he quickly commented and looked at Amenhotep “the guards will find her” he said, not as much to Amenhotep, but more to convince himself that it was going to be alright, even though he had his doubts. Sethos looked back at Amenhotep “I’m sorry it ruined your engagement party, did you at least have a good time with your wife to be?” he asked, trying to keep his mind on something else. As they reached the doors for their chambers, Sethos shortly looked at Necolita’s door and then back on his own “well, I guess I should go in, you are welcome anytime, but I guess you need to talk to Lady Delphi first” he walked into his own chamber and just laid down on his bed.

Delphi was sitting in a smaller but still pretty chamber, she walked around a little and looked at some of the things in there. She wasn’t used to all of this, but she just had to get used to it, because she was the future queen. Delphi sat down and looked out of the big window, she hoped they would find Necolita very soon and that she was safe.

[Natora]

Amenhotep didn't fight him as Sethos moved to keep him away from the magician. There was nothing more for him with that piece of dirt. His anger at the man was now manageable so he would be content just sitting and watching him be tortured for the information they desired. If they didn't find Necolita, so help these entertainers. Hearing the orders that he wasn't yet able to give being given made Amenhotep relax even more. He sighed and backed away, with Sethos, so that the guards might grab the bastard who made their sister disappear.

Upon hearing that Lady Delphi would be staying in the palace, he relaxed even more. At least now he wouldn't need to worry about his future wife disappearing as well. The anger inside of him still roiled but it was merely a smoking volcano rather than an erupting Mount Vesuvius. The tone their father used when summoning their presence made Amenhotep a little worried. Neither of them had acted as princes today but rather big brothers. It seemed that wouldn't be a very good thing in their father's eyes. When he walked past Lady Delphi and felt her hand on his shoulder, she didn't acknowledge it at the moment. He wasn't in a place to properly console his fiancé.

Amenhotep didn't argue with the pharaoh though his pride was greatly hurt when his father mentioned that he didn't think he was acting as a leader would have. He kept his eyes turned down, the anger bubbling back up inside of him. His silence stayed as he bowed to his father and then left with Sethos.

Hearing Sethos' comment about his time with Delphi finally made him snap. "Is that really what you want to talk about?" he demanded hotly. "You want to ask how my time with my betrothed was instead of worrying over the fact that Necolita could be anywhere at the moment?" he demanded. "And to believed I actually took you seriously for a moment when you said last night that she was the woman you wanted to marry," he shot at Sethos before turning to walk away and find where Delphi's rooms were.

Necolita would not be found in the palace. As soon as she had been put to sleep she had been carted out of the place and part of the caravan had left with a huge urgency needing to get her out and away from her home country and as close to Persia as they possibly could for the king there that wanted her.

[Panu]

Sethos looked surprised at Amenhotep, surprised how he suddenly snapped and surprised where he knew about Sethos’ feelings for Necolita. However he had mentioned that it was yesterday, so Sethos just couldn’t remember last night “how dare you Amenhotep? Yes I have feelings for Necolita, I’m not going to deny them, but I can’t act on them. If a miracle turned up and she felt the same and I were able to marry her, I would say yes right away, so don’t you begin to question me! I am just as worried about her as you, if I could, I would run out there right now trying to find her. But because we are trained soldiers as well, I know it won’t help, I wouldn’t know where to start and we are trained in trying to keep our heads calm until we have some information, which I’m trying to Amenhotep, you don’t know how much I’m trying to keep myself calm right now.”

Sethos sighed “I was just trying to talk about something else, is that so wrong? We have always been able to talk about girl, why should now be so different? Because you are about to marry her? because she is not from a poor home like the other girls you have slept with? Can you please just give me a fucking reason Amenhotep” Sethos looked at him as he stopped in the hallway “is they why you have been grumpy all day, because I told you about my feelings for Necolita? There’s not a chance that I will ever be able to marry her, I already found a suitor today, I will marry her and forget about Necolita, are you happy? I will even marry out of the palace if it makes you feel better, but no matter what, I will still be out there to find her, as soon as we know where they’ve taken her, trust my word, I will get her home safely even if it cost me my own life.” Sethos just stood there and looked at Amenhotep.

Delphi had lain down on the bed to relax, it had been a long day and many things had happened, so she just somehow needed to clear her head once again. Ru and Deidra were in her room as well for some unknown reason, but she did like them, so she had let them up in the bed and was now just petting them, while trying to clear her head.

[Natora]

Amenhotep stopped in the hallway and turned around as soon as Sethos started talking. As annoyed as he might be right then, he had more respect for his brother than to simply walk away. His scalding words hurt and annoyed him more than he could mention. "I'm glad you found a suitor, Sethos. Maybe now that you have a woman that you're willing to be with you won't think as much about Lita as a wife. That is just so.... so... I don't even know, Sethos! She's you're damned sister, not a suitor!" he argued with him angrily.

"And of course I don't wish to tell you all the details with my betrothed. I would think that both of us would have more respect for our wives than that. Maybe you would understand if you were married but your lack of commitment doesn't allow you to see things my way. Maybe if you were, you would understand. And yes that is why I have been a prick to you all day and yes that does make me happy that you're not going to take your sister to bed with you," he growled out at him. "Another thing," he ground out as he marched up to Sethos. "If you think for one second that I'm not just as concerned as you are about Necolita you're insane. She is just as much my sister and I care about her plenty as well. It's not like you'll be going out to find her on your own!" he cursed him.

The hallway outside Lady Delphi's chamber were quiet. There was the dull drone of conversations too far in the distance to be heard and the odd footsteps of someone passing by. There came a point where those footsteps decided to stop in front of her door, though, rather than just pass by. Ru looked up from his spot on the bed looking at the door frozen in place so it seemed. At Ru's reaction Deidra popped her head up as well to see what he was worried about.

Soon enough, there was the sound of the lock clicking and the door slowly pushed open and a man snuck into the room. Ru's ears went back immediately and he let out a low growl. Deidra turned around and laid down again so that she was facing the man instead of Delphi. The man looked at the dogs and nodded. He seemed rather out of breath but didn't seem to mind much. He looked nothing like any of the servants or guards or palace staff. In fact, he looked just like the performers that were supposed to be arrested. "Nice doggies," he said with a smile on his face, trying to seem friendly.

[Panu]

Sethos looked angry at him as he marched up to him “I’ve never seen Necolita as a suitor, so don’t try to think that Amenhotep. Yes she’s my sister by name, I’m not blood related to any of you, and moreover, do you really think I decided to fall for her on my own? We can’t control our feelings Amenhotep, not me, not you, not even the pharaoh” he argued with him angrily. “Second of all” Sethos continued “I never asked you to give me details about you and Lady Delphi, I only asked if you two had a good time, it wasn’t hinting if you had slept with her, just if the two of you had liked the time together, whether it was talking, sleeping together or what do I know, I don’t care what the two of you did, I don’t want details about your wife to be, I just wanted to hear if you had enjoyed the hour alone with her Amenhotep.”

A sighed left his lips as he said he had lack of commitment “excuse me, but as far as I remember, you just found Lady Delphi a week ago, before that none of us had anyone, so don’t try to tell me that I have a hard time to commit to others. I’ve never had suitors before, where do you want me to find a woman?” Sethos just looked at Amenhotep and bit his lip when he talked about taking Necolita to bed with him, it was hard to argue about that, but Sethos had never thought about acting on his feelings, never. “I’m not saying you are not as concerned about her, I’m just trying to tell you, that even though you want me to stay away from Necolita, I’m still going out there to try and find her.” Sethos took a couple of steps back “I hate to argue with you Amenhotep, I really do, we are both upset today and both still angry about what happened, do we really have to do this?” Sethos looked at him.

Delphi had been dozed off for a couple of minutes, but opened her eyes again and looked at Deidra and Ru “aren’t you guys tired?” she said smiling softly at them, but then the footsteps suddenly stopped in front of her door, at first she thought it might be a servant, but the way Deidra and Ru reacted, it wasn’t a servant and it wasn’t Amenhotep. Delphi sat up a little and looked towards the door as it opened and someone snuck in. As soon as she saw the guy, she crawled a bit backwards on the bed.

Looking at his clothing and his look, she clearly knew that he wasn’t working in the palace “who are you?” Delphi crawled off the bed, so they were standing on each side of the bed “you are not from the palace, you have nothing to do here” she bit her lips nervously, also because he didn’t seemed concerned about the dogs. Any other stranger would be scared of them, so why wasn’t this man.

[Natora]

Amenhotep was ready to let Sethos have it again when he mentioned the fact that both of them were angry over what happened and he didn't want to fight with him. It calmed his ever fraying nerves that his brother really didn't want to fight him. Truly he had gotten most of the anger out on him already for all that had happened and it was probably time to start letting things go. He groaned and now had too much energy. "You're right," he finally acquiesced.

"I don't like fighting with you either. And I don't want you to stay away from Lita. We both know that would never go over well with anyone. But the least you could do is let me know that you're not going to try for her hand. Really, Sethos. It might just be too weird for me," he said to him with a shake of his head. "I almost wish you hadn't told me," he said again. "Well in any case, the guards are searching for Lita and if they don't find her we'll talk in the morning about what we need to do."

Ru barked at the intruder and Deidra started to growl before he could get a word in. Both dogs were in between Delphi and the intruder and it seemed they were keen to stay there. They weren't letting anything happen to their new friend.

"Good doggies," the man said as he tried to sooth Ru and Deidra into letting him pass. Without looking up to Delphi he said, "Don't worry, my lady. We're just going to go on a small trip," he said as he took a few steps towards her.

Ru started barking like crazy. When the man backed off a step again, he calmed down to a growl but it was obvious he didn't like the man.

[Panu]

Sethos finally smiled a little when Amenhotep agreed for them just to stop here, they had both been really angry and a lot of anger had just been built up inside of them, so now they had got it out and they had cleaned the air between them. Sometimes a fight between siblings and friends can just help sort out some things “I promise that I won’t go for her hand, she needs a good man for her” he smiled at Amenhotep and looked at him “we will just have to wait and see for tomorrow, maybe they have also gotten something out of the entertainers overnight, we can only wait and see” he rested a hand on Amenhotep “we will get Necolita back, no matter what.”

Some guards passed them in the hallway and turned the corner, everyone was looking around the palace and Sethos looked after them and then back at Amenhotep “it’s good to see them looking around. Speaking of looking around, I wonder where Deidra and Ru are, maybe they followed Lady Delphi, they seem to really fond of her as well” Sethos couldn’t help but to smile “they are quick to accept people into the family” he laughed a little “do you want me to take them tonight or should we just let them stay with Lady Delphi if they are in her room” Sethos looked up at Amenhotep.

Delphi bit her lip and looked around the room to see if there was a place where she could escape, but there was none other than the door. She looked back at the man “the dogs don’t agree and I trust them more than I trust you. I’m not going on a trip with you” she said and looked towards the door, there were almost the same distance for them both to the door, so if he would just keep looking at the dogs, maybe she would be able to reach the door and get out of the room.

Delphi saw that he never once really looked up at her, because he kept an eye on Deidra and Ru, so this was her chance. She began running towards the door, but just as she almost reached the door, she was pulled back “let go of me.” She said in a panic voice.

[Natora]

Amenhotep put a strong hand on top of Sethos' as he assured him she would be found. "I know she will. Both of us will make sure of that if no one else will," he said to him, deciding that he would let the fact that he knew Sethos would take Necolita for himself if they could. It would be enough if they could get her back and then go back to normal.

"Let's go check on Delphi. If the dogs are with her maybe she will feel safer with them there for the night," he said to his brother simply before turning and finding a servant to tell them where the Delphi was staying. Once they knew which room she was in, they were able to start on that way.

Ru and Deidra growled and Ru started to bark again when the man went to make a move. It made the man hesitate long enough that Delphi was able to make it almost to the door. That made the intruder angry. Angry enough to ignore the dogs and run at Delphi. Ru went crazy and ran at the man as he wrapped his arms around Delphi. The intruder looked back long enough to kick Ru across the face and then pulled Delphi back towards the room a bit. "Don't fight me, now, girlie. We'll just have some fun together before we go out," he said to her with a small smile.

Deidra looked between Ru and Delphi before going after Deidra who landed back near the bed. She turned on the man and started growling at him.

[Panu]

Sethos smiled at Amenhotep and nodded, they will bring Necolita back home, no matter what. He looked at his brother when he said they should check up on Delphi and Sethos agreed “If she feels safer with the dogs around, it will be okay for them to sleep in her room tonight, we know they love to sleep new places” he laughed a little and looked after a servant as they walked. He was still wondering what kind of room they have given Delphi, she wasn’t married to Amenhotep yet, but she was still an important person, so hopefully she has gotten a good room.

Looking around they finally found a servant and began to walk to where Delphi was. Sethos looked around because it wasn’t so often that they were in this part of the palace, after all it was huge and it wasn’t often they got to walk around just for fun “I actually like this part of the palace, it seems so calm and quiet here” Sethos looked at Amenhotep and smiled “maybe you should get a chamber here with Lady Delphi when you two have gotten married, it will be a good place for you to be able to relax together” he kept looking around at the walls as they walked.

Delphi gasped when the intruder kicked Ru “pl..please don’t hurt the dogs, I beg you” she said almost crying as he pulled her further into the room and started to smile as he told her they would have some fun first. She was dropped on the floor and she looked up at him, slowly crawling backwards, not sure what he meant about fun, but she had a theory and a really bad feeling. Before she had gone to bed earlier, Delphi had changed into a shorter kalasiri which was only covering her down to her knees. As she crawled backwards, she tried to keep her legs together the best she could “please… just leave me alone, I’m not a princess and I’m not important” she begged, already with tears in her eyes.

[Natora]

"Perhaps I will request to be moved to this side. Less to hear of you and Necolita," he teased lightly in a considerably better mood considering the circumstances. As they walked the less familiar part of the palace together, Amenhotep started to seriously consider Sethos as a suitor for Necolita. She had to find a husband by her 18th birthday. It wasn't long off and it would stand to reason that with her absence she wouldn't find a husband in the next few days.

As they got closer to Delphi's room, Amenhotep started to hear barking. He froze a second and looked to Sethos. "Do you hear that?" he asked before dashing off to where the barking was. It wasn't a playful barking but an angry and fighting one. When they found the right door, he burst in without knocking, not caring if anyone was indecent. He saw a man advancing on Delphi with Ru curled up and not looking so good in one corner and Deidra between the man and Delphi.

Anger flashed through Amenhotep as he realized not only had his sister been taken away from him tonight but now they were also trying for his wife to be. He went at the man that was intruding and tackled him to the ground from behind. There was no mercy in this and he knew he had broken something of the man's as he landed on him. "Sethos, go get a guard," he growled out, trying to sound as calm as he could but failed considerably.

The man cried out as he was tackled down and tried to struggle a bit before he learned that the movements only brought more pain.

[Panu]

Sethos laughed at Amenhotep’s comment “we are not that loud” he said and laughed again, but soon froze when he also heard the barking “it doesn’t sound good” he followed Amenhotep of to where the barking was and as soon as burst in, Sethos looked at the man at first, then at Delphi and last over at Ru, which really made him angry, but looking at Amenhotep, he was already angry enough for both of them. Just as Amenhotep tackled the intruder, Sethos grabbed a blanket and quickly wrapped it around Delphi before Amenhotep gave his order.

Hurrying out of the door, Sethos quickly found some guards and brought them with him back, they grabbed the man and tied his hands. Sethos walked over to Ru to check on him “it is okay boy” he slowly began to check up on him and softly took him up in his arms and turned around to look over at Delphi and Amenhotep “are you okay Lady Delphi?” as she nodded, Sethos looked at a servant who came running and he softly handed Ru to her “please bring him to my chamber and don’t let him out of sight before I’m back” he said in a firm voice before looking back at Amenhotep when she had left “do you want me to go and question him or what do you suggest?” Sethos waiting as he looked at him.

Delphi cried and was surprised when Amenhotep suddenly burst through the door and tackled the intruder, at that time Deidra calmed down. Delphi looked up at Sethos when he wrapped a blanket around her and she managed to give him a small smile. When the guards returned and dragged the intruder out, Delphi stumbled to her feet and just ran into Amenhotep’s arms and started crying all over again because she had been so scared. She looked over at Sethos as he picked up Ru “he… he just tried to protect me… I.. I couldn’t do anything” she looked apologetic at both Amenhotep and Sethos, because of her, Ru was hurt. When Sethos asked if she was okay, she nodded, luckily Amenhotep and Sethos had arrived in time, so she wasn’t hurt at all, just scared. The thought of sleeping alone in this room now terrified her.

[Natora]

Amenhotep only got off the man as he heard the guards enter the room. He couldn't look up at Delphi now. His eyes were seeing too much red knowing what had probably been attempted here. With all the guards having been looking for Necolita there had been none left to protect Delphi. Without Deidra and Ru there would have been greater problems. He watched Ru leave after he was standing and gave him a gentle pet on his side. "Thank you, Ru," he said quietly.

Just as he turned, finally able to look at Lady Delphi with the respect and concern that she deserved, she ran into his arms. He immediately enveloped her and held her closely, tight arms around her to make her feel safe now. Because she was finally. "He will be okay," he said, trying to calm her fears about Ru. "I'm just glad you're here and safe too," he said honestly and held her close before kissing the top of her head.

Deidra walked up and nudged Amenhotep's side. Amen looked down at her and smiled. "And thank you too, Deidra," he said to her gently, petting her head but still keeping a strong, possessive hold around Delphi. When Sethos asked what he wanted done about the man, he shook his head. "He can wait until morning. Let him squirm while he thinks about what I intend to do with him," he said, venom slipping into his tone. "Let's all just go to bed now. It's been an eventful night for us all." With that, he scooped Delphi up so he was carrying her with an arm under her shoulders and under her legs. He couldn't imagine she would be able to walk far at the moment.

He walked beside his brother, Deidra following them and Delphi. She had a guarding temperament right now and there wasn't much else to be done by her. She wanted to watch over Delphi. When they got back to their personal chambers Amenhotep looked to Sethos. "I will see you in the morning," he said gently before adjusting himself enough to open the door and let himself and Lady Delphi in. He wasn't letting her out of his sight again. Not tonight. He walked in and closed the door, letting Deidra go with Sethos. He walked over to the bed and laid Delphi down. "You can sleep in my bed tonight," he said to her gently.

[Panu]

Sethos had just nodded a little to what Amenhotep had said, this guy could wait until tomorrow. He could wait and see what Amenhotep would do with him, it wasn’t going to be a pretty sign, because if he had tried to do what it looked like, Sethos wasn’t really sure if Amenhotep would let this guy live. As they walked back to their chambers, Sethos looked at Delphi and Amen, he was proud of his brother to be so protective and happy that he was the future pharaoh, he would become a great one, Sethos was sure of it.

“See you in the morning” Sethos said before walking into his chamber and letting Deidra join him. The servant bowed to Sethos as he returned and walked out of the chamber to leave them alone. Sethos walked over to the bed where Ru was lying and looked at Deidra as she jumped up in the bed as well, he softly pet them and smiled “both of you did a great job today.” Ru still wasn’t looking well, but he was lying down and was able to relax now, they all were. Soon enough Sethos was sleeping in his bed with both Ru and Deidra in it as well, he always enjoyed letting the dogs sleep in the bed as well.

The next morning, Sethos walked into the dining room and just sat down in front of the table, looking at the food. It all seemed like it was any other morning, the different about the whole thing was, Necolita was missing and there still wasn’t any news. Sethos looked up as Amenhotep walked in alone “are you alone? How is lady Delphi?” he asked and just watched his brother sit. He still hadn’t taken any food himself yet, not wanting to eat alone.

Delphi wrapped her arms around Amenhotep’s neck when he scooped her up in his arms, she was really exhausted, like Amenhotep had said, it had been an eventful night for all of them, for her, in more than one way. As they returned to the chamber and she was placed on the bed, she looked up at him “are you sure it’s okay for me to sleep here tonight? We are not allowed to sleep in the same bed before marriage…” Delphi quickly stopped herself, thinking about all the things they had already done, which they weren’t allowed to before marriage “never mind, forget what I said” she finally smiled a little again “you will be here next to me all night, right?” she said in an almost begging voice, still clearly scared. As Amenhotep crawled into bed next to her, she snuggled into his arms again and surprisingly enough fell asleep shortly after. She was feeling safe in his arms.

