Love Throughout the Ages - Sands of Time (closed for ChaosDAmore)

Love Throughout the Ages​

Many people go through life with no true purpose, forever wondering what the meaning to their existence is. They search for fulfillment in their lives, pursuing material success through monetary means, or spiritual enlightenment through religion. While these means work for some people others are left feeling empty and desolate, as if a part of their life is still missing, a hole that no amount of material goods, faith, or coupling can fill. These people find themselves constantly searching for something they cannot find; something they know in their hearts is the key to their happiness. Many of these people will never understand the strange compulsion that drives them; many will take their lives from the empty desperation that fills their lives. Others will drown their incurable sorrow in alcohol, drugs, or other substances that take the pain away. Few people will ever find what they are searching for.

These are people blessed and cursed. They are those who will live many lives, though they have no memory of it. Their souls reincarnated again and again, through many different eras and in many different locales. They will live many different lives, each completely separate and different from the others, with only the need that binds them together. They are cursed to forever seek out the one who will complete them. Their souls eternally linked to another, they find themselves constantly searching for their other half, whether that person lives across the street or across the universe. Their lives are empty, hollow shells without their other half, and as such the need to find their soul mate eats at them, forever denying them happiness in life. Most do not even know what it is they are lacking, but they know there is something out there, something they need...

This is a story of two such people... Forever linked in love, living many lives in which they are driven to find each other.


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Meti rose from his labor, signaling to the foreman that another block was completed. He wiped the sweat from his brow silently cursing the midday sun that beat down on his bronzed skin. The foreman came over, inspecting his work giving a grunt of approval as he called the haulers over to take it away. Meti had worked for many years as a laborer, trying to support his family with the small amount he earned. His father had been crippled four years ago and Meti was the only one of his kin old enough or in good enough shape to work, and so Meti went to the quarry every morning, shaping rocks for the many construction projects around the glorious city.

Meti took a quick break, indicating to the foreman that he would be right back as he moved towards the well at the worksite, drawing a long drink of water before wetting his face, his hands running the water through his long brown hair, his ice blue eyes focusing on nothing as he stared off across the desert expanse, the darkness slowly creeping back into his heart again. Meti sighed heavily as he felt the sadness he always carried with him rising up again. His whole life he felt as if he were searching for something, but without a clue as for what he was to find. Work helped keep his mind off it, but with every moment alone he was painfully aware of the crushing despair that defined his life. He knew something was missing from his life, and had tried many different things to fill the hole, but all had been for naught and he had surrendered himself to eternal sadness. He worked, supported his family and went to bed every night, fighting to keep the depression from overwhelming him.

Meti blinked, lifting his head from the well as he heard shouting coming from the work site. Meti feared the worst, another injury caused by the dangerous pace they had set for themselves to keep up with the Pharaoh’s demand. He had cut off most other projects in the city, putting an army of slaves and menial workers like Meti to work on his most grandiose project yet. His tomb. A giant monolith that would stand as testament to his glory, Meti and the other workers around him had set a breakneck pace to keep up with the project’s demands for sandstones.

Meti ran back to the work site, eyes searching around for any sign of accident that had become so common lately. Rather he saw the foreman running back and forth screaming orders to people to clean the work site up. “Put those tools away! Straighten your tunic! The Pharaoh will expect everything to be perfect!” He yelled as he stalked up and down the site. Meti raised his eyes in surprise at that. The Pharaoh was coming here? That could not bode well. Even though they were above their quota this month for production, the Pharaoh was rarely pleased. He was a perfectionist and would use any excuse to punish the workers for their lackluster work on his crowning achievement. Meti had watched men flogged for doing nothing more than their jobs.

Meti dropped to his knees, his forehead touching the hot desert sand as he watched the royal convoy approach. He saw the stretcher bearers running forward, strong arms easily hefting the Pharaoh’s carriage as they went. Meti frowned slightly as he saw another stretcher coming behind the Pharaoh’s, but did not have much time to wonder about who it could be as the foreman shuffled forward, falling to his knees to prostrate himself before the oncoming royal convoy, claiming his obedience to the Pharaoh before the man had even made his appearance. Meti’s eyes peeked up as he watched flower bearers come forward, spreading petals on the sand around the Pharaoh’s stretcher as a man stepped forward and announced him. “Pharaoh Rast Algah, he chosen to be the vessel of Horus’ majesty comes among you, prostrate yourselves before his glory.” The man’s voice boomed like thunder as he pulled the curtain back, allowing the Pharaoh to step onto the desert sand. The men muttered in awe as they practically dug their foreheads into the sand. Meti followed suit, but his eyes remained glued on the other carriage, curious as to who was inside, some unknown force drawing his entire focus on the mystery passenger.

The mystery visitor sat in the carriage without muttering a word. She rarely was allowed out of the palace due to the severe hatred that the women of the city had for her. The beauty of the carriage occupant was unmatched by any of the women in the city. Her beauty did not even come close to being matched but most residents of the city had never seen this woman. Many rumors circulated through the city about her though. Most were not true but some were. Even so, she was hated and feared amongst the cities people. She was known to be cruel and hateful when it came to the peasants and laborers. Rumors of her whipping people and having stones thrown at those that disagreed with her, flew around the city. There would no doubt be a small sense of panic when she left carriage. Exactly why her father, the pharoah, had brought her here was a mystery to her but she had a good idea. He needed the workers to make better progress and she was their incentive,

A small sigh came from those full and exotic lips of hers. This is not something she wanted to do at the moment. She would much rather be back at the palace, tucked away in her room. This cursed sadness that she always felt really kept her hidden away from the world. She just felt so lifeless, so empty. Like a hollow shell. Her life was filled with everything she could want but none of it made her happy. Perhaps, she was not thankful for the life she had, compared to the life she could be living. There were more dreadful things than the life she was living and as soon as she came out of the carriage, she would see the life she might have been dealt. But why was she always searching for something but never coming close to finding it. She just did not understand and she probably never would. Another sigh left those lips as she pushed the door to the carriage open slowly.

As the door opened, her carriage holders seemed to be straining from looking back at the figure that was about to emerge from the depths of the carriage. A long, lean leg emerged from the carriage just as one of the pharoahs carriage holders came to her side. The carriage holder took a small hand in his as the mystery passenger came into the sun for the workers to see. The cold and lifeless green eyes of the woman scanned the workers, one by one it seemed. The mystery visitor was Amunet, the pharoahs daughter. Her very presense brought fear to some eyes and admiration to others. The woman was beautiful at an average height but she looked as if she was chiseled from the Heavens above. Her eyes were a beautiful shade of green but they were also very lifeless. Her hair was longer than most women kept theirs but she was beautiful none the less. She quietly walked towards her father and kept her eyes on the workers but she suddenly stopped walking when her eyes fell upon one worker. Meti.....There was something about him. Something she felt she wanted but there was nothing he could offer her. So, she thought.

