Warning: Long chapter

Parting ways with her father, Hattusili, her brothers, and her sister was an excruciatingly agonizing ordeal. Tears cascaded down her cheeks, forming a river that could rival the mighty Nile of her soon-to-be new home, symbolizing not only her own sorrow but the collective pain of all involved. Yet, amidst this sea of grief, one figure stood apart - Mursili. His face bore a perpetual, ominous smirk, casting a shadow over the already somber atmosphere. As she reluctantly embraced him, a wave of nausea washed over her, threatening to betray her composure. The venomous words he whispered, his repugnant lips grazing her ear, sent a bone-chilling shiver down her spine, penetrating her very being.

"Your virtue belongs to me. Forever it will. I have claimed you. You are mine."

Her heart pounded in her chest, its rhythmic beats reverberating through her entire body. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead, reflecting the scorching sun that beat down upon the city. Despite the grandeur of her surroundings, the weight of Mursili's words pressed upon her like an oppressive burden.

As the trumpets blared, their piercing notes seemed to pierce through her eardrums, magnifying the already tumultuous storm of thoughts in her mind. Each blast of sound sent a jolt of anxiety coursing through her veins, making her limbs tremble slightly as she fought to maintain her composure.

The carved marble of the throne beneath her seemed cold and unyielding, its intricate patterns offering no solace from the internal turmoil she experienced. She tried to find refuge in the presence of her mother, hoping for a reassuring touch or a comforting word, but her mother's regal demeanor remained unwavering, oblivious to the turmoil brewing within her daughter.

The Egyptian herald, adorned in resplendent robes and headdress, took a deep breath, preparing to announce the arrival of the retinue. The anticipation hung heavy in the air, and the silence that followed the deafening trumpets felt suffocating. With each passing moment, her mind replayed Mursili's words, his haunting whisper echoing in her ears.

The journey to Kadesh had been grueling, traversing treacherous terrain and enduring countless hardships over two moons. Yet, it was not the physical exhaustion that plagued her now. It was the emotional weight, the relentless torment of doubt and uncertainty that clung to her like a persistent shadow.

She longed to banish these thoughts, to find respite from the haunting whispers of Mursili's remarks. But try as she might, they clung to her psyche, tormenting her even in the midst of this grand occasion. The walls of the fortress city seemed to close in around her, amplifying her insecurities and fueling her unease.

As the Egyptian herald finally began his proclamation, his voice carried across the courtyard. His speech, however, seemed distant and muffled to her ears, drowned out by the cacophony of her own inner turmoil. She strained to focus, to block out the haunting whispers and immerse herself in the moment, but it proved to be an arduous task.

In that moment, she yearned for clarity, for a reprieve from the relentless grip of doubt. She longed for the strength to rise above the haunting daunts of Mursili and embrace the responsibilities that lay ahead. But for now, she remained seated upon her marble throne, her mind consumed by the weight of duty and the echoing murmurs of uncertainty.

"Grand Lady of the Hatti people, beloved of Šauška, beloved of Isis, Lady Puduhepa, and her beloved daughter, her Royal Highness Princess Malawashina, may I present to you his Royal Highness, Commander of the troops of Egypt, Effective Confidant, Eldest Son of the King of his Body, Prince Amunherkhepershef!"

Malawashina had been wringing her hands against the ivory silken handkerchief she was holding when the mention of the royal prince broke through her troubled thoughts. She was thankful for the sheer veil that shielded her appearance from the large gathering below, for her nerves sent a thousand tiny butterflies to seek refuge within her stomach. The mention of the first-born prince of the Pharaoh being present took her by surprise, but she did not quite understand why. Perhaps it was due to emissaries and other nobles often being sent to deal with such gatherings. Raising her amethyst gaze, she looked down at the prince, who now stood, bowed low in respect, near the landing of the steps. She could see that he was adorned in all the regal finery warranted for a prince of Egypt.

The sight was awe-inspiring, as his tall frame was draped in a long, pleated kilt of the finest woven linen, the fabric whispering against the air as he walked. A brilliant blue sash, interwoven with delicate threads of gold, hugged his waist and gently swayed with his every movement. An almost translucent linen shawl was gracefully wrapped around his upper body, its ethereal texture adding an air of elegance to his appearance. The weight of a heavy gold and jewel-set collar emphasized his broad shoulders, its intricate design glinting in the sunlight. His head was freshly shaved, while the long side-lock of raven mahogany hair, intricately braided down the right side, added a touch of youthful charm.