When Amenhotep moved a little the next morning, Delphi woke up and looked around, she had been passed out since last night and was a bit confused about her surroundings, but quickly remembered it when she looked up at Amenhotep and smiled up at him, clearly happy to see him as the first thing when she woke up “morning” she said in a sleepy voice and rubbed her eyes a little. Delphi stayed in bed lying down on the side when Amenhotep mentioned breakfast and crawled out of bed “is it okay for me stay and sleep some more, I’m not really hungry" she looked up at him as he was standing by the bed.

[Natora]

Amenhotep sighed at her with a fond smile when she started expressing her concerns. "Would I ever do anything to compromise you?" he asked with a small smirk knowing what they had already done today. "And I will also listen to anything you have to say though I will remind you when you are being very silly. Now is one of those times," he said gently before leaning down and kissing her temple. He went to move to the chaise, intending to allow her to sleep on her own as she wished when she asked that he join her for the night. "I will sleep next to you if that is your wish, my Delphi," he said to her gently before crawling into the bed next to her and putting an arm around her waist as she curled up into him.

Amenhotep waited until she was comfortably asleep before he let himself drift into a comfortable and calm sleep knowing at least one of the women in his life was safe. The next morning he woke up before Delphi but didn't move, wanting to let her sleep as long as she felt she needed. When he shifted slightly and she woke, he smiled gently. "You are more than welcome to stay here. I should go, though. Father will want to discuss plans to get Necolita back. I'll have guards posted and have Deidra come sleep in here with you. The servants will bring you breakfast as soon as you request it," he said to her gently. He kissed her temple before getting up and dressed. He stepped out his door and called Deidra who came in and then went to lay next to Delphi on the bed. Soon after there were guards posted at the door and he was willing to go down to breakfast.

He saw Sethos there first and nodded. "She wished to sleep more so I left her with Deidra and some guards. She is still tired but I think it is mostly because she is shaken up from last night. Not that I blame her," he said as he sat down next to his brother and started picking at the food. He was still distracted from last night. Finally too annoyed to sit any longer he slammed his hand on the table. "What has been done to find Necolita," he demanded no one in particular.

Necolita woke late the next morning. It had been a rough sleep and she felt sore all over. She felt the floor beneath her and could tell it was wood even before she opened her eyes. This was wrong. What had happened? All she remembered was the magician and him making her... disappear... Her eyes snapped open as she finally realized what she had been worried about. She tried to sit up quickly but hit her head on something. Looking up she realized she was in a small wooden cage with not enough room for her to sit. She looked out of the bars at the passing sand dunes and knew that she was far away from her home. "Where are we?!" she demanded of the driver of the wagon that the cage was sitting in.

A guard to her right hit the top of the cage with something dense. "You shut up! You don't get to make demands any longer, princess. You. Are. Ours," he growled at her before turning away from her and looking forwards again. "If you don't stay quiet, I will gag you or put you back to sleep," he said angrily.

[Panu]

Sethos looked at Amenhotep and just nodded a little when he told him, that Delphi decided to sleep some more “understandable, a lot happened last night and her might is just tired” he looked down at his food when suddenly Amenhotep slammed his hand on the table and Sethos quickly looked up at him “give me a heads up next time, just so you don’t scare the life out of me” he looked at a guard who quickly moved out of his place and stepped forward “we… we have been searching the town all night without any results. The pharaoh is now in the dungeon with some guards to interrogate the entertainers from yesterday. Some of the guards interrogated some throughout the night, but no news yet about Necolita’s whereabouts your highness” the guard bowed and when back to his place.

“Well it’s settled, let’s go down to the dungeon and see what information they get” Sethos stood up with Amenhotep and walked down there, the hallways on the way to the dungeon was filled with guards, not giving the prisoners a chance to escape at all. The pharaoh shortly looked over his shoulder as Amenhotep and Sethos walked in, but soon returned to looked at some of the entertainers in the prison. Sethos looked at some of them, it seemed like the two girls had been interrogated last night, one of them was sitting in a corner, bruises covering her body. The other girl wasn’t as affected as the other girl in the corner. Even though some of them had been a part of kidnapping Necolita, Sethos hated to see violence used on women.

The guy who had attacked Delphi last night, was sitting in the same cell as the girls, but didn’t seem to care much. The pharaoh turned and looked at Amenhotep “I will let you take over the interrogation, it will be a good practice for you. Use any means if you have to and come up to me when you know something, then we will start planning” the pharaoh walked out of there and Sethos looked at Amenhotep “need any help? I can be here as well” he put a strong hand on his shoulder.

Delphi had just pet Deidra a little before she had fallen back to sleep. When she finally woke up, she sat up and looked around the chamber, she hadn’t had a chance to actually look around yesterday. Delphi crawled out of bed and just smiled at Deidra “I will just take a look around, no need to get up” she said in a calm voice and began to explore Amenhotep’s chamber and just to see what he was interested in. In one corner there where different khopeshs, having seen him in a match with Sethos, she knew that he was good at fighting and enjoyed it as well. Delphi looked curious at the khopeshs before moving out on the balcony, she was so amazed how much space they had and just how amazing the palace was in general.

Soon enough she called for a servant and asked them to bring some breakfast, which they did really fast. Afterwards she asked to be alone in the chamber while eating, she hated when people were watching her eat. Delphi was sitting on the chaise and a lot of food where placed on the table in front of her, she let Deidra lie on the chaise next to her, clearly getting the feeling that Deidra was still trying to protect her. As she ate, she just looked around in the chamber, still really amazed.

Another guard kicked to the cage Necolita was in for no reason and laughed “she thinks, that she can still give orders” he said to the other guard before looking at Necolita “wrong princess, you won’t be able to give any orders to us” he just laughed a looked around.

[Natora]

Amenhotep stood with Sethos and said, "Or we can see what information they have," with a terrible tone and almost sinister look on his face. He was getting his sister back and if anyone tried to stop him, so help them. He would not leave there until he knew where his sister was and that he could get her back. As they walked down to the dungeon, Amenhotep had a tunnel vision that only allowed him to see the path that him and Sethos were walking. He didn't see the useless guards who had gotten no information from them yet and he didn't see any of the other prisoners until he arrived at the ones that he wanted to see.

Seeing his father there, he looked up to him, finally breaking his single-minded vision and bowing to him respectfully. Once their father left, Amenhotep looked to the people there and could feel his blood start to boil more. "You're more than welcome to interrogate with me but be aware that you might have to hold me back from killing one of them," he said almost snarling.

He looked at the witnesses they had available to them. There were the three performers and magician from last night, the man who had tried to abduct Delphi from him, and then a few other rabble that he could only assume were the people that helped to set up and take down the sets and props for them. He couldn't help but agree with Sethos about not hurting the women physically. There was something that was done to a woman mentally when that happened and he wouldn't stand for it no matter what they knew. So without any hesitation, he went straight for the man that had tried to take Delphi last night. He grabbed him by the scruff of his shirt and threw him up against the stone wall, not caring if he got hurt. "Tell me who sent you to grab my betrothed last night," he ground out angrily. When the man didn't answer, he pulled him back and threw him against the wall again, harder this time. "TELL ME!" he demanded hotly.

The man shook his head, looking disgusted by the noble. His nose was bleeding from before already and he looked dusty and gross, as if he hadn't had a chance to bathe in a week. "I'll say nothing, you spoiled rich pig," he growled in a strange accent before spitting in Amenhotep's face.

That was when Amenhotep changed tactics. He first wiped the spit off his face before using that hand to pin the man by his neck, holding him off the ground that way instead. With his other free hand, he forced a hard punch to the man's kidney knowing that would cause great pain.

Necolita rolled back and forth across the cage, away from the banging that was happening closest to her. When the second man spoke she glared at him. "Do you know who my father is? He is pharaoh of Egypt and he will rain down a Hell on you-" she started but the first guard cut her off.

"And I might be worried if we were still in Egypt," he said before looking at her menacingly. "Now shut that mouth of yours before I shut it for you. I don't mind knocking you out til we get to where we're going."

[Panu]

Sethos looked at Amenhotep and nodded a little, he would hold him back if he was about to kill one of them. It was rare to see his brother like this and it honestly scared him a little, he was just happy that Necolita and Delphi didn’t get to see him like this. Sethos knew that Amenhotep had a hot temper if the family was hurt, so his reaction wasn’t so surprising. As he grabbed the man from last night and tried to make him talk, Sethos just looked at them, hoping for a quick answer, but clearly it wouldn’t be so easy again.

When the guy spit Amenhotep in the face, Sethos was ready to walk in a do something, but his brother just held up a hand to signal to stay back. As Amenhotep placed his punch in the guy’s kidney, Sethos bit his lip, this was going to be painful. The girl from the corner immediately looked up at them in horror “I know where they are” she said with almost panic in her voice, but in a strange accent as well, but soon looked down when she received a glare from both the man Amenhotep was holding and the other girl, who now slapped her across the face “keep your mouth shut” she quickly changed her language “if you don’t keep your mouth shut, you know what you have to go through when we return, they won’t go easy on you in any way. They will kill your family as well, do you really want your family to pay for your sin?” the girl from the corner bit her lip and looked over at the guy “but I don’t want them to hurt you anymore! I don’t want to cheat and hurt people anymore” she said, still speaking in their own language.

Sethos looked back and forward between them and walked over to the girl in the corner and looked at the other girl “you are the one who needs to keep your mouth closed right now” he turned around and sat down in front of her and softly lifted her head with his hand under her chin, so he could look her in the eye “what do you know? Where are they taking Necolita? What do they want to do with her?”

Delphi had been walking around in Amenhotep’s chamber and was now walking in the hallway with Deidra and a guard not far behind her. She wanted to get out and get from fresh air, a lot had happened and now she was just sort of walking around to look at her future home. She entered the garden and quickly felt at peace. Delphi loved to walk among the flowers and just nature, so she sat down on the grass and looked at Deidra who laid down next to her “it’s nice out here, you are lucky to have lived here your whole life” she smiled softly and looked up at the sky “I wonder if I can visit my family soon” she sighed and just sat there looking around, petting Deidra once in a while. After a couple of hours, Delphi stood up and walked inside, clearly her cheeks were a bit red because of the sun. Now she just walked down the hallway, looking at the history paintings on the walls.

The guard just laughed a little “yeah, it had been a while since we got out of Egypt” he looked down at her “you better just stay quiet and maybe sleep, we still have a long way to go” he just turned his head and looked over at the other guard “how far yet?”

[Natora]

The man in Amenhotep's hands wanted to curl up when the punch landed in his kidney but he was already losing most of his ability to breath and wasn't able to make the large movement of tucking up. When the girl began to speak, both Amenhotep and the receiver of his rage looked over at her. As the extra language was brought in, Amenhotep lowered the man to the ground. There was something this girl knew that she wasn't telling them.

The new language that neither him or Sethos understood got old very quickly. He turned and decked the man across the temple, knocking him out and forcing him to stop talking at all. It was a satisfying feeling. Amenhotep simply stood behind Sethos and looked down expectantly at the girl as well. He looked behind her and saw the magician cowering in the back corner. If this girl wouldn't talk, he would be next. He knew how the trick worked and so that was enough to make Amenhotep want to figure out what he knew too. One at a time though. No need frightening them all within minutes of each other.

The other guard looked across at his companion. There were ten guards that were walking with her but these two were the closest and easiest able to speak. "Tomorrow night still before we arrive. We couldn't keep her that close to the border long, could we?" he asked his companion simply.

Necolita glared at them both in turn before curling up in the middle of the cage and remaining quiet.

[Panu]

The girl looked over at the guy as Amenhotep knocked him out and then looked up at Amenhotep before being slowly forced to look at Sethos. She was clearly starting to doubt whether or not she wanted to speak “if I speak...” she started and looked up at Amenhotep “can I get asylum? Can I stay in Egypt? I don’t want to go back, please don’t send me back” she was starting to shake now and Sethos looked surprised at her “we will figure something out, we won’t send you back, not if you talk” he smiled softly trying to calm her down and she nodded a little. They had to get the information this girl was holding onto, she clearly knew about what was going on and she wanted to share, but afraid of the consequences it would have.

Sethos looked at her “you can tell us, we just want Necolita safely back” he smiled again and the girl nodded and began to tell them what she knew “we were forced to do it, so they wouldn’t kill our families” she looked down, knowing that by telling them the truth, her family would probably be killed. The other girl stood up and before Sethos and Amenhotep could stop her, she kicked the girl who had just told them everything “traitor” she just yelled before she was pulled away by a guard and was tied down. Sethos stood up and looked at Amenhotep “do you want me to go and report to the pharaoh now?” he looked towards the door and then clapped Amenhotep on the shoulder “you have a visitor Amenhotep.”

Delphi was standing together with a guard who had shown her the way down there and was looking at Sethos and Amenhotep, looking a bit surprised about what was happening. When Amenhotep turned around, she bowed her head a little and smiled softly at him “I wasn’t sure where to find you, so I asked the guard to take me to you” the guard looked down, avoiding any eye contact with Amenhotep, because he knew that Delphi had nothing to do in the dungeon. Delphi walked up to Amenhotep and looked at the prisoners and looked at the guy from last night, who was knocked out on the floor and then looked over at the girl who had been kicked “is she okay?” she looked up at Amenhotep again.

Sethos looked at Amenhotep, clearly knowing that he wouldn’t have Delphi down here. So he just walked over and spoke with a guard regarding some of the prisoners instead of standing next to them.

The guard looked at his companion and nodded “it is not a good idea to keep her close to the border, better get her as far away as we can” he looked at Necolita and then just looked ahead again. It was still going to be a long trip, but at least they weren’t in Egypt anymore.

[Natora]

Amenhotep looked down on the girl that was willing to speak with them. She was the only lifeline that they had to Necolita and they needed to find her. As the other girl stood up and kicked her, he was about ready to jump on the twit himself. He was grateful the other guard dragged her away before he could do anything that he might regret. His answer to Sethos' question about whether or not to go tell the pharaoh he started with, "We need to know who it was that hired them before-" Then he was cut off by Delphi's appearance.

When he turned to see her, it was clear that he wasn't all that ecstatic about the thought that she was down here. This was no place for a future queen to be. The women never came down here unless they were arrested for something. This was insanity to see her here. He went up to her and as she explained herself, he turned to glare at the guard. "Well you better have threatened him well if he is going to not be-" he started but again was cut off as Delphi asked about the girl that was kicked over. He sighed and looked over at her. "She will be fine," he assured her. "Now that you are awake, I will finish up here quickly so that I can spend time with you," he assured her. "I apologize for leaving you so long without entertainment but please do not come down here again," he insisted and though he worded it as a request, there was no doubt in his tone that this was an order.

He looked up at the guard and said, "You will go find Lady Delphi's family and you will bring them here. All of them. Then you will set them up in guest rooms before dinner and if that is not accomplished before dinner you will be mucking stalls of the horses out for a month," his tone not getting any lighter the more he said. The guard nodded at him without looking back up and turned to leave again quickly. Amenhotep looked back to Sethos. "Find out who hired them and then bring the girl to the Pharaoh's study. He is the only one that can grant asylum," he said simply. "I will meet you there," he added before turning and taking Lady Delphi's arm gently but firmly enough to easily lead her out of the dungeons and away from all the cells.

He didn't speak again until they were out of the dungeon area and away from the guards. "You should tell me what you enjoy doing to pass time," he said to her simply, still trying to stifle his terrible mood from how it was downstairs. At least if he knew how to entertain her he could effectively find something for her to do that she might enjoy when he wasn't available.

[Panu]

Sethos looked over at Amenhotep as he tried to keep it together, even Sethos was surprised to see Delphi down here, that he really didn’t know what to say. When Amenhotep gave him an order, he just nodded a little and watched as Amenhotep left with Delphi. He soon returned to the girl and helped her up again “are you okay?” he asked softly and saw her nod. Now it was time to return to the questions, hopefully she would still be helpful “so who hired you and why? Is there a meaning behind all this?” he looked at her and she was looking away a couple of times but then looked back at him and told him, once again, what she knew about it all.

Soon enough Sethos had arranged that the girl got a cell for herself, just to make sure the others wouldn’t harm her, she was still the only one talking and they still needed her. Now it was time to speak with the pharaoh and tell him what they had found out, so Sethos walked up to the pharaoh’s study to give a rapport. As he arrived, the pharaoh was already gathered together with priests, generals and some of the generals from other regions in Egypt. They were all gathered to figure out what to do and make strategies. Sethos bowed to them respectfully before walking up to the pharaoh to tell him what he knew.

Delphi looked up at Amenhotep as he was speaking, sure it sounded as a request when he asked her not to come down here again, but she quickly caught the order in it and she bowed her head “that’s understood my prince” she looked up again when he spoke to the guard, she couldn’t help but to smile when he ordered the guard to find her family, she was thrilled about the thoughts that she would be able to see them today, but at the same time it worried her that Amenhotep’s tone didn’t get any lighter, the more he spoke.

As they left the dungeon, Delphi just followed him out of there and looked up at him when he finally spoke when they were alone. Instead of answering his answer right away, she softly placed a hand on his chin to make him calm down a little “I’m sorry for going down there, I didn’t really knew what to expect and I’m sorry that I disturbed your work, it won’t happen again, I promise” she bowed her head a little. She had to get better at this, she had to know her place as the queen to be and learn not to disturb Amenhotep when he was working.

Delphi looked up at Amenhotep again “what enjoy is sewing, horse riding and gardening, I know that I’m not allowed to do some of it, but that’s some of the things I enjoy the most” she smiled softly up at him “I don’t want to take much of your time, you are really busy today and I should respect that. Thank you for gathering my family here, I appreciate it so much” she looked around making sure they were alone, before she softly kissed his lips.

[Natora]

The girl that could speak looked up at Sethos worriedly before glancing quickly to the ones that had been dragged down here with her. It seemed that the decision she was making was one of whether or not she wanted to die. If she stayed here and spoke with them she would live though her family would be killed. If she didn't tell them anything then she would die and who knows what would happen to her family. Finally she made her decision. "Persia," she answered Sethos before looking down at his feet as a servant would. "Persia paid us to kidnap the princess. What they will do with her we were not told but we do know that it is to start a war," she said to him as much as she could remember. When the guards took her out into another cell she was relieved. If she had been forced to stay with the others it would not have gone well.

The apology with the gentle touch made Amenhotep calm a little more. His breathing became deeper and slower compared to the quick, angry breaths he had been taking before. Of course he was slightly annoyed that he hadn't just gotten his answer quickly but he was appreciative of the gesture of her apology. If she had done it after answering him, he probably would have been more irritated with her. He was going to have to learn to have patiences with someone who hadn't grown up in the palace and didn't know all the customs. That would be his biggest challenge with the lovely Delphi.

When he was kissed, he wrapped a hand around the side of her neck and held her there in place, keeping her kiss there and making it less soft. The need and lust was swept up in that kiss though he knew that they weren't in private and they should be more careful, he didn't care at this point. When he parted their lips, he sighed gently, knowing it had to be done but hating doing it. "Though I may not understand the pleasure behind becoming dirty while gardening that does not mean that you cannot do it. I will have the servants set up a private area of the garden for you where you may do as you wish. For today I suggest needlework and horseback riding and we will pursue the possibility of more than that when this is all dealt with and finished with Necolita," he replied.

He took a deep breath and a step back from her in effort to not get more enthused with the pleasures of her body that he knew he could have if he wished it enough. "I need to go counsel with the Pharaoh and my brother more than anything else right now. After that we will have lunch together and if all goes well I will have the afternoon to spend with you. Until then I need you to find ways to entertain yourself. Perhaps you will think on the women you wish to have as your personal maids and if you wish to bring them from your estate," he said to her, trying to give her ideas on things. "And you should think of any requests you have for our wedding as well," he added. He leaned forward and kissed her cheek to try to show her he wasn't angry with her even if his tone and words were a little less flowery than normal. "I will see you at lunch. The gardens are out that way if you wish to wander them and you can do needlework wherever you like," he said again before turning and moving away from her.

