Inside the palace...
I was led by one of the servants to my quarters as two guards followed, carrying my luggage with them. I looked down at the ground as I followed behind, saying nothing as we walked.
'I can't believe I'm actually here... I wonder when I will meet the prince' my mind had wondered to my husband to be, wondering if Baba told me was true. Was he handsome? Or was he saying that to ease my mind? No. My father would never speak such lies, even if it were my duty to marry, my father would have nothing less but the best for me. I smiled warmly to myself.
'I'm glad I still have Baba to guide me... if only for a short period of time' my smile disappeared. Unfortunately, after the prince and I are wed, my father will have to leave to go back to the Kingdom. That means, leaving me to my new life as Princess of Egypt. And one day, I will be Queen, ruling by the new Pharaoh's side.
"Your highness, your chambers" I looked up from the ground to notice we'd arrived.
"Thank you" I said as both guards and I entered the room. It was absolutely stunning. Though I knew, living in a palace, you would enjoy all the luxury of fine silk and beautiful architecture, never had I imagined this room would be able to compare to the one I had back in Syria.
"Shall I call for a bath for you?" asked the servant lady.
"Yes, please. It's been a long journey" I replied, smiling at her.
She smiled warmly, "Of course, your highness. Should you need anything else, please, ask for me. My name is Bastet" for a servant, she was beautiful with dark, auburn hair and amber-colored eyes that shined in sunlight. However, being a servant, her clothes seemed to be well maintained and she did wear a few gold accessories.
I nodded, "Thank you, Bastet."
She smiled and bowed her head in respect. The guards placed my things on the floor, carefully, then bowed and left the room - leaving me to have a moment to myself. Gently unwrapping the scarf, I placed it on the bed as I looked around the room. The bed was covered in red and gold Egyptian satin sheets and the bed itself was made of gold, along with many of the other items in the room, including the vanity and chair, sitting across from the bed. Drapery hung from the walls, just above the bed, and around the four posts. This was if the sun was setting and the light directed into the room, the sheets could easily be pulled down and block the light. Or, it could be used for privacy.
I blushed at the thought. Immediately, I set that aside as I continued my exploration of the room. I noticed a wardrobe, made of both gold and hand carved mahogany. I would be able to neatly place my clothes in here for safe keeping. I smiled, making my way towards the bath. The tub itself was large and, again, made of gold. The scent of roses filled the air. I looked to the corner and noticed a large vase, carrying beautiful, red roses. I walked up to the flowers, but before I could pick one up, a knock sounded on my door.
"Yes?" I called as I walked from the bathing room.
"My lady, we've come to prepare the bath for you, may we come in?" I heard different voice this time.
"Yes, of course, come in" I replied.
Slowly, the door opened to reveal two other servant girls, along with Bastet.
"Is everything to your liking?" asked Bastet, the two girls ushered into the bathing room to being preparing for me.
"Yes, thank you very much. May I ask, where did you get those beautiful roses?" I looked to Bastet.
"Oh! Those are grown in our sanctuary. After you're finished with your bath, I'll be more then happy to show you" she smiled.
An excited gleam appeared in my eyes, "Yes, that would be fantastic, thank you" I grinned.
"It's a pleasure" Bastet bowed her head, "I also want to let you know that the Pharaoh is planning a celebratory feast for you and your father this evening, is there a special gown you would like to wear?" she asked.
"Actually, I hadn't thought that far. Is there something in particular that I should wear?" I asked.
"It really depends on your preference, Princess" she replied, "Would you like the servants and I to unpack your things while you bathe? Then, we can see what you have to wear" she suggested.
"Excellent idea" I agreed.
"Lady Layla, your bath is ready" the servant girls bowed.
I smiled at the both of them.
"Thank you so much" I thanked them as I walked towards the bath, leaving the servants and Bastet to unpack all my things.
I entered back into the room to see that all my belongings had been neatly folded and put away, leaving one of my favorite dresses upon the bed, laid out. It was a dark-blue, sleeveless gown that reached the floor with a thick, red sash wrapped around the waistline. The neckline was shaped just like a heart. I looked over to the vanity to see my jewelry, along with my band, laid carefully before me.
