Author's Note: Thanks for the reviews, favorites and alerts! Keep 'em coming, lovelies. They inspire. :)

-oiOio-

Far as the eye could see, the grand convoy stretched across the vast desert trail that would lead them from their homeland to the Persian kingdom up north. It was evident that Pharaoh spared no expense in making certain that his precious daughter's journey to Persia constitute a display of their kingdom's wealth and power. It was a miracle to behold how the procession came to somehow organize itself, considering all the litters, entertainers, soldiers, charioteers, riders, servants and slaves included in the odyssey. Most of them came to join the journey with anticipation, eager to see the legendary kingdom of Persia, elated to have been given the privilege to witness Princess Chloe's marriage to the Persian prince. It was ironic that while the vast majority of the eager travelers commenced the journey with merriment and mirth, the princess, who was supposedly the center of all the attention, was the abject picture of dejection.

Hidden from prying eyes inside the comfort of her lavish litter, filled with velvet cushions and silken sheets, Chloe's eyes remained moist with tears, her throat hoarse from crying. Flashbacks of him, his eyes, his touch, his scent, his lips haunted her every waking moment, and she was certain that her dreams would provide no escape. His voice, tinged with emotion, endlessly circled her mind. I don't want you to go, he admitted and hearing him say it out loud and claim her lips with such ardent passion moments later shook her to the very core. She had gone to the caravan expectantly that morning, not at all surprised by the sheer number of people that were to come along on her journey. She loved her people, but that day, the doting crowd mattered little to her. Her eyes and attention were solely focused on her search for him, and yet, it felt like ages since they left Egypt and still, he was nowhere to be seen. He should be by my side by now.

At first, Chloe was indignant that he would dare deny her request for him to go with her. Her wounded pride, however, paled in comparison to the pain that took hold of her when it dawned on her that all she would have left of him were precious memories. Tears began to trickle down her cheeks and she couldn't help but break into painful sobs. She considered for a moment asking Jasmine if Alek really had decided not to come, but her own sense of self-respect kept her from doing so. I've already humbled myself before him and begged him to go with me. He's made his choice and it is up to me now to come into terms with his decision.

Her most trusted handmaiden and confidant, Merte, who had taken care of her since her birth, joined her inside the litter, gently brushing a hand against her long, golden locks.

"Hush, child," Merte said soothingly. "This is not a time for tears. Why such sorrow? You're on a grand journey to meet your betrothed."

"I don't want my betrothed," Chloe shook her head, saying the word betrothed like it was the most despicable thing to ever come out of her lips.

Merte wondered how Chloe managed to, even in tears, still sound like a regal princess rather than a whiny child. "You've never even met him, princess. He might be a greater man than you could've ever imagined. He's the Prince of Persia, a man befitting to be the bridegroom of the Princess of Egypt."

Chloe bitterly smiled. "Why do you believe he is a man whom I ought to love and marry? Because he's a prince? Prince or not, he is nobody but a stranger who never once bothered to travel to our kingdom to ask for my hand. There is nothing romantic or beautiful about a loveless marriage, Merte. It is nothing but a business arrangement, a political strategy, an aggrandized child's tale of a prince and a princess destined to unite two kingdoms, leaving out the truth that they neither know, much less love, each other." Never one to shy away from speaking her mind, there was no hiding the resentment in her voice as she spoke the words. "I care not how great this prince is. I do not want him. He's not the man I love. He's not..." she paused and continued in a softer, more affectionate tone, "...Alek."

Merte sighed softly at the mention of the young warrior's name, stunned by the bold implication that he was the man the princess loved. The middle-aged woman cherished the princess like she would her own daughter. The queen allegedly died upon giving birth to the princess the same night Merte gave birth to a stillborn daughter. It was exactly a day later when Merte was employed at the palace to nurse and eventually wean the princess. Chloe became the daughter she never had and she became the mother Chloe never had. She served as the princess' handmaiden since then. She was the one person whom Chloe dared to confide in about her feelings for the warrior. At first, Merte adamantly protested against it. How could she trust a man who would send Chloe back to her chambers black and blue with painful bruises all over from training? No, she didn't much like Alek at first, but after all the times he selflessly risked his life to save Chloe, after all the moments when he would drop his warrior's façade and allowed himself to be vulnerable and show raw emotion and affection toward the princess, he had unwittingly won Merte over. But the fact remains, Merte thought. They don't belong together. "You best forget him, princess."

"That's impossible," was her curt response. How could I forget him? Her lips still tingled whenever she remembered that stolen moment that they shared together, that passionate kiss she didn't even realize she'd been yearning for until he wordlessly claimed it from her. Every time she shut her eyes, it was his face, his touch, his voice that would penetrate her thoughts, her heart, and her soul. No. I will never forget. Not even if I wanted to. Not even if I tried. After a short silence, Chloe dared ask the question she dreaded the answer to. "Has he really chosen to stay in Egypt?"