“Who is in charge at this work site?” The Pharaoh’s voice boomed out, the strength in his voice commanding respect. The foreman visibly quaked as he stood. “I… I am your worshipfulness.” The foreman began to rise and then thought better of it and remained on his knees, eyes glued to the sand in front of him, keeping silent as he waited for the Pharaoh’s wishes. “I am inspecting all of the work sites today, trying to determine why, despite assurances that everyone is on track, my grand tomb is two months behind schedule. I do not suppose you have the answers for me do you?” He said, his powerful eyes focusing on the foreman who was quivering in front of him. “Your… your liege, we are ahead of schedule. I have set the men to work overtime from daybreak till dusk and our workload has nearly doubled because of the efforts.”

Meti tried to focus on the conversation, but found his eyes continually drifting back to the other person who had arrived with the Pharaoh. Amunet, the Pharaoh’s daughter. Rumors spoke of her beauty but upon seeing her he knew they did her no true justice. Her body spoke of pleasures forbidden to him, her simple movements like a seductive dance. It was not her simple beauty that captivated him though for as Meti stared at her he realized that the sadness… the despair that seemed to define his existence was replaced by a fervent need. It was as if something inside him was calling out, demanding that he pay attention. Meti desperately wanted to listen, but he did not know what was being asked of him. He stared at her in awed amazement, realizing she held the secret. But he was handcuffed. She was of royalty, and not well known for her kindness, and he was but a simple worker. Still he watched her, hoping his attentions would go unnoticed, barely perceiving the world about him.

“So if you are so far ahead of schedule then you can afford to let a few of your workers free to me so that they may assist in other aspects of my tomb.” The Pharaoh asked, and the foreman knew he would be a fool to disagree. “Of…of course highness. Your wish is my command.” The foreman was upset that he would be losing workers, how could he be punished for doing more than the Pharaoh requested?! He held his tongue though, knowing the lost of a few men would be a better alternative than the punishment should he protest. “Tell me, who are your best workers? I will have your two best to assist me.” The Pharaoh said as he glanced around the work site. Meti pressed his forehead back to the sand, lest he be seen eyeing the Pharaoh’s daughter and provoke the his wrath. “Ahh yes of course…” The foreman said, again wondering if he should perhaps lie to the Pharaoh, deciding it not worth the risk. “Meti and Akhom are my two best, it would be my honor to release them to your service.” The foreman said, bowing multiple times before the Pharaoh, sweat heavy on his brow. Meti cursed silently as he rose with Akhom at the Pharaoh’s behest. “You will finish your workday and then report to the palace at dawn tomorrow.” The Pharaoh said with finality as he turned to head back to his stretcher. Meti bowed low, his eyes still locked on Amunet’s as she followed her father away from the work site.

Amunet stood next to her father in complete silence as he requested the two men to come to the palace tomorrow at dawn. The workers had a lot of work in store for them but she had no doubts in her mind that the work would get done. They were the foremans best workers and they certainly looked strong enough for the task that would be at their hands. Her eyes locked with Meti's for a mere second before she headed back to her carriage. His eyes, his very presense brought her to ease and for a moment, the sadness was gone. A small smile broke out onto her lips as she climbed back into her carriage. As quick as the sadness left, it came back. Her carriage slowly pulled away from the workers, away from Meti and away from the brief moment of happiness she had felt.

A small sigh escaped her lips as her carriage came to rest outside the palace. She climbed out of the carriage then instantly headed inside the palace but she was suddenly stopped by her father. "Amunet, why do you not smile? Do I not give you everything and more? You use to be so happy when you were younger. Now every in the city thinks of you as cold-hearted and ruthless. Why not show them the Amunet that I use to know?", her father asked her with desperation in his eyes. Her father may be the pharaoh but he was still her father. Amunet sighed softly then placed her hand on his fathers cheek, "Father, I am the same Amunet. There is something in life that I need that your riches cannot get me. Now please come inside, father. There is a big day ahead of us tomorrow.", she smiled then kissed her fathers cheek before walking inside the palace.

Amunet instantly went to her room and glanced around her room a bit before undressing. The palace help had a tendency to hide within her room while they were cleaning. They did not do this on purpose but it always seemed to happy. She stretched slightly then walked into her bathroom and slipped on her robe as her palace help walked into her bathroom. Her palace help heated the water then dumped it into the tub and left instantly. Amunet slipped the robe off then slid in the bath with a soft sigh. She washed herself then laid in the tub until the water became unbearably cold. With a groan, she climbed out of the tub and headed into her room. She dressed in her nightwear then climbed into her huge lavish bed. As night slowly descended upon the Egyptian landscape, Amunet felt the stress from the day and fell asleep. There was a big day tomorrow and with tomorrow brought another meeting with Meti

Meti watched with apprehension in his eyes as the sun slid below the horizon. Work would soon be over and Meti would again find himself without activity to block the sadness from creeping into his soul. The others smiled happily as they prepared to quit for the day, going back to their families and loved ones, to rest and relax. Meti had often wondered what it was he lacked in life to provide him with the happiness that others seemed to carry with them.

He was especially nervous about the end of this day as the next would see his life taking a completely different direction. For years Meti had worked on the same site, under the same foreman, no hope for advancement, but earning enough for his family to squeeze out a living. Would that change under the Pharaoh? Would Meti be handsomely rewarded for his service? Or would his family suffer, as he became little more than a slave worker in the palace? Meti frowned as he considered the possibilities. He rose, setting his tools aside as he once again made his way over to the well, standing in line behind the other workers to cleanse himself before making the walk home. He listened in silence as the others talked of their plans for the evening, wives to return to, children to be with in the short stay before work would begin again. None asked Meti his plans, they had long ago learned that he was a very quiet soul, and kept mostly to himself.

Meti returned home, his family long asleep. He sighed heavily; he had no time to spend with them. He had thought that was perhaps what had caused the sadness in his life, but the time he did spend seemed to bring him no joy. He thought again about Amunet. What was it about her that had called out to him? Something he didn’t understand, but something he wanted to know more about. He sighed as he lay down on his hard straw bedding, falling quickly into a fitful sleep.

