Author's Note: Meskhenet was the goddess of fate/destiny. As stated on this website :

In addition to ensuring the safe delivery of a child from the womb, Meskhenet takes a decision on its destiny at the time of birth.

Please read and review! I hope you all like this chapter. I tried my best and I know it's what so many of you have waited for. :)

Jen

Chapter Thirteen

"Awakening"

Seti's Palace

Thebes, Egypt

1290 BC

By twilight Imhotep had reached the city. He had ridden with Anck-su-namun's body in a chariot led by two horses through the desert. His body ached from the long and tiresome journey, but his mind had never been clearer. He was determined to go through with his plan. She did not deserve this death and Osiris would not have her as long as there was still breath within his body.

Anck-su-namun was now laid out upon an altar deep inside the City of the Dead and Imhotep did not take his eyes away from her as he approached with the black book held open upon his palms, its weight being the farthest thing from his mind.

A new feeling was coursing through him at this very moment, one he had not experienced yet this past night: Fear. What if this incantation failed to bring her back? What would he do then? She could be lost to him forever. No one in the history of mankind had ever performed such a spell, no mortal at least, as his thoughts drifted toward Isis' resurrection of her slain husband, Osiris, the Lord of the Dead himself, but Imhotep could feel the power permeating from the obsidian pages of the book held before him. The gods were aware of his task and he truly believed that they were lending their blessings for the return of Anck-su-namun's soul to her body.

Slowly, he began to say the words, commanding Osiris to release her…

"Koutah shi nu rabba. Oos veesloo. Ahm kum ra. Ahm kum day. Efday shokran. Efday shokran. Efday shokran amenophis!"

The moment Imhotep finished with the incantation, a brilliant, golden light surrounded Anck-su-namun's body, causing him to want to shield his eyes, yet he could not look away and watched in amazement as life was magically restored.

Anck-su-namun's eyes flew open and her body jolted up, her lungs taking in their first new breath, as she escaped from death's embrace. Imhotep stumbled back a step from the altar, his eyes still wide with awe, as his mouth remained apart, fast breaths flowing in and out of it. Though he was now witness to a most awesome sight, a miracle, he could not believe what he had just done. To actually see for once the power of the gods working for him, for Anck-su-namun, was the most indescribable and incredible sensation he had ever experienced and he almost did not know what to do with himself, for it had truly worked... She was alive... He had succeeded in bringing her back from the dead.

Still processing this, his chest kept heaving up and down, his heart beating with a fierceness, probably much like that of Anck-su-namun's newly rejuvenated one. His body trembled and he finally set down the book, before leaning over her, immediately taking her hands into both of his.

Looking down into her confused and flittering eyes, which had been searching frantically all around for an explanation, he could not help but smile lovingly, however, Anck-su-namun jumped at his touch.

Taking a hand away from hers, he gently touched the side of her face and whispered, "Anck-su-namun…" as his hand floated over her face, never touching her. Softly he spoke again. "Shh… Everything is alright now… I promise."

At this, Anck-su-namun's dark eyes seemed to become smaller, as they contorted into an expression that showed she was trying to comprehend what was happening to her. She gazed at him a moment, then at the hand which held her own, looking as though she wanted to speak, but could not find the words, until finally, she forced herself to a sitting position, causing Imhotep to move out of the way.

Immediately, she opened the robe of which she still wore, searching for the spot where she so vividly remembered the dagger plunging deep into her stomach. Her fingers touched her skin, her pure, and unmarked skin...There was no wound... no blood, no sign that she had ever done anything.

Upon seeing this, Anck-su-namun's head jerked back to Imhotep and the look upon her face made it appear as though she wanted to cry, or was on the verge of becoming hysterical.

"What-" she began, but Imhotep quickly placed his finger over her lips, while resting his other hand upon her shoulder. Gently he squeezed and made small circles with his thumb over the fabric.

"Hush…" he said, looking in her eyes with a look of comfort, completely unable to conceal the happiness within his eyes. Anck-su-namun forced herself to calm, taking a slow breath, before lowering Imhotep's hand from her lips. She wanted to speak, but only looked at him in more confusion. She had so many questions. It was hard to find a place to start, but she went with the major one that plagued her mind.

"Why am I not dead?" she asked.