Resting upon his brow was a circlet of gold, adorned with the Uraeus, the symbol of the protective cobra goddess named Wadjet, its smooth surface glimmering with an air of authority. His braided side-lock served as a reminder that he was still in the bloom of youth, yet to fully embrace manhood. The titles afforded to him at such a young age must have weighed heavily upon his teen years, Malawashina thought to herself, sighing at the thoughts of her own responsibilities as one too of royal lineage. It was not until the prince stood and stepped to the side that she could see how young he indeed was. Though tall, he could not have been older than herself.

"...Presenting his Exalted Lordship, Foreign Minister to Upper and Lower Egypt, Lord of the Pharaoh's stables, Lord Seti-nekht!"

Malawashina could feel her pulse quickening, the blood rushing through her veins with an almost tangible force. The sheer intensity of his gaze seemed to penetrate her very soul, igniting a flame deep within her. Her breath became shallow, and her chest rose and fell with each beat of her heart.

As the man rose from his prostration, his movements were graceful, almost ethereal. Every gesture seemed purposeful and deliberate, as if he was aware of the effect he had on those around him. The way he carried himself exuded confidence and power, captivating all who laid eyes upon his visage.

The intricate kohl lines adorning his emerald eyes only intensified their brilliance, making them shine like precious gemstones. They held a depth and mystery that drew Malawashina in, as if she could see the secrets of the universe reflected within them.

But it wasn't just his eyes that enthralled her. His face, chiseled and sculpted with precision, seemed to have been crafted by the very gods themselves. Each feature was almost flawless, creating a breathtaking harmony that was impossible for her to ignore. Malawashina couldn't help but marvel at his immaculate presence, his tanned skin smooth and radiant, like polished marble.

As her gaze traveled, she was further captivated by his attire. The long, braided wig that adorned his head, intricately woven and adorned with gold, red, and blue ribbons, added an air of regality to his presence. It framed his face, emphasizing his striking features and further accentuating his allure.

However it was his arms that truly caught her attention. The musculature, defined and sculpted, hinted at a strength that was both captivating and intimidating. The jewels adorning his biceps shimmered in the light, casting a mesmerizing glow that seemed to dance with his every movement. Malawashina found herself drawn to the power and grace that emanated from his very being.

In that fleeting moment, as their eyes met, Malawashina felt a connection, a magnetic pull that seemed to transcend time and space. She couldn't explain it, but she knew deep in her heart that this fleeting moment would forever change the course of her life.

"Seti-nekht..." His name fluttered in her mind like the butterflies still within her stomach. Her heart raced within her chest, quickening with every passing moment. The princess felt a tingling sensation spread throughout her body, as if a thousand delicate feathers were now brushing against her skin. The butterflies in her stomach were no longer flutters, but a wild whirlwind of emotions, swirling and dancing in a frenzy.

The beautiful man's gaze seemed to penetrate her very soul, his eyes sparkling with an otherworldly allure. It was as if time had frozen, and in that moment, nothing else existed but the captivating connection between them.

As the princess watched, her mother's words seemed to fade into the background, drowned out by the symphony of her racing heartbeat. The man's voice, like a soothing melody in velvety tones, reached her ears, wrapping her in its enchanting embrace. Yet she could comprehend no words spoken, for her head had ascended too far into the clouds. Malawashina couldn't help but wonder if this captivating man was more than he appeared. Was he a celestial being, sent to them in this grand entourage to fulfill some higher purpose? Or was he just a simple mortal, blessed with extraordinary beauty and charm?

Lost in her thoughts, the princess barely noticed the surrounding commotion. The murmurs of the crowd, the whispers of courtiers, and the soft rustling of robes all continued to fade into the background. Her focus remained solely on the alluring man, his presence filling every crevice of her consciousness.

The conversation between her mother and the minister drew to a close and the princess's heart ached with longing. She yearned for more time, more words, more moments to unravel the enigma that he embodied. As he turned away, his eyes lingering on her for a fleeting second, he smiled and her heart felt like it had stopped within her chest.

