Hello! it's been a while since I've written fanfic, and this is my first Mummy fanfic even though I've been a huge fan for soooo many years and always wanted to do one (i just didn't know what to write about hehe) - I hope you enjoy it, I will keep posting new chapters ;) - forgive any spelling/grammar error please.

Reviews are highly appreciated 3

Disclaimer: I obviously don't own anything about The Mummy, I'm just happy i get to entertain myself (and hopefully, others) using this wonderful story :D

— THE BEGINNING —-

The excitement and pride that came with being the Pharaoh's favorite wore off sooner than expected. Anck-su-Namun had been happy and a bit arrogant when Seti had chosen her as her favorite. She wasn't his concubine when this happened, as was normally the case. Almost always, a favorite was first a regular concubine, having endured what it meant to be one of the many women of the Pharaoh's. She never did, she debuted as his favorite.

Unfortunately, her naivety had blocked the reality of what that really meant. Of course she knew she'd be his in the flesh, but somehow she didn't imagine it would be the way it was. Perhaps she longed for a tale of happiness and bliss. Instead, she crashed against disgust and humiliation. The Pharaoh was already in his late 50's, he had had so many women he didn't really care to please them in any way, but to please himself. And Anck-su-namun was his novelty because she had been a virgin, untouched by any other man than himself.

She didn't imagine she'd become an object, with no will and no opinions, whose only duty was to comply with whatever she was demanded by her master. And if she even dared to throw a gaze of disapproval, Seti would make sure she'd know her place immediately, humbling her and stripping her from any free thought or will.

It had only been a few months since she was named his favorite mistress, and already was dreading and cursing the day it happened, and hated herself for actually receiving the news with joy that day. She thought it was winning among all the women in Egypt the privilege to be near a god on earth, that the gods themselves had chosen her to accompany him. Foolish, foolish child.

She lived in a golden cage. With luxuries, servants, exquisite jewels, feasts, etc., but a cage all the same. She couldn't leave the palace unless given permission by the Pharaoh and with an escort, and demanded to take as little time as possible, if she was granted permission at all. Out of the many times she had tried, she was given permission only once, and the experience was excruciating from ever even wanting it to happen again.

She was unhappy. And she knew it. She knew the days would always be the same, boring, lonely… and the nights would be worse, because that's when her real duty would have to be fulfilled. Seti wasn't a violent man, but he wasn't gentle either, and when he would have a bad day or had too much to drink, the unpleasant could swiftly turn into unbearable. He would not care if she was feeling well, how was her day, all he demanded from her was to undress and let him satisfy his manly needs. After he was done, he'd send her to her chambers and not even addressing a word to her. It was humiliating indeed, for she knew she was nothing but a privileged and expensive whore, and she could never help but to cry her eyes out in her lonely chamber, feeling disgusted with herself and hating her life and the man who had given her that life.

—-

Thebes was in a large uproar and Ancksunamun had no idea why. The Pharaoh was here, but people were bustling about somebody important returning to the city.

Kissa was Ancksunamun private servant and the closest thing she had to a friend, although she didn't fully trust her, after all, it was Seti who had appointed that girl as her handmaid. She could be a spy for all she knew, but she was the only one who would actually comfort her after her night visits to the Pharaoh's chamber.

-Kissa, what is going on? Said Ancksunamun while the young servant combed her black, lustrous hair.

-He's returned your grace - replied the young maiden.

-Who's returning? She turned her head impatient.

-Why Lord Imhotep of course! -

-And who is that?

Kissa giggled and Ancksunamun rage rose.

- Do not dare to mock me slave, tell me who this man is or I will have you whipped. - she was in a bad mood, and being mocked by a servant only made it worse.

-I'm sorry my Lady. Lord Imhotep is the new High Priest of Osiris, that is because he has returned alive. You see, the High Priests of Osiris, before being appointed, must endure a series of challenges in the desert and face death itself and triumph with the favor of Osiris. He was sent away months ago with two other aspirants after the High Priest perished from a rare fever, and the only one returning is him. So he's high priest now.