Truly he needed to get away from her for two reasons. He was quite angry that she had come down to the dungeon and interrupted them while they were trying to find out what had happened to Necolita and didn't want to start saying things he might regret. He also needed to get away because he wasn't entirely sure that he would be able to hold back the anger he was feeling about the situation and didn't want to make the mistake of being harsh towards her unnecessarily. He went through the doors to the counsel room and bowed to the others before walking around to stand by his father on the opposite side of his brother as is appropriate. "What have we found out?" he asked as gently as he could.

[Panu]

When Amenhotep held the kiss, Delphi was a bit taken aback, but just returned it the same way he did. At the time he parted their lips, she had to fight the urge to wrap her arms around his neck and just go for another one. They weren’t in private and not married yet as well, so actions like this were strictly forbidden, if anyone saw them, there were going to be huge trouble. “Creating things and watching it grow and become beautiful is something I enjoy very much, even though I get my hands dirty, they can always be washed again” she answered to his comment about the gardening “thank you so much for being understanding Amenhotep” she smiled softly at him.

As he took a step back, Delphi just softly smiled again “Go counsel the Pharaoh and your brother, the most important thing right now, is for you to figure out how to get your sister back. Don’t worry about me, I will find some ways to entertain myself, so I won’t interrupt your work anymore, you have my word on that.” She still felt bad about having interrupted their interrogation and made Amenhotep angry about it. Maybe she should find a maid, who could explain some of the customs about the palace and what she was allowed to do and surely what she wasn’t allowed to do. When Amenhotep kissed her cheek, Delphi looked up at him and bowed her head “I will see you at lunch” she smiled and watched him leave.

When he was out of sight, Delphi looked around, deciding to go back to her chamber and find a maid there. It was time for her to learn about the life in the palace, she wouldn’t want to angry Amenhotep again because of her ignorance.

Sethos looked up as Amenhotep entered the room and watched as he found his place. When the question was asked Sethos was the one to answer “Persia paid the entertainers to kidnap Necolita, they weren’t informed what they were going to do with her, but the reason for it was to start a war.” Just as Sethos finished, one of the generals spoke up in an angry voice “if it’s war they want, then let’s give it to them, they have no idea what a powerful enemy they’ve just made” the Pharaoh held up a hand to quiet the general and looked at Amenhotep “what do you suggest that we do Amenhotep? You are the crown prince, I’m interested in hearing how you would handle this situation”

Almost everyone turned they eyes towards Amenhotep, Sethos looked at the table shortly and then looked up at the Pharaoh and then over at Amenhotep. He knew that the Pharaoh was testing his brother at this point, it was no secret that he was the crown prince and the future Pharaoh, so of course their father would make sure to train and educate Amenhotep to become a great leader and make the right decisions.

[Natora]

When Delphi entered her room, she was folding down the bedding to make sure that it was made perfectly and properly set. She turned after she was sure it was perfect and saw Lady Delphi. She quickly bowed to her and then kept her eyes down. "I'm sorry, my lady. I didn't hear you enter," the young woman said. "Is there anything you need, my lady?" she asked gently. She had heard of the young woman requesting to go down to the dungeons and was surprised to see that she wasn't hurt or upset because of the fact of what was down there.

Amenhotep sat at his father's side and listened to what Sethos had found out from the girl. He shook his head at the thought that Necolita was taken as a bargaining chip in a war that was hoped to happen. That was disgusting and deplorable as far as he was concerned. How could they be so callous and obnoxious as to think that they could possibly gain any of Egypts lands just because they wanted it. Obviously that was what they were going to try and trade for. As much as his father loved his sister, he was worried that the bargaining might not end well for Necolita.

Then he looked up quickly as his father asked him what he would do for this situation. Amenhotep understood what this was. It was a test of the greatest kind. His father was asking what a Pharaoh would do to eliminate as many possibilities as they could for a bad outcome. He sat there quietly for a little while contemplating their options before looking up at Sethos. He knew that he could trust his brother to support what he was about to suggest but he also knew that he would be speaking out against many more that would disagree with him.

"If war is what they want that means they're prepared for it as we speak. As much as our armies are strong, they will fall to the Persian army if we simply march out and engage them in the war they want. We need to buy time to call reserves and train more men as much as we can to have the best chance of survival," he started before taking a deep breath and continuing. "Unfortunately, time is not a precious commodity that we have. Necolita has already been missing almost a whole day. I know none of us wish to think of what they could be doing to her now or while we are planning to get her. So what I suggest, Pharaoh, is to send a small team of ten men to go ahead and try to retrieve her stealthily while the rest prepare for war. If we are not back in two weeks then the army can move out and come after us to retrieve any that need to be brought back should the ten men not be able to get her first," he explained easily. He knew which ten men he would take and he knew that Sethos would ride with him no matter what.

- - - Updated - - -

When Delphi entered her room, she was folding down the bedding to make sure that it was made perfectly and properly set. She turned after she was sure it was perfect and saw Lady Delphi. She quickly bowed to her and then kept her eyes down. "I'm sorry, my lady. I didn't hear you enter," the young woman said. "Is there anything you need, my lady?" she asked gently. She had heard of the young woman requesting to go down to the dungeons and was surprised to see that she wasn't hurt or upset because of the fact of what was down there.

Amenhotep sat at his father's side and listened to what Sethos had found out from the girl. He shook his head at the thought that Necolita was taken as a bargaining chip in a war that was hoped to happen. That was disgusting and deplorable as far as he was concerned. How could they be so callous and obnoxious as to think that they could possibly gain any of Egypts lands just because they wanted it. Obviously that was what they were going to try and trade for. As much as his father loved his sister, he was worried that the bargaining might not end well for Necolita.

Then he looked up quickly as his father asked him what he would do for this situation. Amenhotep understood what this was. It was a test of the greatest kind. His father was asking what a Pharaoh would do to eliminate as many possibilities as they could for a bad outcome. He sat there quietly for a little while contemplating their options before looking up at Sethos. He knew that he could trust his brother to support what he was about to suggest but he also knew that he would be speaking out against many more that would disagree with him.

"If war is what they want that means they're prepared for it as we speak. As much as our armies are strong, they will fall to the Persian army if we simply march out and engage them in the war they want. We need to buy time to call reserves and train more men as much as we can to have the best chance of survival," he started before taking a deep breath and continuing. "Unfortunately, time is not a precious commodity that we have. Necolita has already been missing almost a whole day. I know none of us wish to think of what they could be doing to her now or while we are planning to get her. So what I suggest, Pharaoh, is to send a small team of ten men to go ahead and try to retrieve her stealthily while the rest prepare for war. If we are not back in two weeks then the army can move out and come after us to retrieve any that need to be brought back should the ten men not be able to get her first," he explained easily. He knew which ten men he would take and he knew that Sethos would ride with him no matter what.

[Panu]

As Delphi walked into her chamber, she smiled at the young maid, they were about the same age, as far as Delphi could tell. “First of all, you can look at me, I’m not married to the crown prince yet, so right now I’m just like any normal girl” she smiled softly at the girl “but actually there are a couple of things you can help me with. I have two questions, the one being a bit more embarrassing, so I will ask the other one first” Delphi walked over and sat down on the chaise and signaled for the young girl to sit as well. “As you might already know, I’ve been down in the dungeons and let’s just say the crown prince was far from pleased by it. It made me realize, I don’t know much about proper etiquettes here in the palace, is there a chance you can explain some of the main etiquettes to me?” she looked at the young girl.

“Also” Delphi continued “you have been with a man before, right? I've noticed how close you are with one of the guards. But don't worry, I won't tell anyone" she quickly added "so I thought maybe, can you…” she held a short break “tell me how to please a man in a sexual way?” her cheeks became slightly red as she asked “I really want to do my best and not disappoint Amenho… I mean the crown prince. He's so experienced and know what he's doing.. like not that I have been with him.. I mean, we are not married yet” she quickly said, with slightly panic in her voice.

Sethos looked at Amenhotep when he looked his way, he was sure that he was going to support any plan his brother would come up with, so he gave him a short nod. While Amenhotep was telling about his plan, the Pharaoh was looking at him without moving at all, he was just sitting there listening to the plan. When Amenhotep was done, two generals stood up and one of them spoke “they want war, why don’t we just give it to them? We have a great army, they have made a big mistake by making Egypt their enemy and we will show them once and for all.”

That was when Sethos stood up “that’s exactly what they want us to do, like Amenhotep said, they are prepared for us to just walk out there with an army, we might be able to win it, but it will be the cost of many of our greatest men, I say it’s a suicide mission and the loose will be too big. Plus we don’t know what they will do to Necolita if they see we are on our way with an army, we need to get her back safely. I think we should go with Amenhotep’s plan, send a small team out and try to retrieve Necolita stealthily, they won’t expect us to do it like that, they won’t be prepared and it will buy some time to train some men” Sethos looked over at his brother and gave him another nod before he sat down. He was on Amenhotep’s side and he would support the idea 100%.

Some of the generals looked at each other, clearly not satisfied with the idea, because most of them just wanted to go to war right away. The Pharaoh looked at Amenhotep and nodded a little and then looked around the people by the table “we will go with the plan the crown prince just presented, it will be a team of ten men, picked personally by the crown prince. The problem about sending you out” he looked down at Amenhotep “is that you don’t have an heir, so I advise that we are going to hold a small ceremony where you will wed Lady Delphi and after your return we will hold an official ceremony.” The Pharaoh looked around the room “any objections?” he said with a steady voice, while everyone just looked down. Sethos looked around, of course no one would object any suggestions made by the Pharaoh, they weren’t that stupid.

The Pharaoh looked down at Amenhotep “you have until tonight to think about which ten men you will bring with you. Also you are to come up with a plan and how you will carry out the plan, bring it to me tonight” he then looked at the generals “go back to your places and prepare to train new men, we will need as many as we can get” the Pharaoh finished.

[Natora]

Amenhotep listened to the opposition. There was bound to be some at some point. He wasn't yet unquestionable. When he becomes Pharaoh, there will be no arguing with him but until then there was still some points of contestation that he would have to deal with. When the first general spoke up, Amenhotep wanted to stand and yell at him how stupid he sounded and that it was his sister's life that they were bargaining with. Sethos, however, stood and did that for him. He took a deep breath and sat himself back down before he got out of hand.

When father finally agreed with him and spoke of the conditions that they would work with Amenhotep simply nodded to agree. As the generals knew, there was no arguing with his father though he couldn't imagine that Delphi would be too ecstatic by the idea. Still, it was better than the alternative. As they all stood to leave, Amenhotep looked to Sethos. "Thank you, brother. Find all of our finest knights and have them meet us in the training grounds in an hour. I will speak to Delphi and then meet you there. We will find who are most determined to help us," he said simply. He didn't necessarily need skilled men. All the knights were skilled. It was the ones who would be determined that would be the most use to them.

The servant looked up at Delphi, startled by all she was hearing. The woman certainly did have a way to tell you everything she wanted all at once. The maid gently cleared her throat to stop Delphi from stuttering enough that she could answer the questions. "The etiquette, my lady, is fairly simple. You are supposed to have two maids with you always so that no one can question your whereabouts or your intentions. If you kept two ladies with you and listened when they gave warnings I'm sure that you wouldn't go anywhere you were not supposed to again. The women are not allowed everywhere the men are but if I spoke to that it might become quite confusing without knowledge of the palace," she explained at first. "You should never speak against the Pharaoh and if you spoke against any man in public you could be reprimanded quite harshly. In public the ladies are better seen and not heard, including the princess. It is quite sad," she finished.

"About...the other thing... It really is dependent on the man. Certain ones prefer certain things. All of them seem to enjoy when you take a man in your mouth but most everything else is based on what he wants. For an example... the knight you speak of prefers to be kissed on the neck to by the ear but I know of another that prefers the other way," she explained with her cheeks reddening at every moment and her eyes returning down to the ground near Delphi's feet.

[Panu]

As the generals were walking out, Sethos stood up and looked over at Amenhotep “you are welcome, it’s a great plan you’ve come up with, of course I’m going to support it” he smiled at his brother and listened to his command “I will find our finest knights and meet you there in an hour” he turned around and bowed at the Pharaoh before he walked out and walked towards the area where the knights would be at this time of the day. Sethos had been training with the knights together with Amenhotep, so they knew more or less who was able to handle such a situation.

Sethos walked down the halls and arrived at the place and looked around. After picking out knights, some of them decided to take a small training fight, just to let the time go until Amenhotep would join them. Of course Sethos also joined in, in one of the fights and by the time they were done it would be about time for Amenhotep to arrive. Sethos sat down in the sand, Ru and Deidra had met him in the hallway and had followed with him down to the training grounds. As he was petting them, he looked up at the sky and prayed to ever one of the gods, that Necolita would be safe by the time they got to her.

Some of the knights were just talking together and Sethos was just watching them by now, it was up to Amenhotep who would join the small team. When Amenhotep arrived, Sethos stood up again and looked over at him “ready?”

Delphi was looking at the servant as she explained some of the things. She had to find two maids, there was no one from her own household she could bring, so maybe she should try and find someone who was already a part of the palace. “Do you want to be one of my maids? I’m really fond of you and you do a great work, so it would be a pleasure if you like to be one of my maids” she smiled softly at the young maid and nodded a little about not speaking against the Pharaoh or any man in public. Delphi had already been taught that by her father before she was to go to the palace, a girl just needed to be pretty in public and never speak her opinion in front of men. It would be even more important now, when she was to be the first wife of the future pharaoh and also a queen to be.

As the young maid spoke about the other subject, Delphi’s cheeks also reddening at every moment. She shouldn’t be embarrassed, she had asked herself, but at the same time, just imagining the things made her blush. When she was about to open her mouth and answer the girl, there was a knock on the door and Amenhotep walked into the chamber. Delphi stood up and smiled, she bowed her head to him, being around others she had to show the same respect to him. Both her and the maid’s cheeks were still a bit red, but she just tried to ignore it “did you finish the meeting already my prince?” another smiled appeared on her lips as she walked over to him.

[Natora]

Amenhotep walked into the room and dismissed the maid with a wave of his hand. There was so much that he needed to tell her and he wasn't entirely sure that almost any of it would make her at all happy. He saw the blush in his bride to be's cheeks but didn't want to comment. There were going to be many conversations that she would have with women and particularly her maids that he didn't really need to be privy to. As it was now he did need to speak with this lovely woman in front of him on his own.

"I'm afraid we did," he said a little solemnly before tipping her chin up so that he was looking into her eyes again. He knew that he was making a good decision for himself by marrying this woman. There was just something...or everything...about her that was just so exquisite. "I have something we need to discuss," he said before taking her hand and leading them to sit on the chaise beside each other. "We are leaving to find my sister in two days," he said to her to start. "Sethos and I will lead nine other men to find her quietly to stop a great war that Persia so desires," he said with a bitter taste in his mouth. "Being that I have not yet sired an heir, father is insisting that I not leave until we are married and have consummated it," he told her truthfully. "I am sorry for the rushed presence but our wedding will be in the morning," he told her gently and then waited for her reaction as he assumed she might have many oppositions.

[Panu]

Delphi looked up at Amenhotep as he dismissed the maid and when his voice became a little solemn, she knew something was off right away and she suddenly became nervous. As they walked over to the chaise and sat down, she looked at him, holding his hand while she listened to what he had to say. By the time he was done, she was completely in shock and it was easy to see on her face. It was a lot of information to take in at once. She softly let go of his hand and pulled it back to herself and stood up, she took some steps away from him and stood would her back towards him with her eyes facing the floor for a couple of seconds.

After a bit more time, Delphi turned around and looked at Amenhotep “that was a lot at once, I have to admit that. I understand that you are going to find your sister and I know it’s important to save her and get her back home” she ran one hand up her other arm, clearly choosing her words carefully “I would lie if I said that everything was fine, but I honestly don’t know how to react at all Amenhotep” she finally looked over at him for the first time “I will gladly marry you, I’m not backing away from that at all don’t think that, but it’s all just so sudden, that I have so many feelings about all of it right now” Delphi bit her lip very hard “I’m going to marry you, just to send you off to Persia without knowing if you will ever return” her eyes were a bit watery right now even though she tried to hold it back. Everything was a mix inside her right now, happiness from being able to marry him already tomorrow, but then an overwhelming fear about sending him away as well.

Delphi once again looked down at the ground, trying to keep herself together even though it wasn’t easy. “I’m just scared of losing you” she finally said in a weak voice still looking down, tears clearly appearing on her cheeks now.

[Panu]

Delphi looked up at Amenhotep as he dismissed the maid and when his voice became a little solemn, she knew something was off right away and she suddenly became nervous. As they walked over to the chaise and sat down, she looked at him, holding his hand while she listened to what he had to say. By the time he was done, she was completely in shock and it was easy to see on her face. It was a lot of information to take in at once. She softly let go of his hand and pulled it back to herself and stood up, she took some steps away from him and stood with her back towards him with her eyes facing the floor for a couple of seconds.

After a bit more time, Delphi turned around and looked towards Amenhotep but not at him “that was a lot at once, I have to admit that. I understand that you are going to find your sister and I know it’s important to save her and get her back home” she ran one hand up her other arm, clearly choosing her words carefully “I would lie if I said that everything was fine, but I honestly don’t know how to react at all Amenhotep” she finally looked over at him for the first time “I will gladly marry you, I’m not backing away from that at all don’t think that, but it’s all just so sudden, that I have so many feelings about all of it right now” Delphi bit her lip very hard “I’m going to marry you, just to send you off to Persia without knowing if you will ever return” her eyes were a bit watery right now even though she tried to hold it back. Everything was a mix inside her right now, happiness from being able to marry him already tomorrow, but then an overwhelming fear about sending him away as well.

Delphi once again looked down at the ground, trying to keep herself together even though it wasn’t easy. “I’m just scared of losing you” she finally said in a weak voice still looking down, tears clearly appearing on her cheeks now.

[Natora]

Amenhotep let her hand go gently when she got up and walked away, trying to put this all together. He couldn't blame her for needing to think and make sure that she was getting what she wanted out of this. Saying no to him wasn't very much an option right now but when she began speaking he did hesitate in whether or not she wanted to. Her reassurance led him to be relaxed again without worrying about her commitment. If nothing else that would ensure he didn't have an illegitimate heir and at most would mean that this woman he was growing to love more and more would be with him still.

When he saw that she was getting incredibly upset, he stood and quickly went over to her and brushed her tears away, laughing gently. "You offend me, my Delphi. Are you insinuating that there is even a remote chance I won't make it back with my sister?" he asked before tipping her chin up. He leaned down and kissed her lips softly, reassuringly. "Come with me to see the knights and you will see that there is absolutely no reason to think that we wouldn't return safely," he said to her with an encouraging smile.

Once she agreed, he took her hand and started walking down the halls of the castle with her slowly enough that she could gather herself before they were in front of the knights again. One they arrived he let go of her hand and gently said, "Watch the training. If there is a man you want going with us, no matter what, he will come." A promise he could readily keep.

He walked up to Sethos and nodded before turning to address the knights. "Princess Necolita was stolen from us last night. We are leaving in two short days to get her back. I want to know which of you are the most determined to find her. We are going to be having a mock battle. The first nine men to touch either Prince Sethos or myself will be the men that follow us to find her. We will only bring nine men with us. It will be a stealth mission to get her back before anything hurts her." He grabbed a practice khopesh and swung it around in the air. "I don't want you men holding back so we will use the blunted practice khopesh today. Let's begin," he said before walking to the centre of the training ring with Sethos. "Ready for this?" he asked him quietly.

[Panu]

Delphi looked up as Amenhotep walked over to her and brushed her tears away “I didn’t mean to offend you, I’m just scared that something will happen” she softly returned his kiss and smiled weakly. He really tired his best to not make her worried and she appreciated his effort, this was one of the reasons why she had come to love him more. When he suggested coming with him to see the knights, Delphi nodded a little and walked together with him down to the training grounds where the knights and Sethos were waiting for Amenhotep to join them.

