Chapter 1

He lifted her head by the chin, his face shrouded in the shadows of the dark room. He pulled her closer, his lips to her ear, "I'd stay away from the pharaoh if I were you…you don't know what his family's done…"

Miew sat up in alarm from her dream. Her raven hair clinging to her now sweat-soaked skin. 'what was that dream?' she thought. She looked over where her friend, Menat, slept peacefully in her own bed. Miew crawled from her bed and walked over to the window, staring out onto the peaceful city of the middle kingdom. Even though she was nothing but a simple servant the views and sights of the palace were more than any person could ask for.

"Miew?" Menat's squeaky, innocent voice echoed in the quiet room, "what's wrong?"

Miew smiled sheepishly at her friend, "I just couldn't sleep is all."

"well, you better find sleep soon. we have a busy day tomorrow," Menat said with a yawn as she rested her head on her feather-stuffed pillow. Miew returned her gaze out on the resting city, her emerald eyes twinkling in the moonlight.

"I know. I'll go back to bed soon…"

Water splashed as several of the servants waded, washed clothes, and picked unwanted weeds from the shallow Nile. Miew placed her basket of clothes next to her older sister, Hereret, who was hanging the newly washed clothes.

"it's a beautiful day…" Miew sighed peacefully, "a lot of commotion in the palace today…why?"

"silly girl," Hereret giggled at her 3-year-younger sister, "today, of all days, the pharaoh will actually be meeting with all of the other rulers of Egypt. As you know, it's a big country that must have all laws in order and maintain control."

Miew gave her sister a sour look, "I wanted to know why the fuss not a lecture…"

Hereret laughed and threw a wet sheet on Miew's head, "such a silly girl…" Miew just smiled as she removed the sheet from her head, her lavender bangs and raven hair drenched.

Miew and Hereret froze as the Nile went silent. Miew blinked as she noticed the reason for the stand-still in time. One of the six high priests had exited the palace and out onto the Nile.

Miew recognized the priest as the priestess Isis. 'she's gorgeous…much prettier than what I've heard…' She thought as she placed the sheet into the basket. Isis turned in Miew and Hereret's direction. The two sisters froze at her gaze. Isis motioned for Miew. She stood hesitantly and walked up to the waiting priestess.

She bowed politely, "how may I be of assistance ma'am?"

Isis looked around the Nile then motioned for her to stand, "we must talk in private." Miew blinked and followed the charming being, known as Isis, into the palace.

Isis led her into a private chamber, mostly likely her quarters. Isis motioned for her to sit and said, "my Sennen Tauk has shown me the future…it involves you…Miew Kem."

Miew gasped, "how'd you know my name?" She froze as she realized her disrespectful comment, "I'm sorry ma'am…please forgive my rudeness…"

Isis smiled at her, "think nothing of it." Her smile faded, "I have come to warn you. Your future is going to involve dangerous treachery. You must stay focused with what's right at all times."

Miew gaped at her words. She looked down, ashamed of showing her face to the raven-haired beauty before her, "but…I don't understand, Lady Isis…how can my future be so disturbed?"

"It has been foreseen."

"but…" her voice trailed off, "…Lady Isis, with all due respect, I don't think-"

"then don't think," Isis interrupted, "just trust my word. And no harm will ensue you or this kingdom." Miew just nodded. Isis stood and walked over to the door, "shall I get you something? Food perhaps?"

Miew shook her head and stood, "I must return to my work. Thank you, though…" Miew walked past her headed back out to the Nile.

"heed my warning, child," Isis said barely above a whisper as she watched Miew disappear, "love is blinding…"

Hereret stood up as her younger sister came into view, "Miew!"

Miew looked up only to be surrounded by several of the female servants that worked in the Nile. She blushed in embarrassment as they bombarded her with questions about the angelic high priest called Isis.

"Miew?" Hereret said as she shoved through the crowd, "Miew!" Miew grabbed her sister's hand and pulled away from the crowd. Hereret brushed herself off, "well? What did Isis want?"

Miew smiled, "just to chat. She was telling me of some things she wished to plan for the pharaoh and his court."

"then why would she talk to you?" Menat said shoving past Hereret.

Miew shrugged, "I don't know…" She looked down, 'why DID she talk to me? What could she possibly foresee from her Sennen Tauk?'