He arose at the break of dawn; a feat was quite common to him. He dressed silently, pressing a kiss to his baby sister’s forehead as he left the small dwelling they all shared. He walked through the main street, the rising sun illuminating the path up to the palace. He had seen it many times before, but each time it took his breath away. He walked up to the main gate hesitantly. “I… I was summoned by the Pharaoh…” he said to the muscular guards at the gate. One of them looked him up and down and pointed him to a servant’s entrance. He entered, being greeted by the majordomo of the palace. “The Pharaoh will see you in the audience chamber.” He nodded to Meti and indicated Akhom, who Meti had missed when he first entered.

They walked through the palace, Meti’s eyes widening at the opulence and grandeur of the place. It was amazing that one person could live in such luxury. Finally the majordomo threw open the door and led them in. “Wait here while I fetch the Pharaoh.” He commanded, Akhom and Meti sinking to their knees in reverence as they waited.

Amunet was still in her bedroom getting ready for the day when the pharaoh entered her room and told her that the laborers had arrived at the palace. She nodded some then smiled to her father before he walked out of the room. "Thank you, father, for doing this for me. I was thinking, after my dressing room is complete, perhaps we could select one of the workers to work within the palace. They have done great work on your tomb and we always need a helping hand around the palace.", she called out to her father then laughed a bit. Her fathers face lit up at the sound of his daughters laughter. It was not a noise he heard often. For some reason, Amunet was in a rather cheerful mood for some reason. "If keeping one of them around to help you with the palace will keep a smile on your face and laughter in your heart than I shall consider it.", her father responded to her before closing the door to his daughters room.

The pharaoh slowly descended the stairs and made his way to the sitting room where the laborers were being kept. He entered the sitting room and looked at the two bowing workers. They seemed to be the foreman's most able bodied workers. The work that Amunet had in store for them should not take the two of them too long to complete. The pharaoh cleared his throat then spoke to the workers, "Please stand. My daughter, Amunet shall be the over seeing your work. I must give you warning though. If she is touched, it will be your head. At the end of your labor here, one of you will be choosen to remain in the palace to serve as a palace worker.". With that, the pharaoh turned to leave.

Amunet was entering the room, just as her father was leaving. She stopped her father on his way out then placed a soft kiss upon his cheek. "Have a good day my father. The foreman from which we took these workers from was requesting to know when they shall return.", she told her father before shutting the door to sitting room. She headed towards the workers with a small smile on her. "Good morning. I hope it was not too much trouble getting inside the palace. You are probably wondering why you have been brought here. Well you see, I have a small dressing room. It's far too small so I will need two walls taken down and a curtain put up. It will be decorated. This is the task we ask of you. I hope it shall not be too much trouble.", she spoke to them but her eyes were locked on Meti the entire time. Her words flowed from her lips like the water in the Nile. Her words her strong but not cold and icy as presumed by the people of the city. They were full of life and happiness.

Meti had about a dozen questions going through his mind as the Pharaoh entered the room, but knew he would have to wait till later in order to ask any of them. Speaking up in the presence of the Pharaoh was a quick way to end one’s life. Meti and Akhom both glanced around nervously as the Pharaoh ordered them to stand but they did so quickly, not wanting to invite his wrath down upon them. Meti listened silently as the Pharaoh spoke, his eyes widening as he told them they would be working under his daughter and not him. Meti was not sure whether to celebrate or curse his luck. Something about Amunet drew him, called to him and he wasn’t sure whether to search for what the something was or run from her. In any case she was royalty and he was a simple peasant and the Pharaoh had made clear the consequences.

Meti sighed as the Pharaoh took his exit, but the breath was immediately caught in his throat as he watched Amunet enter the room. Akhom did the proper thing and immediately fell to his knees again, prostrating himself before her highness, but Meti could not think straight and instead found himself staring into her eyes, the sadness turned into an intense yearning. He finally came to his senses and dropped to his knees, flustered. He would be lucky to survive the day at this pace.

He listened to her speak. Her voice was like honey, sweet in his ear. He forced himself to concentrate on what she was saying, ignore the need that had taken root in his heart, the need that had replaced despair. What was it about her? She was beautiful, there was no doubt of that, but he knew better than to hold hope, and yet this need, it wouldn’t leave his heart. His eyes were locked on hers and he knew she was staring back at him. Was she judging him? Would she have him punished for looking at her. He forced his eyes to the floor as she laid out their work. It sounded easy enough and both he and Akhom were more than skilled enough. “We will begin immediately your worshipness.” Akhom piped up, Meti nodding his agreement but not uttering a word. He had heard the happiness in her voice and he smiled slightly. He wanted to know what that was like. He wanted a chance to find his joy.

Amunet stared back into Meti's eyes as if she had found something that she had been searching for. It had been a long time since Amunet had felt so at peace with herself. That burning sadness had subsided and was replaced with this peace that Amunet now felt. She knew that eventually, the sadness would return and she would, once again, become the hollow shell of what she use to be. Anumet only wished that could know if Meti was feeling the same way but every laborer and all of the cities residences were finely groomed to never speak their mind or raise up against the pharaoh. She looked to the left just in time to notice that the guards were approacing Meti because of his challenging stance towards her. She waved them off with a smile, "No, it is fine. Leave him be. He is of no harm to me. Please, go and assist my father. I am ok here.", she informed the guards then watched as they left the room. Anumet turned to the two laborers and smiled slightly as she began to leave the sitting room. "Please, follow me." Her eyes never left Meti's as they left the room. He had something she needed and she wanted it like her life depended on it.

She glanced back at Meti and the other laborer as they headed towards the stairs that led up to Amunet's soon to be constucted sitting room. "You will work a total of 4 hours, then I shall bring you food. Also, if you need water, there will be a large bowl of water for you two. After that first break, you will work 5 hours then get another break. After your final break, you will work 3 more hours then you get to leave. Tomorrow will be the same schedule." Amunet walked them into the room then showed them what needed to be done. " I will be checking in on you two every so often." She nodded and smiled a bit then headed out of the room slowly. Amunet turned back around to glance at Meti. He was watching her and she had known he was before she had even turned around. Somehow, Amunet needed to get alone with this man..........