As Amenhotep spoke, Delphi looked up and him and nodded a little she would watch the mock battle and see if there was someone she thought should join Amenhotep and Sethos in getting Necolita back. While watching the battle, she remembered back to the first time she had seen Amenhotep fight against Sethos and even though he had lost, she knew he was a great warrior. As she watched Amenhotep’s movements, she tried to convince herself not to be worried at all, they were all really skilled, but somewhere she still couldn’t let go of the fear of something happening with him.

Sethos looked at his brother as he arrived and just quickly spoke to Lady Delphi. As he received the nod from Amenhotep, he turned towards the knights as well. Amenhotep was the one in command and had the last word, so Sethos wouldn’t say much and just let his brother do the talking. After his brother had spoken, Sethos also grabbed a practice khopesh and walked into the center of the training ring “I was born ready” he said with a quirky smile on his lips before turning to face the knights who now came towards them.

After almost an hour of intense fighting, nine men had now been able to touch Amenhotep and Sethos and were now resting. Sethos took a couple of minutes to catch his breath and looked over at the nine men who were going to join the team “not bad at all, what do you say Amenhotep?” he looked over his shoulder to Amenhotep and smiled.

Delphi had been watching the whole battle and was clearly impressed by it. She would never have imagined that Amenhotep and Sethos were able to hold that many men away from them, for such a long time. She knew they were good at fighting, but this was really a surprise to her.

[Natora]

That stupid quirky, confident smile that Sethos always had. It made Amenhotep shake his head and laugh this time. At least something hadn't changed in this last week. There had been so many changes that it was strange to even consider taking them all in at once but they had to and they had to rise above the challenges they presented. He knew that even if Sethos had deeper feelings for Necolita than he could ever approve of, he still would fight through anything to get Necolita back safe.

The fight lasted long enough that by the end all of the men there needed water but none so much so as the princes. Amenhotep went to a standing servant and grabbed a bag of water before drinking almost half of it before tossing it to Sethos. "Good enough for me," he said with a smirk. "Give me a second. I need to speak to my wife to be before I address the men. Don't let anyone leave yet," he said to him with a nod before walking over to Delphi.

He smiled at her. "Do you think there is even a chance we won't come back anymore?" he asked her gently. There had been a hidden motive to get her to watch the fight. She had to believe that he and Sethos could handle themselves against an army if necessary. "Now who did you see that you thought fought well?" he asked her curiously. His next alternative motive was to find her some knights that she would be comfortable having as her escourt. He wasn't leaving without her safety guaranteed by him personally.

[Panu]

Just as Amenhotep threw the water to Sethos, he grabbed it in the air and just smiled “hopefully it’s good enough for you” he just laughed a little and drank the rest of the water. Not only was it a warm day, they had been fighting a lot of knights and some part of him were already a bit exhausted. Sethos just nod at Amenhotep and walked over to the knights “no one is going yet, the crown prince still has something to say, so all of you can just sit down, get something to drink and relax for now” he said in a louder voice so everyone was able to hear him. Afterwards he sat down together with some of the knights in the shadow to get some rest. He had to rest as much as possible today, the next couple of weeks were going to be really tough.

Delphi had kept her eyes at Amenhotep all the time, she was still unable to believe that she would marry this man tomorrow, not just this guy, but the crown prince of Egypt. What had she done in her past life to be able to deserve this? He had chosen her among so many fine women, it was still something she couldn’t really understand. She had been eyeing him through the whole fight, just watching him fighting the others, now she was just looking at his well-toned body and it wasn’t all innocent thoughts she had, even though she tried to look focused on the fight they had had. However as Amenhotep walked over to her, she quickly shook her head to get the thoughts out of her head and looked up at him and smiled.

“I have to admit, I’m not as worried as I was before. I’m really impressed by yours and prince Sethos’ skills. I see that there is no reason for me to be worried” Delphi smiled softly at him “but I will still sleep better the day you are back again.” She looked up at him and then looked over at the knights when he asked who she thought fought well “I noticed a couple of them” she said and looked towards the knights, trying to find the ones she had seen. Delphi stood next to Amenhotep and pointed two out “I noticed the way they fought, it was really interesting and they seem like strong knights. They are definitely fast in their footwork and are quick to react on any attacks coming their way.”

While Amenhotep looked over at the knights, Delphi looked up at him “will you still join me for lunch or will I first see you at dinner tonight?” she asked in a curious voice. She knew that doing to them making a move already in two days and the wedding being tomorrow, there were a lot which needed to be prepared today.

[Natora]

Amenhotep turned to see which knights Delphi was pointing to. He was a little relieved that only one of them was part of the nine that were coming with them to get Necolita. He would have to substitute him for Delphi's sake when they returned. For now the one that she saw that wasn't coming with them would need a partner to help guard his future queen while he wasn't here. He needed men that he could and would trust to keep her out of trouble but still allow her to do the pleasures that she had voiced to him earlier.

When she asked about lunch he had to stop and think. He knew she would want to speak of their fast approaching nuptials and if he left her now she might doubt his commitment. He still had to make a plan for the ten men he was taking with him to find Necolita yet and then with what had to be done for the wedding...well he had been hoping he would just have to show up. Nonetheless he really didn't want to disappoint his wife to be. With a deep breath that he didn't let become a sigh he said, "I will join you for lunch as soon as I finish speaking with the knights." He finally turned back to her and took her hand to lay a gentle kiss on it. Much more appropriate than the lips while they were in public for now.

With that he turned and left, going back to where the knights were standing with Sethos. "Well done, men. You fought well. The nine that managed to touch Sethos and I, we leave at dawn in two days. Be prepared. Abar, Nebet, come forward. If you are not part of the nine or Abar or Nebet, go to the generals and help them to begin training new recruits. There is a great chance we will be going to war soon. We need a ready army. You're dismissed," he said simply. Abar and Nebet stepped forward and bowed to the princes. Amenhotep looked at them. Sure they both looked able bodied enough and Delphi had pointed Abar out over the others but he still felt uneasy leaving Delphi with anyone but himself. "You two have a special assignment. While Sethos and I are gone, you will stand and be personal guards to the Lady Delphi. You will guard her and keep her safe. She has made some odd requests but you will not argue with them as long as she is kept safe. Am I understood?" he asked them.

To that they both replied, "Yes, your Grace," before bowing their heads towards him. Neither of them looked all that disappointed that they wouldn't be joining in the war efforts. Amenhotep had chosen Nebet specifically because he knew he had a family here that was just beginning to grow and it would be terrible to lose a father that way.

Amenhotep nodded to the two of them. "You are dismissed." When they left he looked to Sethos. "So the easy part is done. Will you join Delphi and I for lunch. I am sure all that will be discussed is tomorrow's wedding," he offered to his brother. He walked back to Delphi and smiled to her gently. "We are done here," he said to her with a smirk and then took her hand to lead her to the dining room for lunch.

[Panu]

Delphi was looking up at Amenhotep as he was thinking everything through, somehow she already knew that he was struggling with time and it would be a lot easier if they had had more time until the wedding, but things just don’t always turn out as you want them to. When he agreed to have lunch with her, a small smile appeared on her lips “just take all the time you need my prince, there is no need to rush” she said in a calm voice, trying to make sure he wouldn’t feel pressured to finish speaking with the knights fast. Another smile appeared on her face as his lips touched her hand, knowing that they couldn’t show affection in public and especially not before they were married, this was enough for Delphi. Small signs of affection meant more to her than you’d think.

While Amenhotep was talking to the knights, Delphi just stood there watching them, it was interesting to see her husband to be, suddenly change character when he needed to be in charge. You could also easily see the respect from the knights as they were listening to him. At the time he was done and walked over and took her hand, Delphi looked up at him and smiled once again and said in a loving voice “that’s good, let’s get some lunch. I’ll need all the strength and energy you can get.” As Amenhotep lead her to the dining room, Delphi looked up at him while walking “I really was amazed by the fight, you and prince Sethos must have been through a hard time training to get where you are today. I hope to be able to see you fight like that again another time.”

Upon arriving to the dining room, Delphi looked around seeing the table was already covered with plates of food and fruits. She sat down next to Amenhotep and looked at the food, not really sure where to begin. “I have a question regarding the wedding tomorrow” she suddenly said and turned to him “how long will it last tomorrow and is there anything special we need to prepare? I’m not really sure how it all will be, because no one has informed me yet” she said in a concerned voice. Delphi didn’t want to mess it up tomorrow and she was trying to prepare herself as much as possible.

Sethos stood up when Amenhotep walked back to him and the knights. Just as his brother started to speak to the knights, Sethos turned to look at all of them. They had all done well and he was also satisfied by the nine men who would join them on getting Necolita back. He just kept listening to Amenhotep and watched as everyone was dismissed “the easy part is over now.” Sethos turned to look at his brother “I will join you for lunch, I just need to check up on some things and then I will join you shortly after, so just begin without me” he smiled at him and watched him as he walked over to Lady Delphi. At this moment, Sethos was relieved that he didn’t had a wife, it would be hard to leave her but at the same time, the one who had his heart was the one they were going to fight for and making sure to get her back safely. He was going to give his best.

After running around in stables to get the best horses for their mission, Sethos walked into the dining room and joined Lady Delphi and Amenhotep. He bowed shortly as he walked over to them and sat down “the horses are ready for the mission” he said shortly to Amenhotep and turned to Delphi “and you my Lady, look beautiful as ever” he said with a smile and took some strawberries. “Is everything ready for tomorrow?”

[Natora]

Amenhotep knew that wedding talk was bound to come up. He nodded to her wanting to ask a question and then merely sat quietly as he considered what she was asking. Sethos came in as he was contemplating his answer so he let Sethos make his greetings before he turned back to Delphi to answer her. "Your place in the wedding, as far as I understand, is simply to come up and move your belongings in with mine. Other than that we will have a feast in the afternoon that will continue to the evening to celebrate," he told her. "Father may have us speak to each other or the people that are attending so you may want to have something prepared to say if you wish," he finished.

With that he let Delphi air any grievances she might have. "This afternoon you should also inform the maids you have chosen, if you have yet, that you wish to be able to sew and garden. They can prepare something so that you will have something to distract you for the time that we are gone," he advised her. He sounded more calculated and measured than he normally did, as if every word he spoke had to have some sort of precursor or a reason to be said. He was very distracted as he was trying to form battle plans and other things in his mind. Absent mindedly he popped a piece of fruit in his mouth before realising what he had done and spit it out into a napkin. "Dates. I hate dates," he said before taking a drink of water then eating a few nuts instead to get the taste out of his mouth.

[Panu]

Delphi couldn’t help but to smile at Sethos and bowed her head when he complimented her. She soon looked up at Amenhotep as he was speaking, noticing the weird way he was speaking but decided not to comment on it for now. “It doesn’t sound so difficult” she smiled softly at him “I might prepare something to say, but I’m not very good to speak in front of people, so I think that will be the most difficult part of the day” she said and took a strawberry and watched Amenhotep once again. “I will inform the maids about it later, I’ve already chosen two maids who have helped me out a lot already, so I thought they would be a good choice.”

Just as Amenhotep spit out the dates, both Delphi and Sethos looked at him “I have an idea” Delphi said and looked at Amenhotep and softly took his hand. “I will excuse myself from lunch now, I feel bad about making an egoist request about lunch when I know how busy you are. I will ask the maids the rest of my questions for tomorrow, there is no need for you to answer them, when you have so many other things you need to do. You have to prepare a lot for the trip” she smiled softly at him and stood up. Delphi looked over at a maid “can I have some food prepared in my chamber” she smiled softly at her and then looked back down at Amenhotep “I’ve already taken a lot of your precious time today, I even disturbed your work earlier. I promise I won’t disturb you anymore today” she said in a soft voice. “Please at least take some time to eat, your body needs the energy for the trip ahead. Also please don’t feel obliged to spend time with me today, I know you are busy and I understand the situation” Delphi softly placed a hand on his cheek “I will see you at dinner tonight or if not, then tomorrow.”

Sethos had just been watching them, clearly knowing that Amenhotep had been distracted this whole time. There were a lot to prepare for their trip and especially because the Pharaoh had asked Amenhotep to come up with a battle plan for them. As Delphi stood up and spoke about her understanding, he looked at his brother and then back up at her “I will make sure he eats something, don’t worry Lady Delphi” he said and smiled at her.

[Natora]

Amenhotep watched in stunned silence as his wife to be just wandered off and went to do something else that he apparently didn't need to be privy to. What could she possibly be thinking of doing right now? Well he supposed that would give him the time he needed to prepare for going to rescue Necolita. It had already been half a day that she had been gone. There was no telling what had happened to her in this time. His worry was getting the better of him and he was losing not only his appetite but his patience as well.

Necolita was shaken awake again as the rolling cage stopped. She took a deep breath as her stomach growled loudly again. With a nervous look around, she finally saw what was in front of them. There was a large encampment of soldiers all surrounding a great walled city. Her face fell, worry sweeping over it as one of the guards talked to a knight that was blocking their way.

"This is the princess that King Firuz requested," the guard who had walked her all the way here informed the man. The knight he spoke to looked surprised and looked into the cage to which he received a glare from the prisoner. She was cute enough sure but looked like a viper about to strike. "Just keep her locked up," he said simply before they stepped aside and Necolita's cage was rolled forward and through the men.

Necolita kept her eyes out of the cage and on what was surrounding her. There were men everywhere eyeing her almost eagerly. She didn't like this. Not one little bit. Soon enough they were going through another door, a large portcullis. It was only intimidating as she was in a cage that she couldn't sit fully upright in. It might almost be beautiful. It was late in the evening but she could tell that the walls were made of what seemed like yellow stone. As she was pulled through the streets of the city she could tell they were rich and it was stretched rather easily.

When they got to the steps of a great and white palace the door to the cage opened behind her and she was pulled out, her wrists tied together and gagged with a dirty rag before she had a moment to even catch her breath. They had done this before. That much she was sure of. She was pulled and pushed into the castle through long hallways filled with suits of armour and walking knights. There was no way she was going to be able to break out of here on her own. Finally she was thrown into a palace throne room thought it was strong enough that she fell on her knees in front of the feet of a very well dressed man.

"The princess you requested, King Firuz," one of the guards that was walking her said before bowing to him and stepping aside.

[Panu]

Sethos looked at his brother’s stunned look and couldn’t help but to laugh and then placed a hand on his shoulder “well it’s good to see that something can still surprise you, even when you thought you had the upper hand” he still laughs a little and grab his cup to drink some wine. It really was rare to see a stunned look on Amenhotep’s face, especially when it was because of a girl. “Isn’t it a good thing? Now you can focus on the battle plans and get some work done before we leave. Like I mentioned earlier, I’ve already taken care of the horses, I picked the best ones for the knights and of course we will use our own horses” he said as he looked at his brother again.

“Even though you’ve lost your appetite, you need to eat Amenhotep” Sethos said in a calm voice “I promised Lady Delphi that I would make sure you got something to eat. So why don’t we eat while we discuss the battle plans?”

It wasn’t in her best will that Delphi walked out of the dining room, leaving Amenhotep looking so stunned, but she didn’t want to disturb him anymore. Delphi went to her chamber and shortly after she had chosen two maids as she was supposed to. One of them was the one she had spoken to earlier and the other one was also one who had helped her before. “I was told to inform you about some request I had made. Prince Amenhotep allowed me to garden if I wanted to, because it’s something I enjoy a lot. So it’s something I like to spend my time doing and it’s something you should know” she sat down on the bed and looked around in the chamber and turned her eyes back to the maids “I don’t really know the two of you and now when you are going to be my maids, I would like to get to know you a little. Even if it’s just small talk” she smiled softly at the two maids.

“I still don’t know much about the palace, so I’m going to rely on the two of you a lot in the beginning. I will apologize for that now” Delphi stood up and bowed her head a little. The one maid who hadn’t spoken with Delphi earlier looked very confused at the other maid, she was still younger than Delphi and the other maid “My Lady, you don’t need to bow for us, that’s not something you should do. We are your servants, you shouldn’t lower your head for us” the maid said in a calm and still a bit confused voice. Delphi looked up at them “when we are in private, I would like you to treat me as a friend and not someone you must obey. Please, I won’t be able to have many friends here. I would like to have someone I can open up to.” The maid looked at the older maid.

King Firuz had been sitting on his throne when Necolita was brought into the throne room. He stood up and walked down in front of her “perfect” he said to the guard and kneeled down in front of her, grabbing her chin and turned her face to both sides “you truly are an Egyptian beauty my princess” he smirked a little “I like the look in your eyes, you are like a tiger who needs to be tamed” another smirked appeared on his face. “You better get used to it here princess, there will be no help coming for you. I’ve already made sure that a large army will take good care of whoever comes this way and then we will take over Egypt” he said still smiling at her.

“A night in the dungeon will do her good, it might tame her a little, but bring her to my chamber in the morning” King Firuz said to the guards and stood up again. “Also bring the newest girl in the dungeon to my chamber now” he said in a steady and demanding voice. A guard pulled Necolita back on her feet and pulled her out of the throne room and down a long hall “walk” he said in a very demanding voice as he pulled her with him down to the dungeon. Along the way many knights and guards were walking the hallways and the security in the dungeon was massive. The guard removed the dirty rag from and mouth and untied her hands before she was pushed into a cell where there were some other young girls. He turned to some of the other guards “If there are any problems with her, tie her hands and gag her again, but don’t harm her, Kings order.” The guard turned to another cell and pulled a girl out, she looked a bit younger than Necolita but not much. She was pulled out of the dungeon and the door slammed behind them.

[Natora]

Amenhotep shook his head in response to Sethos. "I'm not going to not eat Sethos. I'm simply distracted and so need to make sure that I eat something decent that isn't a date," he said, regarding the fruit he had grabbed more carefully so that he wouldn't eat something he hated again. This was all just a lot of crap to deal with all at once. "As for battle plans, we won't have many. If we tried to attack a fortress with ten men we wouldn't get far. What we need is stealth. We should dress as merchants. If we did that cities would let us pass through without thinking a second thought," he originally thought. It didn't take him long to shoot down his own idea. "But then we have to burden our horses with wares to sell," he refuted his own idea.

Thoughts ran through his head. How were they going to get into a city, find the dungeons, which is where he assumed his sister would be held, and then get her out without being noticed. What was something they could do to get there? "What do you think, Sethos?" he asked. His brother's counsel was important to him. He knew how Sethos felt for Necolita. There was no one that would think more strategically about getting her out than him.

The two women stood in front of their new princess to be. The maid she had spoken to before was not as confused as the first but still found it difficult to look up to Delphi's eyes though her head wasn't nearly as bowed as it had been before. "I think what my friend is trying to say," she started, correcting her friend while not undermining what the proper Lady had to say, "is that we can act as your friends but it still wouldn't be necessary for you to bow to us." She shot a look at the new maid that hadn't been there earlier as if to say, You really shouldn't question.

Turning towards Delphi she said, "My name is Kawit, if it pleases you Lady Delphi." She chose to use her name instead of a proper address in her efforts to treat her new mistress as a friend while still being proper. "Are there any other activities that you wish for us to prepare for you?" she asked curiously. If gardening was something that she was going to be allowed to do, there might be other things that Amenhotep had allowed her to do.

Necolita hated that she was gagged. As the king grabbed her chin, she glared at him. This was the reason she was gone from her family. She had no idea when they were going to come for her but these guys had taken a full night and day of fast travel to get here. Who was to say if her family even knew in which direction they had travelled in. There had been so much desert that it was very possible for people to get lost on the way. She heard the evil king's words and couldn't believe that she wasn't even going to be given a chance to defend herself. These people were rude and obnoxious. That would be their downfall, feeling so high and powerful.

