Forbidden: Chapter One-The Lilly of the Valley
By: Ëlen Lístë Aldá
Eight years later…
The new pharaoh walked out of his chambers and passed a door that he'd passed hundreds of times, and each time he'd relive the pain and horror of that fateful day. It was over eight years ago, yet that day still tormented him.
He placed his hand on the white granite door that had not been opened since the day she was ripped from his life. 'If only I could have done something, anything, rather than have been the weak child I was, perhaps I could have saved her…'
Over the past eight years, he'd plagued himself with "what if's." Today, he'd vowed, he would put the past behind him. Today, the day of his birth…his and hers…would mark his official ascension to the throne of Egypt.
He'd been crowned Pharaoh earlier that morning, and this afternoon will be the celebration that all of Egypt will celebrate, whether they are in the palace celebrating it or not. Today was the day they'd prayed to the gods for; the day when Atem, son of Akunumkanon, ascended to the throne of Egypt.
Today was the day they would have both celebrated their coming of age. He would have been crowned Pharaoh of all of Egypt and she was to have been by his side, always by his side…
With a sigh, Atem, newly named Pharaoh, walked past his sister's door, and went down the white and pink-veined marble corridor out to the terrace that belonged to the royal family. He followed it, turned left, and followed the path that lead to the royal gardens.
He walked toward a Lily of the Valley bush, picked a perfect white lily, and sat down on the bench they used to sit on and looked up at the tall tree that grew in the middle of the garden; their special tree--his, Seto's and Nefra's. He closed his eyes and breathed in deeply the light smell of the fragile flower. He sat in that one spot for what felt like hours, reliving old memories, memories filled with laughter and love.
He slowly stood and walked up the path that lead to the dock for his private barge; the same path that took Nefra from him. He stood at the edge of the dock and looked north.
Over the past eight years, he'd come and stand in this spot, praying that Nefra would be returned to him; it was futile for she never returned. He felt his throat tighten and swallowed hard. 'Father, I let you down; I could not protect her.'
Mahado, looking for the pharaoh, knew where he could be found. Mahado found him at the dock, again. The sun was rising to his right and his profile was thrown in relief. His blood-red cape gently billowed as the wind ruffled his hair. The Millennium Puzzle shone in the sunlight, as did the crown he wore upon his brow.
He turned to face Mahado, his mentor and the father-figure that had been in his life for the past eight years, with a sad smile; his eyes shining like endless indigo pools of sorrow.
"It is alright, Mahado. I know she is not coming back; I only came here to say farewell," said Atem, his deep baritone voice tight with sorrow.
He turned back to face north. He brought the lily to his lips and kissed it, allowing a single tear to fall. His tear, too, kissed the lily. He looked at the twice kissed flower and tossed it into the Nile, where it floated.
'I am sorry, Nefra, but I must let go of the past if I am to have a future. I know that you would forgive me…'
Atem took in a steadying breath and turned back to Mahado, who still remained silent. He gave Mahado a half-hearted smile and motioned for him to speak.
"You needed me for something, Mahado?" spoke Atem, voice still husky with emotion.
"The festivities for your Ascension will be taking place shortly, my Pharaoh."
When Atem remained silent, Mahado cleared his throat.
"Perhaps you would not care for such frivolity on this day, my Pharaoh?"
Atem shook his head and walked with Mahado back into the garden. "No, let everything go as planned. I will not deny my people their enjoyment. I would have my reign begin sanguinely. It is an ill omen to begin a reign any other way."
Mahado, pleased with Atem's wisdom, smiled and nodded his approval.
"Shimon has secured a special gift for you, my Pharaoh."
"Oh? Has he? Now what is that old man up to?"
"Have you heard of the Lily of the Valley?"
"The dancer?"
"Yes, my Pharaoh. It is said that she is the best dancer and songstress in all of Egypt. She has granted us permission to witness her dance in honor of your birthday and ascent to the throne."
"I look forward to it," said the Pharaoh.
Mahado, changing the subject, faced Atem with a serious face. "My Pharaoh, the other priests have been talking…"
"Yes, Mahado, what have they said?"