Meti flushed a deep red as Amunet was forced to call the guards off. What was going on in his head? He was risking death or worse because he couldn’t clear his mind of her gaze. Even though he had finally managed to fall to his knees and no longer stood as if he were an equal to her he still could not take his eyes off her. Everything about her called out to him. He would have to be blind not to notice how stunningly beautiful she was, but he had seen beautiful women before and none had ever captivated his interest like she had. He was sure that she was the missing thing in his life. The hole that had consumed him since he was old enough to be considered a man. But he may as well have attempted to fill the hole with the stars in the heavens. She was unreachable. She was the daughter of a God and Meti was the son of a shepherd. She undoubtedly had her choice of anyone within the kingdom or outside it, countless wealthy merchants courting her.

Meti rose, following her through the palace, his eyes focused on the ground in front of him for fear that he would find himself staring at her in an inappropriate manner and invite the Pharaoh’s wrath. He forced himself to concentrate on her words rather than her beautiful lips as she spoke. He cringed slightly at the work plan she laid out for them. He had hoped that being handpicked by the Pharaoh to be a worker within the palace would make it easier for him to see his family, but it did not appear this would be the case. He wanted to ask about their compensation but Amunet retreated before he had a chance. He sighed heavily as he shrugged at Akhom, moving to look at the tools they would have to work with. It looked as if they were in good repair, Meti would not need to tend them before they could begin work. With silent obedience he moved his practiced hands over the walls, feeling for the best place to begin the demolition. He picked up the tools and began to work, the seconds flowing into minutes and the minutes into hours. He paused when the midday sun was high in the sky, walking over to the water basin to wash himself as stare at his reflection, wondering what Amunet was doing at that moment.

At the exact moment that Meti was at the wash-bowl, Amunet was on her way to the room with a special task for Meti. She truly just wanted some time alone with Meti. She had this horrible urge to be close to him and to figure out why she felt that way. It was almost as if seeing Meti was like seeing a dear friend of hers for the first time in years. No..........it was more urgent then that. She shook her head some as she bumped into one of the elaborant statues that her father had. Amunet tried desperately to keep the statue from toppling over. It was one of her fathers favorites. Despite her efforts, the statue went down and Amunet went down along with it. The statue shattered a thousand pieces and Amunet covered her face with her forearms.

She stood up slowly and looked at her forearms that were now bleeding slowly. Then her eyes fell to the statue in disbelief. Her father would be so angry with her but she didn't have time to think about that now. Everyone was out in the hallway and staring at her with a bit of panic. Her eyes went to the two laborers who were also staring at what had happened. Amunet sighed softly then looked to the palace help, " Go back to your chores........." The palace help just stood there, disobeying the daughter of their God. "NOW!", Amunet yelled to the palace help then sighed at the fear in their eyes.

"Akhom, you may take your break now. Meti, you shall stay here and aid me in cleaning this up.", she watched as Akhom walked down the hallway as he was led away by another palace hand. Amunet looked to Meti as he walked towards her in order to help her with the broken statue. "Thank you, Meti. Please, excuse me while I tend to my arms." Amunet stood up a bit embarassed at the scene she had made but mostly she was embarassed at how she yelled. She shook her head then walked into her room with a soft sigh. She blinked some and stared into her mirror then started to inspect her arms a bit. Some of the cuts were worse than she had thought but oh well, nothing she could do.

Meti looked into the basin, seeing his haggard tired face staring back at him. He sighed as he felt the sadness in his heart once again, fighting off the bleak feeling that entered his soul. He looked deep into the basin, thinking how easy it would be to just submerge his head and never emerge again. The sadness would be drowned away and he could finally find peace. He lowered his head into the basin again, rinsing his face off, lingering slightly before forcing his head back above the water. No, he couldn’t be that selfish, not with his family to consider. He sighed and rose wiping the water away from his face. He heard a loud crash and followed Akhom out into the hallway, his eyes widening at what he saw.

Amunet had struggled to her feet and Meti drew up short at her violent yell at the servants. He fell to his knees shortly after Akhom did, afraid to taste the sting of her viper tongue as the servants had. Akhom was the first to speak. “Are… are you ok highness? Should we call for someone to attend to your wounds?” Meti nodded his agreement with Akhom’s question, looking into Amunet’s eyes. There was that feeling again, as if the part of him that was missing had been found. He sighed and averted his eyes as she ordered Akhom to leave the room and for Meti to clean the statue. Both bowed deeply and went about obeying her commands. Meti stepped forward, gathering up the larger pieces of the statue as she thanked him. His eyes widened in surprise slightly at her kind words but he merely bowed his head, afraid if he spoke he would say something to anger her.

Meti looked at her with concern as she left to tend her arms. He flagged a nearby servant, asking them to bring a basket he could sweep the pieces up into. The man nodded, shuffling off to find one. Meti sighed heavily and looked towards the room Amunet had disappeared into wanting to rise and check on her condition, but knowing he would be overstepping his place if he were to. He knelt back down, gathering up the ruined statue as his eyes remained focused on the doorway she had disappeared through, hoping she was alright.

Amunet winced slightly as she rinsed her forearms off in the wash bowl. Her eyes followed the stream of blood as it trickled into the water. She had really made a specticle of herself out there. The way she had yelled at her palace help was unexcuseable and she would have to apologize to them. She could always admit when she was in the wrong even though her father hated that quality about. He always told her that admitting when you are wrong shows weakness. She shook her head slightly then grab a small towel and wrapped it around her arm. "This is not going to work........I need another pair of hands to aid me.", she said to herself then walked towards the door of her room.

She stepped into the hallway and looked at Meti as he was bent over, cleaning up the statue. He was truly a sight to look at and her desperate need for him only made him seem more attractive to her. She looked at the ground in front of him as she thought of a way to ask for his help. She did not want him to have to clean up her mess then tend to her wounds but it seemed thats the way it would have to be. She cleared her throat slightly to get his attention. "Meti, would it be too much trouble to ask for your help in bandaging my arms. I can't do it with only two hands.", she pointed to the towel that was already showing small dots of blood where she was bleeding through the towel. With a small smile, she turned and entered the room again.

The servant had returned with a basket and a cloth rag. Meti was knelt on the floor meticulously picking up the larger pieces that were visible to him and depositing them in the basket. He was about to begin using the rag to sweep up the smaller pieces when the sound of footsteps making their way towards the room he was in brought his eyes up, looking towards Amunet’s room, but the footsteps were coming from the other direction. He looked up in time to see a soldier walking into the room, surveying the mess before him. “Keep cleaning.” He said, a no nonsense tone in his voice. “The majordomo has been told of this incident and you are to stay here till he returns. Meti swallowed slightly at that, hoping he wouldn’t be blamed for this accident. The consequences could be dire. He glanced again to the door, praying Amunet would return and clear him of blame.