Imhotep was slightly taken aback by her question. He had not thought of the moment when he would have to explain his reasons to her and there was not a single trace of a path to take in telling her. How was he to explain himself he wondered, tearing his eyes away from hers, and looking down, for fear of what she might think of him. He knew he had to tell her. This was not just something he could keep to himself. He owed it to her to give her an explanation as to why and how she was back, but would he lose her again when he did?

Gathering his courage and hope that she would not forsake him, while keeping a hand on her shoulder, he used the other to take one of her hands in his, as he tried to form the words within his mind. Anck-su-namun was not patient enough, however, and tossed him more questions about her situation.

"My Lord… why am I here? Why am I… with you?" she asked, fear creeping into her voice. She knew he was the keeper of the dead, but she had counted on actually being dead when he came to tend to her!

Imhotep forced himself to look at her. "I… brought you back…" he simply said.

Anck-su-namun's eyes flew wide once again, and she became pale like that of the corpse she had recently been. She had known that Imhotep had had powers, but to this degree… Resurrecting someone who was supposed to be dead frightened her out of her mind. Why had he done this! For a moment she looked at him in absolute shock, but found that she just could not hold back her tongue.

"Have you lost your senses!" she cried, pushing his hands away from her, "Have you no idea what you have done! You may have condemned yourself! Have you not thought of the consequences!"

Imhotep suddenly grasped both her shoulders and looked in her eyes, desperate to stop her from panicking. "Enough! Anck-su-namun, it was not your destiny to die this night," he said, trying to convince her everything was alright.

At this, Anck-su-namun was even more affirmed to believe that he had lost his mind. Surely they would be punished! A thousand terrible things were racing through her mind, but Imhotep did something, which quelled her thoughts.

Slowly, he lifted his hand into the air to gently pass it over her face. The intensity in his unblinking eyes was immense, yet it caused her great uneasiness. No man had ever looked at her in such a manner; it frightened her, her heart racing violently beneath her breast, pumping with a mixture of fear and anticipation.

"What are you doing?" she asked, her body trembling from the gesture. Why was he doing all of this?

Imhotep, not wanting to frighten her further, ignored the question and stepped closer to her, tucking some of her long hair behind her ear, as he admired her. "You truly are a beauty..." he breathed, taking her all in. This succeeded in causing Anck-su-namun to blink and she held her breath for several moments before speaking.

"My Lord? I am afraid I do not understand…" she said.

Imhotep gave a slight chuckle, as though he were amused. "Hush now, my princess Anck-su-namun. I have given you back your life."

At this, she choked, tears welling up in her eyes. Was she really worth so much to him? "But why? Why have you have risked everything, and all for my resurrection? …Imhotep, I­-"

A finger was laid against her lips again and she shushed, looking up at Imhotep with her big, cinnamon eyes for answers to her questions. Imhotep sighed.

"Your destiny is not in death…" he said, lifting her hand to his chest, placing it open palm against where his heart beat beneath his breast. His fingers massaged hers, so gently that Anck-su-namun allowed her eyes to close at the pleasure it gave her to finally be touched by this man.

"Then where does my destiny lie, Imhotep?" she whispered, opening her eyes to look in his. He smirked and leaned in close, whispering in her ear.

"In a place where I can worship the body of your soul for longer than an eternity…"

Anck-su-namun shivered, feeling his hot breath on her neck as he spoke. She could hardly believe the words she was hearing. It was like a forbidden dream being played out before her, but what she felt next was more real than any dream.

Imhotep's lips brushed against her neck and he breathed softly upon her skin, sending chills down her being. Her eyes closed, as he moved his face before hers and softly brought his lips to hers. The kiss was powerful. The moment their lips connected the passion it ignited was indescribable. She grabbed him by the sides of his face and returned with an eagerness she had never experienced before. His hands gripped her shoulders, thumbs circling the flesh that was now exposed from the falling robe.

"I love you, Anck-su-namun," he breathed, breaking the kiss and pulling back to look at her.

Anck-su-namun trembled, returning his gaze. The depth of the love she saw within his eyes was unbelievable. This man had done everything for her. He had given her life at possibly the cost of his very soul. How could anyone have such a love? How could she? Yes, she loved this man, but she was scared. Scared of what this love might bring upon them both.

"Imhotep, what if someone sees!" she exclaimed. "I do not want to lose you, not when I have been kept from you for so long. But, how? How can we be together?"

