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"This is where that servant beckoned us to come, is it not, princess?" Utati asked, her eyes riddled with worry as they stood within the courtyard's bare, evening blue glow. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCW8pASxIU8
Malawashina's violet eyes glimmered like those of freshly polished amethysts hewn from the very heart of the earth. Then, sighing, she looked down at her more petite friend. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHKdHl74jm
"This is the courtyard he instructed us to come to. But I am sure his exalted highness, the King, is very busy with his affairs." 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0gCaWOamm
Utati's black orbs darkened further as she furrowed her brow. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7A9ssvCweE
"More like in the beds of his whores," she grumbled. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrfZeyQNCd
"There are eyes and ears everywhere, Utati. Watch what you say." Malawashina, too, had lowered her voice but kept her smile of pretentiousness upon her delicately made-up features. "We shall wait, as instructed," she looked out into the dark expanse of the hall that branched off before them, curious as to why it was not lit like all the others. Regardless, it mattered not. She appreciated the soft glow of the few braziers that lit up the courtyard, casting dancing shadows across the giant murals of brightly painted lions and gods. Would the halls of Egypt be as intricately decorated? So she thought to herself as she closed her cotton shawl around her shoulders from the chill in the air. Looking up to the wide opening in the roof, she could see the stars, still and silent in all their sparkling beauty. Why now, of all times, would her cousin wish to speak with her? It was suspicious, but she had to do as ordered, at least as long as her honour remained intact.
Twenty minutes passed, and no word came from Mursili or any of his servants. However, whilst Malawashina was patient, enjoying the stars shining far above, her hot-headed maid was not as accommodating. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKastzbntKY
"How long are they going to make us wait here in the cold?" She huffed impatiently. "If they take any longer, we may as well go bury ourselves in the ground!" 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡotqUElMN6w
Malawashina could not help but chuckle at her young servant's remark, but she knew she had to calm the child before the arrival of the King. "Utati, calm yourself for my sake, please!" She pleaded, her back still turned as she gazed up into the night sky. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8sC8Zg6pXN
"No! How dare those buffoons to make you, the only princess of Hatti, wait here like some peasant!" No sooner did she cross her arms across her chest in a huff did she drop them again in shock at the deep voice behind her. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF8n1QbnpOg
Malawashina spun around. Standing before her, his hazel eyes sharp like daggers as he glared at her maiden, was Mursili, the third king of his name.
"Will you be so kind as to repeat what you just said?" He asked with feigned kindness. "For I do not think I could hear you." 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HoGstRg8e
Utati's obsidian orbs widened in fear as she shrank back before throwing herself to the floor in obeisance. Instinctively Malawashina stepped in front of her. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTkZz2hdW7
"She was simply telling me that it is cold out tonight," she answered contritely on Utati's behalf. She knew her cousin's temperament and would do almost anything to calm his tempest. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpmCedqIVa
He looked up at her now, his gaze narrowing, the slight hook of his nose twitching as his nostrils flared. He was a somewhat attractive man, Malawashina could not deny it, but his attractiveness could not mask the ugliness of his heart. Stroking the tight braids of his dark beard, he eyed her for a long moment, making her shift slightly from the uncomfortable feeling of dread deep within the pit of her stomach. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBY27TFUKH
"Have the little bitch whipped." So came his order, which he directed to no one in particular. Immediately the air within the courtyard became stifling. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1jl3Ic4c0
Utati squeaked helplessly at his words and pressed her small head harder against the marble flooring.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeageTgfzE
"My lord!" Malawashina gasped, her violet eyes wide as she tried to step between the guard who now advanced toward Utati. "Please, I beg of you! She is still so young and a downright fool. She often forgets her tongue..."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdVFNIOd9kB
"Then perhaps we shall have it cut out, then?" 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQ7GlOy6So
The guard now pulled out a dagger at his King's words. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRURNGTA1hs
"NO!" Malawashina shouted, holding up her hands for mercy. "Please, your majesty, I beg you! I should be punished for not doing enough to reign in my servants. But, please, I beg you, do not hurt her!"
