AN: Chapter seven is here! Tell me what you all think so far, I'd greatly appreciate it! Just letting you know that I will be away for the Christmas season, and will most likely only be able to get chapter 8 done before I leave. I'll be back in the new year, so keep tight. Don't forget to drop a review, follow favourite and most of all enjoy! Check out some of my other stories as well. :)


Chapter 7: I Forgive You, Seti

Seconds before opening, Pharaoh Seti snuck into the villa's florist shop. He'd given Tuya a two day cool-off period since the incident that occurred at the arena; hoping that, that was enough time to catch her breath. He felt awful for the events that were placed upon Tuya at the facility, and he wanted to make it up to her; or at least try to. Pharaoh Seti quietly made his way into the store. He wore his traditional white robes and waistband, but did not bother with the matching Khat; instead, he bore a simple white headdress; something that petty villagers wore, attempting to hide his identity from the others; for he came alone. So far, it was working in the streets. Mind you, it was very early in the morning, and ninety-five percent of Egypt was still in slumber. Drawing nearer to the counter, Seti searched for Tuya behind closed doors, but she was not visible to his eye. So he waited, and looked at the many beautiful flowers inside the store. His eye caught on to some blue floras that were usually found on the shore of the Nile; the blue lotus. It was a perfect flower for the perfect woman. Seti snatched a lotus, and made his way back to the counter for a purchase. Just then, an old lady emerged from the back room; Tuya's grandmother.

"Yes?" she questioned. "What can I help you with? I usually don't get customers at six."

Seti coughed, "I would like to purchase this."

"One lotus?" she raised an eyebrow. "Why don't you buy a bunch? It would be perfect for your occasion." She paused. "Or I am assuming that it is a lady." Then, Tuya's grandmother squinted, and Seti knew that he was caught.

"I have a question," Seti started.

Tuya's grandmother furrowed her eyebrows, "What?"

"Could I speak to Tuya?"

Her grandmother smiled, and chuckled slightly. "She's at the Nile by our place. She'll arrive for work at eight, so I suggest you meet her there. But you do know that she's not particularly happy with you right now; nor am I; because a young man of your status should not be coming alone! And if you are, you should not be ashamed of your kingship!" Tuya's grandmother leaned over the counter, and swiped the headdress from stop Seti's head. She tossed it aside. Seti ran his fingers through his hair several times. "You are damn lucky no one else is in the store at the moment; or on the streets for that matter."

Seti curled his lips. "Heh, you caught me. Thanks for informing me, but seriously, I'll get the flower."

Tuya's grandmother denied the request. "No, I will not accept your money, your majesty!"

Seti insisted, "No, you, as in the people of Egypt, are my business, and so helping you with yours is the least I can do." Seti tossed coins on the hard counter; her grandmother bore a surprised look upon her face that made Seti smile. "Here's some silver. Please do well with it."

Tuya's grandmother, still shocked, said, "Thank you My Lord!" And so she fled behind the scenes, giddy as a school boy. Seti chuckled uncontrollably as he burst from the store, now taking shortcuts through alleyways. He hoped that residents would not catch sight of him, but he couldn't wait for the day that they could.


Tuya sang soft and humble tunes, as she splashed along the shore of the Nile. The Nile was practically in her backyard, and before her shift every morning, she would swim alongside the river. To Tuya, it was refreshing; it was her exercise; and most of all, it was her version of fun. The river was the most beautiful thing in the entire world; it was pure, and god-like. She believed that she would retain her youth with this water; yet she knew that there was some evil within it. It was full of beasts such as frogs, and crocodiles; so swimming too far into the current would be unwise.

As Tuya continued to play, Seti was hiding behind some reeds in the distance. He peered through the giant plants, gazing upon beautiful Tuya. He wanted to approach her as he did many times before, but for some reason this time, he was scared. Seti conflicted with himself, and was torn between the decision of manning up and reconciling with the girl; or giving up, and running from all that's been bonded before. Finally, Seti coughed, puffed his chest, and moved his tall and slender body from within the reeds. He attempted to draw near to Tuya as quiet as possible, but the noise of expensive sandals against dry dirt was all too noticeable to the ears.

Gasping, Tuya turned around, facing Pharaoh; who stood in his position with great pride. He wished that Tuya would smile in his presence like she always did; but instead, she covered her chest, and wore a frustrated, yet sad expression. The hardest part about it was that she didn't say anything at all.

So Seti spoke for her, "Tuya," –

"What, Pharaoh?" she interrupted. "What are you doing here? Did you come alone?"

Seti nodded, "I did."

"Go home Pharaoh," she stated bluntly.

Seti refused, "Tuya, I'm sorry for what occurred the other day. I did not know what happened until it was too late."

"I don't care! You should have come after me," she murmured, "But you didn't." She turned to face Seti with an unkind expression. She'd never been so angry in her life. "And now I'm the laughing stock of the country thanks to your mother!"

Seti shook his head, and sighed. "Tuya, my mother is full of pride. She does not know you. And even if she did, she does not warm to people easily. Trust me, I come from a family of stubborn people, myself included. But deep down inside, she is a nurturing, and tender soul."

"But yet she was cruel!" Tuya exclaimed, pointing a finger at Seti. "Excuse my words Pharaoh, but I must speak."