As she was dragged down to the dungeons it was plain to see that there was absolutely no use struggling. There were way too many guards and armed men for her to make it farther than a few steps. She walked down to the dungeons as she had been ordered to though her legs were shaky from being cramped up for a day and then being forced to walk on her own. Nonetheless she made it to her cell and fell to the ground in the centre of a few ladies once she was inside. She glared back at the guard who had thrown her in and now that her gag was gone she decided to let out a few words. "Your king is a coward and you will all regret what you have done!" she yelled as he dragged the other girl out. Her words were emphasized by the slamming of the door. For whatever reason, at that moment she felt horribly exhausted. When she looked around at all the other women here, though, her heart was pulled towards them. She sat herself up and asked, "Why are you all thrown in here?"

[Panu]

Sethos couldn’t help but to laugh a little at Amenhotep’s response and quickly removed the plate with the dates on it “then I will try to make sure you don’t eat something you don’t like” he smiled and leaned back in his chair to listen to what Amenhotep had to say. “We don’t need a battle plan to attack anyone, because we won’t stand a chance against fortress, it will just get us all killed for sure” he sighed a little and thought about the idea as merchants. Some of the plan would be able to work, but as Amenhotep said, they would have to burden the horses with wares to sell.

“It’s not going to be easy, that’s for sure” Sethos ran his fingers over his head and sighed. Clearly the thoughts and ideas were running through his head as he tried to come up with a strategy. “As far as I have heard, the city where they might have brought Necolita to is famous for its slave trade” he leaned forward and picked 12 grapes and placed them on the table. “We are 12 men, we won’t be able to walk around together all of us, that will make us too suspicious. What about some dress as merchants, taking some rare goods with us from Egypt while others dress as slave traders? That way we will be able to send some men to the palace to sell the rare goods and others will be able to search through the slave market” Sethos had been moving some of the grapes around on the table to make small groups. He leaned back and looked at his brother “what do you think Amenhotep?”

Delphi looked at the two women and smiled a little “I understand what you mean, I will not bow my head for you then” she smiled softly at them and sat down as Kawit introduced herself “Kawit is a beautiful name, I like it. What is your name?” she smiled and turned to the other maid. “My name is Mina, Lady Delphi” the young maid had looked down after the other maid had given her a look. Delphi smiled “you both have beautiful names, please keep them like that” she turned and answered the question “I also like horseback riding, but I don’t think he agreed to it. But he allowed me to sew as well, which I enjoy a lot. Also when possible, I would like to practice my dancing. If you are interested, I can always teach you.”

The young maid had quickly looked up at Lady Delphi when she offered to teach them how to dance, but quickly looked down again “I love to dance my Lady, it would be an honor to be taught by you.”

The guards had just ignored her insult on their king and just walked out of there, not caring what she had said. Some of the women were looking at her, not many wanted to talk at all, but a young girl stood up and sat down in front of Necolita “we are all going to be sold as slaves, that’s why we are here. Some of us will be sold as prostitutes. You saw the girl who was pulled out of here, she’s going to be with King Firuz for the night. He will choose some to be his mistresses based on their experiences.”

Before the young girl was able to say more, the door opened up and guards came in with some bread for them. It was just thrown into the cell through the bars and it was quickly picked up. The young girl took some bread and handed some for Necolita “I guess you’ve had a long journey, you must be hungry. Please eat some” she smiled softly, even though the smile didn’t reach her eyes at all.

[Natora]

Amenhotep sat and listened to his brother's ideas. He had a great wonder of whether or not this would actually work out in a plan that would work for the both of them.The plan might have to change quickly once they arrived at the city where they were hopefully keeping Necolita. The fact that Sethos knew about the city at all made Amenhotep curious as to what he had missed in information from the girl. There was so much he still could have done to try and get Necolita home faster.

At Sethos' question of what he thought of the plan he shook his head. "Not traders. Buyers. If we're traders we have to come in with some. Buyers and we can look rich and still go through and find the girls and pray to Ra that Necolita is locked away with the others," he said simply.

A moment later a servant entered the room and bowed before the princes. "Your grace. Lady Delphi's family has arrived," he informed him.

Amenhotep nodded. "Show them to Lady Delphi's room and then set them up with places to stay in guest rooms," he said simply, sharply. His temper was short right now. He wanted to leave to find Necolita.

"You are welcome to ride the horses, my lady," Kiwat answered her gently. "And dancing does sound fun," she agreed. She had been taught to dance a few times before but never anything great or wonderful. Enough to get her by in a man's presence but that was enough. The thought of learning something from their new leader was a little frightening. What if the prince caught them and thought it inappropriate. She didn't have long to continue fretting as shortly there was a man followed by two women and two boys and a younger girl walking in.

"Delphi," her father boomed, pride in his voice, and happiness. He walked up to his daughter quickly, ignoring the help, and held her tightly. "Well would you look at you. Getting married tomorrow now. Well that is something to behold. We thought we would still have your presence at home a few more weeks," he insisted before letting her go and looking at her proudly.

Necolita's eyes flashed wider in worry. Slaves and prostitutes? That only meant one thing. She was destined for the same fate as the rest of these girls. Her heart started pounding harder. When the bread was thrown in, she saw the girls rushing for it. The poor things must be starving. She had never spared the servants in her home a second thought but seeing these girls almost fighting to make sure they got some food made her heart ache.

The girl offering her the bread made her sigh softly. She took the bread, broke it in half, and then handed half back to her. "I've had enough to eat in my lifetime that it doesn't compare to what you're lacking," she said softly. She started eating the bread though did it slowly. She hadn't eaten in a day but knew that she had to do it if it wasn't going to give her a stomach ache. She saw the same actions in the girls that were around. As much as they may have almost fought for food, they weren't eating it super quickly.

[Panu]

”It will be best if we are buyers yeah, without actually buying any girls” Sethos looked at Amenhotep, knowing that his short temper had started to show a lot “I know this mission has its focus on saving Necolita, but if possible, do you want to save other girls as well? I know we are only ten men, but maybe we can save some” he said as he looked over at his brother and thought through the question he had just asked, maybe it was a big risk to try and save others as well. Before he could get the answer from Amenhotep, the servant entered and informed them about the arrival of Delphi’s family.

Sethos leaned back and once again looked at Amenhotep “there is not more we really can discuss today, what about you go and get a massage or something, you seem really tense Amenhotep” he said in a worried voice. He was tense himself and worried about the whole mission, but no matter what, they had to get Necolita back. “I know you want to leave right away, I would do that as well if we could, however the Pharaoh won’t let you leave before you’ve married Lady Delphi. It’s to make sure there is an heir for the throne, in case something goes horrible wrong” Sethos sighed and stood up “let’s go get a massage and then you can speak with the Pharaoh or you queen to be afterwards” he pulled Amenhotep out of his chair.

Delphi was listening to Kiwat and smiled softly at her reply “maybe I will be allowed to ride horses, I will ask Prince Amenhotep again” she stood up and before she could say more, her family walked into her chamber and she didn’t get to speak before her father had hugged her tightly “father” she said and a warm and happy smile appeared on her face “everything is going to fast all of sudden, so it’s hard to get used to” Delphi said before walking over to hug her mother and her siblings. “We are happy for you Delphi. We have prepared for your things to be moved into the palace tomorrow” her mother said in a soft voice.

Mina had been standing next to Kiwat all the time, keeping her eyes at the floor. The younger girl, Delphi’s younger sister, not older than 8, walked around the room and looked at some of the things there. Delphi followed her younger sister with her eyes but turned to her parents again “I’m so happy that you are all here.”

A servant walked in and bowed to them “your things are set up in guest rooms sir, as per the order from the crown prince. The dinner will soon be ready” he bowed and walked out again.

The girl took the bread Necolita handed to her “you are too friendly” she smiled softly at her and started to eat the bread slowly. When the bread was gone, she leaned back against the wall and looked at Necolita “if we are lucky, we will be sold to a good family, so we can get to eat more than just some bread” she sighed a little and looked towards the guards "one day I will get out of here and be able to go home." She turned to Necolita "tell me about your home? I'm curious about where you come from."

[Natora]

Amenhotep quietly and patiently listened to what Sethos had to say. There were certain things that were to be respected about Sethos and his planning abilities and his heart were one of them... hopefully not set on his sister. There would be something strange that would happen if they were together. That was another matter, though, for when Necolita was back. With them. And not whoever it was that had her.

He shook his head sadly when Sethos asked if they could save other girls. "Would if I could stop the slave trade, Sethos. It almost doesn't matter. Which girls do we take with us? Which ones do we leave behind? If we do save them, which girls will take their place?" he asked with a sigh and then shook his head. "We are going to save Necolita. When we bring her home, perhaps we will consider more plans to find ways to stop the trade but now is not the time," he insisted. That was the end of that conversation and the beginning of his planning in his head.

However, the suggestion of a massage wasn't terrible. So, one massage, conversation, dinner with the new family, and sleep later, it was the next day and he was to be married. He woke up and stretched before looking out the large window that looked over the city. It was a strange time in the walls of their fine city. The citizens and the nobility were rejoicing for the marriage of the crown prince but they were mourning the loss of their princess at the same time. It put an odd feeling in the air and made him a little more nervous than he thought he would be.

Nervous or not, though, a wedding was promised and a wedding he wanted to happen. So, with little wasted time he put on a fresh shendyt and left his rooms. He went straight to the dining rooms for breakfast hoping to see Delphi there. Today it was official and she was his wife. No one would be able to steal her from him again. He wouldn't allow it. Even though it was only one night that her family was there in the palace, it had seemed much longer since he had been able to touch her soft skin and his own was yearning for her. It was more important than ever that he be careful with his intentions. He would never forgive himself if her father called off the wedding because Amenhotep had been too forward at some point.

That was why this morning he was disappointed to find that he was the first one to arrive for breakfast. He sat in his usual place and started taking a little fruit to himself, nibbling absently while he waited for his bride to be and the rest of his family to arrive. To be completely honest he didn't really care about her family much. He would most likely only see them during festivals once the marriage was over and he would be okay with that. It was Delphi that he wanted more than anything else. Once this afternoon came he could be more forward with his wife, as long as his father deemed it appropriate in public.

__________

In the dungeons Necolita took the bit of bread that was offered her. The bread was like the ground. Hard and cold. The only consolation was that the ground was wet and the bread was not. She mimicked the other girls and took off little pieces, eating it slowly so that the bread would last longer than a mouthful. It was slightly stale and she had never had bread that tasted of so much yeast in her life. Of course she had been spoiled growing up. She was a princess! It was ridiculous that even with her noble birth she was thrown in the dungeon. There should have at least been some sort of bed for her or something. How was she expected to sleep?! At least she could stand up fully here. These were the thoughts that ran through her head as she ate the bread.

Once she was finished, she moved to the wall that the other girl was leaning on, the one that had offered her the food. At least this young woman had one thing going for her. She had hope. If she kept that, it might turn out better for her. Necolita had something better, however. Brothers. And royal brothers at that. She was so much more well off than any of these other girls because she knew for a fact that her brothers, at least, were coming to get her.

So for the night she told the young girl the story of her home in Egypt and all the beautiful places that were near her home. As her story got longer, more girls came to hear her speak and eventually all the girls were lying together in one group, laying on each others' stomachs and chests so that they could have pillows for the night. Necolita sat in the center of the group though her back was against the wall. She wasn't able to fall asleep like the other girls. She had slept so long in that cart and hadn't been able to relax her cramped muscles. The ten girls surrounding her were sound asleep and she was part of the intricate weave of bodies that made their bed. For this reason she didn't move her muscles, no matter how sore they got. She simply sat there awake, thinking and counting the moments until morning came and she would be subjected to Firuz again.


It didn't take long for that to happen. Very possibly because she had managed to start dozing off half way through the night. In an instant, though, she was awake and irritated at the sudden morning call. She had been woken up by the door being slammed open by one of the guards. "Get out of the way you stupid cretins!" one of them growled as he walked to the center and grabbed Neco by her upper arm. He squeezed tightly as he lifted her up to her feet like a toy doll and started dragging her out. Women involved in the weave of warmth moved quickly to avoid being it or kicked by the guard that was dragging their newest member out of the dungeon.

Necolita tried not to sound as if she was hurt by the rough treatment but if truth was told, she might have a bruise on her arm simply from how much he had to squeeze it just to lift her up. She kept her mouth shut for now, though. There would be little use in using her voice on men that didn't want to hear a word from her. All they cared about was doing what their idiot leader told them. He was the one that she was saving her voice and her venom for. He was the one that deserved an earful and a few other things from this princess.

[Panu]

Amenhotep were right, who were they going to save and who would stay back in the place. Slaves were brought in every single day. If they saved a couple, they would just be replaced by some other “you are right brother, however if I see a chance to take on our two with us, I’m doing it” Sethos sighed and they both afterwards went to a massage. The rest of the day went by fast with all the planned things before the wedding.

The next morning Sethos woke up and looked towards the window as the birds were singing outside. Today was the day of this brothers wedding and tomorrow they would ride out to find and save Necolita. Two different things in just two days, but a wedding had to happen, before they would ride out. Sethos got out of bed, put on a shendyt and walked to breakfast, were he would only find Amenhotep.

“Morning” Sethos just said and sat right across Amenhotep as they used to. He took a plate and grabbed some fruit and then leaned back in his chair, while observing Amenhotep. He knew his brother well and just by looking at him, he could tell that he was getting a bit tense and anxious. It was a great day, but at the same time they had been planning the rescue of Necolita. The wedding and the trip were two different events, with two big different feelings. Sethos was about to open his mouth and say something, when the door opened and Delphi walked in with the rest of her family.

****


Delphi had enjoyed the evening with dinner with both Amenhotep and her family. She had shared the room with her younger sister, as they would see less to each other after the wedding. In the morning Delphi walked into the breakfast hall with the rest of her family. As soon as she saw Amenhotep already sitting there, a smile spread on her lips. She still couldn’t believe that she was going to marry this amazing man today. Even though they had spent the last couple of days together, her stomach was still filled with butterflies, just by the thought of marrying him today. However concern also filled up, him having to leave tomorrow morning, on such a dangerous mission, made her nervous, but she tried not to show it.

The younger sister ran over and sat down by the table. Delphi assisted her when she had to get up on the chair before she sat down herself next to Amenhotep. She looked at him and smiled “good morning” her eyes fell to his lips, it has been too long since her own had touched his, but she had to be patient. Delphi looked up and couldn’t help but to laugh a little, as she clearly could see that Amenhotep had spotted her looking on his lips. She cleared her throat a little, now wasn’t the time to let the mind and fantasy run wild, they had time for that later, when they were in fact married and were allowed to be together, in the way her mind were going.

As Delphi’s parents were sitting on the opposite side of the table, Delphi slowly and discreet placed her hand on Amenhotep’s thigh, showing him, that she wanted to be close to him and just being able to feel him and feel his strong muscle, making her just want him more.

“Have you slept well my prince?” Delphi asked softly and took a bit of some melon. Her attention was caught when Kiwat and Mina walked into the dining room and stood over by the door, waiting for her to finish breakfast, so they could begin the preparations for the wedding.

****


A cry was heard from inside King Firuz’s room, when Necolita was brought towards it. As the doors opened, you would be able to see a girl lying on the floor and King Firuz was standing right in front of her, clearly had just hit and kicked the girl. She had clearly been beaten up a lot. He looked over at Necolita and the guard, as they came into the room and laughed almost of joy “perfect! I’m so happy to see you here, princess” he waved with his hand to some other guards and they lifted the girl up in each arm and dragged her out of the room.

King Firuz again waved his hand to the guard holding Necolita, giving sign to him about sitting her down on a chair. He walked over and washed his hand in a big gold bowl and dried them of in a towel before throwing it to a servant “so how was your night?” He looked at her with an interesting glare in his eyes.

“Do you know anything about this slave business?” He asked and looked at her before continuing to speak without letting her answer “You see, as of this moment, you might be the most expensive at the market. An Egyptian virgin princess, how much do you think men will pay for that?” King Firuz laughed at her reaction “There will be a ton of people wanting to get their hands in you and me sitting here, earning big money. Not only that, I am guessing the pharaoh is furious – what they don’t know is, my army is ready! Ready to cut them all into pieces” Another laugh left his lips by the thought of it “The great Empire of Egypt, destroyed in the attempt of saving their princess, which is already long gone from this place”

[Natora]

Amenhotep didn't have to wait long before he was joined by others. His brother was first and sat across from him. He responded with an easy, "Good morning," as he looked him over. The way he was carrying himself, Amenhotep was jealous. Sethos had been doing very well of holding himself together and not allowing any of what was happening get to him. Amenhotep didn't understand how he was doing it. He himself was near bursting at the seams with the mixture of emotions that were running through him.

He was about to ask after such a thing when the door opened again and his wife to be walked through with her family. At her greeting he nodded and said, "Good morning." It seemed to be all he could manage to get out at the moment. He nodded to her father and mother in turn but was fairly confident that her little sister couldn't see him well enough to get a greeting. Either way, a moment later her hand was on his leg and he took a silent but deep breath. This was what he was supposed to have on his mind today and he was now making himself a commitment that he would do everything in his power to ignore the fact that his sister wasn't there and he was to marry this beautiful woman next to him today.

"I have slept," he agreed with Delphi, a small smirk at the corner of his lips. "I am more concerned about how you are doing," he said. It would be easier for him today if he kept the focus and attention on her rather than on himself. The more talking he did about how he was doing, the more likely it was that he wouldn't be able to handle the great burden of tomorrow. "Are you excited for this afternoon?" he asked before eating a bit more fruit.

_______________________

As Necolita was dragged through the palace, she did everything in her power to remember exactly where everything was. If she was given a chance to break free from all of this mess, she needed to make sure that she had a way of getting out. So when they came to the King's chambers, it was all pretty obvious with the grand doorway in front of her of some awful and gaudy picture of Firuz on a horse and victorious in battle. He obviously wasn't one to skimp on trying to impress himself.

Going through the door, Necolita was heart broken to see that the woman they had taken out from the dungeons last night was now being dragged out obviously having been beaten through the night. The only reason that gave her any amount of hope was that if Firuz had been up all night beating her, he was probably going to be at least a little bit tired. A person didn't just stay up for eternity without needing to sleep. When he asked about how her night was she scoffed. "Better than that other woman's," she decided to answer.

She listened as he boasted about the story, sitting in the chair he forced her into. He was really this stupid? "Oh, I'm not a virgin," she decided to tell him. If he was just excited for the money that she was going to rake in for him, she could tear that dream down, even if it was only for a few days. "Or at least that cannot be attested to now as I haven't had ladies in waiting to attest to such a thing. I could easily tell everyone how your guards raped and abused me last night. And what if I'm not the princess? She is really safe back in the capital of Egypt, having breakfast right now. She didn't want to have to sit through being offered to suitors another night in the same month so she had me go as a look alike to take her place. I am really only a scullery maid who washes dishes in the kitchens dressed up to look like the beautiful princess. Egypt wouldn't send any armies after me," she said to him simply, hoping to irritate him more and more.

[Panu]

Sethos looked and observed his brother for a couple of seconds, as his wife to be and her family entered the dinning hall. He knew his brother well and were more than aware of, that they both were fighting with a lot of mixed feelings. Amenhotep would be fighting more, as it was his sister missing, but at the same time he was to be married today. For Sethos is was hard to keep the feelings in check, but he was not doing this for himself alone to stay on top of things. He was also doing it for Amenhotep. One thing he had learned from all their training was, that they had to stay strong and composed in time of stress. This was something he had to do, so it would not stress Amenhotep more than necessary.

Today was a big day, not only to Amenhotep and Delphi, but for all of Egypt. Today their crown prince was finally to be married and secure the next heir in line. A small smile appeared on Sethos lips, he envied them a little, however one day he hopefully would also have a wife and kids. Sethos thought went back to Necolita and he shook his head a little, they were to save her and bring her home safely.

Sethos ate a little and as breakfast finished, he stood up together with Amenhotep to walk to their chambers to get ready for the ceremony.

****

Delphi looked at Amenhotep and the traces on his face, she could tell he was worried and had a lot on this mind, however she would not say anything, not in the company of all the others. Delphi smiled a little “to copy your answer my prince, I have slept as well” she said with a smile on her lips before taking a grape and took a small bite of it. Delphi looked up at him again “I’m doing fine, excited for this afternoon and worried about the morning to come” she forced a smile, not nearly as convincing as the first time. Delphi was worried, however she knew this were to be done, for Necolita to come back home and she only wished to see Amenhotep happy.

