AN: New story, and first Prince of Egypt story. Please read, review, follow, favourite and enjoy!
Chapter one: Confrontations
Pharaoh brought the striped crook upon his left hand with great force. He squeezed tightly for a quick moment, attempting to contain his anger upon his one, and only son behind him; only fourteen years of age. Pharaoh turned around to face the heir of the throne. The current King of Egypt was tall and slender, much like his son; but much bigger, because of age. He wore the traditional royal garments and khat headdress that the Egyptian Pharaohs before him wore in times of war and peace. He stood straight with great posture, in time, hoping that his son would take after him. Pharaoh looked down upon his son from the throne; a strong scent of incense filling the vast air. An irritated look was plastered on his face, wondering what on Earth he was to do with the child. Sometimes, Pharaoh wished that he could disown the kid; and offer him to the Hebrew slaves; but he knew that he couldn't bring himself to do such a thing; and he wouldn't do such a thing, for he loved his son more than Egypt itself.
"Tell me, my son, how on Earth did the gods give me such a ruthless, destructive and rambunctious son; who cannot keep his hands tied behind his back?" He said as he tapped the crook against his hand repetitively, "Well, Seti, why don't you answer that question for me?"
The Pharaoh examined his son further. He too, was dressed in traditional garments for a Prince of Egypt. He was also poised, like his father, but obtained a slight slouch that his father was sure to rid of in the next few years. The young prince was nothing but legs, skinny as a rail, and possessed several sharp features defining his hands and face. His cheekbones were so sharp you could cut your hand with one swift movement. When he was in a neutral state of mind, his expressions were misinterpreted as sinister, that drew many of the Egyptian civilians away; but when socializing or committing acts of unreason, he obtained several animated features; especially in the eyes, and mouth.
Seti sighed, "Maybe it's because my hands are tied behind my back."
Pharaoh shook his head; unsettled by his son's response. "Seti, I understand that there are a limited amount of royal children your age in the palace; and that you are allowed by your own free will to do as you please, but to…a…point!" Pharaoh drew closer to the prince. "I do not know what your meaning of the word "fun" is, but artwork on my face is not amusing; and it is not respectful towards me, or any other Egyptian. You should know that every statue is sacred; god or no god. You've also dumped sacred oils upon our priests, and guards. Not to mention that you purposely broke artifacts that is older than our ancestors. Why don't you tame the horses, and become a chariot racer like the other kids your age? It is a noble sport."
"I don't like racing, Father. Senet is my sport, and I'm quite good at it; neither you nor mother attempt to join my version of "fun"."
Pharaoh frowned, "Are you telling me that I'm a terrible father?"
Seti placed a palm against his cheek. "Father, I'm a more artistic individual. And in your eyes, my artwork is vandalism, when in truth, it is spectacular." He pointed a finger at his father. "You've seen my finished work; and in addition, I've assisted the noble painters with their murals in the sacred temples. Yet you are blind to my talents. Not one complement; not one! "
Pharaoh spread his arms, "Son, I'm not blind to your talents, but I need you to focus on more important matters; like the throne. I'm very old, and you know that my many health problems will affect my future, sooner than expected. Seti, when you are eighteen, I will most likely be dead; and at that waking moment, you will be the morning and the evening star." Pharaoh approached his son with soothing words, and placed a bare hand upon Seti's shoulder. "That's four years away, and you still have much to learn. My teachings keep you from the other young people, but you have to understand that it's for the greater good of Egypt. I will not allow you to be astray."
"I understand Father," Seti said while looking down at his feet. "I hope I'll live up to your expectations."
Pharaoh spoke in a deep tone, "You will live up to my expectations, my son. You've learned much these past two years. You aren't a royal child anymore; you are a young man. I see that you've assisted many in Egypt, and have shown true leadership. You are making quick decisions on your own; though many are not good and thoughtful ones. Remember Seti, that the things you do will affect others in the future; good or bad. Promise me this: When you are the morning and the evening star, please make good commands." There was a slight pause before Pharaoh continued. "I already see a true king in front of me at this very moment. And please, don't tear this Empire down when I've passed. You're dismissed."
Heavy bricks soon fell upon Seti. He made many promises to his father; most he wouldn't keep. Suddenly, the thought of becoming the ruler of Egypt was unbearable.
There was a young woman, lying on a comfortable red couch, looking at the ceiling above her. She constantly wondered how much longer she'd be lying there in that position; while the young Prince of Egypt moved his paint brush along the canvas with quick, and swift movements.
"Lara, please don't move," Seti said bluntly.
The young Egyptian girl whined, "When can I move?"
"When I say so," he said in a deep, monotone voice.
"You seem upset," she commented.
Seti laid his eyes upon the woman in front of him. She was a year older than he. And it was odd; considering that they were to be an arranged marriage. They had been childhood friends, and royal children all of their lives. Lara's father was a General for the Pharaoh, and so they were forced upon each other, ever since the beginning of their time. The two companions were to be husband and wife when of age, and it was to be, whether they liked it or not. Lara was the perfect woman no doubt; and Seti would not deny it. She was shorter than the prince; and she obtained such a thin figure, that Seti wondered if that body type was good for her health. Lara's eyes were a crystal blue, and her smooth hair was a silky black, that shone like the night stars. Seti continued to examine his future wife as he continued to paint her. There were mixed feelings about the relationship, though. They were childhood friends; and the thought of marrying a childhood friend was distasteful. Seti crossed his fingers. With good luck, he might find someone else to hold near and dear to his heart, when he was of age to wed.
"I'm a little upset," he replied.
"About your father?" she stated; right on target. "I'm guessing that you caused trouble again in Egypt."
Seti continued, "He didn't appreciate my Egyptian artwork upon his face."
"I saw that," she laughed, "A beautiful and hairy moustache it was. And the eyes, the pupils, were parted in a way that was rather…disturbing."
"It's hilarious, and it is on there for the rest of his days," he stated. Seti changed the subject, "I need male friends Lara. The only people I'm allowed to see are royals; who include you and your friends. They are all girls!"
Lara gazed upwards, "You do have male friends."
Seti sighed, "I know, but they are all middle aged men, who are coincidentally exceptional friends with my father." Seti paused for a moment; applying one last colorful stroke before setting down the thin tipped brush. "I have a question, Lara."
Lara didn't move her body, yet she moved only her head towards the prince. "Yes Seti?"
"What do you think of us getting married? I mean, we are childhood friends. Don't you think that would be a little, weird?" Seti frowned, looking much like his irritating father. Lara couldn't help but notice the resemblance. She placed a hand on her lips and laughed, "Seti, people like us can change the world; we are young. Your parents don't expect you to marry a woman such as me. They expect you to carry tradition. I'm more of a guideline. You will know when the right person crosses your path."
"And who is that right person?"
Lara smiled, "It's when you bow down to her. The only mortal that could bring Pharaoh down to his knees, is the right person." She ended the subject by freezing into her previous position. "And I agree with your father. Stop trying to amuse yourself, and rather start exploring the world a bit more; you might discover more than what you already know."
"I'll keep that in mind," Seti said as he gently picked the brush from its original holder and dipped it in black pigment. He smiled with glee as he finished the last stroke, "Done."
Chapter two coming soon...