He had returned to cleaning when he saw movement from Amunet’s room and glanced up to see her coming through the doorway, arms still bleeding. Meti nearly stood in concern but remembered the soldier standing nearby and remained in his crouch, still sweeping up what was left of the statue. He looked up into her eyes as she spoke to him and glanced over at the soldier who glowered at him but knew he couldn’t go against the Pharaoh’s daughter’s orders and waved Meti to follow her. He rose and strode after Amunet into her room. He indicated she should sit down without speaking. He did not know what he could say to her and was afraid he would be yelled at as she had the servants. He saw she had bandages already laid out and he moved to them, unwrapping them and cutting off a length long enough to wrap her arms. He took her arm gently, amazed at what her touch did to him. He felt light headed suddenly and he looked deep into her eyes, wanting to yell his need for her, wanting to chase the sadness away with a kiss. But he could not.

He began wrapping the bandages around her arm, eyes focused on his work, refusing to let them venture into her’s again. Her skin was incredibly soft, and Meti felt as if his touch were bumbling and awkward, his skin too rough to be touching hers. His heart still cried out for her, but he forced the feeling down, trying to find the familiar sadness to sink back into.

The fire that was being shot through Amunets body was like lava had been injected into her veins. His fingers brushing against her delicate skin, the roughness of his hands trying to be gentle in fear of harming her more than she had already done to herself. Everything about this moment had awaken Amunet's senses. She was staring at him with this need and passion that was so great it almost possessed her entire being. She wanted to draw him into her arms and feel his entire body against her own but she knew that if the soldier were to see that, it would not be taken lightly by her father. So, for now, Amunet watched him tend her wounds like he was afraid to break her. It made her feel whole but at the same time, her extreme sadness had been replaced with this extreme urgency to touch him and see if he felt the same way about her.

But, their moments together would be cut dramatically short by a disruption from her father and the soldier. She looked at her father and the soldiers in fear which was easily misread as being a fear of Meti. Three of the guards grabbed Meti and threw him to the ground roughly then they drew their swords, holding them at Meti's throat. The pharaoh grabbed Amunet and pulled her close to him then wrapped her in a loving fathers embrace while trying to soothe her. The main guard that had been waiting outside of Amunets room only moments before was now at the Pharaohs side and giving Amunet a menacing look. "This slave worker has broken a large statue then attempted to make it seem that the daughter of God had broken the statue. That enough is worth hanging him but he has done more, my worshipness. He has also cornered your only daughter, Amunet, in her room and attempted to force himself upon her. She was terrified when we came into the room. He deserves to die.", the guard explained to the pharaoh then bowed to him.

The pharaoh looked at Meti with a burning hatred then nodded his approval to what the guard had said. Amunet was not even given a chance to speak before he was being dragged from the room by his arms. He was about half-way down the hall when Amunet finally snapped into reality and realized what had happened. She instantly jerked away from her father, "You've made a mistake! Father, he did not harm me!", she yelled to her father. The pharaoh's eyes widen in shock at his daughters defiance but before he could reprimand her, she was running out of the room. She ran after the guards, trying to catch up to them before something happened to Meti. "No! Bring him back this instant! I broke the statue! I was not paying attention to where I was going and I knocked it over! I asked Meti to clean up the mess for me then I realized I could not wrapped my own wounds. He was helping me with my wounds! That guard has made a horrible mistake.", she shouted to the guards. Her was not calm and collected as it normally was. It was desperate and cracking with the tears that were flooding her eyes. She quickly fell to her knees at Meti's side and looked down at him..............

Meti dared a glance upwards as he worked on Amunet’s arms but quickly dropped his eyes again when he saw hers staring at him intently at him. He did not wish to be seen as doing something untoward, already terrified of what would happen when the soldier returned with the Majordomo. How did one tell a Pharaoh’s daughter that she was everything he had been searching for in life? He would be put to death if he followed his heart. His whole life Meti had searched for the answer to the sadness that plagued with soul, the feeling of being incomplete. He had thought that when he found what it was his heart was searching for he would be happy, but now realized it was a futile quest. He would be forever cursed with this sadness.

These thoughts played through his head as he continued to carefully bandage her arms, his hands deft and delicate from years of precision work with stone in the great temples. He carefully took cloth and dipped it in a water basin, cleansing her other arm, apologizing softly while still not looking at her when she took a deep breath in pain. He was in the process of bandaging her second arm when what he feared happened. He opened his mouth to protest as the guards threw him to the ground, but the feel of cold iron again his throat halted him. He would not be believed no matter what he said, it would be his word against Amunet’s. He listened as the guard told the Pharaoh his version of what happened, Meti again wanting to protest but remaining silent. He would die tonight. He knew there was no way he would escape this fate. His family would be left without anyone to provide for them and would suffer greatly. He cried out in pain as one of the guards hit him hard in the ribs with the butt of his spear before two of them grabbed him to haul him away. He stared at Amunet, his eyes begging for mercy, but the Pharaoh had blocked her from sight.

Meti struggled briefly as they dragged him down the hall, finding another spear butt to his stomach for the trouble. He groaned as he felt the air knocked out of him and slumped against the floor, giving in to the inevitable. It was then he heard the patter of feet and pushed his head up to see Amunet coming down the hall at a sprint, calling out protests for what had transpired. Meti looked at her shocked, unable to believe that she was doing her best to save him, a simple worker. He saw the tears in her eyes and was very confused. The Pharaoh’s daughter was a woman known for her unmatchable beauty and her icy cruel demeanor. Meti did not understand why she seemed so intent upon helping him. The guards hesitantly came to a halt, still holding Meti down as the Pharaoh approached alternating his gaze between Amunet and Meti. “My daughter tells me it was she who broke the statue, not you, and that you were helping to tend her wounds. Is this true?” The Pharaoh asked, anger still in his voice. Meti could not find words to reply and simply nodded his head in agreement. The Pharaoh was silent for several moments as if contemplating. “Very well, I will trust the word of my daughter. Let him go.” He ordered and the guards instantly let go of Meti’s arms, stepping back. “Amunet… Be careful around this one, even if he was helping you. He should know the limits of his station lest he truly does step over the line next time.” He said with a glare to Meti as he motioned for the guards to follow him out of the room.