I dried myself off with the towel that had been left for me. I walked over to place a robe to cover my body. Tying the sash just right, I padded over to the vanity, taking a seat so I could prepare myself. Usually, my attendants are to get me prepared, however - for as long as I can remember - I always preferred to do everything myself, despite what most people thought. My hair, fortunately being the way it was, curled natural and was left untamed. I applied the necessary make up that I thought was appropriate, along with placing thick-golden cuffs on both wrists along with a gold snake arm bracelet with red rubies on each of it's eyes. I gently took the Egyptian collar with rubies on it and placed it around my neck, making sure to lift my hair as so it would not get caught. Then, reaching with care, I took my golden band and placed it back around my forehead where it belonged. Once I was adorned with gold and jewels, I sat up from my seat and let the robe drift off my shoulders to the floor.
I turned around and walked over to my gown, being careful as I placed the dress over my head as it pooled down around my feet. Adjusting the top to fit perfectly, I tied the sash neatly around my waist. I picked up a bit of the material from the floor and stepped into the golden slippers. I walked over to the mirror again and looked myself in the mirror and smiled, satisfied with how I looked.
A knock, suddenly, was heard on the other side of the door, "Princess?"
"Enter" I replied.
The door creaked open to reveal Bastet, looking a little surprised.
"Oh, my lady, I hadn't expected you to be ready, I would have had the-" I put my hand up to stop her.
"I'd prefer to dress myself, but I do thank and appreciate you for your efforts" I replied.
"I see" she smiled, "Well, shall I show you the palace gardens before your feast?" she asked.
I smiled, "Yes, I'd like that very much."
"Let us be off then, please, follow me" nodding, I followed her out of the room, gently closing the door. Then, we turned right and headed down the stairs.
The Palace Gardens
My smile grew as we passed the doors to the reveal a beautiful rose garden. A small oasis was off to the side with a waterfall cascading into the small lake. Tree fines draped along the walls with white, wild roses. And on the ground were red rose bushes, planted and very well maintained. In the middle, a large, stone fountain with ancient Hieroglyphs printed around the base. I approached it to see small fish, swimming happily.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Bastet spoke.
"It's amazing" I replied in awe, turning to her I smiled, "I've never seen a garden so flourished and full of life."
Bastet agreed with the Princess.
"Bastet!" we both turned to see a girl with dark brown hair, with eyes to match, sprinting towards us.
"Yes, Mana, is something wrong?" Bastet asked.
Catching her breath as she halted before Bastet, she looked up to both of us, "Forgive me, but the feast is about to begin, we should make our way to the dining hall shortly" the young magician in training suggested.
"Of course" Bastet turned to me with an apologetic smile, "Apologies your highness, but we must be on our way. We can't have you late now can we?" she replied.
I gave her a small nod, "Of course" I agreed.
With one last glance at the garden, I turned and made my way back into the palace. As I walked, the young girl, Mana, introduced herself.
"I apologize for not properly introducing myself, I am Mana. It's very nice to meet you Princess" she gave a small bow in respect.
"Please, do not apologize. It's nice to meet you, as well" I bowed my head slightly.
Mana smiled, taking my hand in hers, "Oh, you're so kind Princess! Let us hurry! We do not wish for you to be late" she gently pulled me by the hand, leaving Bastet behind to scold Mana. However, I laughed, my spirits lifting as I had finally something to look forward to, living in the palace.
As a Princess being sheltered most of my life, I didn't have many friends, but this was an opportunity for me to make some. At least if I wasn't happy in my marriage, I would at least have a friend or two to give me support, right?
The Dining Hall...
The young prince entered through the double doors as he made his way with his father to the end of the table, guided by the council. Waiting for the arrival of King Aamir and his daughter, they stood by their seats. Seeing the prince's discomfort, Mahad smiled and whispered lowly.
"Everything will be fine, you'll see" the prince nodded, his eyes closed.
'I indeed hope so, my friend' suddenly, the horn sounded, announcing the presence of King Aamir.
With Layla and Aamir
I clutched my hand on to my father's arm, suddenly feeling nervous. My father looked down and smiled at me as he clutched the hand on his arm in his.
"Everything will be fine, you'll see" he spoke.
