ˢᵃᵘᵈᵃᵈᵉ

set 𝔁 fem! reader 𝔁 (slight) horus
𝕘𝕠𝕕𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝕖𝕘𝕪𝕡𝕥

❝ you belong to me. although not promised,
we were destined for one another. ❞

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝'𝐯𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐞𝐱𝐜𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞.

And yet, you found yourself a mix of anger, sadness and depression as you were lead towards your new home. The palace had been rebranded in the name of Set, the once bright and shiny exterior brimming with darkness as the white walls were replaced by dark limestone and encrusted jewels. 

You sat against the vivid circled pillows lining the palanquin, the sheer curtains fluttering in the slight wind. Soon, you would open them completely to show yourself to the citizens of Egypt, since you were considered to be the last saving grace now that the realm was under rule of Set.

You weren't known as the Gift of Ra for nothing.

Ever since you were born, you had been called as such given the obvious favour the god had for you. Priests and nobles claimed you as the supposed Treasure of Ra, the god himself blessing you with all gifts and charities that could only be given by him. 

You were the princess of a nearing capital that was often in trades with Egypt, of course falling underneath Osiris' rule. He had held your family in high regard, so much so that when you showed the slightest interest in his son, the God of the Sky, he allowed the man to try and win you over. He had.

Yes, today was meant to be the day you married Horus, but instead, you felt as if you were entering your own funeral. 

Thirteen days ago, Set, brother to Osiris and uncle of Horus, had forcefully taken rule of Egypt and the realm, killing his brother in cold blood and banishing your betrothed to a far off place, a place you had not the slightest clue.

Ten days ago, your father had received a scroll directly from Set, claiming that any gift to Horus was now a gift to him - including you. You were made ready within the morning, and you had been travelling ever since, completely dissociated from reality as your mind scrambled to completely understand and grasp what was going to happen to you.

You were being forced to marry Set, the newfound ruler of Egypt as he had demanded. And who were you, a meek princess with a sorry excuse of a title that you were the supposed Treasure or Ra, to stop him?

"Are you alright, my princess?" The voice came from your side, and you peeled your eyes away from the shimmery, sheer fabric of the curtains that slipped through your fingers to Xanthe, who was sitting near you.

You had known her since you were a child when she was to be your future handmaiden, exactly what she was now, and had been for about five years. Her amber eyes complimented the stark darkness of her curly black hair, the sea-blue dress complimenting her tanned skin. You both had changed into appropriate attire about an hour ago, given that you were meeting Set today. 

She had picked out an emerald green gown, a belt of slinky gold draped just below your stomach. The dress had two cuts on the sides of your ribcage, each hem detailed with gems and gold. It fitted your form perfectly, accentuating in all the right places, as Xanthe had told you.

She had styled your hair to elegantly frame your face, applying pigment and wings to your cheeks, lips and eyes. You were already a natural beauty, so much wasn't needed.

"Yes," you murmured finally, offering her a very light smile, barely noticeable. "Just fine."

"We have known since children that you are a terrible liar," she grinned, and the sight of it couldn't help but make you return it, albeit gentler. 

"No, you just know me too well," you shrugged. "But yes, I suppose I am lying."

"I understand the prospect of marriage is scary to many-."

"No," you denied almost immediately, shaking your head. "Marriage does not scare me. He scares me."

"Set wouldn't dare lay a hand on you," she frowned softly, glancing towards the blazing sun high in the bright blue sky above. "The realms think you are a gift from Ra, and he strongly agrees."

"No, he thinks of me as a breeding machine," you corrected with a scowl, finally turning to face your close friend. "They all do. Xanthe, I do not think you understand the true extent of this situation. Set is vial and cruel- he plunders the souls of the innocent and displays them like trophies fit for a king... And.. And I am to be his mortal wife."

"You would've been Horus' mortal wife," she countered.

"Yes, but I would've been happy," you sighed. "That is the difference. And now, I am to pledge myself to this-... this madman..."

You could barely finish the sentence, shaking your head to yourself. Xanthe sighed gently, placing her hand on your upper arm where her fingers grazed the pure gold and emerald arm cuff resting there. 