Imhotep searched her eyes for the longest time, before simply answering, "To ask such a question… one should be asking the goddess Meskhenet herself. Anck-su-namun, some things are not meant to be explained, nor understood, like love. My love is real. Now and forever, I am yours, and I will protect you at any cost."

Anck-su-namun took in his words, staring at him in amazement at his promise of devotion and safekeeping. It stole her very breath away and there was only one thing she could say in response to such a promise; the words slipping so easily from her lips:

"I love you, Imhotep," she whispered through tear-filled eyes, as he smiled in return, again brushing her hair behind her ear, as his own eyes shone with fresh tears.

"We are one, Anck-su-namun. Till this day our souls have been torn and made as two different entities, but no longer shall we dwell in the emptiness of separation. We will be made whole again, on this day with the rising of the sun…"

And, their mouths connected again, this time in a slow, lingering kiss, which gently grew in intensity, but never losing its tenderness. Anck-su-namun gave into her feelings completely, trusting every word Imhotep had said to her. This was truly meant to be. What other reason could there be for their love? They had been brought together; he had tempted fate to be with her, and won. Their love was beautiful, perfect and her hand came up to cup the side of his face, her thumb caressing his cheek.

Needing to feel her in his arms at last, Imhotep carefully wrapped his arms around her, his princess. Gently, he squeezed and held her against him, as their lips remained together in an impassioned dance. This woman stole his very breath, but was without question the sole reason his heart continued to beat and he could not control himself any longer. He would make her his and take her from Seti's vile grasp. And, in their time together, now, and in the future, he would make her forget all her sorrows, all her worries, and all the evils that she had been given.

Pushing the robes down her arms and letting them fall upon the altar behind Anck-su-namun, their kiss came to a stop, for Imhotep had caught sight of what was being worn beneath the robe: A sheer, low cut, black dress of which the front traveled down to just above her navel. Imhotep was stunned by the way the clothing hugged to her curves and he reached a trembling hand out to trace them at her sides. He was beyond eager to touch her, yet he wanted to savor every moment.

"You are a goddess, Anck-su-namun… one that Seti not deserve to worship."

These words brought tears to Anck-su-namun's eyes. It amazed her how this man could bring such emotion to her. She had thought herself to be dead inside long ago, but Imhotep had rekindled her heart, her hopes, and her dreams. He gave her back everything that was precious to have in life, everything that she had forgotten.

Bringing her hand up, she cupped the right side of his face, but found herself unable to find the words, but none were needed. He seemed to understand what lay behind her eyes and returned the gesture, sliding his hand up from her waist to touch her cheek.

"My princess, Anck-su-namun…" he whispered, bringing his face in close. His nose nuzzled her cheek, before she felt warm, moist lips upon her neck. "The time has come for you to be shown my love," he added, lightly rubbing his nose now against her throat, before giving another kiss. "You deserve to be cherished in ways even I cannot bestow, but I will give to you all I can. This I promise."

Imhotep slid his strong hands to her back and held her against him. Anck-su-namun sighed happily and placed a finger beneath his chin, lifting his head up to look at her. "Imhotep, you were ever the only one worthy enough to touch me. My body was meant to be your temple."

Imhotep shook with emotion at these words. Slowly, she pulled back from him and reached behind her neck to untie her dress. The sheer, black material fell, reminding Imhotep of a flower's petals in bloom, as her body was revealed to him. He watched her in awe as she lay back upon the altar, dropping the dress to the sandy floor and giving him a coy smirk, motioning for him to come closer with her finger.

"Oh, Anck-su-namun," he breathed, taking in her naked form. "I have ached for you," he said, shirking his robe and letting it fall to the ground.

Stepping closer to her, he waved his hands slowly over her face and down her body. Though he never touched her, Anck-su-namun could feel him, as though some magical force were wafting off his hands. It stole her breath and her body wriggled slightly as his hands passed, her eyes closing. This caused Imhotep to smile, a rare feature to his face.

Carefully he stopped what he was doing and leaned over her, taking her lips with his. He kissed her softly, as she pulled him down to her, helping him onto the altar. After so long without having known his touch, she did not have much patience left to be apart from him. She needed him, so much she felt she would burst if he did not become one with her soon.

Imhotep was breath taken by how soft and inviting her skin was against his own. He continued to kiss her, ready to ravish her entire body. Though he had never been with a woman before, he felt confident that he would please her, for she was his soul mate. He felt he already knew her and that they had met many times before in previous existences. It was clear to him that she was meant for him and that they would forever be as one. Nothing could stop this.