Mursili scoffed at her then, as his glare trailed back down to the young girl struggling in the guard's grip. "I advise you to keep them in check, Malawashina." Then, with a slight nod of his head, the guard let the whimpering Utati go. Utati immediately shrunk back behind her mistress like a cowering pup. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaqf8Hnxnd
"You are lucky that I acknowledge your affection for the brat, as misplaced as it is. I would have executed others for far fewer slights." The pleated cream cotton of his tunic crumpled against the deep maroon of his gold woven sash as he crossed his muscular arms across his broad chest. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZpVQYmGnv
"I do not doubt it, your majesty." Malawashina spread out her arms in obeisance as she bowed herself low. "And I thank you greatly for your mercy. His Majesty, Mursili, is forever kind and generous." Her gut wrenched at speaking such words, but she had to keep up the facade to satiate him. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXW1kDOvm7
He nodded then, accepting her praises, and lowered his arms to his sides. His expression softened slightly, but not without an air of arrogance still riddled across it. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEBfs6AiCLW
"His majesty has called for me. Shall we not go and speak together? The night is already late, and his divine majesty will need his rest." Malawashina began gently, yet not without caution. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfpPc6dsoS
Mursili grunted in acknowledgment, cocking his head towards the unlit hallway.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7uGdWZkj4B
"There is something I must talk to you about, Malawashina," he began, his voice much more gentle than previous. He then looked back at her servant. "In private." 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0tRkY9gWp
Malawashina shifted slightly. "You know my father has forbidden me to speak with any man without my maid, my mother or himself present. Not even to a king," she began hesitantly. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAqB0MQfTa
"Yes, I know, I know." Mursili waved his hand dismissively. "But I am the King of this palace, and your father will know better than to disobey me. Anyway, It is of great importance and one of national security." 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVpwjOZcb5
"Then surely you should speak to my father about such matters," She tried to protest. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDOLzwOpAZ
"No, this requires your assistance and yours alone. Are you to tell me that I, your King, your family, cannot rely on you?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTsFrUT5H6N
Malawashina's eyes widened. How could she possibly answer such a pointed question? She lowered her head, defeated. She knew there was nothing she could do to escape whatever it was he wanted. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuuY4KJam6U
"You know I would do anything for my country, but is secrecy necessary?" She made one last attempt. "My servant would never speak a word." 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvT7h0Xdgxe
Mursili arched one of his thick eyebrows at her, almost mockingly. "And you know how big her mouth is." Came his reply. "They are all to stay here, even my guards. That, I promise you. I have a task for you and you alone, which requires only your attention. I will not take no as an answer." 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjMbZPzeAB
Malawashina's stomach tightened painfully at his words, and she could feel the blood rushing from her face. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltxNFjl66l
"As you wish, your majesty."
"Some wine?" He offered her courteously.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Er5BeesSc
"It is a little too late for wine," She answered almost flatly. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsw3EbxE8g4
Those nostrils of his flared again. "Some tea then," he snapped his fingers loudly, and the young male servant that had been discreetly waiting for his master's command came forward immediately with a steaming pot, almost as if they had expected her answer. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSuwO8qeFvO
The brew was somewhat heady, with a spicy aroma she could not recognise.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwdSB9Kon7
"They call it 'chai' along the trade routes," Mursili explained proudly. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYI4lHye4q
Malawashina raised her eyes from the cup she was studying, made from some complex type of delicately painted material she had never seen before. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTXtSFdsBT
"Porcelain," he smiled widely. "Costly and obtained from the great empire far to the East." 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQdzhIxA74
"So it has travelled well," she admired, the intricate oriental garden scene painted upon the cup's body giving her an insight into the scenery of the Far East. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRhqJdpGGN
"It is beautiful," 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9TNd2E1JQW
"Not quite as beautiful as the one who holds it," his voice was soft now, his hazel gaze shimmering from the auburn light of the braziers as they danced and flickered from the cold night's draft. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViWtTsz4CZ
"Mursili… please…" Her voice was meek. She could not look at him directly as she shifted uncomfortably on her sofa from his statement. He knew the effects of such words, yet he spoke them anyway. He knew he could. How would the queen feel if she knew he still desired the one he was forbidden to have? He grumbled then at her and straightened himself. Then, with a flick of his hand, the servant boy scuttled out of the room. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMbUDZCrM1
"Now," he began, his eyes still fixated on her. "Straight to the point, as always with you." 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjXjRgN6Qy
"What is it that you want?" She still could not bring herself to raise her eyes. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXw12C1HW2
"And still so biting…." 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoy2FJO19U
Her fists clenched white at his arrogance, and she bit her tongue to prevent the words of disgust from escaping her. He sensed her anger quickly enough and grinned smugly at her forced compliance. He had her under his thumb. And she knew it. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OL6vFSXCT
"Soon, you will travel to Egypt to become another figure in the Pharaoh's collection." 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0eDgwnNeZ
"You phrase it like a dishonour," she answered, hiding her displeasure.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGFgKIg0pR
"Is it not?" He countered. "You will not be a queen." 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL160r58oao
