Chapter Text
Music rang in your ears, the sound of lyres, lutes and flutes, muffled by your pounding heart. Out of breath and with quick steps you shoved yourself through the small, busy corridors, past other servants while you had to make sure to not spill a single drop of the expensive, scarlet liquid in your hand. The jug was heavy and way overfilled, with beautiful ornaments on the outside and a delicate, swung handle, slippery against your hands covered in a thin layer in of sweat.
It was already night and the chilly air in contrast to the stuffy, heated passages made you shiver. The masses of people consumed so much liquid, it was hard to keep up with refills and they kept pushing you around by accident, making it even more strenuous.
Hundreds of people were gathered today in the palace to celebrate the whole night, but sadly you were not part of them.
Walking fast you hadn't noticed that a dancer crossed your path, swinging into your direction with her graceful body at a rapid speed. No space or time to dodge you closed your eyes, clasping the jug to your chest as she hit your side. Expecting to loose balance you were caught by surpise as you felt warm hands supporting you.
"Mana!", you exclaimed in relieve as soon as you opened your eyes. "Thank Ra! I thought that's my end."
The young, brown haired magician giggled into her hand before she eyed the liquid skeptically.
"More wine? I thought there's already no left."
Puffing up your cheeks you exhaled air audibly.
"Wine we have enough, but beer...." Your gaze wandered over the drunk crowd. "Even though the adults may favour alcohol for now, we can't feed the children wine."
"They can drink some water", she brushed off your concerns, swatting them away with her hand like stupid flies.
Mana looked beautiful tonight, eyes shining brighter than usual, not that you thought it was even possible. Her light-hearted nature and childish cheerfulness always lightened up your mood, no matter how hard you had to work or how long the days were. And even after the heartbreaking departure of one of her clostest friends she kept a smile on her face, even though her heart was broken, shattered into tiny pieces. Pharao Atem, a man she shared a deep bond with left the palace to explore the world, heading for new places and adventures, eager to become acquainted with new cultures and traditions.
But his dreams were her demise. The typical glint in her eyes had vanished, leaving an aching hole in her soul. Time will heal her wounds, despite being so young she's a strong woman, one that knows how to take care of herself. At least that's what you thought.
Standing there in silence your arms were getting heavy and you clasped the jug with both hands, scared to drop it.
Mana seemed to notice your discomfort. Helpful as she is she offered to assist:
"That must be really heavy. I'll lend you a hand. Go and rest for a minute, you look tired."
She reached out but you shrieked 'no' and turned away from her prying hands, snapping at her over your shoulder:
"If they catch me abandoning my duty they will drown me. You know that."
"He won't", Mana insisted but you shook your head.
"No", you agreed sarcastically. "He'll throw me in the dungeon to rot, together with the other prisoners."
"Don't be like that", the young magician whined, stomping on the spot like a child. "Let's go talk to him!"
Her tiny hand shook your shoulder and you slapped it away, but she remained persistent. Hands folded behind her back she held her nose high, one eye peeking down to see your reaction as she walked beside you.
"I bet he's waiting to see you. He already asked for you twice, at least that's what Mahad told me."
"I have to work, Mana", you scolded your friend softly. "And I don't think the pharaoh cares much about exchanging a few courteous words with someone like me. He must have other irrelevant things on his mind right now."
"Like what?", she snorted, earning a side eye from you.
Calmly you retorted: "Like being a ruler and serve the gods."
Annoyed that she won't let the unpleasant topic drop you walked even faster, leaving her behind.
"Your indifference is driving me crazy", she huffed behind you while having a hard time to catch up with your rapid pace. "He's still your friend, nothing changed!"
"How'd you know?"
Of course something changed. Everything changed. But naive as Mana is she didn't understand.
Tapping her chin thoughtfully, completely ignoring your question she followed you through the crowd to a richly laid table where you set down the wine.
"There has to be a way to sneek you out to him."
With your arm you wiped away the sweat on your forehead and took a deep breath before you bend down, gathering empty vessels to bring them back to the cellar.
"I know!", Mana exlaimed loudly with her finger pointing up, startling you for a second. "Let's just pretend you are injured so you'll get the rest of the evening off."
"Don't be ridiculous", you huffed, offended that she would even consider this as an option. But it was Mana after all, she had no sense of responsibility for that matter.
Excited she started to giggle: "Maybe he'll even let you sit next to him...."
"Mana", you sighed.
".... and feed you with dates."
Wiggling her eyebrows suggestively she poked your ribs with her elbow. Brushing her hair behind her ear she leaned forward to whisper into yours.
"And maybe, just maybe he'll let you lick his sticky fingers clean afterwards."
Heat spread all over your face and you cleared your throat loudly. Opening your mouth you were scared that your voice would crack and reveal your embarassment.
"Can you please hand me the plate over there?"