A gift from Set, demanded to be worn upon your 'first' official meeting as future husband and wife.

"I am trying my best to find the good in this situation so that you do not focus on the man you are to marry," the girl mumbled. "I don't want you to be his plaything; I want you to be with the man who truly loves you."

It was no secret to the realm that Horus, the God of the Sky, was utterly in love with you. Yes, his youth painted him to be a scoundrel and a pursuer of women, but upon your first meeting, Horus had become changed. Enamoured. Head over heels in love.

You both had been excited for the prospect of marriage when both your father and the reigning king, Osiris, proposed such when they witnessed the instant connection between you and Horus. 

And today was meant to be that day.

Sighing to yourself, you looked down at your hands, littered with gold and jewels. Curling them into fists, your head lifted at the sound of clamouring and excited exclaims coming close. Shifting forward, you just barely opened the curtain to look outside.

Thousands had gathered to see the Treasure of Ra come through their holy gates and into their kingdom, peasants and nobles alike gathering around one another, clamouring over top to simply get a glance at you. 

"Make way for the Princess!"

"The Gift of Ra, show yourself!"

Demands as such were heard all around you, and you thanked the Gods above for the heavily solidified security that surrounded the palanquin at this moment. Goodness knows what would happen if not. 

Taking a deep breath, you shared a slight smile with Xanthe before opening up the curtains. The screams of excitement and awe that sounded were deafening, and you were sure if Set didn't know of your arrival, he would by now.

The grin on your face was like the sun itself as you raised a hand, offering waves and greetings to the people closest. Flowers and blessings were thrown your way, your hands latching around a blue lotus from a young girl in the crowd. You nodded towards her, the girl giggling excitedly and rapidly patting her mother's leg in joy.

Soon, the palace gates were in sight, the large golden doors opening upon your arrival. The inner courtyard was as far as the eye could see, laid out with extensive gardenry and fountains; it was familiar. Something that Set hadn't ruined yet.

The cheers of delight faded lightly as the doors closed, blocking off the view of you from the rest of the gathered realm as you slowly but surely made your way towards the entrance of the palace. 

Suddenly, the palanquin came to a stop, and the tightness in your chest expanded within a single second. Nervously, you clutched the tassels of the pillow sitting in your lap, your nerves skyrocketing. 

"Breathe," the whispered words of Xanthe met your ears. "Breathe, my princess."

You followed her instructions, eyes focused on her face as she mimicked deep breathing to try and calm you down. Her arms were around you a moment later when you showed signs of calming down, and you sunk into her embrace, a shuddery breath escaping your parted lips.

"I can't do this," you whispered croakily.

"Yes, you can," she sharply rebuked, her hands tight on your shoulders. Determination glinted in her eyes, and you couldn't help but flinch at the scolding voice she used on you. "You have to, Y/N. You have to do this."

You knew she was right. There was no choice in the matter. You were completely helpless, and Xanthe had to slap you (with her words) for it to get through your head. 

"Princess Y/N," a voice called from outside, and you turned in your seat, calling out to say that you were listening. "King Set demands for your presence. Now."

The fear in his voice was palpable, and immediately, you made work of leaving the palanquin. The man smiled wobbly at you when you revealed yourself, the nod you offered reassuring. He provided you a hand to help you step out, and it was only as you got out that you realised the dozens of servants lining the wide passage towards the overhang entrance.

They held out huge banana leaves dusted with gold, sweat glistening their faces. The heat must be unbearable, given their attire; adorned in thick black cloth and pants. 

An authoritative voice announced your arrival. Up ahead, you saw the unmistakable figure of the man you were forced to marry. Around you, servants made way of your arrival, and Xanthe barely had time to speak to you before your feet moved on their own.

Set watched as you began walking towards him, your beautiful eyes glinting in the overbearing rays of the sun above. To the gods, you were a rare jewel in the rough that was the scum surrounding you.

He could only smirk as he watched you move, the green silk of your dress flowing delicately in the gentle breeze. Set completely understood all the whispers and praises of your beauty as he gazed at you from afar, your form slowly coming closer and closer until you were finally walking up the steps towards him. 

