The entire hall allocated for dining was abuzz when the royal herald announced the arrival of the Princess. Not a single attendee expected her to arrive, for they all assumed she was still unwell. Therefore her presence was a delightful surprise. All stood and greeted her as the familiar Syrian servant led her to her seat beside the Pharaoh.

Before the servant could even reach for it, Ramses pulled the chair for the Princess to be seated. The sparkle in his eyes and the brightness of his smile made her heart melt.

Her rouged cheeks flushed hotly as she raised her gaze to meet his.

How his own heart skipped at her sight! She smiled meekly when she went to take the seat he offered her, straightening her skirts with the palms of her hands.

Lined with gold and silver threads were the hems of her dress, the finest ever made in Hattusa. The inner skirts were layers of light sunflower yellow and cream-white cotton, pleated tightly to hug her frame. In typical Hatti fashion, the outermost layer of fern green was woven with a gold hatchwork design of circles and crosses.

"Princess Malawashina is well! May the gods of Egypt and the gods of Hatti land bless and keep her health forever strong!" The Pharaoh proclaimed to all those gathered.

A great cheer erupted from his proclamation, startling her. Then, eyes wide, she found them met with the amused gaze of the Queen, who was seated adjacent to them. Nefertari smiled warmly at her in reassurance, allowing her to relax somewhat.

"Thank you for gracing us with your presence, Princess," Ramses greeted her quietly as the remaining guests took their seats.

"Well, with that exceptional apology before, how could I have possibly refused?" She answered with equal quiet so others would not overhear their discussion.

He could not hide the boyish excitement that now covered his features, yet he kept his response composed. "I hope her royal Highness understood how sincere it had been."

She looked over the awaiting assembly. "I would have expected nothing less, great King," she answered in her own language.

"If there is anything this meagre King can do to extinguish any remaining anger the Princess feels, all she has to do is speak her will," he responded fluently in the Hatti tongue.

Malawashina did not skip a beat when she answered playfully, "She must comment on how immaculately the Pharaoh can speak the Hatti language, more so than she can speak his own."

Amusement sparkled in his eyes. "Ah, but she should be aware that he is older than she and thus has had a number more years to practice," he grinned down at her.

"She is a little jealous," she grinned in return, their hearts fluttering in unison at their collective gestures. "How old exactly is the Pharaoh of Egypt?"

"He is older than the princess," he teased.

"Well, she is old enough to be wed and bedded," she giggled.

He could not help but blush at her comment. "Well, he is an old mule at twenty-six," grinned Ramses.

Malawashina almost choked on the wine that was then in her mouth.

"Old mule?" She repeated. "I wonder what you will say when you are forty or fifty! "

"I will probably be in my tomb by then!" He answered, laughing.

"How old were you and the Queen when you were married?"

"Thirteen," he responded, amused at her curiosity as he sipped his wine.

She blinked at his answer. "So Amu was right...."

The Pharaoh raised a defined brow at her. "About what, Princess?"

Embarrassed, she flushed crimson. "Never mind," her voice became meek as she lowered her eyes, her fingers fidgeting nervously under the table.

"Oh, come now, do tell. You have piqued my curiosity!" He chuckled.

"He joked that he had been conceived on your wedding night," she finally blurted.

Ramses cleared his throat and tried not to laugh again. "That is what we told him." Malawashina's eyes widened further at the prospect of his words. "Do you mean...?"

He nodded and placed his chalice back on the table. "Nefertari was pregnant with him before we were wed."

Malawashina muffled her gasp with the bleached linen kerchief a servant had handed her earlier. "She was?"

Ramses nodded simply and gave a slight shrug. "What can I say? We were head over heels in love. Still are. That is why our own union was pushed forward - to disguise our predicament from everyone else."

"Did you get into trouble?"

"Most definitely, I did. But it all worked out in the end," Ramses looked back over at Nefertari affectionately, and catching his gaze, the Queen flushed and grinned as she continued to talk to her neighbours.

Malawashina felt her entirety flush with a delicious heat at the prospect of what he had just shared. Her heart, too, thumped wildly at the notion of being so in love with another. She wondered if it were something she, too, would experience with him. But yet, could he truly love another to the same intensity?

"How long did you both know each other before you were married?" she asked to distract herself from overthinking.

Ramses then looked over to the Queen again, who raised her gaze to smile warmly back at them. Malawashina had just noticed that the Queen was seated next to Saduhi, her father's closest friend and allocated dignitary. They had been in deep and jovial conversation.

"We had grown up together," he answered, watching his Queen with heart-wrenching gentleness. "Her father, Lord Paser, had been the vizier to my father, the Great Pharaoh Seti. Upon the death of my closest friend, Lord Paser became my own vizier, but he is attending important business in Thebes at the Temple of Amun, thus why he cannot be with us now." Finally, his gaze returned to Malawashina, giving her an encouraging smile. He appreciated her curiosity.

"Will he attend our union, at least?" She asked further, only to see the brightness of his eyes dim a little. "I am afraid not, but he will return soon enough to make your acquaintance properly."

