Thank you all for your very kind reviews. I'm so happy you are enjoying this. I think I kept you waiting long enough for the next chapter.

Warnings: None

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Chapter Two

The next morning Seth awoke with a start, feeling the warm body beside him. At first he thought he fell asleep in the cave next to Jono and missed his opportunity to sneak back into the palace, but the whole night's events came flashing back. He looked down at his lover, still asleep even with his rapid movements. Sighing, he placed his hand on his forehead; Jono's flesh was still warm to touch. He frowned, noticing spots of blood on the cloth. Feeling his anger slowly rising, he attempted to quail it by walking over to his healing medicines. He knew he would have to get more before returning to his chambers that night. He placed the ointment on the floor next to the bed and noticed that the water he was using last night was too dirty to use again.

Placing a cloth over it, he walked out of his chambers, stopping at the guards now positioned outside. "No one is to go into my chambers, not even the servants. I will get everything I need myself."

The two guards bowed. "Yes, sire."

Seth continued down the long candlelit hallways he'd known since he was a child passing only a few guards and into the large spacious bathing area he normally visited every morning. The floor was cut to accommodate the large pool of water that always seemed warm when he arrived. How the servants managed that he would never know. The room smelt of incense and flowers and was quiet except for the sound of dripping water He ignored the water for the moment and continued out the large opening only covered by cloth that moved in the wind. None of the guards outside stopped him or commented on his lack for jewelry. Normally he wore the bare minimum when he came to the bathing area. He walked around to the side of the palace where no guards were positioned and dumped the dirty water to avoid anyone questioning the blood.

Walking back into the bath, he filled the basin with the clean water first before shedding his clothes and settling into the waters. He quickly used the soaps that sat on the edge of the pool to wash the dirt and sand from his body and hair. Even though Jono was plaguing his ever thought, he had to appear normal. He knew he wasn't acting normal by ordering that no one be allowed to enter his chambers, and he was carrying his own things. He knew the consequences to someone finding Jono in his chambers and he shuttered at the thought. Quickly drying and dressing, he moved back through the hallways until he reached the kitchens. The smell was enough to cause any person's stomach to growl. He chose only a plate of fruits, cheeses and breads, hoping that it would be enough to last Jono the day. The cooks and servants never questioned him taking the food. He did it often enough just not the amount of food he took this time. Balancing the heavy water with the food was difficult, but he managed to get everything back up to his chambers, passing the guards the held that drapes open for him long enough to pass through.

Jono was still in the same position as when he left. Kneeling beside the bed and placing the items beside him, Seth ran his fingers along the blond's cheek. Surprising, it was enough to awaken the man. "Where did you go?" Jono's scratchy voice asked.

"I got food for you and new water. Some of your wounds are still bleeding."

Jono frowned. "What about your food?"

"I do not normally eat before I patrol and see the pharaoh. Now lie on your stomach so I can clean your wounds."

"What about your patrol?"

"It is still early enough. They were just preparing the pharaoh's meal when I arrived at the kitchen."

Jono did as he was told and allowed his lover to treat his wounds. The brunet worked quickly, cutting the cloth that he wrapped around the blond and using the new water clean the new blood. He was both pleased and disappointed with the progress made. Some of the lacerations were already healing, obviously leaving a scar behind, but the others had white puss around the wounds. Adding more ointment and saying another prayer that the gods don't take Jono away from him, he wrapped the wounds again with the help of his lover. "Stay here for a moment," Seth said, walking towards the entrance. He pulled the drape back some. "I had forgotten water to drink. Fetch me some and leave it outside the door. I will come get it when I'm dressed."

"Yes, sire," one of the guards said, before disappearing down the hallway.

Seth walked back to Jono, struggling to sit up. He helped the blond to lean against the various pillows he had on his bed. "Try not to make any sounds while I'm gone and get plenty of rest. No one is permitted in here." He placed the food next to his lover before moving over to where he placed his tunic and jewelry. Getting everything on proved difficult without a servant's help. He had managed to get the white tunic and the blue sash with the gold belt on and was currently struggling to attach the white cape when he felt fingers along his shoulders.

"That looks difficult. I do not know why you wear all those clothing. You look better without it."

"I must appease the gods and my pharaoh."

Jono managed to attach the cape and help with the rest of Seth's outfit, helping him attach the gold bracelets and neck pieces before reaching for the headdress that would hide Seth's beautiful brown hair. "Looks like I'll be helping you every morning now."

The brunet leaned slightly down, stealing a kiss from his lover before taking the headdress. "I would love to have you with me every morning for the rest of my life. Rest, my love. I will be back before Ra finishes his journey." Seth reached for the Millennium rod before his lover could, not wanting to chance something happening if the rod were to reject him. He walked over to the doorway and retrieved the pitcher of water just as Jono settled into the cocoon of pillows and blankets. He turned to leave when he felt his cape being tugged on.