-I see… replied Ancksunamun - and have you meet him before?

-No, I've only seen him, he was the most prominent priest from the temple of Osiris, and was Lord's Tarik's apprentice and favorite candidate. I'm sure he'd be happy to see his pupil triumphing from all others.

-Sounds like an interesting man, I guess I'll meet him soon enough. - Ancksunamun smiled and lowered her gaze, intrigued to meet this man.

-Of course my Lady, tomorrow will be the official anointment by the Pharaoh, and then a feast to celebrate the triumph of the new High Priest. Besides, I was told to get you ready to join the Pharaoh shortly, he's to personally receive him today. - Kissa replied as she finished combing her hair and bowing before leaving her chambers.

Ancksunamun was intrigued. She had lived in Thebes her whole life but had paid very little to no attention to priests of any deity, she always thought they were old, boring men who could only recite passages of sacred books in a ominous and boring tone, and lecture people. She didn't know that, at least the High priest of Osiris had to endure a test in the deadly desert and face his own demise, and come victorious. Certainly, only Osiris could give a man that favour. And certainly, no old, fat man could do that. She wanted to meet him.

—-

Imhotep had arrived at Thebes and was received as a hero. He didn't really expect that, all he wanted was to rest. Instead, he was now received with drums, soldiers, dancers, etc like a war hero. He had endured a brutal test indeed, when he entered the trials, he had no idea what it really meant. It had changed him. A near-death experience in the desert, and with your "mates" turning on each other was traumatic to say the least. Crossing the desert, fasting, meditating and eventually trying to be the last man standing by killing each other, was far more than what he was expecting. In the temple, they're only told about the desert crossing, which seemed bad enough, but they are not told that only the strongest, fearless and somehow ruthless man would be worthy of serving Osiris. He had to kill his friends, and as much guilt as he felt, he knew it was a kill or be killed situation. He prevailed.

He descended the chariot that was transporting him to salute the Pharaoh, who was eagerly waiting for him at the end of the long road in the main plaza. His daughter Nefertiri was standing next to him.

-Well, Lord Imhotep, so it is you who have been worthy of Osiris. Well done, congratulations. - Pharaoh extendes his arm aknowledging Imhotep in front of the whole crowd ho had gathered to welcome him.

Imhotep smiled and bowed to the Pharaoh. - Thank you your Highness, My only desire is to serve you and the gods with the best of my abilities. - he courteously replied.

-And I'm sure you will. This is my daughter Nefertiri - Seti's arm stretched to present his daughter. Imhotep grabbed her palm gently and kissed her knuckles very softly.

- My lady, I am your humble servant from this day until my last breath. - Nefertiri smiled and nodded.

-And I want you to meet my new mistress. Ancksunamun! - He proudly said, he loved to show her off and parade her as a trophy. The pharaoh called her, and she walked from behind his guards to present herself to the new priest.

Imhotep was struck. Nefertiri was said to be the fairest, most beautiful woman in the kingdom and rightly so, she was indeed a beauty to any standards. But Ancksunamun was something else…. She was tall, her body was perfect in every angle, her hips wide but tonified, her breasts perfectly firm and with a perfect size, her long, tonified legs, beautiful obsidian hair that caressed her shoulders and arms, and her face… her black, piercing eyes, straight nose and those lips…. He caught himself releasing a soft gasp as he set eyes on her for the very first time, and thanked the gods the Pharaoh was looking at her and not him, for he knew he looked like an idiot with his jaw dropped to the floor and his eyes wide opened. He composed himself and looked directly into her eyes, and she didn't shy away, she also looked straight at him.

He saw the paint and immediately knew she was off boundaries, that she wasn't to be touched by anybody except Seti. Ancksunamun stopped her walk a few steps away from Imhotep. He simply bowed to her and said "Pleased to meet you my Lady" , trying to have his voice in check and not sounding like a fool.

Ancksunamun didn't say a word, simply returned the bow with a nod from her head, and stepped back to return to her original place.

