"Hey, Rath," Presley asked timidly, "Did you ever have a girlfriend back in Egypt?"
Rath coughed nervously, "No, I was far too busy with… Well, if you must know, there was someone. She was a wonderful student, an exceptionally gifted sorceress… My perfect match in every way."
"What happened to her?" Presley asked.
"Let's just say it ended far too soon," Rath said ruefully.
"How did you get her to notice you?" Presley asked.
"That is a great mystery even to me," Rath explained, "If it is a lady's affection you seek, the only advice I can offer is to be yourself."
"Thanks, Rath," Presley said, heading on his own way.
"Of course, your majesty."
Presley made his way across the room to Mara, who was carefully measuring some material for a new design.
"Hey Mara?" the boy announced his presence.
"Yes, my prince?" Mara asked, looking at him.
"Did you ever have a boyfriend in Egypt?" the boy asked.
Mara sighed and set down her tools.
"I loved one man very much but he was never truly mine," she replied.
"Oh, he didn't like you back? That's kinda what's happening to me," Presley said.
"I wouldn't say he didn't like me. He just didn't see me in a romantic way," Mara shrugged with a sad grin, "And that's alright. If you're interested in pursuing a young lady, don't let the opportunity pass you by, but don't be too disappointed if it doesn't work out. There will be plenty more in your life."
Presley sighed and tipped his head back. "But it doesn't feel like there's anyone else in the whole world."
Mara chuckled sadly. "I know what you mean."
"Did I… well, did Rapses have a girlfriend back in the Egypt days?"
Mara smiled. "No, Presley. That is one advantage you have now that the young prince never had. You are free to try and woo any girl you'd like. Pharaoh's son would have had his match made for him. After all, his wife would be the queen."
Presley smiled back at her. "I guess that sort of takes the pressure off."
Mara laughed and agreed.
"Well, I'm going to go find Armon. Catch ya later, Mara!"
Presley made his way out of the room.
Rath approached his comrade.
"It seems the prince has become entranced by a young lady," he said conversationally.
Mara grinned. "I suppose it can happen to the best of us."
Rath rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "It is...er, a familiar situation, to be sure. I only wish I knew how to help him. In the realm of science, literature, magic and logic, I consider myself something of an expert. But when it comes to affairs of the heart, I am as lost as the tomb of Osiris."
Mara gazed at him for a moment. His death had not taken away much of his looks. He was still tall with a strong jaw and bright, curious eyes.
"Then you are one of the wiser men among us," she said finally, "He who would claim to understand love completely is a fool."
Before Rath could say another word, Mara left the room quickly, not turning to look back at him.