Merte's heart ached for the princess. "I'm not certain," she said truthfully. "I haven't seen him since we left the capital. Perhaps he's just somewhere…"

"If he's here, he'd be outside this litter by now," Chloe interrupted, "but he isn't, is he?"

Merte's eyes lowered – enough of an answer to Chloe's inquiry.

He didn't even bother to say goodbye, she thought bitterly. Then again, would I have been able to bear such an encounter with him? She hated goodbyes and to think of having to say it to him made her sick to her stomach. Maybe it's for the best... she reasoned to herself. Perhaps that moment we shared is the best goodbye we could ever have. No sooner did the thought escape her mind did she counter it with another. No... being away from him is far from being what's best for me. A now familiar pang filled her chest. It felt like something had just been ripped out of her and trampled upon before it was unceremoniously yanked back inside. Alek, I need you...

Saving the princess from her lovelorn reverie, Jasmine's voice came from outside the flaxen curtains that hid Chloe from the rest of the travellers. "Princess?"

"Jasmine," Chloe acknowledged her friend and mentor. "What is it?"

"Pharaoh is here to see you, your highness." The moment Jasmine finished saying the words, the litter stopped moving.

Chloe quickly tried to wipe her tears away and regain composure. Merte lost no time in making sure that not a single hair would be out of place to ready the princess to face her father. It took but a couple of breaths before Chloe peered out of the litter to see Pharaoh. Sure enough, her father was there, greeting her with a wide, affectionate, smile. She would've responded to his delight upon seeing her, but she was immediately distracted by the sight of who was behind Pharaoh. Her heart leaped. There he was, standing right next to Jasmine. Alek. She wanted to hug him, yell at him, hit him, kiss him, throw herself at him all at the same time. Considering the joy and relief that came over her upon seeing him, she was convinced that she could stare at him for days and be perfectly satisfied, but that would only stir them both to trouble, so she quickly averted her gaze to her father and smiled sweetly. "Father," she acknowledged him with a curt bow of reverence.

Pharaoh assisted her in getting out of the litter and onto the sandy ground. The hot sun was blazing against them and servants quickly moved to shade them with whitewashed cotton canopies and fan them with palm branches as they spoke to each other. Merte, never far from the princess, stood not too far behind her, quickly observing that the whole procession stopped its trek to allow Pharaoh to converse with his daughter.

"You look lovely, my child," he said, as he cupped his hands over her cheeks and planted a kiss on her forehead. "But you're no longer a child, are you?" He gazed down at her with affection, almost as if he was having second thoughts about letting her go.

For a moment, Chloe allowed herself to hold on to a thread of hope that her father would change his mind. Her hope was short-lived.

"You're a beautiful woman now," their tall, imposing leader expressed affectionately. "The Prince of Persia should realize that he is fortunate to have you as his bride."

Her heart sank. There was no escaping this so-called fate of hers. Out of the corner of her eye, she could sense Alek's eyes on her and knowing that he was looking at her made her spine tingle with sensations she didn't even recognize. How must I marry this strange Persian prince with him around? She stole a quick glance his way, wondering to herself if she would ever experience his touch again or was all she had to hold on to were the memories of him hidden away in every worthwhile crevice of her mind?

"Why so sad, my love?" Pharaoh asked, paternal concern in his eyes.

I don't want to go to Persia. I don't want to marry this prince, she thought and she was just about to say the words out loud when her father's brows creased at the sight of the bandage on her left shoulder. "What happened? Who's to blame for this?"

Chloe's breath hitched as she instinctively covered the wound with her palm, only to slightly hiss in pain when her hand hit the still fresh wound with more force than she intended. "It's nothing, father. It's a light scratch. It won't even scar." Her heart skipped a couple of beats after giving Alek, whose eyes were now downcast, a swift gaze.

"Alek," Pharaoh spoke sternly.

Chloe flinched at the firm mention of her beloved's name, wondering if simply glancing at Alek had somehow been a betrayal of him. Did she just let her father know that it was her protector who had caused the gash? Bastet, how would father even know? She looked just about ready to faint.

Anyone who saw Alek could see that he was undaunted by Pharoah's call. He stepped forward, positioning himself just one step behind the monarch. "Your majesty?"

"It's your responsibility to keep the princess unharmed and pristine for her marriage to the prince, is it not?" The words were calm and calculating, reflecting their leader's diplomatic abilities.