He turned around just in time for Jono to pull him partially on the bed, kissing him deeply and nearly knocking his headdress off him. "May the gods protect you."

"And you, Jono." He placed one more kiss on Jono's lips before finally leaving his chambers. He knew that he must be late making his rounds, but it wasn't like he was never late, just hardly late. No one had every questioned him before.

Everything seemed to be moving slowly to Seth that day, and all he could think about was his lover in his chambers. How was everything going to work? He knew the guards were already suspicious because he wouldn't let anyone into his chambers. The drapes were not enough to cover voices, but they were speaking softly. Could they hear he had a guest? That would jeopardize his plan if word was spread about his mysterious bed guest. He sighed as he shifted his weight from one foot to the other, while attempting to hide his discomfort as he stood next to his pharaoh. There seemed to be a lot of criminals and requests that day. He was growing frustrated.

"Cousin," a voice whispered beside him. "Do you need a break?"

"No, my pharaoh," he answered, bowing to the tri-colored man. He mentally cursed himself. He needed to be more careful and rid Jono from his thoughts for the time being. He didn't need more suspicion or the pharaoh with all his powers looking into his soul. He stood straight and tried to ignore the nervous energy coursing through his body. Finally the last person left the throne room, allowing them freedom to do what he wished. He would normally do another round, checking on the guards and if there were any signs of someone attempting to break into the palace. After that he would got to the library to study. That day he was going to change his routine, a risk he knew he had to take. He would take some scrolls back to his chambers and sit with Jono.

Seth had just turned the corner to go to the library when a woman stepped out of the shadows. His breath hitched for a moment before he noticed that it was Ishizu.

"You should be more careful, Seth," she whispered, blocking his entrance into the library.

"I do not know what you are talking about."

"That blond beauty will be in danger if you change your routine. Remember that." The black haired priestess turned and walked away.

Seth shook his head. He should have known that Ishizu would be able to see his future. Given that she gave him a warning instead of reporting was a sign that either Jono was supposed to be there or that the future was still unclear. He was still going to get a few scrolls and return to his chambers. To change his routine for one day shouldn't arouse any suspicions. He desperately wanted to be with his lover. He took a few scrolls that he's been researching as well as some scrolls that could help with Jono's education. The blond could study them during the day once he taught him how to read.

The guards to his room saw him coming and held the drapes open while he passed, dismissing them for the rest of the day. That was something he did when he wanted to be alone in his chambers, especially when his head exploded with pain. The hardships of the day faded once he saw his lover sleeping peacefully in the cocoon he made on his bed. Placing the scrolls down on the table, he climbed over the mountains of covers and pillows until he reached Jono, gently stroking his hair and cheek. "You are the only one that I allowed to do that," Jono whispered, opening his eyes. "You have been obsessed with my hair since you first saw me."

"It's beautiful. Reminds me of Ra and feels like silk."

The ex-servant rolled on his back, wincing from the slight pain and pulling him down for a kiss. "How was your day?"

"Stressful and boring. Envious of you lying up here and missing you terribly. I brought some scrolls up to help you with your education. We can do that until your wounds are fully healed. Then we can do some training after that."

"You really think this will work. Seth, you are a priest. Should anyone discover our relationship it could be the end of you. If they do not execute you, you will be banished."

"The same could happen to you. It is a risk I am willing to take. I will not let that man hurt you anymore."

Jono sighed seeing the love reflected in Seth's eyes. He knew that nothing he could say will change Seth's mind. It made his stomach flutter, and he knew he fell even further in love with the brunet. "How did I get so lucky to have the gods bless me like this?"

"Did they bless you or bless me?"

"It makes no difference as long as we are together."

"Agreed."

"What am I learning first?"

"Do you know how to read or write?" Jono shook his head with a frown. "That is okay. We will start with reading tonight that way you can practice while I am not here tomorrow." Seth rose and walked over to the desk he placed the scrolls on. If everything went well he could do some research he was planning on doing later that night.

Surprisingly, Jono was a quick study. It seemed like he used to know a few words. That's when Seth learning that Jono's mother used to read to him and his sister before she left him with his father taking his sister with her. That seemed to be the catalyst to the abuse. The poor boy was subjected to the torture because his father believed he was to blame. Seth began to hate his father more and more, but he buried that hatred knowing that the blond was now safe, and he would keep him that way.

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

I should have the next chapter uploaded on Monday. I have time over the weekend to work on editing it. Thank you all for reading. Please Review.

Angel Dove