-Well, enough with the pleasantries. You must be tired, go to the temple to catch some well deserved rest. I'm giving a banquet tonight in your honor, we will discuss some matters then. COME-. And with that, Seti and his follow retired, leaving him alone with a few guards and his chariot.

—-

As soon as she reached her chamber, she could finally lose the composture she had fought with all her strength to maintain since she met the new High Priest. Kissa had said what she had seen him, but she failed to mention he was absolutely nothing like she imagined a High Priest. Up to that day she had typecasted Priests as old men, overweighted, boring men… Imhotep was nothing of the above. He was tall, his skin was tanned, his chest was perfectly marked by muscles, not in a soldier's way with scars and veins, but in another kind of way, a manly, seductive way. And his face…. He had no hair in his body as was normal among priests, but this actually added to his handsome features rather than harming them. His eyes…. Dark eyes that with the sun light could become hazel, green, even grey, and that gaze that looked like he could see her very soul. Those lips, those full lips, and that smile…. Ancksunamun sighed trying to remember his every feature and what his voice sounded like. She felt her stomach tickling as she remembered and felt embarrassed how a woman of her position could be so easily flustered by a man she just met.

She shook her head and decided to get a bath to leave these thoughts apart and carry on with her miserable life. But then she remembered she would see him again tonight, and felt an excitement she hadn't felt in a very long time.

—

Imhotep had a nap, a small meal and was getting ready for the banquet in his honor. He would prefer to stay in his chamber and sleep some more, or meditate instead of having to mingle with so many people and exchange fake pleasantries. And see her.

He dreaded to see her, because he knew that she was a danger to everything he had ever worked for. Ever since he was a boy, he was sent to the Osiris temple to serve, and ever since he had committed his efforts and life to become the leader of the temple. Nothing had interfered, not friends, not family, not lovers, nothing. And now that he had achieved everything he ever wanted, Osiris throws this woman into his path and threatens to destroy everything. For he knew, she was Seti's mistress and was only his, but he felt an overwhelming desire to see her, to talk to her, to touch her… And that, was exactly what he feared. But in reality, his spirit was desperate to see her again. It was an anxiety he couldn't explain, because he was terrified and exhilarated at the same time.

Lord Osiris, give me the strength to endure this new test, the hardest one… please, do not abandon this servant now, give me the resolution and the will to let this temptation pass…. He closed his eyes and tilted his head to the sky, addressing his god to save him from imminent peril.

—-

The banquet was a show of Seti and Egypt's wealth. Anybody who was somebody in Thebes was there, and there was enough food and drink for a batallion. Imhotep was sitting at the right of Seti, and on his left was Nefertiri, and right next to her, Ancksunamun. He tried all night to ignore her and actually made an effort to not look for her or at her. After the food was over, people left the table and gathered in small groups for conversation. Imhotep was in the Pharaoh's circle among nobles and generals, and he talked very little, but when he did, everybody listened, even the Pharaoh. He grew tired of the little crowd and excused himself to go to the gardens to breathe fresh air.

He stood in the middle of the magnificent garden, when he felt a presence next to him.

-It's a beautiful night, is it not?

He turned to see with his heart jumping and racing, and sighed with relief when he realized it was Nefertiri.

-Yes my Lady, indeed it is.- He replied softly.

-Someday you will have to tell me about the trial you just passed - she said playfully

-My lady, I'm afraid I can't do that. All of us who accept the trials, vow to never disclose to anybody about what happens, Lord Osiris forbids it. - Imhotep turned to her and answered seriously.

-Pity…- she said, and left.

He sighed again in relief, she was beautiful and smart, but by no means was somebody who he cared to spend time with, and he was tired and not in the mood for small talk.

-Already making friends I see?- A voice from behind, and again his chest began pounding so loud he thought people could actually hear it. And this time, it was her.

He turned to see and couldn't help to smile, but quickly commanded his lips to be still.

-My Lady Ancksunamun - he simply said and resumed staring at the sky, trying to not look at her.

-Well? -She asked again

He looked at her, couldn't help it, and this time he allowed his eyes to linger on her for a little longer. She was striking, and now she looked more ravishing under the moonlight, the beams of light showing those fierce eyes.