"They feel it to be wise that you secure the line by claiming your queen and getting her with child as soon as possible…"
'My queen…'
Flashback…
Atem sat upon his father's throne with Nefra standing at his right and Seto to his left.
"Nefra, you will be my queen and Seto, you shall be my most trusted warrior…"
"But I wish to be a warrior, too, Atem!" protested Nefra.
"You cannot be a warrior, Nefra! Only men can be warriors; you are just a silly girl!"
"Take that back!" cried Nefra.
"No."
"Perhaps you could be a warrior-queen, Nefra," offered Seto, trying to avoid a conflict between his friends.
"Yes, I shall be both," declared Nefra.
"You cannot be both!" exclaimed Atem.
Akunumkanon walked in a heard his children squabbling and young Seto was trying to play the peace-maker.
"The children of the Pharaoh should not bicker in public," admonished Akunumkanon, causing the children to start and lapse onto silence. He walked up to the children and sternly looked down at them.
"Come now! What is all of this noise?" asked Akunumkanon in a stern voice.
Nefra approached her father. "Atem will not let me be a warrior or a warrior-queen; he says that I can only be the Queen. It is not fair!" she cried as she stamped her foot for emphasis.
Akunumkanon faced his rascal of a son. "Is this true, my son?"
"Yes, Father, it is true."
"Why will you not let your sister be a warrior?"
"Because," Atem cried, scandalized that his father would ask him such a question, "she is just a girl. Girls are worthless; they do not belong in war. They are only good for birthing children."
Akunumkanon lifted Atem off of his throne, replacing him, seated him on his lap, and looked him in the eye.
"Never say that, my son. You know well enough that Nefra is skilled with a weapon. Someday, you may need someone to save your life and the only one you can completely trust, knowing that she'd give her life for yours, is Nefra; a girl."
Akunumkanon turned to faced Seto, and said with a gentle smile, "No slight is intended to you, young Seto."
Seto nodded, understanding the Pharaoh's meaning.
Akunumkanon smiled at the young man and lifted Atem off of his lap. 'Young Seto will go far,' mused the aging Pharaoh.
"Now, do you understand?"
When Atem nodded, Akunumkanon said, "You may go play now, children."
Atem, Seto, and Nefra exited the throne room in the only way young children knew how—noisily.
Nefra turned and waved farewell to her father and turned to Atem, smiling.
"Well, my Pharaoh, where would you like your warriors to conquer first?"
End flashback…
"I had not thought about that. I used to assume that Nefra would come back and she would rule as my Queen…"
Atem heaved a sigh. 'Even when I try to let go, I cannot seem to do it.'
"Perhaps I will find a good woman to be my Queen at the festivities tonight. I suppose I shall have to pick a suitable woman to birth my heir."
"My Pharaoh, if you do not mind me saying so, you make it sound like you are picking a brood mare for one of your horses or a bitch for one of your dogs."
Atem realized that it was true, and it caught him off guard. He laughed--a real laugh. "Well, it would seem so, my friend. Let us hope that I find her soon, else I remain a free man."
"Tell me, Mahado, what does this Lily of the Valley look like?"
"I regret to say that not a soul knows. She keeps herself hidden…" Mahado broke off as a thought struck him. "Are you perhaps considering her to become your Queen?"
Atem sat down on the bench in front of the tree in the center of the large garden, motioning for Mahado to do the same. "I do not know, my friend. Now that I am Pharaoh, I feel lost in the dark without any light to illuminate my path. What if I should fall short of expectations?" Atem asked, staring ahead at the tree.
"It is not for me to determine your destiny, my Pharaoh, but know this: you are never alone; sometimes, we all get lost in the darkness."
"Ah! There you are!" said Shimon, former advisor to Pharaoh Akunumkanon, as he and the others from Atem's inner circle of seven priests, Mahado included. All bowed low to Atem.