Pharaoh drew closer to Tuya, "Tuya, please. I'm sorry."

Tuya scowled, "You have no idea! I was thrown into the dirt, and treated like a Hebrew slave! A humble Egyptian woman should not be treated like a slave! She should deserve as much respect as royal blood!"

Seti neared Tuya, struggling to accept her with open arms.

Tuya backed away, confused as to what the man in front of her was doing, "Also, why didn't you come after me that night, or yesterday? Why now?"

Pharaoh shrugged, and explained. "I knew you were angry! So I thought a two day cool-off period would suffice!"

"Bull shit, this is still a part of your joke! You play the part well, Pharaoh!"

Seti was offended in many different ways. How dare a woman of her status speak to Pharaoh that way? "EXCUSE ME YOUNG LADY, BUT THERE IS NO JOKE IN THIS RELATIONSHIP! I DON'T KNOW WHY YOU THINK THAT?!" Suddenly Tuya's heart sank, and she grew scared of the man. His loving expression turned colder than ice within seconds.

Tuya staggered backwards, "Pharaoh, I" –

"SILENCE, PHARAOH SPEAKS!" As Seti continued speaking, Tuya felt cornered. "You should be grateful that I'm giving Egyptians like you a chance! I like you Tuya! And that's why I'm fighting for your friendship! I don't make friends that easily, because of my title! And for you to disrespect the opportunities that I give you free willingly is a disgrace to all of Egypt!"

"Forgive me, My Lord." Tuya shook in her place.

Seti continued ranting, "I also need to connect with the people, because they all seem to be afraid of me! And you should be proud that I've chosen you to be my guide! This year, festivals, banquets and other parties amongst many cities and villages will help Egypt remember who I really am! I'm not a cold hearted bastard like you think I am. I just get stressed! You have no idea what it's like to carry this crown! I am in charge of the entire country, ensuring that nothing goes wrong! This title is a burden, so who are you to say that Pharaoh has no idea! Appreciate things a little bit more, will you?"

Seti towered over Tuya, continuing to stare at her with dismal eyes, "Besides, I warned and offered a soldier by your side, so why didn't you listen? We could have prevented this situation."

Then Seti did something Tuya didn't expect. He touched her shoulders; bringing her close to his chest. Tuya looked downwards, and noticed that he too was knee deep into the water; the bottom of his royal robe quickly picking up water; just like hers. Seti embraced Tuya; but something inside Tuya told her that this gesture was wrong. Seti had hugged her before, but this one was different.

Without thinking, Tuya stunned Seti by quickly pushing him into the water. A large splash was present, and it wasn't long before Seti surfaced. His full body soaked from the freezing cold water. He shook, and was flabbergasted by her actions. Seti bore a neutral expression, whilst sitting up, and wiping loose strands of his wet, black hair away from his eyes.

Tuya covered her mouth with her hands; suddenly regretting what she had done to the King of Egypt. Oh, how she shamed his majesty, "Pharaoh, Oh my Ra! Please forgive me! I didn't…I didn't mean to-

Seti rose to his feet, and rapidly jumped at the chance. He tackled Tuya into the deep water. She gasped for air when she surfaced, and was greeted by Seti with a sly smile plastered upon his face.

Tuya was unimpressed. "You stupid," she held her tongue for a moment, "UGH! I hate you so much! Why would you do that?"

Seti responded as he cocked his head to the side, "For calling me Pharaoh."

Tuya was speechless. He completely ignored a mere crime, "W…w…what?"

Seti grinned; his eyes were warm and loving once again. "Seriously, I don't know how many times that I have to tell you. Stop calling me Pharaoh. Shit, I'm going to make it law, that 'Tuya is not allowed to say Pharaoh, Sir, Your Majesty, My Lord or any other noble name in the books, when we are alone.'" Seti then tapped the tip of Tuya's nose, as they treaded water beside each other. "And I'm serious about that."

Tuya couldn't help but smile, "Okay…Pharaoh." She teased, before splashing water directly at Seti. Seti didn't hesitate to do the same to Tuya. It didn't take long for the two to enjoy each other's company once again. Minutes later, when the two grew tired, Seti spoke:

"I think we should get out of the water, before the crocodiles get us."

Tuya agreed to that statement. Pharaoh Seti led the gorgeous woman out of the water, slowly. He noticed that she acquired a slight limp, but did not mention anything about it. Instead, he patted her hand lightly. A few feet away from the shore, he stopped in his tracks. Seti came face to face with Tuya. It was then that he grasped a small bag beside his feet. He pulled a living plant from the bag; it was a blue lotus; Tuya's favourite flower and favourite colour; how did he know? She blushed when he offered the sign of affection towards her. Seti was more than elated when she accepted the gesture; he just didn't show it.

Seti leaned forward, "I hope you're not mad at me for yelling at you; it wasn't personal. I was just frustrated. You aren't a disgrace to this country what-so-ever. In fact, you are an asset."

"Why are you frustrated?" she asked politely.

Seti couldn't bring himself to say it. "I'm sorry," was his response.

Tuya adjusted her drenched robes, and then placed a strand of damp hair behind her right ear. She smelt the flower, and was satisfied. "I forgive you, Seti."

Chapter 8 coming soon...


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