Anck-su-namun wrapped her arms tightly around him, moaning softly, her breath coming swiftly. "Imhotep!" she cried, as their kiss broke and he brought his lips to her neckline. He rocked his hips against hers, feeling constricted by his clothing. Anck-su-namun's head tilted back and she cradled his, as he continued to devour her with his lips.

Before she knew what was happening, a soft moan escaped from her, causing Imhotep to pull her hard against his body. She could feel his desire growing, as it gently poked her stomach, causing her to gasp. She had never known any man, but Seti and to actually feel desire so deeply during this act that was meant for love, it was new to her and she felt her nerves rising up inside herself.

Imhotep was breathing very heavily and she pushed his head lower until it was between her breasts. Releasing a breath, she held him there, feeling his hot breath billowing out onto her delicate skin. Her body trembled in his arms, causing Imhotep to smile, as he sent his tongue out to lick her flesh. She shivered and he felt his need for her grow again. She was amazing. Touching her was better than he had ever imagined it to be.

"Imhotep…" she whispered to him, breathlessly, "I want to be yours."

"As you wish, my princess," he said, reaching down to remove his loincloth. His fingers fumbled with the material, as his nerves were taking their toll, but Anck-su-namun aided him in his task and in a few moments the cloth was stripped from his body.

Gently, he parted her long, golden legs and entered her, making love to her in a way she had never known, and in this moment they were not only one in body, but spirit. She could feel it, as could he. Their love was strong, consuming, and passionate, and Imhotep, as well as Anck-su-namun knew it would never die.

Time passed in Hamunaptra and Imhotep now lay behind Anck-su-namun upon the altar, both on their sides, as he lightly traced his fingers up and down her arm. Softly he kissed her shoulder and drew her close, having never felt closer to anyone as he did now, but something plagued his mind.

"Tell me… Anck-su-namun… why did you wish to end your own life?"

Anck-su-namun had nearly forgotten this event after being in the arms of Imhotep, which had seemed like nothing less than Heaven. Now that she was presented with this kind of questioning, however, she grew defensive.

"I didn't just wish to. I succeeded," she answered, plainly.

"My love… I did not wish to cause you pain by asking… I merely wish to know."

Anck-su-namun drew in a deep breath and collected her thoughts, before turning over to face him. Sadness and fear were embedded in her gaze and this caused Imhotep much worry. He lifted his hand to her cheek and brushed the backs of his fingers against it in a gesture of love.

"I wanted to die. Seti… he…" She paused and closed her eyes a moment, before continuing, Imhotep's touch soothing her and helping her to speak. "I was the one who escorted his daughter, Layla, to the barley fields by the Nile. She fell ill shortly after. I had only wanted to show her a place that had made me happy as a child. My father would let my sisters and I play in those fields when we were young… I cannot think of a time I had felt more joy."

Imhotep nodded to encourage her to go on. It delighted him to think of her as a child when times had been much happier for her, but was slightly hurt by her last comment.

"The pharaoh wished for me to spend time with her, since we are to marry. He wishes for me to meet with all his children, but where I chose to take her…" She stopped and shook her head, tears forming in her eyes. "Imhotep, it is my fault! If I hadn't taken her there, she would have never caught the plague and the pharaoh would not be blaming me for her death!"

Rage transformed Imhotep's face after he heard this and he stopped with the touching of her face. "He blames you? …Has he… hurt you?" he demanded, keeping his voice even.

Anck-su-namun seemed to shrink back slightly, appearing nervous at this change in Imhotep. "No… my servants were in the room. He would not show that side of himself so willingly in front of his loyal followers. He is a coward!" she added with conviction.

Imhotep's tension seemed to wash away and he kissed her lightly upon the forehead. "One day he will meet with a fate only he deserves, my princess… But, we must hurry back to Thebes I fear. They will be looking for us. If Seti finds that you have left the kingdom, he will kill every man until he finds you."

"But the journey back will take a while… Can we not spend a little more time together?" she asked, coyly, dragging a finger down the front of his chest. Imhotep smirked.

"Perhaps I can always tell the pharaoh that you wished to clear your conscience over the death of Layla by making a pilgrimage to the City of the Dead."

It was Anck-su-namun's turn to smirk now. "Dai yu."

And with that, they were locked in another kiss, holding onto one another as though their lives depended on it.