"But I will be ranked second after the Great Queen Nefertari herself. Is that not good enough?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYyvaYfGad
"And yet, who do you think you displaced to get such a lofty title?" He raised his cup to his lips yet did not sip. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp46RRdzWex
"I know…" Malawashina answered, her voice low and saddened. "But it is not like I had a say in the matter." 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBPlGAEKOh
"Indeed. So you should indeed be grateful. I had petitioned Ramses for the title of Great Wife, but second-best is good enough for you." 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Jj7U2fCxh
Malawashina pinned her eyes to the mosaic-topped cedar table before them. "The mere rank of a concubine would have been good enough to escape you," she muttered. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpqtzpyaJa
Mursili raised his eyes from his cup, then. "What was that?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUVohRq2BOL
"Nothing, dear cousin," she responded quickly. "Merely I am impressed that you managed to secure me such an elevated title." 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUStIN9Nbga
Mursili placed his cup back on the table. "But you will be a mere plaything; you do know that, do you not?" He eyed her, gauging her reaction to his words.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqcfO5HTnX
"The Pharaoh only has eyes for his queen. The rest of you are mere fodder." 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFUtYXc1MM
Another pin he pierced painfully into her heart. Why would he call her forth just to part with such horrid words? 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rlw8xWhef
"But," he continued as he leaned back against his sofa to take in her entire frame, "It was a sacrifice we had to make to ensure the peace between our nations."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV0QP4tWE1z
"Yes, I am well aware that I am just a pawn." The words tumbled from her lips involuntarily. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypqVeGBB66
The laugh that escaped him startled her enough to make her jump, almost knocking her cup over, which still sat on the table. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeN8xtlFuD
"Oh, you are laughable." He stated, his voice full of amusement. "I did give you a choice, remember?" Suddenly the facade of his merriment dropped like a ton of stone. "Or have you forgotten?"132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzXlMalvbk
She grimaced at his words and turned her eyes away from him once more. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmW3hYxE2mO
"Forgotten what you did? And what you tried to do?" She bit. "Never."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAk2vReWmz
He groaned at her. "Still harping on about that? It was so long ago. You women are so petty." 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUlj4XDEBG
She glared daggers at him, her violet eyes piercing him like the sun's burning rays. Yet, he paid her no heed and, instead of drinking the tea before them, took to the chalice of wine he already had. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxM2L7S4tx
"Let us not argue and dwell on the past, dearest cousin," he began as he placed the alabaster chalice back on the table. "I did not ask you here for that purpose." 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavYktJp2pa
"Then what?" She seethed. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpmvCBvBiA
"As I said, you will be going to Egypt very soon. But, your mother will first escort you to Kadesh, where the delegate from Hatti will pass you to the Egyptian's care. Then, they will take you to the Pharaoh's capital of Pi-Ramses. When you arrive, there is a task I would ask of you." 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6M6dajozEF
Malawashina felt a great uneasiness at the calm in his voice. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxn7sEZFwT
"You are to send me regular reports of your observations. I am sure that, with your position, the Pharaoh will take you on a tour of the city and perhaps of the country. I want details; How the population feels towards their monarchy, the whispers between his wives and concubines, the rumours spread by the nobles and wealthy, and the numbers of his population and the military. Anything and everything you can obtain to pass to my trusted emissaries."132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0hSkuXwTq
"So you want me to spy on the Egyptians?" She narrowed her gaze on him, for she knew his ruthlessness knew no bounds.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuODDySFcC5
"I would not say spy on them, but observe," he rephrased with a sly smile. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDRLeOphB7
"So, spy," she recorrected.132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91Ldk2ZJfE
Mursili waved his hand dismissively at her once more. "Take it as you will. But I will have you do it." 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4zNnTQ7W7T
"And if I refuse?" 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcYbylYnNZS
"Trust me, you would not want to," he took another sip of his wine as he eyed her. Then, after a tense moment, he placed his chalice back on the table and motioned towards her untouched cup of chai. "Please," he offered her kindly. "Do try it. You will find it absolutely lovely." 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu7oW4jgB68
Malawashina scrutinised her cousin carefully, his unusually gentle expression unnerving her. Then, taking up his cup, he blew away the steam and sniffed it, relaxing at its heady aroma. "Ahh, cardamom, cinnamon and ginger. Apparently, there is something else I believe they call fennel as well in it. Please, my dearest cousin, try it. You will fall in love with its taste and will never drink another tea again." 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDyr5DHtAo
Raising an arched brow at him, she looked back down at the milky gold brew. It indeed smelt divine. Watching him sip at it, she, too, took a draught and was instantly sent to a world of sunny rays and warmth. "This is divine if I can say so myself." She confirmed his admiration of the tea. 132Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltoz2eSBp4
He smiled broadly at her. "I told you so."
Taking another long sip, she relaxed somewhat against the duck feather pillows behind her. No sooner did she do so did she feel her head become clouded. Blinking hard, she looked to her cousin, who was sipping at his wine again, watching her intently from the brim of the alabaster chalice. She desperately clasped the sofa's armrest as the room began to spin. Yet, her weight seemed to increase a thousandfold as she tumbled to the bull skin rug below them. She reached out to pull herself up at the table, and yet it seemed a hundred feet away from her now. "Mursili…" She whimpered. "What have you done?"
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