-I wouldn't say "friends"; she's my Master's daughter and a Princess of Egypt, and I was honored to have been addressed by her - he replied.

-Honored. Ha. - She said

He frowned and looked at her puzzled. He immediately noticed a disliking from Ancksunamun to Nefertiri, but didn't dare to ask why.

-How are you tonight, my Lady? He asked trying to keep his voice in check and changing the subject.

-Bored. When every night, or almost every night is a feast after feast, banquet after banquet, the whole thing becomes a burden and not an enjoyment. Of course, it doesn't matter what I think as long as my Master is feeling well and is happy .- She stopped, turned back to see and noticed he was already drunk. - And I believe he's having a marvelous time. - Ancksunamun sighed, already annoyed for she knew what to expect in the following hours.

Imhotep pitied her. She seemed so unhappy. And seeing the Pharaoh drunk meant only one thing to her, and he picked it up immediately.

-He looks happy indeed - he replied. Well, our duty is to serve him, is it not? He asked.

She raised her eyes and met his, both glances locked in each other, challenging each other.

-Indeed, that is our duty and our purpose in life. - She replied

Both of them felt they were being tested. He felt she was sent by the Pharaoh to tempt him both in flesh and to talk his mind about Seti and see if he was loyal, and she thought he would be one more of Seti's lap dogs who would run to him with whatever gossip they had about her. They didn't trust each other.

What they didn't realize is that both intense glances were being held longer than what was appropriate. It's like they told each other what they really thought without the need to talk. He was telling her how fascinated and intrigued he was by her, and she was telling him how she longed to be set free from that living hell she was trapped in.

-Am I interrupting? Again that voice.

-My lady Nefertiri, no not at all. Lady Anck-Su-Namun and I were agreeing how our life's purpose is to serve our lord, your father.- He gently looked at her and smiled. Ancksunamun bowed and also smiled.

-Is that so? She inquired, with a tad of arrogance in her voice.

-Yes, we live and breath to please our Master, at least I talk that for myself - Ancksunamun replied.

-IMHOTEP - a shout called from the hall, it was a welcome interruption from a rather awkward moment. The Pharaoh was calling his High priest into his presence.

-Excuse me ladies - Imhotep bowed and walked away, relieved. Ancksunamun bowed to Nefertiri, called her name and walked away. It was obvious they disliked each other. Ancksunamun disliked her because she was a pretentious, foolish and immature young lady who had no idea what her and the other concubines had to go through with her father, who she thought was perfect and had zero flaws. And Nefertiri disliked Ancksunamun because she thought she was arrogant and above her station, and who should be more grateful of the immense honor bestowed upon her.

Soon, the Pharaoh dismissed them all and called Ancksunamun to his chambers. She obeyed with a defiant and dignified air, when in reality in her insides she was dreading the moment she was about to live, and disgusted by it.

Since the Pharaoh was drunk, he was a lot less gentle than usual, which meant he was rough and harmed her. He bruised her arms, breasts, neck and thighs as he took her frantically. Ancksunamun shut her eyes and fought away the tears and grimace until he was done. He collapsed on top of her, crushing her with his weight. He fell asleep in a matter of seconds, without removing himself. She tried to push him away but couldn't, he was a large and heavy man. It took all her strength to slip from underneath him, gather her robes and leave quietly to her own chambers. Her paint was a mess and it was embarrassing how the Medjai always looked at her with a mockingly smile, as if they celebrated what had just happened inside those chambers.

She entered her room, and allowed herself to drop a few tears to release tension, then took away the smudged paint, washed her face and went to her bed. She was too tired and it was far too late to have a bath. She laid and began to sob, she hated her life so much. But then, in the middle of her sadness, his eyes came to her mind and her heart jumped. Those eyes who stared directly into her soul and stopped time. They were maybe 2 steps apart but she could feel his warmth and could smell his scent, a mixture from sacred herbs, smoke and his own sweat, that was intoxicating for her.

She sighed, smiled and that alone gave her the peace to fall asleep.