“The Prince and his convoy are fully moved into the palace my Pharaoh” a tall servant spoke, bowing to the tall woman reclining on a gilded chair.

   “Thank you” Nephris said, lifting her chin, signaling the man to rise.

   “Did you check every piece of cargo?”

   “We did my Pharaoh. The only weapons were those belonging to the Princes own guard. There was nothing hidden in anything brought with them.”

   “Thank you. You and your men are dismissed. Return home and rest knowing you served your Pharaoh well.”

   “Thank you Pharaoh” the man said with another bow, before turning to exit the room.

   Once the man had left, the doors to the Pharaoh’s chamber were closed tightly. She rested back onto her chair taking a deep long breath.

   “It seems thus far our fears may rest” a low female voice spoke from another side of the room. 

   “For now” Nephris said with her eyes closed gently “that seems true.” 

   “My Pharaoh” one of the female guards spoke with head bowed.

   “What is it Amneshet?” Nephris asked, turning slightly to her trusted bodyguard.

   Amneshet leaned her shoulders and head down slightly further as she continued. Despite the deep bow of her torso she still stood as tall as the Pharaoh even sat on her throne. The dark skinned woman spoke with a simpleness to her words, however her life wisdom was clear with every syllable.

   “I saw only three blades among Prince Suzaku’s guard bearing a phoenix on the hilt. His personal attendant was one of them.”

   “So it might not be the Prince at all?” Nephris said with relief.

   “I do not think we can count our sweet envoy out my Pharaoh” the silky woman’s voice spoke once again from the shadows. “Just when the Nile seems the calmest is when true disaster is waiting under the waters surface.”

   “You truly believe someone as kind as him could hide such a side?” Nephris asked, turning her eyes to the city outside her balcony. Her precious city and the people she guarded and guided so fervently. “True disaster waiting under the surface” she repeated. “Amneshet, make sure that our watchbird stays alert. My Ka tells me there is much still to unravel before we have a clear view of anything about to come.”

   “Yes my Pharoah” the dark skinned woman responded, bowing lowly before exiting the room.

   The woman hiding in the shadows tightened her grip on the golden ring clenched tightly with both hands; fingers tracing the markings engraved in its surface. Her lips moved swiftly uttering prayers and incantations of protection. 

   “Too hard!” Louhan yelped as Amun-Khet continued to bite the same spot on the Prince’s chest.

   Both men were completely naked now, bodies intertwined and in constant motion. Neither one of them could get enough of the sensation of the others skin on their own. 

   “Khet…” Louhan gasped. He had begun calling The Jackal Prince by a singular name at his request. They had both resorted to using singular pet names which they were both relieved at. It made things feel less formal and what they were doing was so far from formal.

   “Khet…” he cried again, grasping at the other man’s mess of hair. Amun-Khet finally unlatched from the now red patch of skin.

   He looked up with crazed eyes and the corner of his mouth twitched. Louhan shuddered at the sight causing him to smile nervously.

   “You’ve made enough marks on my skin” Louhan chided. “It will be difficult to cover them all up tomorrow.”

    “You wear enough layers” Amun-Khet said. “I could mark nearly every inch of your skin and no one would ever know.”

    Amun-Khet began kissing Louhan’s chest, making his way up towards the Prince’s face.

    “No more biting” Louhan said through a tense jaw as Amun-Khet reached his chin and began nibbling at the skin. “Especially not there!!” he said with a squeak. “I can’t hide my face you fool.”

    Amun-Khet laughed and relented. He hovered above Louhan’s face with his lips just out of reach of Louhan’s lips. Louhan saw his intent within his eyes and took a deep breath. He could feel Amun-Khet’s length pressing against his own. Amun-Khet slid one hand under the Prince, and pressed him harder into him. 

    “I want to make you mine” he whispered. Louhan closed his eyes as their cheeks brushed. He then slid his second hand down Louhan’s body and held him with both hands by his hips, caressing the skin with his thumbs.

    “What are you…what…”

    “Do you trust me Aku?” Amun-Khet asked.

    I am a fool, Louhan thought to himself and for a split second, he thought to say no and end this nonsensical dive into foolishness and lust.

    “Yes” he whispered.