Meti, fear still in his eyes, scrambled to his knees as the Pharaoh turned to leave, dropping his head to the hard stone floor. He waited until the sound of footfalls had faded far away before looking up, surprised to see Amunet still standing near him, still looking shaken up by everything that happened. Meti dropped his head to the stones again, though now his eyes gazed up at her, trying to figure out why she had risked saving him

The pharoah was clearly enraged at the guards when they released Meti but the pharaoh had no choice but to set Meti free. It was his daughter who had set the story straight and taken the blame for the broken statue. The pharoah could only offer Amunet some words of warning against Meti. "Why has my daughter stepped into this situation in order to save this man's life? He is nothing more than a simple worker. What does this man hold that has grabbed her compassion and made her so at peace with herself?", the pharoah thought to himself. With a cautious glance to the two of them, the pharoah left with the guards. He was going to make sure the two of them did not disappear from the palace.

Amunet stared down into Meti's eyes as his forehead hit the stones in her presense. "Please stand up. There is no need for you to be on the floor like that. I'm sorry to have put you in that situation. I panicked." A small sigh escaped her lips as Meti stood up slowly, his eyes still averted away from her. She looked around slightly and noticed that the two of them were alone, for the most part. "Come, follow me.", she started to walk down the hallway, keeping in step with him so that she did not walk in front or behind him. It was like they were equals. "Did they hit you hard? Are you going to be alright? I cannot express how sorry I am to you. That situation should have never reached that point of chaos." She led Meti into an empty room then looked a little. "Stay here for a few moments. I will be right back.", with that she disappeared from the room.

She went to her fathers chambers and for once in her life, she refused to look him in the eye. "I have dismissed Meti and Akhom for the day. They shall resume work tomorrow. I prefer to not be disturbed for the rest of the day." Amunet turned and left the room before her father could protest to her wishes. The guards watched Amunet carefully and moved to follow her but they were dismissed by the pharoah. "She will do what she wants regardless of whether you are watching her."

Amunet walked back into the room with Meti then locked the door quietly. For a few moments, she stood there just staring at Meti with a curious look in her eyes. What was it about him that called to her? When the guards were hitting Meti with their spears, it was as if the guards were hitting her. They were connected to each other somehow but neither knew how. She walked over to him quietly then took a seat on a chair that was in the room. "Why is it that throughout my entire life there has been this horrible loneliness that has had no cure. But when you around, that sadness disappears and is replaced with a need for you? Do you feel it as well?". She questioned him and stared into his eyes with a burning need. She wanted to touch him, to taste his lips, to press her body against his. But she knew that doing so would result in his death if they were caught.

Meti sat on the floor, shivering in fear, unwilling to raise his head for risk of inviting even more of the guard’s or Pharaoh’s wrath. His side hurt, but nothing felt broken. He sat silent through the Pharaoh’s warning to Amunet about him. Meti didn’t understand why the Pharaoh seemed so concerned about him. Of course he found her beautiful, and there was the other thing about her, the way her very presence seemed to fill a hole in him. But he knew his station. He knew that if he did touch her he would be dead or worse. He was still very confused by her sticking her neck out for him. Perhaps what he had heard about her wasn’t the truth after all.

He blinked as he heard her voice calling for him to stand. He swallowed slightly, afraid of what would happen if he stood, but knowing it would be even worse if he did not obey her command. He rose, his shoulders up in a nervous position afraid he was going to catch a tongue lashing from her or a true lashing from one of the guards. He raised his eyebrows in surprise as she called for him to follow him, and his eyes searched around, noting that the guards seemed to have taken leave. He cringed in pain as he moved, wondering if perhaps the tender attentions of the guards had done more damage than he previously thought. He tried to fall behind Amunet and follow her like a faithful servant, but she would not let him, slowing down to keep him at her side. He took stock of his wounds as she questioned him finally finding his voice, though it was meeker than it usually was when he spoke. “I believe that nothing it broken your highness…” He was surprised by her apology, but he kept his eyes glued to the floor, not wanting to let her know that he expected her to allow him to be blamed for her mistake.

His eyes were still glued to the floor, his hands clasped behind his back as she asked him to stay and left the room. His eyes followed her as she moved, appreciating the way her hips swayed as she glided across the floor. He tore his eyes away from her, reminding himself that these thoughts would be the death of him if he did not cleanse his mind. He sat in silence, wondering what her game was. He just wanted to get back to work or go home for the day, anything that would get him out of this awkward situation he had landed himself in. He knew he couldn’t request to be returned to his old job. He would just have to be very careful to never tempt the Pharaoh’s wrath.

Meti dropped his gaze to the floor again as Amunet entered the room. He thought about dropping to his knees again, but decided against it instead contenting himself with not looking at her. His heart was calling out again, demanding that he go to her, tell her how he felt, but he knew that was pure foolishness. He glanced up slightly and realized she had stopped right in front of him and was staring at him. He wondered if she had said something and he had missed her command. He relaxed when she moved to sit down, his eyes still counting the cobblestones as she began to talk. He raised his head, eyes wide with surprise as she continued talking. She had felt the same thing he had? The endless sadness that dominated his life was also a part of hers. He thought about what to say, afraid the truth would get him killed, but he had to know. “I….I feel the same way, your worshipfulness. I am constantly shrouded in despair, only sleep and work seems to make it fade. Otherwise I find myself living in darkness… but for some reason… my heart calls out whenever you are around… my dark sadness is replaced with a fervent need.” He cringed as he spoke those last words, knowing she could have him killed for his forwardness.

Amunet had a cold and icy look in her eyes as she explained her feelings to him. She half expected him to be too afraid to open up to her and tell her how he felt. Even if he had not, his eyes made him an open book. She had known ever since their first meeting that he had the same sadness eating away at his soul. For a few moments, happiness danced in Amunet's eyes but the happiness was short lived. The two of them could never be together. It just could not be and Amunet could see that now with clear eyes. The way the guards had reacted to Meti being so close to Amunet had sealed their fate. It made Amunet realize that even though their souls were meant to live as one, they could not. If only she wasn't the Pharaoh's daughter. Perhaps it would work then but she was the Pharaohs daughter. She was the daughter of God and he was a mere laborer. The two of them being together would ultimately lead to his death and her exile. They were meant to be together but this............this was not their time.

She sighed softly and peered down at him, letting the sadness encompass her soul once again. This sadness was her home and she needed to accept that but it was hard for Amunet to accept this. The answer to her sadness sat before her. Her hands went to his cheeks before she stepped away from him. "Meti........your soul.......it completes me. I am a hollow shell of who I should be without you here but we cannot be together. Being together would lead to our demise. I hate that it must be this way but there is no way around this.", she spoke to him softly. Her words burned her throat and forced tears to her eyes as she slowly backed away from him. "Leave the palace and do not return here. Go back to your work as a laborer." She gave one look back at him before leaving the room and instantly retreating to her room, where she fell to the floor in a heap of sobs and self hatred. The sadness instantly engulfed her soul, pushing her back into the dark void that she called her life.