As she was about to say more, Delphi’s two maids entered the dinning hall, giving a sign, that she was going to get ready. Delphi stood up and looked at Amenhotep and smiled “eat some more my prince, you will need all the strength you can gather” she bowed for Amenhotep and Sethos before turning to bow for her parents and went with her two maids to get ready.

While Kawit and Mina did her hair, Delphi was looking into the mirror, wondering if she could really live up to all the expectations which would follow as the queen of Egypt. She smiled at the two maids as they moved on to her make up and later on her dress and hair decorations. Delphi looked in the big mirror, as she now stood fully dressed as a queen of Egypt, she barely could recognize herself “The two of you have done an amazing job” Delphi smiled at them.


*****

Firuz walked over an poured a cup of wine as Necolita was talking. He laughed a bit about the things she was telling. He took a sip of his wine and looked at her “You are clever dear princess Necolita, however..” he said and the tone in his voice changed to be ice cold “Do never!” he yelled and threw the cup hard into the ground while still yelling “insult me again.” Firuz walked with determined over to the chair Necolita sat in and grabbed her jaw hard with one hand and looked her right in the eyes “Don’t you think, that I have had spies in the palace, keeping an eye on you, reporting your every move to me? Don’t you think, that I would have done my research before kidnapping you? Huh?” He let go of her jaw and turned around, running a hand through his hair to try and collect himself again.

As he turned to look at her again, Firuzs eyes still as cold as before, as small smirk appeared on his face. He grabbed her by the arm and pulled her up, slapping her across the face and pushed her down on the ground “however, if you want to keep the story, what would then stop me to take a piece of you myself. If you are not a virgin, what would stop me from not getting to take you as well? Then there is no point in keeping you clean, am I right princess?” he walked towards her and stood there looking down, loosing his robe he was wearing.

Firuz was stopped by a general coming into the hall and walked over to whisper something in his ear.

[Natora]

Amenhotep tried to lighten up for the love of the woman he was marrying but it was still a little difficult, especially after the fact that they were supposed to be honest with each other. He sighed as she stood up to go but couldn't help smirk a bit as she told him to make sure he ate to keep up his strength. Even with her parents there, he couldn't resist a comment. "Will I need my strength for tonight or tomorrow?" he asked before she was able to leave. He had no desire to fake courtesies with her family and so stood with Sethos to go get ready for his nuptials.

There was little to say between the two of them as they walked back to their chambers. It was honestly a little depressing now that Necolita was gone to go into their rooms. She had been the room in between theirs and so whenever Amenhotep looked over to Sethos he was looking past where Lita should have been but wasn't now. He sighed before going into his room and allowing the servants to primp him until he looked like a future pharaoh properly. He wore the shendyt that Sethos had given him for his birthday, the matching khopesh from Lita around his waist. He had a collar around his neck and his proper headress for the occasion. Looking in the shined mirror when they were done, he saw the strong pharaoh that his people would need. And he knew he could be that for his wife this afternoon.

It wasn't until noon that he was asked to go to the temple for the ceremony. He marched there with a retinue, all matter of guards added to each of the royal family after what had happened before. It was a statement of power and one that couldn't be ignored by any amount of spies. And so he stood at the front of the temple, a small smile on his lips. It didn't matter in this moment that Necolita wasn't here. He was very happy to be wedding this woman and he needed to show her that.

_____________________________

Necolita watched as his rage took him over. If this was the kind of man she was dealing with, she could figure something out, she knew. Every man had a weak spot and if his was rage, she could use it to her advantage. When he grabbed her jaw and forced her to look at him, she met his cold, furious eyes, with her own boiling rage behind them. How dare he think he could treat her this way. Prisoner or not, there were things that you should do for dignitaries if you wanted them to cooperate. He wasn't getting this from her. She watched him closely as he turned from her, having a few thoughts run through her head before he turned back and advanced on her.

On the ground was a good place to be, especially after he had just thrown and broken a cup on the ground. When he started advancing on her, she started back pedaling towards where the cup was that he had smashed. The heat on her cheek from where he had smacked her would earn him hours being tortured by her brothers, she knew. When they got to her, he would learn. He would see.

She was about to comment to his accusation of not keeping her clean when the guard came in the room. She took this opportune moment to quickly grab a shard of the cup and hide it in her hand. If he was going to pretend that he was invincible, she would test that theory. "Someone throw a bee in your plan?" she asked him almost snidely. "If you do anything indecent to me, my brothers will find you and tear you limb from limb."

[Panu]

Sethos followed his brother and as they split into each of their own rooms, he got into the room to get ready for the ceremony. He did not get as dressed as Amenhotep did, however he was dressed nicely and appropriate to this kind of festivities. He knew, that today was only going to be the ceremony, when they had gotten Necolita back, there would be a grand dinner and celebration of the wedding of the crown prince.

In the afternoon, Sethos joined Amenhotep in the temple before Delphi would arrive with her family. He stood next to his brother and looked at him “you look like a great pharaoh, you will be a great leader, Amenhotep” Sethos laid his hand on his shoulder “I truly wish the two of you all the best” he said in a low voice and looked towards the door, as it opened for Delphi to walk in. Sethos was amazed by the sight of Delphi, she did match Amenhotep and Sethos was sure, that they without a doubt would make a strong team, both as a couple and as a pharaoh and his queen.

****

Delphi was dressed fully to represent a future queen of Egypt. She was wearing a long dress, with a colorful necklace and the proper headdress for the wedding. Her makeup would match that of a queen and her maids had spent most of the day to get her ready.

Walking towards the temple, Delphi looked at both her maids and nodded a little, to let them know they could stay behind. They would stay behind and prepare her dress for the night. As Delphi walked into the temple, she took a deep silent breath and stepped through the doors. She looked up at Amenhotep standing by the end of the long hall. She couldn’t help but to smile a little as she walked up and stood next him “hello” she said in a low voice and smiled.

As the ceremony began, Delphi went down on her knees together with Amenhotep in front of the priest of the temple. “Calling in all the Gods for the marriage of crown prince Amenhotep, further pharaoh of Egypt” the Priest called and placed one hand above the head of Amenhotep and the other above the head of Delphi “We will bless these two souls and may they all be protected by the Gods.” The Priest tied a robe on both their hands, took a cup filled with wine, looked up to the celling, blessing it and gave it first to Delphi.

Delphi took the cup with her free hand and took a small sip before handing it to Amenhotep. She gave him a small smile and looked up at the priest again. The Priest took the cup again and placed it on the alter. He turned around and looked over the small crowed of people gathered in the temple “You will all be witnesses of this wedding and the Gods will protect you all” he then untied the robe from their hands and gave a sign for them to stand up again “You are now married in the presence of the Gods and your families” the priest bowed to them both.

Delphi stood up and turned to look at Amenhotep, she smiled and shortly after felt his lips on hers, she was now his wife and nothing would make her leave him.

After the whole ceremony was over, Delphi’s family had been sent home and she was now sitting in Amenhotep’s chamber. Her dress had been changed to a new dress (https://i.pinimg.com/564x/9a/88/23/9a8823a85f2d8ceb6bd655ef90f1eaa6.jpg ). It was part of the ritual that the queen had to change. Delphi looked towards the door as Amenhotep walked in to the room, she stood up, feeling a bit insecure in the dress they had given her, also not knowing what Amenhotep would think “Good evening my prince” she smiled softly at him.

****

Firuz listened to the general and nodded a couple of times “you will make them pay” he looked at the general waved his hand, to show him that he could leave. He then looked at her and smiled a little “I have got the answers out of you as I want, but maybe I should just take you as my wife and then I will be able to take you every single night” he smiled and tied his rope again and turned around.

“If your brothers should come, we will be ready for them, trust my word princess” he again turned and looked down on her “I will make sure none of you will get out of here alive” Firuz looked over at the guards “Bring her back to the basement and bring some food to my chamber” he looked at her “I will see you again soon princess, please behave” he walked out of the grand hall before the guards had pulled Necolita up on her feets and dragged her down to the basement again.

[Natora]

Amenhotep watched as Delphi revealed herself for the first time. She looked heavenly. All the worry, the thoughts in his head about Lita, everything flitted away. All that he could think of now was Delphi and their very immediate nuptials. When she got to the front next to her, he knelt down beside her. This was the first moment his eyes left her since she walked in. She was gorgeous. He kept his hand holding hers in a strong grip. It wouldn't hurt her but it was a strong hold, one that would support her as he was promising to do. When it was his turn to take the wine, he did and noticed the small smile she gave him.

He barely heard the priest before they were instructed to stand up. Now it was his turn. He was going to lay a claim to her in front of all gathered here to make sure that they understood Delphi was his wife now and he wasn't going to let anyone tell him what to do. He turned to her as the priest finished and pulled her close, kissing her deeply in front of all those around. He didn't care who saw or said anything. They were married now and he would be Pharaoh one day. This would be proper. When he pulled back, he did so slowly with a very happy smile on his face.

Later that night, he went to his room, the room that they would now share together. He walked in, two guards following him out of duty. He halted when he saw Delphi there and paused a moment, staring at her with great intensity. He smiled when he greeted her and then said, "You are all dismissed." It was very clear that the only person in the room he wasn't speaking to was Delphi. Any servants still lingering skittered out and the guards closed the door behind them as they left. Once the door was closed he was willing to speak.

"Good evening, my dear," he said with a deepness to his voice, a lust, that she had only heard once before. He started walking towards her slowly. "I hope you won't mind but I couldn't stand how your family was treating you so I dismissed them and informed them they were not welcome back without an invitation," he admitted to her before he got close enough that he could touch her. He gently reached over and put his two hands on her sides, holding them there against her skin, wanting more and glad that he had her all to himself.

__________________________

"You would be smart to take me as your wife," she told him from her spot on the ground. "I might be willing to ask them to let you live when they get here if you treated me more kindly," she said with almost a sneer as he left the room, condemning her to her fate. The guard came over and drug her up. But as he did, she closed her fist around the glass she had taken and knew that when the chance came she would gather the courage she needed to use it. She followed the guard back downstairs and stumbled into the cell she had been in before when he threw her in. These poor women were in for a hell of a life. She almost wanted to try and make it better. But there was little she could do from her place here.

With a soft sigh, she sat down where she had been last night, the women all crowding around again to try and get heat out of each other. It really was the easiest way to keep warm. Necolita smiled to them all gently before she realised that none of them were eating. Well it seemed this dungeon was a one meal a day sort of place. It was awful and Necolita could almost feel herself growing weaker by the minute.

[Panu]

((WARNING: Sexual Content is in this post))


Sethos had after the ceremony walked down to the stables and had started to prepare the horses, making sure that everything was ready for when they had to leave early in the morning before dawn. He had always been in charge of the horses and the weapons, when they would go on a mission. He would then return to his chamber after being at the stables for a couple of hours. It was time to bed, it was time to gather all his strength, because tomorrow they would leave Egypt and get Necolita back.

****

Delphi noticed the change in Amenhotep’s voice as he walked in, a change of voice she had heard before. She couldn’t help but to smile and keeping eye contact with him, as he walked towards her. She looked up at him as he spoke of her family, she was a bit surprised that he would inform them like that, however somehow she did understand, it would not be nice if her family came running time after time. “My family have never treated me badly my dear prince” she softly placed a hand on his chin and smiled “however, I am now married to you and am a part of your family” she tiptoed up and softly kissed him “I am now yours, my soul, my body, all belongs to you, forever.”

After smiling at him again, she softly took his hand and guided him over to the bed, she loosened the belt in which his khopesh was in and placed it over beside a chair. Delphi walked back to him and slowly loosened his shendyt and let it fall to the ground “I will always do my best to please you, Amenhotep” she said in a soft but with lust running in the undertone of her voice. She kissed him deeply this time, softly tracing her fingers and hands on his upper body. She softly guided him to sit before she kneeled in front of him, softly kissed him on his inner thigh, before gently taking his pride into her mouth. She softly used her lips together with her tongue to massage his pride. It was her first time doing such a thing, however she did listen to the sound of Amenhotep’s breath to guide her to which movement she could hear he liked the most. She stopped when he had grown bigger, her lips softly let go and she stood up. Delphi untied her dress and let it drop to the floor and softly crawled up on his lap, with both legs on each side of him. Delphi ran some fingers through his hair and smiled “you looked so strong and handsome today, I still can’t believe that I got to marry you” she smiled and softly leaned in and kissed him passionately.

****


Firuz heard Necolita’s last comment before he walked out of the hall. Sure she had been right on some things, but that was nothing he would admit to anyone. He worked the rest of the day with the generals, preparing and prepping for a future war, which was the whole plan of kidnapping Necolita. However, he did have a new plan for her. Firuz went to inform the guards, that they should bring Necolita the next morning, it was then and there he would inform her about her new purpose. He gave the guards an order to bring some food for Necolita before he walked into his own chamber.

A guard walked down to the cell and looked over at Necolita “YOU” he yelled and opened the door before throwing some pieces of bread over to her “Food for you, Kings order” he locked the door again and walked out of the dungeon.

[Natora]

((Warning: Sexual Content in this Post))

Every kiss she gave him was returned with one of equal loving. Every touch she gave moved his hands to stroke her skin elsewhere. He wanted to devour her and do so for many many hours, but things were not that simple and he needed to make sure that she felt loved more than anything else tonight. He needed her to want him to come back. "Whether or not you believe you were mistreated, I cannot stand that they chose to make your main purpose to marry me. Not that I'm upset you chose to do as they asked in the end," he stipulated as he followed her to the bed.

When she started taking the lead, he let her do so, allowing her to undress him. He wanted nothing more than to return the favour but he knew that she had to be allowed to explore as well. She was his virgin. He had claimed her for himself and this would be the first woman he could impregnate. An heir, that was what he wanted, but he would let her do as she wished tonight. When she knelt in front of him, he looked down at her surprised. Most women didn't do this voluntarily. But here she was. Wrapping her lips around everything he had. It was beautiful and his head tipped back in pleasure.

He sat there and enjoyed all she was willing to give. He didn't try to help anything, wanting her to experiment on her own first. He would encourage things later but for her first time, she needed to do what she was comfortable with. If she didn't, she might not try again. When she finished, he pulled her face to his so that he could kiss her deeply, wanting to have more of her. As she knelt on top of him, he growled in his throat. He felt like she was hovering above him in a tease on purpose. "Well we aren't officially married until we do this," he told her simply before he started pushing her hips slowly down on top of him so that they were connected in a whole different way.

He hadn't tested to see if she was as slick as she could be but he had literally just come out of her mouth. He was slick enough to start them both out. When she was almost fully around him, he groaned in pleasure and then sighed happily. "I just wanted to feel this. Please set the pace as you wish," he told her, his voice sing song-y as if he might be testing her. He wasn't, but he wanted to have her. His lips left hers long enough for him to lean back and then hold her breast up to his lips so he could suck there too. All he wanted was every inch of her and he intended to take it all night long after she had her way.

___________________________________________

Necolita actually managed to sleep a little during the day that time. Not that she could tell what time of day it was. There was really very little to do in the dungeons more than sleep and eat if food was brought. So she slept and talked with the other ladies there. It was the first time that she had spoken with anyone below her station for more than a few minutes and it turned out interesting. Peasant lives seemed much more adventurous than royal lives.

When the guard came in and threw that pieces of bread at her, she looked up at him confused before he slammed the door. She looked at the others around her and rolled her eyes before splitting the bread between all the woman there. Many were grateful though some were reluctant to accept. They weren't sure how they would be punished if they ate the food that was stipulated for her. Necolita didn't seem to care and told them all that as long as the guards didn't see, there was nothing that would happen to them. Finally it felt late enough in the day that they were able to sleep for the night through. Again they used each other for pillows and blankets. It was a wonderful weave.

[Panu]

((Warning: Sexual Content in this Post))

“If we are not officially married, then let’s complete it” Delphi said in a teasing voice and kissed him. She was glad that he had let her take the lead and had the opportunity test things out herself, without commenting on it. She indeed had been raised to be a suitor for the crown prince, but now she was acting on her own free will, she would do everything she could to please this amazing man in front of her. As he softly pushed her hips down on him, Delphi let a small sigh of pleasure out of her mouth and smiled at him. She put a bit more weight in, so she was fully around him.

When Amenhotep groaned, Delphi smiled and softly bit her lower lip “I too have waited for this” she leaned in and kissed him once again. As he mentioned that she could set the pace, she did feel a bit nervous, because of her lack of experience, but she was a dancer and did know how to move the body. So Delphi slowly started to move her hips in a sync rhythm with Amenhotep’s movements. She let out a small moan as he placed his lips around her breast and she placed her arms around his neck, as she slowly increased the speed of her hip movements.

As the movements increased, the soft moan had increased as well, as she felt the movement from Amenhotep, together with him sucking on her breast and her feeling the sweet sensation whenever her sensitive spot was hit. Now they did not need to keep quiet about this action, so she did not try to keep the sound in, even though she might not be able to anyway, all of these sensations felt amazing and feeling it built up.

Delphi was listening to Amenhotep’s breathing, trying to change up the rhythm with his breathing, so she was sure that he also enjoyed it as much as she did. When she suddenly was hit by a wave of sensations in her lower parts, which was spreading to the rest of her body, she hold her arms tight around Amenhotep, not in a scared why, but because she became overwhelmed and surprised by it. She had heard of the orgasm before, but being the first time she experienced it, she was a bit taken aback by it.

“Wow” Delphi whispered in a low and did blush a little as she looked at Amenhotep.


****

In the morning a guard came down to the dungeon and opened up the cell, he walked over and shook Necolita awake “get up, the king is to see you” he helped her up and walked her out of the dungeon together with another guard. They walked her down the big corridor and down to the hall where she had been the day before. Inside the hall, King Firuz was sitting on his throne, speaking with some generals. As he noticed the guards had brought her into the hall, he held his hand up to stop the generals speaking. He then stood up and walked down to her “you peaked my interest yesterday princess, I like the fire burning inside your soul” he smiled a little.

“I have decided to change things up for you a bit. I want you to be my servant, for that I will give you a small chamber to sleep in, getting you washed and dressed” Firuz waved with his hand and two maids came over, he then looked at them “take her and give her a bath, dress her in the clothes placed in the room and bring some food for her and get her back here again later” he looked at them and turned around and walked back to the generals.

The maids walked together with Necolita together with two guards as well. When they entered the small chamber – which indeed was smaller than her chamber in Egypt, but still quiet big, the guards stayed outside and when the doors were closed behind them, the maids helped Necolita out her clothes she had been wearing for the last couple of days. A bath had been filled with warm soap water and the maids helped cleaning her. As they were done, they helped her get in the new dress, more pretty than the one the normal servants were wearing. They made her hair in a pretty ponytail and gave her a necklace on. The maids were quiet as they helped her, clearly following orders of not speaking too much.

Shortly after, a whole meal was brought to the room and the maids stood in the corner, waiting to be able to help Necolita some more, if needed.

[Natora]

Amenhotep let her set the rhythm she wanted as she was on his lap. He held himself back from freeing his pleasure but still felt all the wonderful sensations that her body was going through. His hands kept busy over all the different areas he had access to in this position. It was honestly glorious to have a woman devoted to only him. And in this time, he was able to forget all about Sethos' strange affection of his sister, his sister's horrible kidnapping, and anything else that had been bothering him.

When she climaxed around him, he made sure not to let up until she was fading. He smiled as she said wow and chuckled gently. He kissed her collar bone and then made sure he gripped her rear firmly and stood up, keeping himself inside her. "Now, now. We have as much time as we want here. I'm not letting you get away that easily," he said with a devilish gleam in his eye. He turned around and put her back on the bed where he gave her another two orgasms rather easily now that he had given her one. One more was achieved against the wall and another on the chaise before he finally gave in and let himself pour his pleasure into her. He wasn't leaving with her having any thought of another man being able to satisfy her half as well.