I nodded, trusting in my father's words. The horn sounded, echoes bouncing off the walls of the large room.
"Announcing, King Aamir and Princess Layla!" I inwardly groaned.
'Must they do this? Is this really necessary?'
I took a breath and walked with my father through the double doors. My arm wrapped around his as we walked. I kept my gaze towards the floor as we approached the table. Our seats were to the right of the Pharaoh, my father sitting closest to him.
"My dear, you can look forward should you wish, that is if you do not wish to injure yourself by walking into the seat" my father joked lowly.
Before I would retort with a remark, when I looked up, my eyes widened a tad.
Prince Atem
When the doors had opened, the prince opened his eyes, only to have them widen in an instant as he looked on. Mahad, knowing full well what the young prince was thinking, smiled a tad.
There stood King Aamir, with his daughter Layla. She... was beautiful. Her red-ruby eyes shined like the very stone itself, her raven hair curled and untamed with natural beauty as she wore the floor length gown with no sleeves to show off her glowing skin. She seemed to be just as nervous as he was.
'This... is who I am to marry?' he asked himself as he could not take his eyes off her. She kept her gaze to the ground as they approached the table. However, when her father spoke - not being able to understand what he said, however - she looked up and set her eyes upon him, her eyes widened as well.
With Layla
I stared upon the young prince, a small tint of blush covered my cheeks.
'He's... so handsome, is this really him?' I thought as I stared. His spiky purple hair and blonde streaks were very unique, I had never seen anything quite like it. However, what really caught my eye the most (other than the defined muscles), were his beautiful violet eyes. I could get lost in them if I stared too long.
Snapping out of my trance, we all sat in our seats, one of the servants being so kind as to help into my chair as he pushed me in.
"Thank you" I smiled at the young servant. Slightly nodding in respect, he smiled and attended to the others.
The Pharaoh smiled, announcing everyone to enjoy the feast.
Roughly an hour later...
The feast was wonderful and full of good cheer. My father and the Pharaoh had spoken of many things, laughing and enjoying themselves to many cups of wine. I smiled at my father, happy to see he had such a loyal and dear friend. From time to time, the prince and I would share a few glances. Sometimes, it was almost as if it were a game. Whenever one of us would get caught, we'd smile, but turn away and blush.
'He seems so kind... I guess I really did worry for nothing' I thought as he shared a laugh with his father. Smiling, I turned to my father as he stared down at me.
"Are you alright, flower?" he asked gently. Placing a hand on my father's arm, I smiled - truly smiled.
"Yes Baba, I'm fine" I meant it. He, in turn, smiled back at me as he turned back to the Pharaoh to continue their conversation.
Suddenly, I heard the Pharaoh called my name.
"Yes?" I turned to him as he smiled.
"Your father has told me you are an excellent rider, perhaps my son could take you tomorrow to visit our stallions?" the Pharaoh suggested.
A tint of blush appeared upon my cheeks, thankfully, it wasn't noticeable. I agreed, "Of course, I would be happy to accompany the prince" I turned to the prince, smiling warmly.
He returned the gesture as both my father and his winked at each other. Their plan had worked out.
After everyone's bellies were full with food and alcohol, it was time to retire. The council had been excused and the only remaining were both the Prince and I and our fathers. My father and the Pharaoh continued to carry on, not exactly paying attention to time. I held back yawn as I was quite tired from the journey, however I did not wish to be rude. Noting this, the young prince stood up carefully.
"Excuse me, father" and that was when I heard his voice for the first time, "but perhaps it would be wise to escort the princess back to her chambers. It is getting very late and I'm she's very tired" he turned to me and smiled as I blushed.
His father nodded in agreement. "Very well, please my son, if you will"
Behind me a servant was ready to help me out of my chair. I stood up as the servant pulled back my chair.
"Thank you" I acknowledge the servant again. The prince walked around the table, behind his father to approach me. Holding out his arm, he smiled, "Shall we?" he suggested.
I nodded, taking his arm, he escorted me out of the dining hall, unknowingly, our fathers snickered.
"They will make a fine King and Queen one day, I trust your son will take good care of my flower?" asked King Aamir.
"You can surely count on that, my friend" the Pharaoh smiled at the fleeting figures, disappearing behind the doors.