Snickering to herself the young magician did as you demanded and while she was distracted you turned on your heel, hurrying towards the small hidden entrance for the servants before she could make up more ridiculous scenarios on your expenses.
You weren't proud of your emotions, sometimes you even wished to feel nothing because it only caused problems. Not being in the place to justify your feelings you did everything to drown them, stiffle them, getting rid of the warmth that spread inside your chest whenever your eyes met-
"Watch out you moron!", an older woman spat at you which nearly knocked you over with a giant tray. Just in time you managed to jump out of her way, hitting the wall behind you with your shoulder. The rough surface of the aligned stones irritated your skin, leaving stinging scratches as they dug into your flesh.
Cursing under your breath you saw no need to excuse yourself since it was her fault, running around without looking, so you ignored her. Instead your eyes were fixed on the pile of food in her hand for a moment before she disappeared outside, heading towards the big table.
"Beef! Oh how I would love to have a taste someday", you whispered in awe under your breath and your mouth began to water. But you knew that something of such a great value was not meant for the simple folk.
Gulping down the saliva you continued with your work, hand on your rumbling stomach to soothe the hunger raging inside. You haven't eaten all day, and being surrounded by delicous food was penalty. Now and then your vision went black for a quick second and your surroundings started to spin, a clear sign of dehydration and hunger.
Those were no good combination, paired with excessive work too much for your body to handle. Tired and soaked in sweat you slowed down. You had to admit that you occupied yourself with plenty tasks to ignore the sadness in your heart. You really didn't want to go out back there, it dreaded you to face him. But you couldn't hide forever, you had to get used to the fact that the man you love was now out of reach. Even more than before.
Building up another wall around you you continued to walk down the corridor, only to be destracted by a few female dancers wiping their naked bodies with cloths in a small, adjoining room.
"Did you see how he looked at me", one of them giggled and threw her long, black hair over her delicate shoulder.
"At you!? I don't think he even acknowledged your existence. He was clearly looking at me! I am more beautiful than you anyway!", another one, just as stunning as the other mocked her.
"Stop it", the one sitting down, brushing her hair in front of a mirror interrupted their dispute. "You are both equally ugly. He would never even invite you to spend a single night with him. You are barely suitable enough to wash his undergarments in the river."
They all laughed in unison with their melodious voices, it almost sounded like a serenade, a serenade of mockery and condescension, topped with a little self-hatred.
Head lowered you brushed past them, knowing exactly of whom they were talking about, who occupies their mind, just like he did yours.
How many wives will he claim? How many nights of debauchery will he spend? How much will my poor heart ache until I resign?
"Bring them to the big table."
"What?" You blinked in suprise at the woman standing in front of you.
Lost in your thoughts you hadn't noticed that you had stopped in your tracks, your way blocked by another servant, Amunet to be exact, a middle aged woman with lots of experience. However, she didn't seem to mind your confusion.
"The beer", she explained with a huge smile on her lips, pointing at the flasks in your hand. "Bring those to the pharaoh, will you? I need to check the stocks."
Returning the smile you nodded.
"Hurry, before he dies of thirst", she joked, yelling over her shoulder before she vanished behind a corner.
Right in the middle of the royal courtyard, blocking the stairs which led up to the throne room was a huge, long table positoned with expensive rugs and cushions to sit on. Everything as comfortable as possible for the Pharaoh himself and the Sacred Guardians who sat by his side.
Of course you followed Amunet's demand, but instead of presenting yourself on a silver platter you approached the long table from the side where he couldn't see you. Maybe your behaviour was childish but you had no nerve to confront him right now, not like this, sweaty and unkempt, embarrassed about your own appearance.
Right as you kneeled down to set down the jugs you felt someone touch your shoulder.
"Young lady, you should drink something. Your face is as red as the sunset."
"Oh Shimon!", you exclaimed in surprise as you looked up, loosing your balance. "No, no, it's fine, just too hot near the fire, that's all."
The old man's warm laugh boomed at you as you rubbed your sore knees which scraped over the ground.
"My, my, I thought I'd bring you more joy to see one of your friends getting crowned", he said playfully as he patted his well-fed belly. "Or are you still mourning that Atem left us?"
Taking a deep breath you tried to calm down, gathering empty plates and other pottery while you struggled to find the right words to not offend anyone.
"You see", you began carefully after piling up tableware. "I am indeed happy but just like him I have my duties to fulfill. I am a servant after all."
"You were his servant once. Don't forget about that", the old man scolded you before his expression turned into a worried one. "He'd love to see you having a good time on his big day."
"In the past, indeed." A faint smile spread on your lips. "Now I am just a mere one with no time on my hands. One that has to make sure that the great pharaoh and his guests won't die of thirst and hunger. Above all not on this day. So please excuse me."