Alek's stomach was in knots. Being told that it was his responsibility to keep Chloe unharmed and pristine for her marriage to the prince left a bad taste in his mouth. It's my responsibility to keep her unharmed and pristine. That's it. "Yes, your majesty. It's my responsibility," Alek nodded, quite ready to face whatever punishment the Pharaoh decided to throw his way. I should've had more control, he chastised himself, still remembering how awful he felt upon seeing the blood on her skin.

"Then why do I find my daughter harmed?" Pharoash asked, continuing his composed inquisition.

Chloe grimaced as she looked at Alek and panic surged within her when Alek began to open his mouth to respond. She was quite certain that he wouldn't hesitate to get himself into trouble by admitting that he caused the wound. "Don't blame this on him, father," she spoke up before any sound could come out of the warrior's lips. "I'm to blame."

Alek gave her a look that clearly asked, What do you think you're doing?

Saving you from pain, fool. She thought as she rolled her eyes at him. "I visited the training grounds yesterday morning. I was toying with one of the daggers and accidently cut myself."

Her father raised a black brow at her. "What were you doing paying a visit to the training grounds?"

Chloe and Alek exchanged anxious glances. The protocols, routines and ceremonies that came with her being the princess could be sickeningly overwhelming sometimes. Her time – her life – never seemed to be her own.

To their relief, Pharaoh did not await a response from them, but only breathed a deep sigh. "It seems you have your work cut out for you, soldier," he said, stepping backward so that he was shoulder-to-shoulder with the young warrior. He turned his gaze toward Alek. "I'm entrusting her into your hands. Make sure she reaches Persia and her prince safely."

Chloe's brows furrowed. "Father, what do you mean?" She slit her eyes. "You can't be implying that you're not coming with us, are you?"

Alek barely heard her protests. All he could think about was Pharaoh's command. Make sure she reaches Persia and her prince… Her prince. Alek gritted his teeth, jealousy gripping at him even as he nodded over the great responsibility that had just been thrust his way. Only that morning, he was warring with himself whether he should join the journey or not. His duty and love for her overpowering any sense of self-preservation he had, he decided to go. Before he could reach Chloe, however, he was summoned by Pharaoh and told that he was to take charge of the entire procession and Chloe's safety would be his prime responsibility. Why Pharaoh would trust him with such an undertaking was beyond Alek, but he was not about to take his king's trust lightly.

It seemed Pharaoh was as oblivious to Chloe's remarks as he was, because ignoring his daughter, he continued to address Alek. "You will protect her, will you not? Even from herself if necessary?"

Before Alek could respond, Chloe stepped up, fists clenched, fire blazing in her bright blue eyes. Alek drew a breath at the sight of her. Dear Bastet, she looks magnificent when enraged.

"You can't presume to send me to Persia alone, father," Chloe protested, fury raging within her. "You would have me – your daughter – marry this stranger without you? Have you ever even met this man, father?" Her voice was beginning to rise along with her growing desperation.

A sorrowful expression filled her father's eyes, triggered by her enraged pleas. "There's a matter of great importance that requires me to stay in Egypt and…"

"What matter could be more important than your own daughter's wedding?" There was no mistaking the anger in her tone.

"Chloe…" The aging man looked at her softly and tried to brush his hand against her jaw.

She cringed away from his touch, shaking her head in frustration. "Have you ever even met the man you are giving me away to?" She said the words through gritted teeth, punctuating every single word to emphasize her point.

Pharaoh heaved a deep sigh before looking at her resolutely. He would not have his word questioned. Not even by his own daughter. "With or without me, Chloe, you will go to Persia and you will meet the prince." Without another word to address her, he turned back to Alek. "I trust you'll protect her?" he repeated.

Alek looked the Pharaoh in the eye, assuring him that he was a man of his word and that he would not break his lord's trust. "With my own life, your highness... I will protect the princess." Alek didn't want to look at her. He didn't want to see the pain in her eyes. He knew her well enough to know that she saw this as her father abandoning her, rejecting her.

The Pharaoh turned toward Chloe, held her by the shoulder and kissed her forehead.

"Father, please don't do this. Please don't go," she pleaded, inwardly chastising herself at how much pleading she'd been doing over the past few days.

He only heaved one deep sigh before saying, "I love you, Chloe." A short pause followed before he pulled away from her and said, "Goodbye."

She bit her lip, fighting back the tears, unable to believe that her own father would abandon her this way. She stood frozen as Pharaoh began to walk away from her, surrounded by his own large entourage of soldiers and servants. It wasn't long until a good chunk of the procession headed off with their leader on the opposite direction, back to Egypt.

Chloe stood on the sandy desert, watching as her father faded off into the distance. "I love you too, Papa," she whispered under her breath, hoping that the soft breeze would carry the message and take it to her father.