______________________________

Necolita narrowed her eyes at the king when he said that he wanted her to be his servant. Her nose went up at the thought of such a low thing happening to her. Though, it was better than sitting in the dungeons she supposed. Her fury masked at the moment, she kept quiet as the maids took her away to get dressed. They helped her bathe and make sure she was clean which she felt was odd. If she was to be a servant, should other servants be helping her. What was Firuz's game here?

When food was brought and she was dressed in something more... appropriate, she sat down to eat. She was famished but when she looked up at the two women that had helped her, she knew they would be as well. She had to force herself to eat slowly, the lack of food for so long affecting her ability to eat greatly. When she knew she was done, she had only eaten half the plate. She looked up at the girls and gently said, "Will you finish this for me, please?" It would be good to know how much say she really had in this odd new role. A servant with servants. She wanted to know how much they had to listen to her.

[Panu]

As he lifted her up, Delphi wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. When he spoke and the gleam in his eyes appeared, she smiled a little. Every moment of the last couple of hours had been beyond amazing and as they were laying on the bed, Delphi lying on her stomach while her fingers were running over Amenhotep’s muscular back, she still couldn’t believe this man was real and she was now married to him “are you even real?” She said with a small laugh on her lips. Would she even doubt it, he had proven to be real the last hours of amazing pleasure.

The thoughts of him leaving tomorrow slowly came to her mind and the smile disappeared again. She was worried, however she also knew it had to be done, at least they got the night together “when you come back, I want to get to know you, Amenhotep, the you behind the crown prince and pharaoh title” Delphi smiled at him and softly ran fingers through his hair.

Delphi sat up “I have something for you, one moment” she stood up from the bed, still completely naked and went over to a small drawer she had brought with her. She opened it and took something small in her hand. Delphi walked back to the bed and sat next to Amenhotep, she gently placed a black leather necklace around his neck with a small amulet “it’s for protection and love. I know you can protect yourself, but I still want to send you on this quest with small symbol of my love”

*******

One servant looked at Necolita as she offered them food. She stepped forward, but the other grabbed her arm “you will be punished if they find out” she whispered in a scared way, however the hunger clearly won, as they girl walked over to the table and began eating the food there were left. The other girl stayed by the door, clearly scared of the consequences.

Suddenly the door opened and King Firuz walked in. The girl moves quickly away from the table, but he had already seen it. Firuz looked furious at her, he flicked with some fingers to the guards and pointed over at the girl “bring her to the dungeons” he said and didn’t even look twice as the guards carried the girl out of the chamber. He looked at Necolita “you truly are pleasing to the eyes, princess.”

Two guards linked some chains to Necolita’s wrist and in the other end Firuz placed one around his wrist, one he could remove if he wanted “now, I want you to follow me around and be my servant, if you behave nicely, I might even want to grand you some wishes that you might have, shall we?” He walked and as the distance between them became as long as the chain, he simply pulled and pulled Necolita with him. They walked into the great hall and Firuz sat on this throne, having a big enough pillow to sit on placed next to him, so Necolita could sit on. As he had meetings all they, he had Necolita filling up a cup for him once in a while, while listening to the generals who was there to speak about the situations in the country.

[Natora]

Amenhotep watched as she walked away, looking after her slightly confused. What was she possibly going to try and give him that he didn't already have? When she came back to the bed and sat next to him, he immediately put an arm around her waist. She was acting rather spry for what he had just gone through with her. He ducked his head for the necklace and then picked it up to look at it a moment. He smiled and then pulled her close in a gentle and loving kiss.

"It's perfect. I will remember," he said to her gently. "I'm afraid I haven't been the most dutiful husband with gifts. But you will have many things around to remind you of me. And I promise that I will be a more doting man when I return. I need to get my sister back first," he said to her gently. He pulled her close for another kiss before then pulling her down so they were laying on the bed together. "Now, sleep, my love. Once you are asleep, I promise I will be able to do so as well. But I need to see you safely asleep first," he said to her gently. And true to his word, as soon as her eyes closed, he was able to fall asleep as well.

_________________________

Necolita heard Firuz much too late as well and couldn't step up to stop the girl before the door was opened. When Firuz entered, her look almost mirrored that of the girl but it wasn't quite as frightened, knowing that it wouldn't be her getting punished. She wanted to yell, to argue. But the bruise on her face stopped her a moment. The next moment, the girl was gone from the room and it would have been too late.

When he complimented her, she automatically responded with a short nod of the head, a reasonable response when any suitor had complimented her before. It was horrible to know that she was still a prisoner here. At least she was being treated better. The clamps on her wrists weren't even overly tight. When he offered her wishes as rewards if she behaved, she knew she now had motivation to do so. With a slightly less curt nod, she followed him out silently.

Sitting at the side of the king wasn't so horrible. It was definitely humiliating to be serving him rather than at his side, but it was much better than the dungeon so she would take what she could get. When she was filling his glass, she tried to make sure that it was full without spilling any. It was harder than she had thought. After always having it done for her it was very odd to do it for someone else. But her time wasn't wasted. She paid attention to all the conversations that were happening, trying to find her bearings and see what direction she could go when she finally escaped.

[Panu]

Next morning just an hour before sunrise, there could already be heard activity in the stables. Sethos had been up for a couple of hours, just to get the last couple of things ready, before they would begin their quest of getting Necolita back. He had prepared all the horses, even Amenhotep’s horse as well. Sethos was always the one getting up and getting things ready whenever they were to go out on a mission. He had gone to the kitchen and with the help of some servants, he had packed supplies for their travel.

Sethos looked up at the sky, he could not wait to get going and get Necolita back. He hoped so much that she was safe and couldn’t stand the thought of if they were hurting her. He let us a small sigh and walked into the palace, down the hall and up to where they had their chambers. He had agreed with Amenhotep, that he would wake him up. Sethos knocked on Amenhotep’s door “It is time to get up and going. We meet in the stables” If it had not been for Amenhotep’s wedding yesterday, Sethos would had walked into the chamber, however, out of respect for Delphi and Amenhotep, he would not go in there. Also, Amenhotep would kill him, is Sethos ever saw Delphi naked.

Afterwards Sethos walked back down to the stables welcomed some of the men joining them. He checked up on the last couple of things before Amenhotep joined them. He looked at Amenhotep and Delphi as they joined, and he made a small bow for them. Sethos then handed Amenhotep his khopesh and smiled “ready?”

*****

Delphi returned his kiss in the same loving way “there is no duty in giving gifts” she smiled “also, you are the one going on a dangerous mission, not me, that’s why I wanted to give this to you.” As he pulled her down for them to lay in the bed together, she settled into his arms and smiled “I will try and sleep” she smiled, closed her eyes and soon after she was steady asleep. It had been a long day and their activities had drained her from most of her energy.

As there was knocked on the door, Delphi woke up and rubbed her eyes a little and looked at Amenhotep. She did indeed wish they would have more time together before he would leave, however she also knew, that the fast they would leave, the faster they would come home and hopefully with Necolita.

Delphi sat up and crawled out of bed “I will follow you down to the others” she smiled, still tired, however she would sleep some more when she had sent them safely off. She pulled a white dress on and adjusted her hair, so it was looking elegant as it was hanging loose and pulled over to one side. Her hair was still wavy from the braids the day before.

She walked down the hallways, holding Amenhotep's hand, them not saying much. Before they walked out to the stables, Delphi stopped up and looked up at Amenhotep and smiled "please come back safe to me my prince" she gently but lovingly kissed him.

*****


King Firuz looked down at Necolita once in a while, he turned his attention back to the generals “so you are telling me, the army has fallen in numbers? Because you lost a fight by the boarders up north?” he sighed “you should recruit some more soldiers” he sighed and took a big sip of the wine in his cup. This was not going as he was planning, he needed a big army to go against Egypt, when they would be attacking. He looked down at Necolita again, clearly thinking a lot. Maybe it was time to change strategy.

As the meetings were done, which was late in the evening, Firuz stood up and waited for Necolita to stand up “you have really behaved yourself today, maybe I should already grant you a wish” he said and looked at her “is there something you wish for, beautiful flower?”

[Natora]

Amenhotep watched Delphi sleep for a while before drifting off into his own personal slumber. He slept rather well before he was woken by an aggressive knock at the door. It wasn't really an aggressive knock but it still woke him with a small start. He looked around the room and realised what day it was before sighing. He leaned over Delphi and kissed her before climbing out of bed and getting dressed for the journey. He covered a good part of his body with abric, knowing the hate of the desert and not knowing exactly how many days of travel it would take to get there.

When she said she wanted to follow him down to send him off, he nodded and said, "If you wish." He kissed her one more time behind closed doors before taking her hand and walking down to the stables with her. If they said anything while walking down to the stables, Amenhotep wouldn't have remembered. He saw Sethos standing, having readied everything as he always did. This man deserved more than a crown for his dedication to his siblings... Then again. His feelings about Lita still weren't too far from his mind. He turned to Delphi and smiled. "I will always come back," he promised before giving her a quick kiss.

From there, he mounted up next to Sethos and took the khopesh. "Let's go get Necolita back," he said simply before tying the khopesh around his waist and then nodding to Delphi one more time before kicking his horse in the flanks with a, "Hya," to make him gallop out of the stables and into the desert. The ride was long and exhausting to the first oasis. The horses needed to take a long break there for there to be any chance of them making it the next day. Amenhotep dismounted and then looked over to Sethos. "So do we kill him or arrest him?" he asked.

____________________________________________

Necolita got up as Firuz did and started walking behind him. He had only had to pull her once this morning for her to know she didn't want that to happen again. So she made sure to keep pace with him again this time. When he asked her what she wanted as a wish, she smiled and tried not to let the mischievous look be seen by him or his guards. She needed to know what kinds of wishes he would grant. "I wish for the maid that you took to the dungeons this morning to be set free and allowed to continue in my service," she said to him easily. The fact that the girl had been taken away at all was upsetting to her. It had to be rectified.

[Panu]

The soldiers together with Sethos kicked the horses and galloped out of the stables, out of the town and out into the desert. It had been a long ride so far and when they finally arrived at the first oasis, Sethos got of his horse, helped it over to the water as the rest of the guys did, so it could rest and drink. Afterwards he took his own water and took a bit sip. Sethos sat down next to Amenhotep after dismounting their stuff and looked at him, as he asked the question.

In Sethos mind there was not even a question in it, he would kill him in the blink of an eye if he got the chance “if I see him all alone, I will kill him” he said staring a bit out on the water, but then turning to Amenhotep yet again “however, I think it would be a good strategy to arrest him and bring him to justice in front of the pharaoh” he signed again by another thought “but then again, if he has touched her in any way, he is dead” he looked at Amenhotep. He was dead serious, he would kill him, if he had touched her “what do you think?” Sethos took a sip of his water again, he was curious about how Amenhotep was feeling, even though he was sure, that they might have the same point of view.

Later on, some of the guys had set up a fire and they were all sitting there, Sethos lying halfway down and just listening to the guys talk. Some of them had even dared to ask Amenhotep how the night way going, so Sethos sat up and looked at them “careful guys, you are asking about some private stuff about the future queen and then you even dare to ask he future pharaoh about this” he laughed a little. They were all very close from training together for many years, but maybe some things were a bit more secret, even though they did not ask for details. Sethos looked at them “let’s just focus on the mission for now, shall we?” he smiled at them.

****

King Firuz looked at Necolita as she asked for her wish. What was she planning this girl, she could wish for everything and yet, she wished for a simple girl to be released and to continue in her service. He did look at her for about a minute before smiling “sometimes you are difficult to read dear princess, however” he pulled in the chain and pulled her close and softly placed a hand on her chin where he had fit her the day before and in a soft and calm voice said “I will grant you this wish dear” Firuz slowly just took in all the details of her face and just smiled a little before looking over at the guards “bring the girl back and bring her to princess Necolita’s chamber” he said in a sudden hard tone.

Shortly after he looked back at her “are you happy now? Maybe we should do this daily, if you behave” Firuz said with a small mischievous smile. “I do also have another idea, how about…” he looked at her to read her face expression as he asked her “why don’t you marry me and I will promise, that I will not attack Egypt at all?” he looked at her, tightened the grip a little around his end of the chain “what about becoming my queen and queen of this country, huh? As things are now that your brother has found a woman to get engage to and she will become the queen, your title will always be princess - so I can make you a queen with no problems. This land is almost as big as Egypt, there will be a lot to rule over and you can have all the girls as servants as you want, just say the word”

[Natora]

When Sethos sat next to Amenhotep, Amen looked over to his brother after a long drink of water. "Get in line," he said simply, a small smirk on his face. He didn't know how well he would hold his own temper around the bastard if he wasn't being watched. Of course, the likelihood of finding him without Necolita was probably rather low. He knew Sethos was right though. They needed to bring him in and make sure that he paid for what he did, no matter the cost. "Maybe we'll make it a race. Whoever finds him first can either arrest him if they're not alone, or kill him if he is," he said simply.

When they were all gathered around the fire that night, many were talking about their many conquests with women. Amenhotep just smirked and listened as he laid on his sleeping mat. When they mentioned his night with his wife he laughed and shook his head. Sethos stood up for him though but he wasn't going to leave the men completely empty handed. So he sat up on his mat and looked around to all the men gathered there. "Well....there was this one incredible thing she did," he said before stopping and giving them no more details. "Neither of us will be looking around for more conquests any time soon," he told them easily.

_______________________________________

The pause he gave her when he was considering her request was hollow and almost frightening. What was he thinking? Was he considering striking her again for such a noble request? Either way, she made herself feel more brave and stayed silent as she waited for his final decision. When he agreed, her eyebrows rose slightly in surprise that he was actually willing to give this to her. His tone had gotten softer with her, which she found suspicious, but that feeling became worse when he spoke so harshly to the guard that was sent after the young woman.

Then he suggested what he had and she glared at him. How dare he even think that after he had kidnapped her she would want to marry him!! That was ludicrous! Then he put the whole of Egypt as the compromise for it and she knew that she couldn't say no. It was so difficult to stand there and think that she had the power to stop a war from happening with her marriage and she was even considering not doing it. But as he pulled her closer, she found being this close to him almost repulsive. She took a deep breath and asked, "May I have a day to think on it?"

[Panu]

Sethos had agreed to make it a race, which actually created some excitement into this. Sethos was determined to kill King Firuz if he met him alone and he was sure, that Amenhotep also found this small part a bit amusing, yes their main reason was to rescue Necolita, however, this man deserved to be punished, because he even dared to kidnap the princess.

As Amenhotep laughed a little and sat up, Sethos looked a bit surprised at him, was he really going to tell something and Sethos sat up as well. The small info and no further details made the men surprised, one said “on your first night? Did she actually do something? Sounds unusual for a first time” some of the men even agreed and Sethos could not help but to laugh a little of them and just shook his head. He knew it had not been their first not, nonetheless, Sethos was a bit surprised like the rest of the men, but he would ask Amenhotep in private instead. He looked over at his brother and smiled, this evening had been nice, seeing a smile and laugh on Amenhotep’s face, consider the rough last couple of days, where no smile was to be found.

The rest of the evening, the men had just been chatted away and in the end before them going to sleep, Sethos had just been checking up on the horses, just to be sure everyone of them were doing okay. They still had a long warm day ahead of them.

Next morning before sunrise, everything was once again packed and they were all on their way again. It was always good to start before the sun got up. Sethos was in the front together with Amenhotep leading the way. He looked over at his brother and smiled “I do not want to know all the details, so keep that to yourself, however, yesterday you did not only make the men curious but me as well. What was that one incredible thing?” Sethos looked at him and smiled “it is not often I hear the word incredible from you, that is why I got so curious” he laughed a little and waited for Amenhotep’s response.


*****

Firuz just looked at her as she took in his offer, he knew that putting Egypt on the line, would add some extra pressure on her shoulders, making it hard for her to decline his offer. He was used to be able to get what he wanted and at this point he wanted her, almost no matter the cost. When she asked for some time to think, he just smiled at her “of course, I will give you a day to think on it, one day” the last part he made sure to say in a bit more specific tone, so she was sure that he meant no more than a day.

“I will be going to some more meetings now, some I unfortunately can not bring you to. I will let the guards lead you to your chamber and take it as a good time to consider my offer” Firuz waved a hand and a guard came over and grabbed the chain, pulling Necolita down the hall, while Firuz walked into a new meeting, this time regarding all the slaves and women in the dungeon.

The guard pulled Necolita back to her chamber and before closing the door behind her, he unlocked the chain from around her wrists and then slammed the door behind him. There were guards posted by Necolita’s chamber door to make sure, she would not run anywhere. Shortly after the door opened again and the girl from earlier was pushed hard into the chamber which caused her to trip and fall down on her knees. The girl looked up at Necolita and was almost lying in front of her crying “how can I ever thank you enough, I will forever be in debt of you. You saved my life, I have no idea how I can ever pay you back from this. No matter the cost, I will spend the rest of my life trying to pay you back for what you have just done for me.”

[Natora]

Amenhotep woke up early and went to the horses, making sure that each of them was well rested and ready to go. He wasn't going to be slowed down by a bad horse. Thankfully, all seemed eager to get moving, which was what they needed. As more of the soldiers woke up, they all went about getting ready to ride out. Amenhotep felt like it was taking forever but in reality, it wasn't. It was just longer than he would have liked. Soon enough though, they were up and out into the forsaken desert again, riding towards Firuz, and making sure that they were getting Necolita back.

When Sethos rode up next to him and asked about the incredible thing that Delphi had done, Amen laughed. "I'm not about to tell anyone what it was," he stipulated easily. "You can all be left to wonder at what amazing things the queen to be can do," he said. "It would be rude for me to speak otherwise" It was simple enough of a dismissal of the topic. He wasn't about to share such delicate information with anyone, not even his brother. "Let's worry about getting Necolita back and then you can go find a woman to do amazing things to you," he suggested.

__________________________________________________ ______

Necolita nodded to him when he said he would give her a day and no longer. She had one day to decide if she was going to betray her family and instead become queen of a kingdom that had stolen her. When the guard took her, she realised immediately that he wasn't being as kind to her as the king had. She would have to have a talk with him, but knew that as of now she had no power. When the door was slammed on her, she sighed and rubbed her wrists gently. She wanted nothing more than to run free from here but she was no fool. She knew that she wasn't about to get out of here alive if she did. She had to wait. It had only been three days now. She knew that her brothers would be coming for her soon if they weren't already. They were the ones that always looked out for her.

She heard the door open behind her and turned to see the young maid from this morning being thrown in at her feet. Her crying and continuous mumbling about how sorry she was made Necolita feel sorry for the poor girl. This was the only kindness she had seen in a while it seemed. "Stand," she commanded softly. "You can start by telling me your name and then telling me about King Firuz," she said easily before going and sitting down on a chaise.

[Panu]

Sethos just laughed at Amenhotep when he mentioned that he would not tell anything “fair fair, I will not ask anymore Amenhotep, let’s focus on the mission for now” he said and ignored the last comment from Amenhotep about Sethos finding a woman. As of now, he was not interested in finding any woman, he would just focus on getting Necolita safe home.

After some more hours, they finally arrived in the capital of the country and they quickly found a small stable, where Sethos spoke to the owner and they would be able to let their horses stay there, until they somehow had to get out of there. He paid the owner and walked back to Amenhotep and the other men “the horses can stay here for the time being, he will feed them and make sure they will be ready for the trip home” he said and looked at Amenhotep “Let’s find the palace and find Necolita” he said shortly before they all walked through the city. The palace was not difficult to find at all, as it was towering up in the middle of the town, in front of a grand square.

As they walked through the square, Sethos looked over at the big gathering of many people and noticed slave trading, people buying slaves and clearly being very excited about the new arrival. He looked over all the slaves standing on a straight line, just to make sure that Necolita was not among them. He looked at Amenhotep to watch his reaction to the slave trading, knowing how his brother were feeling about it. Sethos had sent one of their men out to spy and find a way into the palace, at the time they found the stable for the horses. Shortly after the spy came back to them and informed them about a smaller route into the palace. This time it was better to split up, to make sure they would be able to cover the most ground.

