I don't own Night at the Museum

Ancient Egypt 1991 B.C.

Dinner had been a complete disaster in Ahkmenrah's perspective. Ever since his brother departed the family had eaten in silence. He had to give his mother credit who had tried to engage the family in a decent conversation, but none had put in their efforts. His father was disappointed and only spoke in short sentences whilst Neferet answered only in 'yes' and 'no.' Every family had it's tension, Ahkmenrah was aware of that, but this was far too much. Letting out a sigh, he composed himself and looked once more at the many leaflets of papyrus that remain on his desk. Each paper held its own topic that contributed of the laws, wealth, taxes, agriculture, and other various aspects of his future lands. The more that he continued to stare at these pieces of papyrus, the more they began to look like ineligible hieroglyphics that even he couldn't decipher. He pushed a piece of papyrus away from his vision and got up from his desk. Some fresh night air would probably help him clear his mind from what he had just tried to study. He knew that his father would probably disapprove but Ahkmenrah felt that he needed a blank mind to actually study off of this. It would have been rather easy for Ahkmenrah if his own brother had been present at this time, since he was appointed to be the pharaoh's vizier, especially during his father's rule but even he had refused to be present.

I am not going to let my mind dwell on that Ahkmenrah thought to himself as he dragged his feet over to the balcony that overlooked all of Ancient Egypt. It was quite the sight to behold during the nighttime but it was more beautiful during dawn when the red hot sun would ignite the sky. Ahkmenrah often wondered how many suns and moons he was going to have to rule during his time. He hoped that it would be for a long time for he wanted Egypt to flourish and become glorious for many years to come. It was supposed to be an exciting opportunity for him but why did he feel lack of confidence in himself? He felt that same way he did when he had first met Neferet but now, they had grown comfortable around one another. He hoped that this would be the same way with his future ruling. There were risks that he knew he was going to have to take. He had been present when he had seen his father executing those orders, under the dissatisfaction of his brother, but they had been for the better of his people. That's the way Ahkmenrah wanted to do it too. He wanted peace and harmony within Egypt and no future wars.

He turned his attention back to his desk and debated whether he ought to go back and study those pieces once more...or just head into his chambers and retire for the night. Khonsu was pushing him to give into the temptation of sleeping and that's what Ahkmenrah was going to do, and there was no arguing with the God of the Moon. He organized the pieces of papyrus and stacked them upon each other. I will get back to you tomorrow he thought as he left his study and found his way around the palace.

At this time of night, the halls of the palace were quiet which was enough of an indication that everyone had retired to their sleep. It was peaceful walking the halls at this time of the night, enough to make anyone ponder about their day or the future of the kingdom. Ahkmenrah suddenly heard a series of footsteps and before he knew it, he stood face to face with Zhara. A smile came upon his lips when he noticed his childhood friend as she stood there holding a pile of linen in her hands. "Zhara," he greeted her and when he saw her dip into a bow, "come now, you don't need to do that."

Zhara immediately blushed at her gesture. She had been taught to do such, especially now that she served Ahkmenrah's wife, that she didn't want to be out of line with her actions. She thought of herself as foolish when she had hugged Neferet when she was appointed to be her servant. Even though Neferet had not done or said anything to that, Zhara should have controlled her actions. "Force of habit," she said as she looked at Ahkmenrah. "You look tired."

There was that childhood friend that he knew. "After a glorious family dinner and sitting for hours reading documents for the laws that have been established, anyone would be tired."

Zhara slowly shook her head at that. "Amazing how you manage to memorize all of that. We went from swimming the Nile to you becoming the future pharaoh and me serving your queen."

Ahkmenrah did not know how to respond to that. The way she said it made it seem as if she was unsatisfied with serving Neferet. "You don't like serving her?" he asked her.

Zhara's eyes widened at that question. "No, no," she shook her head, "I am grateful that I am serving your queen. I just meant to say how far we have come along from being children to where we are now."

If she was being true to herself, Zhara wished that she could have Ahkmenrah but the status that she had was unimaginable for someone in Ahkmenrah's status. His role was a pharaoh to rule Egypt, Neferet's role was to be his queen and produce a future heir, and her role was to just serve them. In a way, Zhara did not mind that for she had a place to remain and as long as she had Ahkmenrah's friendship, that was all that she needed.

Her words were true, they had come a long way from where they first started off as children. Growing up had been quite the experience and yet, there were still many things that he had to learn and mature from. "I do wish that some things would have stayed as they were," he said to Zhara, "but I am glad that I can get to experience this with you."

"As a friend," Zhara smiled, as if he needed a reminder about that.

"Why of course," Ahkmenrah nodded his head to her, "as friends. Get some rest Zhara," he then said to her when he looked once more at the pile of linen in her arms, "it is very well deserved."

"I shall," she said to him. "but after I get these washed for your queen tomorrow. She requested I do so."

Kindly I hope Ahkmenrah thought. "I believe she is in deep slumber?"

"I think so," Zhara answered him, "she is a bit of a heavy sleeper." Chuckling one last time, she bid her goodnight to Ahkmenrah with another bow and headed on her way.

Ahkmenrah found his way over to the chambers that he shared with Neferet. Slowly he opened the door and noticed her frame lying upon the bed that they shared along with the cat that lied at her feet. He noticed the cat opening his emerald eyes and staring at Ahkmenrah as if he was an intruder and not the future pharaoh. "Shh," Ahkmenrah shushed the cat as he walked around the bed and took the cat in his arms.

The cat did not protest but allowed himself to be picked up and gently placed on the ground. Shaking his head, the feline stalked over to Neferet's vanity and sat there as if he was mimicking the statue of the Goddess Bast. Those eyes followed Ahkmenrah when he got himself onto the bed and pulled Neferet close to him and she willingly obliged to be caressed by him. Upon witnessing that, the cat jumped off the vanity and back onto the bed where he curled up into a ball. Just like his owner, he closed his eyes and went into a deep slumber for the night.