Meti sat in stunned silence as she spoke, trying to digest everything she said. Maybe it was true. Was she what was missing from his life? Was it her touch, her love that would set him free from the shackles of depression that held his heart? He had never put much stock in the idea of soul mates or perfect love, believing he would never find anything like that because of the sadness he carried with him. But if everything was true then she was his soul's need, the one thing that could make him happy. If all that was true though he may as well throw himself off the great tomb being constructed and let death take him. Why would the Gods be so cruel to him? He was a simple laborer, hardly worthy to speak to the Pharaoh's daughter, let alone entertain dreams of finding love with her. He watched her eyes as she spoke reading the disappointment and frustration he felt reflected in hers. Neither of them truly understood the forces at work, but each understood the consequences.

Meti watched in sad silence as she ordered him to leave, unshed tears threatening to pool in his eyes. No, he wouldn’t allow it to be like this. He would be strong. If he had to go he would walk out with his head raised high, damn the consequences. He blinked slightly as those words echoed through his mind. Damn the consequences. Rising with growing confidence he walked through the arch separating the room. He heard her sobbing before he entered the room and his heart cried out to her, knowing that she was vocalizing his own feelings from a moment ago. The sadness again disappeared as he looked on her beautiful form, laid out upon the opulent bedding of her room, and it was replaced with a fervent need. He looked upon her with hungry lustful eyes, wanting to make her his. “Amunet….” He said softly, causing her to look up, tears still falling from her eyes. He walked over, dropping to his knees, one hand moving behind her neck and pulling her lips to his.

It was a kiss unlike any Meti had ever experienced. His surroundings melted away as he lost himself in her eyes. His heart burned with a fire and he felt a sense of utter euphoria engulf him as his lips pressed against hers. A flash of uncertainty went through him as she sat stunned, but he did not allow doubt to cloud his thoughts. He pressed his lips more firmly against hers, tasting the sweet saltiness, breathing in the exotic desert scent surrounding her body. The fire in his stomach grew as he continued his kiss, feeling her begin to melt against his lips.

Amunet was slightly alarmed by Meti's presense. She had sensed the anger in him when she ordered him to leave palace then walked out of his life, seemingly forever. The pools of sadness that were once her eyes didnt look at Meti until he pressed his lips against her. She had heard him call her name and touch her neck but she couldn't bring herself to look at him. Looking at him would let him know how much she regretted her decision to make him leave. Apparently, Meti had not followed her orders and she was so glad he had not. If he left the palace then he left with her heart and soul. The consquences for their actions would be severe but she couldn't think of that now. All that mattered right now was Meti and how much he completed her.

She wrapped her arms tightly around Meti's neck and climbed onto his lap slowly. Her movements were gracefull but urgent at the same time. She needed Meti and wanted Meti more than anything she knew. He held the key to her eternal sadness and he could make it stop. Her tongue moved into his mouth and caressed his as the kiss intensified. But the moment of serene happiness was cut short by the sounds of guards at Amunet's bedroom door. She instantly pulled away from Meti and looked to the door in fear. "You........you must hide. Quick. To my closet.", she whispered to Meti as she climbed to her feet.

Before Meti could move to his feet, the guards were rushing into the room. One of the guards grabbed Amunet roughly, pinning her to the wall in case she ran from them. As the guard went for Amunet, another went for Meti. Three of the guards tackled Meti back to the ground and began his consequence early. All Amunet saw was a maze of fists and spear butts. She fought desperatly against the guard holding her to the wall. She had to help Meti. He needed her and she needed him. But there was nothing Amunet could do. The guard out-weighed her by atleast a hundred pounds and had a good grip on her. Tears fell from her eyes as she watched the chaos ensue.

Meti knew as soon as his lips found her’s that she was the answer to all the questions he had about his life. She was what he needed, the cure to his despair. He also knew that he had sealed his fate with this kiss. He wouldn’t be able to leave her and he wouldn’t be able to have her. He sensed more than actually noticed her movements as she climbed into his lap. Her scent was heavenly and the grace of her body made Meti feel a bumbling fool by comparison. She embodied all the beauty of the heavens and Meti found himself wanting to stare into her deep eyes for eternity. The whole time his lips were exploring hers, finding new levels of joy in each second that went by. It was as if all the sadness he had felt in his life had never been there, replaced by sheer ecstasy in her kiss.

His hands touched her skin as their kiss deepened and electricity shot through his body. He felt her smooth skin, softer than anything he had ever touched, slick with sweat his hands gripped her, pulling her tighter. He too heard the sound of the rushing footsteps but he didn’t care anymore. He had to have her. She begged for him to hide and finally he came out of his dream-like state just in time to be slammed into heavily by a large guard. Meti considered fighting back, especially when he saw Amunet pinned against the wall, but he was beyond caring. He had come back to her, knowing the risk he was taking. He whooped loudly as a spear butt took the air out of his lungs and his eyes began to water as the guards pummeled him into submission. He did not cry out and he did not struggle, instead staring into Amunet’s eyes , letting her know that he did not blame her, that she had made him happy. He smiled slightly but quickly groaned in pain as a guard’s fist slammed into his temple, dazing him. He felt himself being dragged down the hallway by the guards, but he was too out of it to really understand anything else that was going on.

Minutes later he awoke in front of the Pharaoh, pinned to the ground by spear points. Meti glanced up as much as he could, trying to find Amunet, but seeing only the angry face of the Pharaoh glaring down at him. “You….. you PEASANT!” He screamed down at Meti, rage filling his eyes. Meti heard Amunet shuffled into the room and Meti tried to look over to her, but the guards pushed him roughly against the stone again. The Pharaoh shook with rage as he saw Meti’s glance towards his daughter. “You… how dare you!” He screamed. “You will be killed for your arrogance!!”

Amunet could feel the room spinning around her as Meti was taken from the room by the guards. What had she done? How could she have let this happen to Meti. The only person in the world that had ever made her happy was now condemned by this and there was nothing she could do about this. She was slowly being killed inside as each second passed her by. It was almost as if she was in a nightmare and couldn't wake herself. Amunet knew better though. She knew this was no dream. This was her reality and she had to face it. All the pain that Amunet was feeling at the moment became to much to bare as everything went black and she collapsed to the floor.