It was not until her mother squeezed her hand gently that all her senses came crashing back down. She felt a cold chill run down her spine as she tried to refocus her attention. Already the Egyptians were filing out of the expansive hall.

"Mother...?"

"We shall let our honoured guests rest a while before the feast this evening. I suggest you do so as well, my dear." 

Sinking down into the copper bath with the cast lion feet, Malawashina's mind relaxed instantly as her body slid into the steaming water. Alone, she was now, for she had set Utati to other tasks, and she was thankful for the peace and quiet afforded her. Closing her eyes, she slid further into the water, allowing its warmth to lap at her chin as she dipped her head ever slightly. Aromas of frankincense and rose filled her nostrils as she took a deep breath. The scents seemed to erase all the pained thoughts that had plagued her since that unforgettable, evil night.

Above her, she saw eyes that glistened with a brilliant emerald hue. The lusciousness of his lips was intoxicating as they delicately grazed her skin. With a mischievous smirk, he dipped his arm into the milky pink water, relishing in the silky smoothness. Her breath hitched, and her body tensed as she felt the tips of his fingers brush softly along the top of her belly, just above her navel. Her heart galloped in her chest, pounding against her ribcage as a surge of desire coursed through her veins. The room seemed to spin around her then, the air thick with anticipation. Every nerve in her body stood on end, yearning for more of his touch.

As his fingers continued their tantalizing journey, tracing a path of electrifying warmth along her inner thighs, a shiver ran down her spine. Her breath became shallow, hitching in her throat with each delicate caress. Waves of pleasure rippled through her, making her body quiver with an unfamiliar but arousing sensation.

She felt a rush of heat pooling between her legs, an ache that demanded to be sated. The intensity of the moment overwhelmed her and rendered her powerless to resist.

His voice, like honey dripping from his lips, whispered her name again, a seductive melody that echoed in her ears. It sent a jolt of lustful hunger straight to her core, intensifying the pulsating sensations that now consumed her womanhood. The foreign beauty before her had awakened a dormant need, unlocking a world of bliss she had never known.

"Malawashina!" The voice came again, but it was more urgent and more familiar.

"Utati!"

"Where were you just now?"

"Uh..." the princess' voice croaked.

The cheeky grin Utati was famous for crossed her petite features. Her obsidian eyes lit up almost wickedly. "Oh, I think I know where your mind was wandering, princess," she taunted playfully.

Malawashina blinked hard, dazed like a gazelle that had been hit in the head with a hunting stick. As her cheeks blushed with heat, she couldn't ignore the delicious tingle that surged between her thighs. Then, shifting uncomfortably, she tried to show composure. "My dearest Utati, I have not the slightest clue what you are referring to," she snubbed.

Utati scoffed at her and shook her head, the waves of her hair bouncing on her shoulders. She gave her mistress her all too stubborn look. "Even with your veil, I could see you gazing down at him intently. He couldn't help but glance up at you a few times, too, I noticed. I observe many things; I'll have you understand," she huffed.

"I would not doubt that!" Malawashina chuckled. "But who are you referring to? I looked at the entire contingent as they were presented this morning."

"Do not play the fool...."

"Me?" Malawashina looked at her more petite friend with feigned surprise. "I would never! But tell me, my little friend, what do you think you know?"

"Well, for one, I am not little," Utati grumbled. "You could not peel your gaze from the prince, Amunherkhepershef! I saw how you were looking at him!"

"His Royal Highness?" Malawashina repeated, now aghast. "Are you sure that it was not you, Utati, who had her gaze set upon him? He would be nearly the same age as you, and he was quite a treat to look at."

"So you admit it, then!" Utati quipped as she thought herself victorious, yet Malawashina rolled her eyes. "He was not the one I was fixated on...."

"Oh, so it was that ethereal green-eyed god that plummeted from the heavens?" she mused, her mind racing with questions. As the princess tensed at her words, a flicker of realisation crossed her face. "Ah, so it was him?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with knowing.

"You are a little snake, Utati." Malawashina frowned.

"Not as slippery as my mistress." The young girl quipped back.

Malawashina groaned and splashed water at her, making Utati jump back with a bellyful of laughter. "I will not speak of such things now, for we are expected for dinner. Now hurry your slow backside up. The water will grow algae by the time you are finished!"

"Oh, hush!" Malawashina splashed the younger girl again.