The Pharaoh's Inner Circle of priests were: High Priest Mahado, the wielder of the Millennium Ring; High Priest Karim, the wielder of the Millennium Scales; High Priest Shada, the wielder of the Millennium Key; High Priestess Isis, the possessor of the Millennium Necklace; High Priest Akunadin, the bearer of the Millennium Eye; and High Priest Seto, the wielder of the Millennium Rod.
Mahado rose, apologizing to Shimon and the others for keeping the Pharaoh in his company for too long.
"Nonsense, my lad," said Shimon, as he waved his hand negligently in the air. "You have done no harm."
"My Pharaoh, it is time for you to go out and speak to your people," said the aged advisor, turning to the Pharaoh.
Atem nodded and rose from the bench he and Mahado were occupying and motioned for his entourage to follow.
High Priest Seto looked at the tree and then the path; his blue eyes turning midnight-blue. Even he was haunted by the memory of that day; that and her final words to him…
'I will never forget this, Seto! Do you heed me! I will never forgive this!'
The others saw him looking at the tree and knew he was remembering the princess. They all felt the loss of Princess Nefra.
"Come," said Atem, putting his hand on Seto's shoulder.
Seto looked at him and nodded. He and the others followed the Pharaoh into the palace and up to the top of the palace. Atem stood regal and tall before the mass of people who stood in the streets. When they saw him, they all became quite, waiting to hear their new pharaoh speak…
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Meanwhile…
As the sun rose over the Nile, transforming its green depths to a deep red, a barge made its way south toward the palace. The barge, though ordinary in appearance, carried a precious cargo. Within the barge were the Lily of the Valley and her bodyguards. No chances were being taken; she had to arrive at the Pharaoh's palace safely.
The Lily looked out the window of her cabin, wishing she could go above deck. She rose from the daybed she was resting on and walked toward the window. She leaned on the sill and breathed in deeply, savoring the fresh air. The breeze created by the motion of the barge played with her straight midnight waist-length hair. The oppression she felt from being cooped up in her cabin for the past two days was bursting to be released. She opened her mouth and let a song spring forth. It was a rich aria that lifted the sailors' hearts and made them row with rehabilitated vigor. She sang of hope and love and life renewed.
The barge sloshed through the crimson-stained depths of the Nile River with greater speed as though it had sprouted wings and was being pushed forward by the very hand of Hapi; they were nearing their destination, with the Lily's song spurring them on.
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As the Pharaoh and his entourage made their way down to the ground level of the palace, a servant approached, bowed low, and then whispered something in Shimon's ear. At his beaming smile, the others assumed that good tidings have been relayed.
Shimon dismissed the servant and turned a smile as bright as the sun at its zenith to his Pharaoh. He cleared his throat and said, "Sire, your present is about to arrive. If it is your wish, it can be viewed as the barge carrying it docks."
Atem smiled at the wizened advisor. "Ah, so my flower has arrived?"
Shimon's expression fell in disappointment. "But- H-how did you find out? It was to have been a secret…"
Shimon's expression of disappointment was so comical that the others chuckled, causing the man to stammer even more. Atem concealed a chuckle behind his hand, disguising it as a cough. "I am the Pharaoh. Of course I knew about it."
Shimon harrumphed, "Hmph! More like a young scamp told you!" Shimon cast a baleful look at Mahado, who turned beet red. The others, following their Pharaoh's example, began to cough in order to hide their mirth.
Atem walked up to Shimon and clapped him on the back, causing the old man to lurch forward. "Well, old friend, let us go see my surprise."
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As Atem and the others turned their steps toward the dock, the barge glided into the slip. The Lily did not even feel the vessel touch the dock. She rose off of the bed she'd been sleeping on and summoned her maid to make sure her coif was still in place and cast a glamour on herself to disguise her real features. The sun-kissed skin remained the same, but her features changed, became unremarkable. She slipped several gold bangles over her hands and fastened a gold band on her right upper arm. She looked at her Kohl-lined eyes and nodded in satisfaction. She wouldn't change the color of her eyes.
The Lily turned to her most trusted bodyguard and at the expression on his face; she crossed her arms over her generous bosom and tapped the toe of her sandal.
