“I know you have traveled very far” Queen Nephris said, at last breaking the tense air. “I would not ask to speak of anything formal until you and your attendants have properly rested. My servants will show you to your living quarters. I think you will be quite comfortable.”

    Prince Louhan bowed in thanks as his head attendant moved forwards once again, bowing in thanks to the Queen.

    “I’m sure it will be more than satisfactory Great Pharaoh. Thank you” the Prince said.

    “Mother” Amun-Khet said, trying to hide the emotion in his voice. Queen Nephris turned her attention to him and raised an eyebrow ever so slightly. “Allow me to escort the Prince to his chambers. I think such an important guest warrants a royal escort.”

    The Queen paused for a breath. She knew her son well and felt the hidden words behind the man’s request. She never could guess what madness her son was going to do next. Was this born of such madness? A Prince asking to escort a guest was not usual.

    “Very well” Queen Nephris said turning back to Prince Louhan; who was continuing to look at the ground. “Please allow Prince Amun-Khet to take you.”

    “We would not turn down such an honor” the servant spoke, bowing to Amun-Khet.

    The Jackal Prince rose in a flash, making his way down the steep stairs in a direct line toward Prince Louhan. Thane stood from his place and watched with concern, but spoke not a word. Amun-Khet stepped onto the floor only a few feet from Prince Louhan. The jade eyed Prince lifted his head at last and looked up to the taller amber eyed Jackal. Time halted around them and the wind moved like heavy waves, crashing against their bodies and hearts, sending sparks of soul cascading from their flesh and hair. It was as if some spirit of unknown intent was whispering into both of them. It imprinted passions, lusts, and desires of flesh and spirit between the two men. None felt the mad spell but the two men caught at its center. 

    After the spell had run its course, Prince Louhan finally averted his eyes back to the ground, breaking the connection. Amun-Khet shook his mind free and smiled to the Prince’s attendant who was waiting intently for direction, blissfully unaware of what had just transpired.  

    “Follow me” Amun-Khet said, moving towards a side hallway.

    As the two Princes and the procession of white robed men moved from the throne room, Nakh tilted her head as a curious thought hit her based off of her brothers strange behavior. He was never the kind to offer walking anyone anywhere. He kept to himself in all things at all times. He was not unkind or unthoughtful when it came to others; in fact to his servants and subjects he was known as one of the most fair and compassionate of his line. But she had never seen him look at anyone that way before. She glanced over to her brothers head attendant Thane and raised an eyebrow in question. Thane took notice and bowed his head in understanding of the Princesses concern. He then signaled for the rest of Amun-Khet’s servants to follow after the procession.

    “Thane” Queen Nephris said, as the boy passed her. He stopped instantly and turned with his eyes down.

    “Yes my Pharaoh?”

    “Let the two Princes know that I would like to invite them to dinner in my chambers tonight. There is no need for negotiations to begin this day. Please let Prince Suzaku know that he may do as he pleases today and will have permission to go wherever he pleases.”

    “Yes, my Pharaoh” Thane said with a bow before turning around and trotting down a few more steps.

    “Tell my son that he should be our guests escort for the rest of his time here.” Thane stopped instantly again at the Queens comment. Queen Nephris leaned onto the arm of her throne and smiled “Since he seemed so enthusiastic just now” she said playfully. “You may go now.”

    “Yes, my Pharaoh” Thane said with a very quick bow to the Queen before running down the rest of the steps followed by the other servants.

    Amun-Khet walked in stride with Prince Louhan, with the princes’ head attendant directly behind.

    “Was the journey smooth?” Amun-Khet asked.

    “There were no troubles at all” the head attendant replied. “The welcome that awaited us at the docks was far more than we expected.”

    “My mother does have a habit of going overboard with such things” Amun-Khet said smiling at Prince Louhan; he did not react. “Did the Prince like the flowers she had waiting?”

    “He did, very much. I will send back some of his attendants to retrieve everything from the boat and bring them to his room.”

    “I will send men to aid you and lighten the work” Amun-Khet said. The Attendant bowed his head.

    “Thank you Prince Amun-Khet.”

    “What is your name?” Amun-Khet asked the attendant.

    “Oh, I am called Tayn by his Highness so I am quite accustomed to it.”

    “Very well Tayn. Tell me, would the Prince like to see more of the Palace today? Perhaps the gardens? I would gladly escort him myself.”

    Prince Louhan swallowed hard from nervous tension at Amun-Khet’s words. Amun-Khet smiled slyly at the reaction he hoped to achieve. Tayn shifted slightly so he could see the Princes face. Prince Louhan looked back at him for a split second before looking forward once again. 

    “Ah, I believe the Prince is tired from the long journey. I’m sure once he has rested he would be happy to accompany your Highness through the grounds. He has studied your kingdom for some time now and has long dreamed to come…” Prince Louhan flicked his head back toward Tayn, silencing him in an instant. The procession stopped as Louhan regained his composure and turned back towards the hall before them, waiting for Amun-Khet to lead once again. Instead, the Jackal Prince grinned and looked directly at Prince Louhan.

    “Books and maps do not do Egypt justice I promise you. She is something that must be seen up close with your own eyes and touched with your own hands. It would be an honor to show you every secret and intimate detail personally. I’m certain it will take your breath away.”

    “That sounds lovely” Tayn said, oblivious of the tension between the two Princes.

    “Well then” Amun-Khet said, content with the reaction he got from the beautiful man with jade eyes, “Let’s get you rested up so you’re ready for our adventure later.”

    Amun-Khet continued walking, leaving Prince Louhan standing still. He then looked over his shoulder and narrowed his eyes daringly.

    “Are you so tired that I need to carry you?” he asked teasingly.

    Prince Louhan lifted his chin defiantly and continued forward. Amun-Khet led the Prince and his attendants to the farthest room and stepped inside.

    “This will be your room while you are here with us. Your attendants can either stay here with you or in the servants quarters on the opposite side of the hall.”

    Prince Louhan walked into the space and took in the fullness of the large beautiful room. Ornately painted pillars lined the sides of the room, and the polished floor bore a large jackal insignia inlayed in gold. There was a large circular bed at the center of the space with a white canopy and curtains, and at the very back of the room was a large pool used for bathing built into the floor. One side of the room moved out onto a balcony that overlooked the city.

    “Is it satisfactory?” Amun-Khet asked Prince Louhan, sauntering into the room, getting dangerously close to the other man. The Prince nodded back to Tayn while keeping his face away from Amun-Khet, stepping further into the space.

    “It’s beautiful” Tayn said with a bow. “Your graciousness is as bountiful as your kingdom. I’m sure his Highness would like to rest now, so that myself and the others may retrieve our supplies from the ship.”

    “Of course. I will have a group meet you at the front gates when you are ready to depart for the docks.” Amun-Khet then stepped closer to the Prince. “Do you require anything else of me presently?” The other Prince turned and bowed in traditional manner, all while avoiding Amun-Khet’s eyes. The Jackal Prince smiled and bowed in turn. 

    Prince Louhan then broke away and walked towards the bed, joined by the first of his servants. Tayn bowed once again to Amun-Khet before moving to join his master. Amun-Khet stood there for a moment, staring at the beautiful Prince in white. He hoped; in a strange way, that merely by staring at him, the Prince would sense him and look at him once again. Amun-Khet wanted to feel that same magic that consumed him in the throne room when their eyes met. He hoped that the Prince felt the same thing and was feeling the same desire even now. After a few seconds with no change, he turned and walked from the room. The moment he turned, Prince Louhan looked up to where Amun-Khet was standing, hoping to lock eyes with him as well. The moment, however, was missed by both Princes.