Malawashina shrugged gracefully, "As long as he does not lie to me about anything...."

Ramses stiffened at her words. "He would not, no..."

"Do I have your absolute word that you will not again?" She looked directly up at him and scrutinised his remorseful gaze.

"I promise on the names of all the gods and goddesses of both our lands that I will never deceive you again, Princess." Then he wondered; would she be this bold if they were not talking in her native tongue?

"And Princess Isetnofret? I do not see her present tonight." What a pity; he could almost hear her adding a sarcastic undertone.

Hints of a grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. "I had Princess Isetnofret return to the palace. She felt more comfortable back at home in the harem," he explained patiently.

Malawashina nodded; "more like to avoid me", she thought. "Will you promise to protect me from her wrath?"

With this, Ramses chuckled, for she was already getting the general mood of the harem.

"Of course, Princess. That is what husbands are for."

She appreciated the continued sincerity, although wrapped in teasing, and nodded.

"Mala. You can call me Mala now."

He smiled warmly at this. "As you wish, Mala."

The banquet continued through the evening without consequence.

Speaking to the Pharaoh throughout the evening reminded her of her many long conversations with him during their journey to the city.

Forgetting the deception, she felt drawn to his aura, pulled to him by Ra's eternal embrace. They spoke like they were friends of old, and Malawashina even had the chance to talk at length to Nefertari before the Queen left early to rest.

Although the banquet, as most do, ended relatively late, Malawashina was too abuzz with energy to return to her chambers for sleep.

Sending Utati and Seshen back to her rooms to sleep themselves, she decided to stroll through the temple. It was a half-moon, and its glow illuminated enough to send its cooling breath to the deepest depths of the god's house. The sky was alight with billions of sparkling stars which danced and flicked against the waters of the sacred pond in the innermost sanctuary where she walked.

The Egyptian Geese were now nestling together, the occasional honk escaping one of them as they pushed for the most comfortable spot on their private island within the pond.

With their tinkling gold bells, the short-haired felines mewed desperately at her for more scraps of food from the banquet. It had not occurred to her to keep leftovers for them, even though she had fed many of them secretly beneath the table. She had even noticed the Pharaoh doing the same.

One of the youngest kittens had been brash enough to clamber up the king's arm for some morsel of food. Despite the Syrian servant taking the kitten away numerous times, it kept returning until it got what it wanted - the largest piece of wildfowl on the Pharaoh's plate.

Finally, Ramses had relented and given the little creature its prize, and all laughed at watching it carry the piece, which was almost as large as itself, away proudly to be devoured.

"I am sorry, my little friends, I do not have any more food," she leaned down to pet the five who had gathered around her. They all raised their heads to her touch, and she noticed the Pharaoh's little kitten amongst them. "Are you not full at all, little one?"

"He's a growing boy, thus always with an insatiable hunger," Came that delectable voice she was now so familiar with. So taken aback by his sudden appearance, she lost her balance and fell to her backside. The thud and her squeal of surprise caused the cats to bolt and scatter.

"Apologies, Mala. I did not mean to startle you," he immediately rushed to her side and helped her to her feet. His mere touch as he assisted her caused a sudden rush of delicious heat pool in her stomach, almost causing her to swoon. Or, perhaps, it was the wine she had drunk at the banquet.

"It is quite fine. I was in my own little world. I have the habit of doing that," she admitted meekly.

His smile then was so warm and gentle that she felt her heart soften within her chest.

"Are you alright, though?" His eyes shimmered with auburn flecks from the nearby braziers. She could not help but get lost entirely in them as he gazed apologetically at her.

Oh, how a divine vision he was! He had undressed from most of the finery he had worn at the banquet and now wore a simple pleated shendyt. His chest was primarily bare, apart from his flowing garnet-dyed open coat. His chiselled finery was undoubtedly the product of the gods. He wore thick eyeliner kohl around his eyes, but he now wore no wigs or headdresses.

"I am alright now that you are here," the words tumbled from her mouth before she had the chance to restrain them.

Blinking, they both stared at each other in silence from her spontaneity, unsure how best to react.

Perhaps it was due to his impulses or the wine he himself had drunk, but the sudden intense heat that engulfed him forced him to commit the unthinkable.

Swooping Malawashina in by the waist, he pulled her petite body to his, his lips pressing against hers, enticing her with the delicious sweetness of honeyed dates and intoxicating wine.

Despite how much she had craved such affection from him, she stiffened like a freshly dried corpse, and her eyes shot open. One name and one image invaded her thoughts. "Mursili..."

Immediately Ramses pulled back, sensing her shock and unease, his eyes wide at what he had just done. "Malawashina, forgive me..."

Her mind racing, her heart threatening to lurch itself out of her body through her throat, she stared at him. She wanted nothing more than to bolt like the felines had done previously.

Yet, her feet refused her movement and seemed to dig themselves into the floor like the roots of a young sapling taking hold of life. Involuntarily her body began to shiver, and tears sprang to her eyes. "No, he is not Mursili! He is not that monster!"

