Golden Pulse

Prologue

The hearts of all Egyptians seemed to beat as one, holding still in silence as they waited with baited breath. Eyes all rose up to the high balcony that stood above the city, looking over the homes, people and beauty that Ra had brought to them. Sun warmed their skin, scorched the earth and brought golden light to all the inhabitants of the planet. Children looked about in wonder, holding onto their parent's hands, skirts or pelts. Mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters all gathered together in wait for the appearance of Egypt's future Pharaoh.

The few faint murmurs that whispered throughout the crowd ceased altogether when they saw the curtains to the balcony open slowly, two guards stepping out to stand on either side with their eyes ever watchful. The kingdom watched with baited breath as the top of the Pharaoh's crown appeared before he approached the end of the balcony.

Without a word, he lifted the small bundle in his arms, basking the newborn baby in the light of their God and bringing a smile to the infant's face. The crowd erupted in cheers, a wave of movement washing through the citizens as their hands all reached up toward the Pharaoh and Prince, the pride on their king's face bringing joy to all of their hearts.

Prince Atem had finally arrived.

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Deep in the city, a woman's pained cries could be heard for many homes. Her hands gripped at the sheets that covered her, sweat pouring over her skin. A woman stood beside her, whispering to her softly and rubbing her shoulder in a sign of comfort. She panted heavily for breath, much needed air filling her lungs like sweat water to a parched man.

One last sharp, painful cry ripped passed her lips before she collapsed backward onto the sheets, her body trembling in fatigue. The sharp cry of a baby filled the room not a moment later, bringing a soft smile to her tired face. Her baby was finally here. She could distantly hear the cheers of the people as the Prince was presented. She wished she could be there, but she knew that there was no prolonging childbirth.

"It is a girl," The healer said softly as she gently ran water from the ready basin on a table beside the bed onto the newborn, washing her softly as the tiny girl squirmed and wailed loudly. The mother of the infant smiled tiredly at the healthy sounds of her baby, unable to stop the happiness that swelled within her.

"She was born the same day as the Prince," The woman beside the bed said softly as she stroked the mother's hair. "This must be a good omen. What will you name her?"

The mother smiled as she was handed the wrapped form of her new daughter, short tuffs of golden blonde hair visible around the silk material that she was wrapped in. The mother smiled down at her and gently lifted a hand to run her fingertips along the infant's cheek. The woman next to the small bed smiled at the sight, watching as the baby stopped crying nearly the instant she felt her mother's touch. Both women gasped loudly when she suddenly opened her eyes.

Pure gold.

"Oh Ra," The midwife said softly as she placed a hand over her heart, looking down into the bright, large golden eyes that were looking up at her mother, no other sound coming from her as she simply started up at the woman that had given birth to her. "I have never seen such a colour…"

"She is a true blessing from Ra, my little Khapri."