In the middle of the desert...
Sitting quietly in my seat, next to the small window of the chariot, my ruby-red eyes gazed out into the wondering sand, awaiting the moment we would reach the Egyptian Palace. With a red scarf covering my head and shoulders, I also wore my Arabian attire that consisted of royal blue harem type clothing, adorned with gold accessories and jewels.
Also, along with all the other jewelry was my prized possession - the gold band on my forehead. It was simple, yet elegant... And it reminded me of my mother when she use to wear hers.
My gaze shifted downwards as I fiddled with the bracelets around my wrist. At times like this, I wish she were still here. For you see, I am a princess - an engaged to be married princess, as a matter of fact. I knew, since I was a young child, I was to wed the prince of Egypt and rule by his side. Even though I knew it was my duty, to leave the comfort of the palace walls of home and leaving my father, I was terrified. Would the prince like me? Would I like him? What if we hated each other? I'd spend the rest of my life miserable and deep in depression. I tried to push those thoughts aside, however, I couldn't help but allow the dark thoughts cloud my mind. It was a possibility...
My father glanced up from the scrolls he was reading to stare at my nervous form, gently, he smiled.
"Are you alright, flower?" he asked, calling me by my nickname.
"Yes, just... restless" I chose my words carefully, I did not want my father to worry.
Looking past my obvious façade, my father continued to smile, knowing full well I was a bundle of nerves.
"Do not fret, my dear Layla, the young prince is a kind man... And handsome as well" I groaned, not wishing to discuss this with my father.
"Baba, I do not wish to speak of this" I whine, looking back out the window as he laughed.
"You have your mother's feisty attitude, that is for sure" he looked back down the his scrolls.
Without him noticing, a small smile appeared upon my lips at the mention of my mother. She so kind and beautiful. I missed her terribly...
Egypt: The Palace...
Walking aimlessly throughout the palace, a young priest called for the prince, "Your majesty!" the man called. When no response was heard, the priest sighed in frustration as he continued to walk.
'Where could he be?' he pondered as he looked through each room. After what seemed like eons of searching, he happened to stumble upon the young prince, leaning against one of the palace balconies.
"Ah, there you are my prince! I've searched all over for you. The princess will be arriving soon and-" when he approached the young man, the prince made no movement or even showed signs of acknowledgement - causing concern to the priest. He frowned.
"Sire? Is something wrong?" he asked, reaching closer.
The young Egyptian prince shook his head as he lightly pushed away from the alabaster stoned balcony.
"No, I'm fine. I was... distracted, you were searching for me, Mahad?" he turned to face the priest with a small smile.
Not wanting to pressuring the prince into speaking to him, he nodded.
"Yes, it was just to notify you that King Aamir and Princess Layla will be arriving shortly, the royal guards are close to escorting them back to the palace" he explained.
The young prince nodded, following Mahad down the hallway. As much as the prince thought he could hide his emotions, he was a little nervous. What would the princess be like? Would she be a terrible shrew? The prince gave out a mental sigh as he followed Mahad, worry etched into his eyes.
'I may as well face the fate the gods have chosen for me'
Hours later...
"Aknamkanon, my dearest friend, how have you been?!" my father greeted the Pharaoh as we both approached him.
The Pharaoh smiled brightly as my father grew closer, I followed not far behind, clutching part of the material of the scarf to my chest. To be in unfamiliar territory both excited and terrified me.
"Ah, Aamir, it's good to see you again" both men embraced each other and shook hands. I had looked at my surroundings only to see that, other than the Pharaoh, there were only a few guards posted at the palace gates. Feeling a pair of eyes on me, I looked towards the Pharoah as he smiled warmly at me.
"This must be your daughter, you may not remember me as that last time I seen you, you were very young" he spoke, then turned to Aamir, "She's blossomed into a beautiful desert rose" feeling my cheeks warm, my father smiled as he gently lay a hand on my shoulder.
"Yes, just like her mother, Gods rest her soul" Aamir agreed and closed his eyes.
The Pharoah nodded, slowly turning towards the palace, "Come, I'm sure you're both tired from the long journey, please, make sure yourselves comfortable. My servants will attend to you" with that, we were led inside the palace with our guards following close behind with our belongings.