"There is no need for them to be out there in the heat."

Those were the first words that left your plump lips, and Set's eyes furrowed slightly for only a moment. No greeting or hello. It was actually funny.

"The sun beats mercilessly onto the weak," Set smiled, tilting his head at you. "Your precious Sun God is to thank for that."

"Yes, your dear father," you mused. "He favours me so, as you've probably heard."

Set slowly began chuckling, clapping his hands and rubbing them together as he grinned wolfishly. He was brimming with glee at the barely concealed distaste on your face. "Ah, princess! Well, if you aren't a sight."

"Lord Set," you greeted, moving to bow.

"Oh, no, none of that," the god chuckled, his long strides bringing him in front of you within a single moment. You were surprised; Set revelled in the feeling of power, and you were surprised he didn't want you kissing his feet as you bowed. 

You raised a confused brow at him, and he merely chuckled, a large hand moving down to cup your chin. His entire hand was double the size of your head, so he merely used a single forefinger to stroke the side of your face. You blinked rapidly, perplexed at the affectionate and gentle touch he used on you. 

Suddenly, the air shifted as his hand slowly moved towards your shoulder. You were abruptly pushed down, a gasp escaping your lips as your head nearly collided with the ground if your hands hadn't been there to stop your fall. 

Forcefully, you found yourself practically kissing the ground, your forehead placed against the marble flooring.

"You bow to me, little flower," Set huskily stated, and you seethed at the ground, feeling his eyes rake over your body below him like the dutiful future wife he wanted. "You bow to your King."

"... Yes, my King," you murmured after a moment.

"Perfect!" Set, once again, used his strength to lift you from the ground, a scared gasp leaving your body as you were suddenly put back on your feet. He still stayed in his larger stature, enjoying the obvious power difference it symbolised. "Hmm, let me look at you."

The smirk on his face was regrettably handsome as he began to slowly pace around you in a circle. You suddenly felt subconscious of all the little things that could be wrong with you, but you always could hold yourself upright in difficult situations. 

So, you stood tall, your hands still at your sides as your chin jutted upwards. Your eyes followed the god of darkness, his hums of intrigue and approval sounded with each step he took. 

"I can see why my nephew was so possessive of you," his voice was by your ear when he murmured the words, and you barely suppressed a flinch at the way his lips brushed the shell of your ear.

"He was not possessive," you spat out lowly, inclining your head towards him despite the disgust lacing your tone. "Horus has respect for me."

"Oh, I respect you, princess," Set chuckled deeply, finally moving away from you just to stand in front of you. You were forced to look up due to the difference in height, glowering at the smug look painting his rugged features. "I respect you to the point where I will ignore the blatant lust you have for another man whilst being mine."

"It's not lust," you snapped. "Though for you, that's all I can imagine you feel for me."

"Right to the point," he smirked.

You grunted, annoyance overflowing your body like wine does a chalice. "Well, what other emotions do you possess, God of Darkness? Anger? Hatred? Dare I say, jealousy? "

A dark look overcame Set's face at the mention of such as he spoke, "Jealousy? You're quite the funny little beauty, aren't you?"

"Yes, jealousy," you repeated. "Jealous of the blessings that Horus was given; the palace, the throne, the love. Horus is mine, and I his. Jealously corrodes your already stricken soul with the thought that he has me-."

"Had you," he snarled, the tone of it starkly resembling that of a wild animal. The step he took towards you was menacing, the action causing you to nearly trip on your skirt in an attempt to step back. "Had, little flower. Horus had you, if only for a moment, but now you are mine."

The words were laced with promise, with devout belief in the thought that no course of action could've brought you to him had it not been his violent regime for the throne. He acquired you like a conqueror takes a land; not with the intent of love and growth, but by power.

"You belong to me. Although not promised, we were destined for one another."

"You disgust me," you cried, tears gathering in the corners of your eyes, only making them seem brighter than before.

"Disgust is merely the first step in an otherwise wonderful marriage," Set chuckled deeply, beginning to turn around and walk towards the doors leading to the palace. "I am excited to see you in white, little flower. And to tear off such purity."