"Princess…" Alek's voice finally spoke from behind her. "We best be heading off. We want to find safe camping ground before night fall."

She turned toward him and began to walk back to her litter, barely noticing the handful of servants trailing after her and all the pairs of eyes set on her, awaiting her instructions on when they ought to continue their trek. Just as she was about to brush past him, she stopped right next to him, intentionally grazing her elbow against his arm.

Alek looked at her questioningly, wondering what was going on in her mind.

She pursed her lips and gave him a short huff. Chloe was known to be a bit snippy when upset, so what came out of her mouth did little to surprise him. "If you're supposed to protect me from everything – including myself," she said with flair before raising a brow at him, "who's going to protect me from you?"

He didn't reply immediately. He stared at her for a moment, trying to ascertain her mood. He feigned giving her question some thought. He then shrugged and leaned his head closer to her, meeting her blazing blue eyes with his soft brown ones. "Nobody, princess," he smirked. "No one can protect you from me."

She raised a brow, challenging him. "Oh?"

The full-on, arrogant smirk on his face widened as he nodded at her. "Yes, princess, which is why, out of sheer concern for your well-being, I strongly suggest…" he paused, tilted his head to the side and slit his eyes at her, "Don't cross me."

The expression on her face was something he'd seen before, a clear warning of what was to come. It was made of pure and stubborn mischief. "But what fun would this journey be if I played by all the rules?" She then continued to brush past him, but not before whispering under her breath - just enough for only him to hear, "It was killing me to think that you'd abandoned me."

He meant it when he replied in an equally low whisper, "Never, princess." I couldn't even if I wanted to. You have me, Chloe. I'm yours.

A soft smile crossed her lips and she began clapping her hands to alert everyone to pay attention to her as if they weren't already hanging on to her every word and command. "Let's get moving," she commanded no one in particular. In a few moments after she gave her order, the caravan was once again on the move.

Alek rode a horse next to Jasmine's beside the princess' litter. He gave Jasmine a nervous glance. As if reading his mind, Jasmine nodded and said, "Something tells me she's not going to make this an easy journey."

Alek grimaced. "My thoughts exactly."

-oiOio-

The moment they arrived at the capital, Pharaoh didn't even bother to return to the palace. His immediate destination was the temple of the goddess Bastet, a temple that could match - if not outdo - the palace in its grandeur. Upon walking inside the grand hall of the temple, he immediately spotted the high priestess, Tatara, bowing down on the ground, humming some sort of chant. He stopped his strides a few paces behind her, not wanting to disturb whatever ritual she was doing.

He didn't have to wait long, because Tatara had been expecting him and it was obvious in the way she didn't even look his way when he arrived yet somehow knew that it was him who entered the temple. She simply knelt up from her crouched position on the ground and asked, "It's done?" before rising to her feet to face him.

He looked her over from head to foot, noting how equally beautiful and intimidating the tall, black-haired vixen was. He only nodded in response, his impatience evident. It wasn't Tatara that he came to see.

The high priestess nodded with understanding. "She's been waiting for you."

A breath escaped his lips. He'd been waiting for this day for so long – this day when he would finally see her again after all these years of pining for her. Now, the day finally came. He could see her again. He would once again be able to hold his beloved in his arms.

No words were exchanged as Tatara led him through several corridors and hallways, filled with the cloying scent of incense, before she stopped in front of a large stone door, intricately carved with prophecies written by some of Bastet's most devoted followers.

"She's inside," Tatara told him, pointing to the door.

Pharaoh held his breath, his heart thumping within him as he stepped forward and pressed his hands against the latch that opens the huge door. Upon contact, the thick slab slid open and he stepped inside. He stood frozen for a moment, shivers running through his entire body, elated by the sight before him. Just as promised, she was there – looking as young and as magnificent as the first time he laid eyes on her. Her long, blonde locks fell in waves down to her waist. The blue dress she wore was unlike anything he'd ever seen among the kingdom's most affluent aristocrats. It flowed with her every move, accenting her ethereal beauty. When she turned to face him, he drew a deep sigh, stunned by the enticing blue depths of her eyes. She smiled at him but once, and he was entirely hers. "Pharaoh," she began to say, "I trust you've done as I requested since we last met?"

He nodded quickly, quite forgetting his status as Pharaoh of Egypt. At that moment, he was simply a man stricken by such a beautiful woman. "She is on her way to Persia as we speak. The warrior you've chosen is with her." He paused before giving voice to his apprehension. "Are you certain that Tatara's ward will be able to protect Chloe?"

"Your anxiety amuses me, Pharaoh. You need not fret." The goddess Bastet made her way to him, brushing a soft hand against his cheek. "The warrior has my blessing. You have nothing to fear. Our daughter will be perfectly alright."