"I know you would prefer that I not do this, but I must. If all goes well, then he will live. If not, then he will die."
Ryske, who was leaning against the wall of the Lily's cabin, looked up at her, meeting her gaze. He looked her dead in the eye and said, "I do not like it. I will not have you jeopardizing your life. It is my desire that you should not be involved in the events that are to take place."
"However, it is my wish to do so," she said, walking up to him, holding his gaze. "I must, Ryske. You know that."
He scowled and fixed his gaze to look at the wall over her shoulder. She put her right hand on his left cheek and made eye contact with him. "Please…"
His facial expression remained set, but his eyes softened. He took her hand in his and raised it to his lips. He lingered over her hand before he lowered it to her side.
"Some bodyguard I am," he said with a crooked smile. "A simple word and look and you have me agreeing to your mad scheme."
He looked deeply into her eyes. "We could get caught."
She nodded and casually said, "At worst executed."
He grimly smiled. "So what are we waiting for?"
She smiled radiantly and hugged him. He stiffly returned her embrace. "You have my thanks," she said beaming.
"You know, I would follow you into the pits of the Underworld if you but give me the word," he said as he moved to exit the cabin.
A knock sounded, signaling the arrival of the maidservant. As Ryske exited, admitting the elderly woman, the Lily whispered, "I know…"
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Atem's entourage stopped at the dock, awaiting the Lily of the Valley to alight from the vessel. A breeze blew from the east, ruffling their clothes as they waited. The anchor was dropped on the starboard side and a gangplank was lowered and several men got off to tie the wharf. A door opened, revealing a tall woman, cloaked in a long white cape, a scarf masking her face, and several bodyguards. They walked across the deck and paused at the railing, seeing the Pharaoh and his followers. She gracefully walked down the gangway, surrounded by her guards. She stopped before the Pharaoh and curtsied low, including the others in her show of respect.
"My Pharaoh," she murmured, training her eyes on the ground.
He inclined his head in acknowledgement and held out his hand, which she kissed. Inside, Atem had a strange feeling when her lips came in contact with his hand. It felt as though a current shot through his hand and up his arm. A puzzled frown furrowed his brow as he tried to understand the anomaly.
Shimon stepped forward and said in his deep, eternity-filled voice, "Welcome child. We are honored that you should deign to dance for our Pharaoh's ascension."
"No. It is I who am honored," she said. She looked up and met the Pharaoh's eyes, violet meeting violet. "I am honored to be asked to perform for the man who will ensure Egypt's greatness."
Atem was shocked to see that her eyes were violet, a very unusual color for Egyptians. 'Violet?'
Atem searched her eyes for any hint of deceit, wondering how was it that she came to possess such unusual eyes. Upon finding no hint in her violet eyes, he nodded. "A set of chambers has been prepared for you to rest in before your performance this eve."
She gracefully curtsied. "My thanks, my Pharaoh."
She fluidly rose and inclined her head in the direction of the others. A servant materialized at Shimon's side and led the dancer and her minions to their chambers, past the collected powers and into the gardens.
As she passed the assembled, they felt the air crackled with charged energy and their items reacted to a strong power. They all looked at their mutual items and turned to the Pharaoh; he was looking after the dancer as she turned the bend.
All eyes were fixed upon the retreating back of the dancer. "Could she be the one to have caused our items to react?" asked one of Atem's priests.
"The mannerisms of a princess, that one," commented Karim, watching the gentle sway of her hips.
They awaited their Pharaoh's answer, but he appeared to be in some trance.
'Who is she…?'
Seto was also spellbound by the sinuous movements of the dancer. Though he couldn't put his finger on it, there was something familiar about her. 'Something about her tickles a memory in the back of my mind, some sort of vague recollection. What it is, I have no idea. However I intend to find out…'
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Thank you for having read my second installment of Forbidden. Again, I'd greatly appreciate it if I recieved a few reviews on what you think of this new chapter. I promise the next chapter will make things a whole lot more clear.
Again, thank you.
Ëlen Lístë Aldá