What she did next was unexpected, even for her. First, she launched towards Ramses, both hands aimed to take his powerful jaw. Then, leaping onto her tiptoes, she pulled his face down to bring his lips to hers as he had just done.

Their breaths hitched collectively, yet they melted into each other's embrace. As her lips softened against him with her gaining confidence, he gently eased his tongue into her mouth.

He held her fast when he felt her stiffen again, yet she was quick to swathe his tongue with her own. She followed his lead, her head drifting up to the cosmos. She had never felt so elated. Was this what it felt like to be in love? Is that what she was feeling?

Cautiously he allowed a hand to drift, his fingertips tracing the pearls of her spine through her linen dress until he reached the small of her back where he let his hand rest.

She, too, took his touch to allow her own and traced her fingers along the defined musculature of his abdomen. He smiled through the brief break in the kiss as his skin prickled from her sweet touch. No sooner had they released did they once more take each other, far more fervently and fiercely than before.

"Will you touch me?" She breathed into his mouth, too enamoured to realise the possible consequences of her request.

He pulled away from her enough to speak. "Where?"

"You know...." Her body flushed more than it already was. Her head began to spin from the rising heat of her lust.

"Do I?" He teased, nibbling gently on her lower lip.

"Do not tease me."

"Do not be so coy," he answered as he kissed her again. "I do know where. But, my dearest, you will have to wait till the night of our official union for that."

She lowered her lashes and continued playing with his short, dark, auburn hair with her fingers. "Back when we were still travelling, I dreamed of you...A couple of dreams, actually..." She lowered her voice timidly.

"Oh? Do tell," he purred as he traced his thumb along her jaw, causing her to shiver with a delicious tingle.

"I should not tell you...." She began, "for I imagined you as the Minister, not the Pharaoh of Egypt. Is that not some form of betrayal as I thought you another man?"

He smiled at her sincerity. "It may seem that way, but only due to my deception. At least you have straight-up admitted to fantasising about me," he grinned boyishly at her from the prospect, causing her to bite her bottom lip in embarrassment. The mere sight of her doing this made his heart race wildly.

"You are so sweet when you do that," he admitted as he began twirling her hair with his fingers.

"Do what?"

"Bite your bottom lip... like that," he answered when she did so again more flirtatiously.

"Does it make you want to touch me?" She whispered but with hope in her voice.

"Oh, you are a naughty girl," he purred as he stroked her neck, leaning in to kiss her again.

"Now do divulge these dreams of yours, I beg you."

She flushed wildly once more. "One was when I was in the bath. You were kneeling beside me and reached your hand into the water. You were in bed with me in the other dream, completely unclothed. We kissed, and you touched me... down there...."

"Why you lustful little charmer," he chuckled. "And have you ever been touched 'down there?" His question took her off guard, and immediately Mursili's name once more came to mind.

"No!" She exclaimed. "A man has never touched me. Why would you ask me that?"

"Apologies, Mala. I meant no offence by it. It is just that our cultures are different, I guess. Here it is not so frowned upon to lay with someone before wedlock. Though, of course, with us royals, it is disallowed... as you know, Nefertari and I did not exactly comply with that rule."

Malawashina did chuckle at this. "At least your firstborn was a son."

"Indeed, the gods blessed our union."

"I do hope I can give you sons," she admitted.

Ramses smiled warmly at this and embraced her. "I am sure you will. And daughters too."

"Many!" She added.

"As many as you are willing to bear for me," he answered as he leaned down to kiss her again.

It seemed an entire dynasty had come and gone while they were hidden behind one of the many great pillars, out of sight of the patrolling guards, locking mouths until their jaws ached.

Finally, Ramses reluctantly pulled away, knowing Malawashina would need rest. She whined at him when he told her so, but he knew that the Queen was waiting for him and would probably come to look for him if he did not show up in her chambers soon. Malawashina understood when he explained this but decided to tease him further.

"I look forward to when you are warming my bed as well."

He chuckled, "Soon enough, my charming little Princess. Despite how advanced her pregnancy is, The Queen still needs her bed warmed."

"I can not blame her, with someone as handsome and as beautiful as the gods as you."

"You flatter me, Princess. I could say the same about you. You were truly ravishing this evening."

"Now you flatter me, your Majesty. I do hope we can meet like this again before our official union." Malawashina sighed.

"I plan on it, do not worry yourself about that. Now you must go to bed and rest. Continue to dream of me if it will help satiate your desires till I can do that personally."

"Now you are the tease!" Malawashina poked him playfully in the shoulder.

"Blame Nefertari for that fact," he laughed before he kissed her one last time for the night. "Good night, my darling soon-to-be wife."

Malawashina tingled at the mere thought. "Good night, my dearest soon-to-be husband."

They almost struggled to let go of each other's hands as they departed, and he could not help but pull her in for one last delicious taste of her lips before he jogged off down the hall, leaving her stomach fluttering like clouds through a breeze.