She awoke from being blacked out just as she was being pulled into the Pharaoh's chambers. The urge to seek out Meti with her eyes was almost overwhelming but she knew it would only result in him being hit or something to that affect. She looked at the guards with sheer hatred. This was all their fault and they would pay for this eventually. The words of her father stung Amunet as she realized the true severity of the situation at hand. She instantly pulled away from the guards and ran to her father to plead Meti's case with him. She clung to her father in hysterical sobs while looking at him. "Please! Don't do this father! He makes me happy! There is something about him that I need! You said earlier that you missed the girl I once was..........This man brings back the happy Amunet you knew", she begged her father then glanced down at Meti. " I initiated the kiss! It was me! He did nothing wrong but follow my orders! If anyone is at fault, it is I." She let go of her father then sank to her knees next to Meti while craddling his head softly. Amunet pushed some of his hair from his eyes then glanced back up at her father. "Please do not take him away from me............"

Meti knew his fate was sealed. Rather than protest or beg for mercy he stared stoically at the ground, awaiting the Pharaoh’s command. He would hardly be the first man the Pharoh had ordered to death, though perhaps he would be the first ordered for such a crime as his. He wondered how the end would come and he tensed, half expecting the soldier’s bronze sword to crash heavily down on the back of his neck, severing his head. The blow did not come, as the soldier’s were distracted. Meti dared a glimpse up and saw Amunet being dragged into the room. His eyes widened as he saw the rough treatment she was getting from the soldier’s and the Pharaoh instantly began berating the soldiers. “Do not man-handle my daughter so! She is still royalty. You will all join this peasant in the dungeon if you do not show proper respect!”

Meti’s eyes widened in surprise as Amunet rose and rushed to her father’s side and began pleading for his life. Meti wanted to ell her that it did no matter anymore. That he knew the Pharaoh, even if he spared his life would not permit him to come anywhere near Amunet anymore, and if that were truth than he would sooner die than face the darkness once again. But he did not speak up. Knowing his words would fall bring more punishment upon himself and Amunet. He kept his eyes glued to her body though; taking small comfort in the happiness it gave him to gaze upon her.

For his part the Pharaoh was very confused and angry. His own daughter, consorting with the likes of a simple laborer. It was unthinkable. And this talk about happiness, about needing him for some unexplainable reason sounded like pure madness in his ears. “Amunet, you have never known what you have needed. You are still too young to truly understand the ways of the heart and apparently too young to understand the responsibility you have as my daughter.” He said softly, not wanting the others to hear him berating his daughter. “He is but a peasant, below you in every way and to consort with him is to shame us in the eyes of the Gods.” Then with raised voice he announced to the guards. “Take this man to the dungeons. Let him remain there until I can decide his fate.” The finality in his voice gave no more room for argument and he turned a stern look upon his daughter. “You will return to your room and will not emerge again until evening meal is served.” He nodded to one of the guards indicating he should escort Amunet back to her room as Meti was being dragged out of the room, his eyes still locked upon Amunet.

Amunet looked at her father defiantly then her eyes fell to Meti. He was going to be killed and there was nothing she could do to save the man she loved with all her heart. She sighed softly as the guard came to her side and lead her away from Meti. Her hand reached out for Meti but the guard quickly put enough distance between the two of them. The fingertips on her hands longed for him and her lips wanted to taste his again. She would never have the opportunity to experience true happiness or to see what her life would be like with him. Meti would surely die tonight and regardless of the power she held, there was nothing she could do to stop it. She had tried to reason with her father but was brushed aside like a child asking for a pet and telling the parents that she would die without the pet. The pharoah saw what he wanted. Only Meti and Amunet knew how much they truly needed each other. Their time together had been cut short and now Amunet was left to go through the motions of life.

Silent tears fell from Amunet's eyes as the guard took her from the room and Meti soon followed. The guards took Meti to the dungeon as Amunet was taken to her room. She looked at the guard and thought of pleading with him to let her go but she knew that all efforts would be wasted. The guards were loyal to her father and knew the consequences of betraying him. She walked into her room and sat down on her bed as she heard the door lock and the guard take his position outside the door. She sighed heavily then walked to the door, "Could you please have my father informed that I wish to speak with him?", Amunet asked the guard through the door. The answer from the guard was a low grunt but she heard him conveying the message. Perhaps without the guards around she could speak with her father on more calm terms. It was probably useless but she needed to try

Meti stared at the ceiling with empty eyes as the guards dragged him roughly down the corridors of the palace. He felt empty but resigned to his fate. He knew no matter how he struggled he would be killed. He had committed a forbidden crime in the Pharaoh’s eyes. He had consorted with his only daughter. He saw Amunet reach out for him and he reached out towards her, hoping for one more moment of contact but instead being roughly pulled away by the two guards holding his arms. He groaned in pain as another stepped up and slammed his spear butt into his stomach. He knew his fate was sealed and with sadness he tried to catch Amunet’s eyes again, but he was already too far away. “What was she talking about anyway?” One of the guards said to his companion once they were far away from the Pharaoh’s chambers. “She needs this peasant to make her happy?” The guard asked confused. “I’ve got plenty here that’ll make her happy.” The other guard said with a deep chuckle, his partner paling at his suggestion. “Are you bereft of your senses? Gods if anyone overheard that…” Meti tuned them out as he closed his eyes, no longer feeling the hard stone beneath his back, instead only remembering the feeling of Amunet’s lips on his, and in his eyes he saw a beautiful pair of brown eyes filled with love.

Finally, many flights of stairs and bruises later the guards came to a large metal door. “Welcome home.” The perverted guard said as he unlocked the metal door and swung it open to reveal the cold dank dungeon. Sobbing and cries of pain could be heard coming from somewhere inside as they dragged him to his cell. Tossing him in roughly. One of the guards gave him a hard kick that sent Meti tumbling into the cell and they closed the door, the resounding thump cutting off all hope of escape.

The Pharaoh stood in his chambers, pacing back and forth trying to figure out what in the name of the God had gotten into his daughter. Consorting with a peasant and then daring to raise her voice against him when the Pharaoh made a proclamation. Had the Gods seen fit to steal the wits from his precious daughter? He swore softly but quickly pulled his composure back together as a guard knocked, poking his head in to say that his daughter wanted a word with him. The Pharaoh thought for a moment, wondering if perhaps it would not be better to let his anger fade first, but decided against it. “Yes, fine send her in.”