Before he could say something you stormed off until you were out of sight, chest rising and falling in a rapid speed, breathing heavily.
Hiding from the others you nibbled on some figs, finally resting for a little while. You were sitting on a wall up high with your back propped against a column. The perfect position to overlook the crowd without being noticed.
"So he's pharaoh now", you murmured thoughtfully as you watched the tall man lean over to the beautiful woman, a high priestess called Isis which sat next to him.
You have always admired her beauty and kind heart, not to mention her enviable wisdom. No wonder she was liked by everyone, adults as well as children. She's a woman worthy of being a good bride for the Pharaoh. And how it looked your thought wasn't as far-fetched as you might have believed.
Sinking your teeth into another piece of sweet fruit, juice dripping down your chin you watched them interact with each other. He looked happy, the smile on his lips warmed you heart and you wanted nothing more than walk over and congratulate him. But that would only inflict more pain, like salt being poured into an open wound. After all these years the time has come to let your childhood friend and first love go.
Today was the day, if you wanted or not.
It was loud, people cheered and laughed, clapping and singing to the rhythm of the music. Sweat glistened in the moonlight as the slim, feminine bodys of the dancers enchanted the crowd, moving seductively to please the audience.
For the first time in your life you asked yourself what people thought about you. Were you attractive? Would you look the same way as them? More importantly, can you even dance?
For hours now they celebrated the new pharaoh.
The pharaoh who was apparently absent.
Jolting forward you looked at the empty spot between Isis and Mahad, shocked, wondering where he might be. Your head turned left and right rapidly, searching for the tall man.
"May I ask what you are doing here?"
Turning around you met eyes as blue as sapphires only inches away from yours before you lost your balance, falling backwards.
The men's arm shot forward and got a grip on your forearm, pulling you back to him effortlessly. Being so close to him, inhaling his alluring scent you would have preferred to fall backwards and break your neck instead of facing him.
Rising to his feet he pulled you up with him, his gaze locked on yours. He looked beautiful as always, his striking features covered in a thin layer of sweat due to him sitting near the fire in a long robe. Some drenched strands of brown hair had made their way to peek out under his headpiece.
On their own your fingers reached up to brush them away, just like they did when your dear friend was only a member of the Sacred Guardians. You had always loved his soft hair, the way his bangs framed his striking eyes. You had spent much time in his chambers, brushing his hair constantly.
Realizing what you just did you pulled away immediately. He's not a Sacred Guardian anymore. All the things that were natural back then are inappropriate from now on.
"Excuse me, Pharaoh. I will get back to work immediately", you excused yourself quickly, avoiding eye contact while you patted your rear to get rid of dust and sand, thankful to be on safe ground again.
"You want to go without bidding me your good wishes?"
His deep, smooth voice send shivers down your spine. Oh, how you have missed to hear it. It reminded you of all the nights you spent in the desert with the sand crunching under your weight as you laid down next to each other, enjoying the view of the cloudless sky, pointing at stars, making up storys to fit them.
Noticing your discomfort he tilted his head and opened his arms for you. Not able to reject his offer you stepped forward to lean against him reluctantly. Your heart started to beat faster as he pushed your head against his chest, running his fingers through your hair in a loving manner. Taking a deep breath you closed your eyes. You could hear and feel his steady heartbeat against your ear.
"Y/N."
"Yes, your highness?", you asked against quietly, not daring to look up.
"Cut the formalities."
"I don't think I am entilted to do so."
"I command you to", the pharaoh growled and tighened the embrace even more.
You hissed in pain as he pulled you closer, his arms pressed against your wounded shoulder, irritating the scratches. Immediately he spun you around to inspect your back, but not in a soft way.
"What is this?", he asked reproachfully over your shoulder. You could hear that he wasn't pleased, the way his grip thightened on your upper arms couldn't hide his anger.
"It's just a scratch", you explained calmly to him. "Nothing serious."
"Just a scratch?", he barked furiously, shaking you back and forth. "How did this happen?"
"It doesn't even hurt much. I swear. It will be gone in a few days."
A sigh escaped his lips and you relaxed under his touch, glad that he decided to drop the issue and trust you with your judgement. His hands moved downwards towards yours, caressing your arms gently. Fingers entwined he hugged you from behind, trapping you with your own arms against his chest. Relieved that he calmed down you let your head rest against him and you felt pressure on top as he planted a kiss on your hair.
"I assume you haven't reconsidered my offer? Your decision is definite?", he whispered against your ear, making the tiny hairs on your neck stand up.
You nodded.
"That's correct."
"There's nothing I can do about it?"
Determined with your decision you shook your head slowly and he loosened his grip on you until he let go of you completely. Putting one foot in front of the other you walked away in silence, your gaze lowered to the ground.
Fighting back tears you cursed Atem for his departure, and yourself for your foolishness.