Sethos walked the halls of the palace together with Amenhotep, wearing the clothes like the once of the guards in the palace, which they had found in a room in a small room close to the kitchen “do you really think she will be in the upper halls?” he whispered as they walked down the hall, sometimes checking the doors. As they turned the corner, two guards where standing in front of a room, Sethos walked back the corner and looked at Amenhotep “best guess is, they are guarding something” he looked at his brother “how do we do this? Want me to go first and knock them out?” After they agreed what to do, Sethos walked down the hall first and as soon he walked past the first guard, he quickly knocked his hand on the side of his neck, which made the guard fall down and before his colleague could react, Sethos had knocked him out as well.

Knowing the Amenhotep had his back, Sethos looked over at him and waited for him to walk down the hall. When he was finally by his side, Sethos slowly opened the door. Before the door was fully opened, Sethos spotted Necolita and just pushed the door fully opened, before he walked in a fast pace over to Necolita and just pulled her into a tight hug. “Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere” He looked down at her and moved over to let Amenhotep hug her. While Amenhotep spoke with her, Sethos went over to the door because it was clear that something was going on outside “I think someone know we are here Amenhotep” he looked over his shoulder and walked backwards as the door was opened and in walked King Firuz in the front with at least 30 soldiers after him. Sethos walked backwards, making sure Necolita was staying behind him and Amenhotep, until the three of them stood in a corner.

King Firuz laughed a little while looking at them “I’m guessing these are your dear brothers, princess – they should have told they were coming for a visit” he looked at Necolita, who was standing behind Amenhotep and Sethos. Firuz lifted his hand and one of the men who had been Sethos and Amenhotep were thrown on the floor in front of them, complete beaten up. Firuz looked at Amenhotep and Sethos reaction and laughed “I do not like people sneaking into my palace, I’m pretty sure you know what to do know, princess, you know that it is time to decide. I know, that I gave you a day, but this situation makes me want to get an answer now” he smirked at her and reached out a hand for her.

“May you burn up in hell” Sethos sneered “You should not do anything Necolita” he looked at Amenhotep “we can fight our way out of here, you take the left side and I will take the right” he held his arm in front of Necolita while looking at Amenhotep. He was burning up with anger, both with the man kidnapping Necolita standing in front of him, but also that they had just beaten up one of their men, this was not something he could accept at all.

****

The girl stood up, dried her tears in her sleeve and looked at Necolita “My name is Nanu, I’m 16 and I was actually born in Egypt” she sniffed a bit “however I was kidnapped 8 years ago and have been here every since, serving here in the palace” she bit her lip and signed a little “my biggest dream is to one day to go back and be reunited with my family again. My dad is actually a blacksmith, he makes weapons for the royal family, so I do know who you are, princess” she smiled softly.

Nanu had to think a little about the question about King Firuz “I’m not really sure what you would like to know. The king is not very liked among the people, he is more feared and uses fear as the best weapon to remain the control over his soldiers and the guards. He has a very bad temper, but I guess you have already noticed so far” she looked at Necolita. “He is very hungry for power and will do anything to get the control of things. There has been rumors among the servants, that he might actually just be lonely or maybe he is very narcissistic. The King like to get the feeling that he has won, especially if it is something that he had hunted for some time. If you ask me, I think he has a very bad narcissistic personality. But again, many rumors run around among the servants”


She stopped speaking and turned towards the door as it suddenly opened and saw Sethos and Amenhotep walk in. Nanu looked surprised at them, as they both almost ran over and hugged Necolita. She took a couple of steps backwards, just watching them. As a lot of noise from outside were heard, Nanu walked backwards and were clearly scared when the door went up and King Firuz walked in with all the men. Some guards grabbed her hard and harshly pushed her out of the way. Nanu stayed seated on the ground, just watching the situation.

[Natora]

Amenhotep was grateful when the city in front of them came into view. He quickly made sure to cover his khopesh, not wanting any signal of the wealth the princes' carried to get around. Wealth made you noticeable and that made you a target. They wanted to get in and out with the fewest casualties. To get that they needed to be conspicuous, hidden. He gave up his horse as Sethos found them a place to stay. He wrapped himself up just a little more than he normally would. They didn't have to worry about being recognized. This was a new country and he was sure none of them had every been there before. He was sure he would have remembered a sleezy smile from Firuz.

He moved with Sethos to find the palace. When he saw the size he knew it wouldn't be difficult getting in but finding her that would be the problem. Changing the plan to looking like wealthy merchants was easy enough when they saw the slaves being traded in the front courtyard of the palace. The sight sickened him and there was no getting the disgusted sneer off his face as they walked through. Sadly they all knew that ten men wouldn't be able to stop the slave trade this time. It would be dealt with as much as they could but there wouldn't be much done this time. At least the disgusted look on his face could be passed off for thinking the state of the slaves could be disgusting. Many of them looked like they were in desperate need of a bath.

Getting into the palace was easy enough and finding guard uniforms that they could use. From there he followed Sethos' lead and they went in search of their sister together. When they found the room the guards were protecting it was an easy decision. If they were unconscious, they could be positioned to look like they were asleep and it would be less suspicious. If they were dead, well a storm would come tromping in on top of them for sure. Amenhotep let Sethos do the dirty work this time but followed quickly after as he went into the room. His racing heart stopped for a moment as he saw Necolita standing there talking to a servant and relief washed over him as he noticed that she wasn't hurt.

Necolita was stunned into shock when she heard Sethos come through the door. Her eyes were slightly wide and she couldn't move until Sethos enveloped her in a hug, which she quickly returned as tears started down her cheeks. "I knew you would come," she said into his shoulder. Relief finally hers. When he passed her off to Amenhotep, she hugged him just as warmly as she had Sethos. "We must take Nanu back with us," she told them gently. "She was from Egypt before she was stolen into slavery," she informed them, repeating what had just been told to her.

Amenhotep looked over to the slave girl and knew that it would be the right thing to do. They could afford to bring one extra with them. As long as she didn't slow them down, it would be fine. He sighed, to show slight frustration, not wanting Necolita to ask for more and said, "First we need to get out of here. Then we can take both of you home. Together." He turned as Sethos said someone knew they were here and drew his khopesh, not waiting to see who it was.

Necolita tried to grab Nanu's hand when the guards took her away and threw her to the floor but Sethos had her securely behind him and wasn't about to let her go. She looked to her worriedly as the man Sethos and Amen had brought with them was thrown in front of them. Amenhotep scowled at Firuz and only waited moments after he finished his speech. "She's not answering anything of yours," he said angrily before he quickly started swinging his khopesh at the guards. He didn't need Sethos' blessing or permission. He would get them out of here if it was the last thing he did. They were all stuck here and he knew how to get out. He had swung enough to slice three of them down to pools of blood before five men were attacking him at once. He got another two before one flipped his khopesh out of his hand and they grabbed him from behind, forcing him on his knees and a blade sitting at his throat, waiting for the order from the king.

Necolita saw this and knew how to stop it. Sethos couldn't do it with his own blade. This had to be her. She pushed her way out from behind Sethos and shouted, "Stop!" When the guards didn't move to do so she looked to Firuz, desperation in her eyes. "Please, King Firuz, stop them," she begged. "I accept. I accept the offer to become your Queen. Doing this to my brother will be an act of war against Egypt and you promised that you wouldn't make war against them. Not if I accepted," she said hurriedly.

Amenhotep was panting hard on the floor in fury as he looked up at his sister agreeing to marry this monster, his eyes wide. "Necolita, what are you doing?" he hissed from where he was.

"I will speak with my father," Necolita added, trying to make this as sincere as she could. "He will accept this. I know he will," she finished.

[Panu]

When Amenhotep went in attack mode, Sethos wrapped his free arm behind him, wrapping it around Necolita, making sure she was right behind him. In his other hand he had his khopesh directed towards King Firuz, shifting all the time to whoever of the soldiers who was closed to him. As they tackled Amenhotep, Sethos’ grip around Necolita tightened and he had to analyze the situation. He was furious but was trying to keep his head cool, thinking about the next step in this situation. What was about to happened took him by surprise, as Necolita pushed her way out of his grip and walked forward “what are you doing Necolita?” he said in a surprise and looked down at Amenhotep, still pointing his khopesh to whoever was nearest, trying to figure it all out, if there were things he could do.

Sethos almost lost it, when Necolita agreed to become his wife, this psycho, this monster “have you completely lost it Necolita? Don’t do this… not for us” he said in a hissing but also almost desperate voice. He could not believe what she had just agreed to, he could simply not accept it.

King Firuz lifted his hand towards the guards to signal them to stop and looked at her eyes and just laughed “I will keep my promise to you, as you have agreed to my wish” he smiled at her and grabbed her hand, pulling her over to him and wrapped his arm around her waist. As Necolita was pulled towards the king, Sethos tried to grab her wrist to pull her back, nevertheless he missed it by millimeter. Sethos tightened his hand around his khopesh by the whole scene playing out in front of him. Firuz looked down at Amenhotep and over at Sethos “you guys heard your sister, she will become my wife and queen of this country. I will therefore keep my promise to her and not harm the two of you or make any war towards Egypt.” He gave a sign to some of the guards to remove the blade from Amenhotep’s throat. “I don’t think you will have to speak to your father dear princess” the king looked at Necolita “you have the crown prince right here and again, you decided by yourself” he just looked at her and returned the eyes to Amenhotep and Sethos.

“I would say, that while you are here, we might have to keep your weapons in a locked area, of course you will get it by the time you will leave, but I need to take care of the security first” King Firuz looked at them.

Sethos walked over and helped Amenhotep up, pushing the guards away who were almost ready to attack him for it, but stopped by the king raising his hand. He was burning with anger, but tried to cool down his temper and looked over at Necolita “if this is what you want, I will demand that I stay here as your personal guard” he looked at Amenhotep “I will protect her with my life.” Sethos then looked over at Necolita and King Firuz “if she stays, I stay as well. No discussion in this matter" he said with a serious face. He would differently stay behind and protect her no matter the cost of it.

King Firuz laughed a little of what he said, which clearly only made Sethos more angry "fine fine, if you want to play protector, I can agree to that as well, what do you say princess?" he looked at Necolita.

[Natora]

Necolita went over quickly when Firuz grabbed her hand. It was tight and it hurt a but but she didn't complain, not wanting to instigate her brothers into attacking. With his hand around her waist, she had no choice but to stand next to him. Of course her eyes were focused on her brothers. Soon enough the blades at Amenhotep's throat were removed and both her brothers were standing. This was all she wanted. She needed to make sure they were safe, as much as she could. "I think it would be a good idea for Sethos to stay," she agreed.

Amenhotep stood with Sethos's help and looked near furious at Firuz and at Necolita. How could she do this to them? This wasn't the point of this. They hadn't sacrificed the men and resources to save her just to have her do this. What was she thinking? The sad part was she was right. Father would approve of this. When he heard Sethos say that he was willing to stay here he knew that there was nothing more that he could do. He had lost the fight. He looked to where his khopesh was and said, "If Sethos is staying then there is no reason for me to stay."

He looked to Sethos and said, "Protect her. With everything." He gave his brother a firm hand shake and then went to grab his khopesh and helped the man that he had brought and was beaten to stand. He gave one last look at his sister and shook his head before he walked out of the room. "I'll go get the Pharaoh to attend the wedding," he said simply, walking out of the room.

Necolita looked at Amenhotep as he walked past her and King Firuz. He looked so upset with her, it hurt. Couldn't he see that what she had done was for him. For all of them? It was the way that it had to be to save Egypt and all of their people. She looked over to Sethos who looked just as upset at her about the situation. She needed to make sure he saw she was right. She turned towards Firuz for the first time and put a gentle hand on his chest. "Your grace, would you permit me to talk to my brother? Alone? I wish to make him see the knowledge of your great generosity to allow me to marry you," she said.

[Panu]

Sethos took Amenhotep’s hand in a firm grip and also placed a hand on his shoulder ”Don’t worry, I will protect her with everything I got” he assured him and looked after him as he walked out of the door. He knew his brother well, knowing he was feeling hurt at the moment due to Necolita’s decission but also felt bad for losing this fight. He might be taking this as a bad sign for his future position as the pharaoh, nevertheless Sethos knew that Amenhotep would be a great pharaoh in the future. Sethos would take a talk with him about it, when they returned for the wedding.

King Firuz looked after Amenhotep and just smiled to himself, knowing he had won this fight. He looked at Necolita as she gently placed a hand on his chest and made her request. Firuz smiled softly at her and placed a hand on her chin ”of course my dear” he gave a sign for all the guards to leave the room, before he looked over at Sethos ”don’t try anything funny, we have guards all over the place” he looked serious at him before he walked out of there himself.

Nanu quickly got to her feet as well and looked over at Necolita ”I will wait outside” she said in a quiet voice before stumbling out in the hallway and stood there, waiting for Necolita to call her back in again. She was now going to prepare herself to serve the future queen of this country.

Sethos just stared with a serious look at Firuz, almost wanting to punsh him when he placed a hand on Necolita’s chin. He just couldn’t spin his head around, that his man were going to marry Necolita and he would have to stop himself from thinking any further, because that would just drive him insane.

”See the knowledge of your great generosity?” Sethos said as soon as the door had been closed and they were all alone ”if you keep up this act in this way, I will for sure throw up Necolita, what kind of crap was that? He looked over at her ”after all the suitors you have turned down, you agree to marry such a man, this idiot? Can you please let me know what is going on in the head of yours, because I really don’t follow” he sighed and sat down. ”You should have believed in Amenhotep and me, we could have fought our way out of this, saved you and got you out of here, got you back home to Egypt with us. No you are marrying this disgusting man, who clearly only sees you as an object, you are far better than that” he just kept talking without letting her get a word in this.

***

Back at the palace, Delphi were walking around, helping some of the servants, especially the two of them who were her personal servants. She did her best to make things easy for them, trying not to cause any problems. She walked down the hall, just taking a look at the work which had been done, before she walked out in the small garden, which Amenhotep had allowed her to get. She kneeled down to the ground and began to take care of some of the flowers she had managed to plant in the last couple of days. She carefully poured some water on them, before retreating back inside, away from the strong sun.

Delphi looked at Kawit and Mina ”I will go back to the temple, I will skip lunch again today, can you just bring some fruits to my chamber instead, I will eat that later” she smiled softly at them before walking to the temple and kneeled down in front of the alter, praying they were all safe and would return safely.

Mina bowed her head ”yes, my lady” she lifted her head and looked after her before looking at Kawit ”she is not eating much these days” she said in a worried voice.

[Natora]

Necolita nodded and gave a small curtsy to her betrothed before he left, grateful that she would at least get some time with Sethos. It was a long time coming and she could feel the anger from Amenhotep as he left. She knew that Sethos would be the same. At least if she got to talk to him, maybe she could convince him that she had done the right thing. It was her hope at least. When the door finally closed behind the last person and she turned to face Sethos, she knew he was still angry with her. It was easy to tell especially since he wouldn't let her get a word in.

When he finally paused long enough for a breath, she started with, "You are right," and walked towards where he was sitting. "But Amenhotep had a blade at his throat and you wouldn't have had a chance to get to him fast enough. I couldn't watch either of you die...not when I could stop it," she said softly. She sat down next to him and tried a gentle hand of affection on top of his to see if he would accept her. "Please, Sethos. Forgive me. It was all I could think of," she said softly, truly looking sorry for how she had doubted her brothers.

___________________________________________

Amenhotep walked out of the palace and back down to the streets where they had kept the horses. He was angry and didn't say a word of comfort to the man he was carrying beside him. He couldn't bear to at this moment. Word of their failure had obviously spread to the other men for shortly after they had returned to the paddock where the horses were, the others followed. "Let's get back to Egypt," he said to them all simply. He offered another gold coin to the man to hold Sethos' horse and take it up to the palace later. He didn't want to deprive his brother of the good horse. Who knew how poorly he would be treated by this King.

They headed out shortly after, not wanting to waste time. They could still get back to the oasis they had left last before needing to rest. It was torture riding in the hot sun, and not just because the desert was so unforgiving. The knowledge that Necolita had let them fail sat heavy on his chest the entire way there.

__________________________________________

Kawit watched over the Lady Delphi through the day. As they went about their business, she knew that she had to have a lady with her. Today was Kawit's turn. She went with the lady and watched as she did the strangest of things, like tend the flowers, though she knew it was all right and turned away anyone who seemed wanting to say differently. She watched and worried over the worriesome new Lady Delphi. When they were ordered to stay behind as she went to pray at the temple she couldn't help but agree with Mina. She hadn't been eating near enough and she hoped she wasn't doing it because of wanting to make Amenhotep more attracted to her. It wouldn't work. "We will bring some meats and cheese with the fruits. Maybe she will eat some of it if it's here already," she suggested.

[Panu]

Sethos loked at her while she was speaking and was just listening to what she had to say. It wasn’t that he was angry with her, he was more angry with himself, not being able to save the woman he loved and now she would marry such a person. Not that he had thought of marrying her himself, he had promised Amenhotep not to act on his feelings, but he had wished to see her with a good man, at least that was what he had hoped for. When she softly placed her hand on top of his, he just turned his own around and wrapped his hand around hers to hold it ”I do see where you are coming from Necolita” he looked at her and smiled a little ”but you will also need to see it from our side, Amenhotep and I have been training our whole life, we have been prepared for a situation like this and in just a few minutes we lose. I will work through it quickly and just train harder, but Amenhotep will be the future pharaoh, he will have more responsibility than me and this will for sure weight on his chest for a while... worst part might be, that you did not trust our judgement in the situation. Please trust us next time" he looked at her and smiled.

Leaning back, Sethos was still holding onto her hand as he continued, now in a calm and soft voice ”Amenhotep might be angry now, but he will be better by the time they return, you know he does have a bad temper, he just need some time to calm down again” he smiled at her ”good luck to lady Delphi in the future, for handling that” he laughed a little ”oh yeah, they are by the way married now, got married before we left” Sethos looked at her ”sorry for not really having the time to tell you before now."

The smile faded from his lips, he turned his head and his eyes stared a bit empty out in the room, the thought of Necolita also being married soon still thighted on his chest, he had to get used to the thought ”I will protect you Necolita, if he or anyone else dare to lay a hand on you, I will be there in a heartbeat, no matter who it is” he said, thightened the grip on her hand, not in a painful way, but more as an assurance. Sethos looked at her and smiled, pulling her into a hug ”I’m just glad that you are safe”

***

The men had just followed orders and followed behind Amenhotep out the city. None of them had dared to say anything, as they all knew him well and knew he was in a very bad mood. The heat from the sun was torture on all of them, especially for the man who had been beaten up.

By the time they reached the oasis in the evening, some of them set up a quick fire, treating the wounds of the wounded guy and some looked over at Amenhotep, who was sitting by himself. One man took some food and stood up and walked over to him, softly placing it in front of him ”it has been a long day and the last part of the trip will be hard tomorrow as well, please eat and drink some, my prince” he said in a calm voice and bowed his head to him.


***

Mina nodded at Kawit’s request ”I don’t hope she is sick” she just said in a low voice ”I will go prepare the food then” she walked off and down to the kitchen.

By the time Delphi was finishing up in the temple, it was completely dark outside. As she walked out, the two guards who Amenhotep had asked to take care of her, were standing outside the temple and followed behind her as she walked back to her chamber. Delphi smiled at them as they reached the door ”thank you for today, please to back and get some rest, both of you” she ordered in a calm voice before entering the chamber.

Delphi looked over at Kawit and Mina as she walked into the chamber and then looked over at the table ”I don’t recall that I ordered meat and cheese” she looked over at them and sighed a little ”Mina, will you please bring the meat and cheese back to the kitchen” she asked softly. Delphi was clearly tired and just grabbed a strawberry, sat down on the bed, biting into it in small bites.

Mina quickly just exchanged looks with Kawit before she walked over to grab the plate with the meat and cheese ”I will bring it back to the kitchen, my lady” she bowed her head a little and walked out of the chamber. She met the guards on the way and smiled at them "want some?" she reached out the plate for them.