Hello readers, and Happy New Years Eve to you all. I know I haven't updated in a long while, I've been super busy with my life and everything in it. As I said in the past, I shall be completely redoing some stories to better them further. This is one of them, I hope you enjoy the changes.

Time Period

Ancient Egypt

Prologue

A powerful Pharaoh and his Empress rule over all of Egypt in the current time period, their kingdom prosperous and peaceful. The Pharaoh's power could be felt all over the Nile, his people living in peaceful times as trade and economic affairs prospered. Unbeknownst to the Pharaoh and his kingdom, a ruler from the West in Sudan had her eyes lingering over the Pharaoh's prosperity.

End of Prologue

Benji walked the dark halls of his father's palace, the wall's lit by the flaming hearths and torches placed along the walls edges. A golden, jewel encrusted robe dragged from behind him as two servants followed closely behind his footsteps. Benji stopped momentarily as he walked over to a pair of giant marble pillars and looked out beyond them. The grand city of Jakarta glistened amongst the Nile's river banks. He smiled to himself, looking out towards the massive sand dunes of the desert in the distance. Benji could see the moon rising over one of the dunes, it's radiant milky white glow bathing the city in light.

"Your Highness, your mother is eagerly awaiting your presence." One of the servants said with a bow as Benji turned around and nodded his head in agreement before continuing down the hall before coming to a entrance where two guards stood watch.

"Ah, so good to see you my son!" came a velvety voice as Benji watched his mother appear in the doorway. He took in her breath taking appearance, her black hair down in beaded braids down to her eyebrows. Her eyes were covered in a blue and golden eyeshadow, made fresh this morning from crushed minerals. A beautiful golden necklace draped down to her cleavage where it met a beautiful white silk gown that draped down to the floor. Benji took a kneel before the Empress as she walked forth and traced her fingers across his shoulders.

"You need not knell before your own mother my son, how many times must I tell you?" his mother said as Benji smirked before standing once more, turning to look at his mother in her blue eyes.

"I am quite sorry mother, I guess I am just used to the formalities of the palace. I have been away so long, I must have forgotten my place." Benji said with a smile as his mother gracefully stepped forward, reaching up and tracing her golden nails across his cheek.

"Do not say such things, you are a prince among princes and I shall not have you thinking of yourself as a lowly commoner. We are God's my son, God's over all of Egypt." the Empress spoke, her voice sweet and warm.

"Come, let us meet father once more. I know he is eager to see you after your long trip." his mother said as she walked forth and back through the doorway, Benji following after her.

Moment's Later

Benji walked into a beautiful throne room, the marble walls adorned with silk heraldry and statues of Anubis. Sitting in a golden throne, sat his father: Pharaoh Amenhotep.

"Announcing the arrival of Empress Shankara, and his Highness Benji!" came the callers voice as Benji walked down a long and silky red rug towards his fathers throne.

"Ah, my beautiful wife and son!" came his father's voice as the Pharaoh stood from his throne and walked down a set of marble steps towards them both.

"Our son has returned my sweet!" Shankara said as she turned on her heel as the Pharaoh walked briskly forward and threw his arms around his son.

"Your mother and I have missed you dearly my son! Tell me, how was your trip across the Aegean?" came his father's voice as Benji wrapped his arms around his father and hugged him back.

"It was quite the journey father, I have never seen such beauty as that of the Roman people. My mentor taught me well in my magical abilities, you picked well indeed father!" Benji said as he smiled as the Pharaoh stood back and held his son at arms length, taking in Benji's features.

"You've been gone so long, I've almost forgotten what my own son looks like." Amenhotep said, a small tear making it's way down from his blue eyes towards his long goatee embossed in gold.

"I am sorry to cut my return short father, but I am awfully tired." Benji said as his father studied him for a bit more before nodding his head in understanding.

"Do not worry my son, your mother and I understand. We have quite the welcoming party planned for your return tomorrow. Now go and rest, I must speak with your mother about some things." his father said as Benji placed his hand over his chest and gave a slight bow to both of his parents before turning on his heel and walking out of the room once more.

Later That Night

Benji walked into his old and familiar room, looking around momentarily as he smiled at the familiar sight. He walked over to his bed, marble pillars holding up silk drapes that covered all sides of his bed. He turned his attention to the stone balcony, the moon's light drifting in from the balcony doors. He walked forth and stepped out onto the stone balcony, taking in the magnificent view of Jarkata before he felt a presence behind him. Turning his head to the side, Benji saw his mother standing there in the glow of the torches.

"I kept it the way you left it, except maybe having it cleaned a little." his mother said with a chuckle as she walked forth and joined him in the moons light.

"I thank you mother, I am quite glad to be home once more." Benji said with a heartfelt smile as he returned his gaze back to the moon over the lonely sand dunes.

"Your father and I are quite happy to have our son back as well my sweet. Now tell me, will you be introducing us to your secret lover anytime soon?" the Empress said with a sly smile as she slightly cocked her head to the side, watching as Benji stiffened momentarily.

"Mother...I do not know of what you speak." Benji stammered, trying to hide his embarrassment as he looked over at the Empress before she turned towards him and placed a hand on his cheek, caressing it softly.

"Benji...I am your mother. I love you more than anything in this world, you are to me what the Nile is to our people. Please do not lie to me, I had my spies keep a eye on you during your travels and I know you met someone." his mother said, Benji's mouth dropping slightly as he looked away briefly. He felt his mother gently push his face back to where he was facing her once more.

"What are you so afraid of my love? Do you fear that your father and I will not approve?" his mother questioned as Benji looked down at their feet before looking back up once more.

"How could you possibly approve of...of...of what I am, let alone who I love?" Benji said with disdain before he watched his mother continue to stare back, her stare never faltering.

"Son, I love you regardless of anything you do in life. I carried you inside me for nine months, and by the God's graces, gave birth to you on the eve of a full moon. You are our flesh and blood, a God at that my son." the Empress said with no falter in her voice, just pure honesty.

"His name...is Etan, he's a commoner among our people. He graced my travels with his presence and stuck by my side ever since. Father would not approve of a commoner, a male commoner." Benji said, his mother looking away briefly before looking back into his eyes.

"I know I can not speak for your father, but I love you regardless. If you wish to keep this a secret between you and I, then I shall leave that up to you. Do what you feel is right my son, all I've ever wanted is your happiness." the Empress said before leaning forward and placing her gentle lips amongst Benji's cheek before turning on her heel and walking back out of the bedroom, her gown draping behind her. Benji stood there, still unsure of what had just conspired before looking back out towards the city, knowing somewhere that his lover was out there amongst the stone buildings and sandy streets.

So, what do y'all think of the new chapter? Please review!