So I had half of this chapter written, right?
Then my laptop went into standby and Autosave FAILED.
Needless to say, I was very upset.
So everything has been re-written—maybe better.
I don't want to rush this story at all.
So I apologize for the sub-plots;
but I hope you enjoy everything you read. :)
Love, Catch Fireflies

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Recap: Recalling the way she attempted to be official while greeting her, Isis let out a small laugh. She shook her head with a hint of a smile. What a peculiar young mage…

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Malik and Mana, recognized, were welcomed into the palace's courtyards by the guards. They planned on sneaking into the grand residence of the Pharaoh and avoiding anyone who could tell Isis of their "impromptu" visit. That plan, however, was foiled.

"Mana! Malik! What are you doing here today?" a voice called.

Mana recognized it as Mahaado's immediately, hoping he was the only one around. She knew he wouldn't say anything. She slowly turned around and laughed nervously when she noticed Priest Set following suit to her teacher.

"Good afternoon, Mahaado! Priest Set!" she greeted. "We're just paying a visit to Princess Hijra and I wanted to say hello to Atem!"

Set eyed Malik carefully. He was well aware of the current situation and well informed of Pharaoh Atem's orders to keep his sister safe and protected properly. It's not that anyone disapproved of Malik's adoration for the princess, in fact, he was rather well-liked. He was charming, kind, and the brother of a very respected and successful high priestess. There was nothing dangerous about the handsome young man. The rising tension with Hijra's rumored affair with the Thief King and the friction that was causing between the siblings was a little too much for the Pharaoh to handle. Above all, Shadow Games and threats aside, Atem did not want to lose his sister. She was the only family he had left and he could not bear for her to stray from him just yet; especially to Akiefa.

Malik smiled a gentle, charming smile and bowed slightly to show respect for his sister's associates.

"Where is the princess?" he asked.

"She's roaming around the palace halls. At least, she was when I saw her last," Set answered ambiguously.

The handsome, violet-eyed boy slightly nodded sensing the priest's wariness.

"Are those flowers for her?" Mahaado inquired.

"Yes. I figured they would bring a smile to her face, considering her current bind,"

The magician cracked a gentle grin, "What a nice gesture. It might be good for her to have a visit from a friend,"

Friend, Malik thought. So that's what they are saying now. He felt uneasy at the thought of only friendship. He's known Hijra since his family became familiar with the royals. Malik and Isis' parents were attentive to the late Pharaoh Akunumkanon, so they had grown up together. His care for her had only developed into that of romance as they transformed from children to young teenagers to now, as young adults. He knew Hijra had returned those feelings at one point in their lives. Then Akiefa came around… Akiefa. All he did was cause problems. What could the princess possibly see in him that could make her long for him so? Malik grew angry. I could provide for her. I could make sure she always stays respected and safe. He, that good for nothing thief, he can't do anything! All he's done is take her away and meddle with the Pharaoh. Now no one is allowed to be with her…

Smiling kindly again, Malik bid good day to Mahaado and Set. "Mana, are you coming?" he called, walking away.

She nodded earnestly and began to skip behind her friend.

Suddenly, she felt a hand grasp onto her shoulder. Mana whirled around and faced her teacher.

"How are those spells coming along?" he asked, half serious.

She giggled nervously. "O-oh! They're alright…!"

"Have you been practicing?"

"Well, yes, I mean, they're really difficult! And it's my day off…"

Mahaado chuckled, "Alright then, I expect to see you here bright and early tomorrow. We can go over them together,"

With a whine, the brunette agreed. "Have a good afternoon, Mahaado! Priest Set!"

She then ran off to catch up with Malik. When she finally did, she noticed an unusual frustrated aura about him. It was unlike her friend to be of bad temper. The sandy-haired young man was always smiling, positive, and longing to make the most out of his life. He was grateful to have it, to be able to see the sun every day. Mana's facial expression showed concern.

"Malik, what's wrong?"

He sighed angrily. "It's nothing. I'll be fine once I see her," he grumbled.

Mana frowned. Poor Malik, she thought. All he wants is her love. Her thoughts traveled to Isis again. Those deep, sapphire eyes flashed through her mind. She felt her face become warm. Wh-what's going on with me?!

---

Mahaado and Set looked over at each other.

"Shouldn't we tell Isis that her brother came here?" Set asked, sounding slightly tense.

The magician shook his head.

"No, I don't think that would be necessary. I feel quite a bit of sympathy for him," he answered.

"Even so, she does not want Malik hurting any more. You saw the fury in his eyes, Mahaado."

"Malik is not a threat. He cares about Hijra. If anything, he's probably angrier at Akiefa and would fight against him. It's love. Atem just doesn't see it that way. Our Pharaoh is frightened for more reasons than he should be,"

Set sighed. He knew love very well. The feeling was all too familiar. An image of a pale, crystal blue-eyed girl flashed through his mind. Kisara. Yes, he knew love very well indeed. The Priest couldn't argue. It had come to him so easily, almost fate-like. He couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for both Ishtar siblings. It was well noticed amongst their group that Isis had no luck in love either. Set's eyes fell upon Mahaado.

"Have you offered to take Isis out yet?" he asked.

Mahaado shook his head; a calm expression was displayed on his face. "Set, she has enough to worry about now. Besides, I don't think she's ever had much of a romantic interest in me," he said watching Mana and Malik disappear into the grand home of the royal family.

---

Sitting at home, Isis became antsy. She didn't quite know what to do with herself besides think while alone. She wondered what her brother was up to, if he was alright and safe, but mostly she wondered more about who he was with. Her thoughts focused on Mana. To her surprise, she found them pleasing. While wandering her property, she welcomed the images of Mana's smile and eyes into her mind. Just those little things made Isis' lips curve up ever so slightly. Part of her wished to spend time with the young mage.

She knew it would make her brother happy, yet she didn't really want to pursue anything. Isis knew she should focus more on her job and her brother, as she always did. Those two things came first. Of that, she was certain. With a nod, she vowed to remain and stay concentrated on those matters. The Priestess stood out in her gardens and let the wind brush against her perfectly smooth, bronze skin. She tucked loose strands of hair behind her right ear and fluttered her eyes closed, taking in the cool Egyptian breeze.

"Good morning, Priestess Isis!"

When she opened her eyes, Isis knew she wouldn't be able to escape that easily.

---

Hijra had long, dark hair. Currently it was up, trailing down her back in a ponytail style. Only her bangs and straying locks adorned her elegant face, which was usually heavily made up; but not today. It resembled her brother's very much. The only thing that was different was her eyes. They were not the bold and deep purple her brother's possessed. They were plain and brown, but large. They seemed capable of holding an extreme amount of passion and power. Hijra's skin was dark; her body was strong and curvaceous but covered in a linen dress that loosely draped her. She wore a colorful shawl that covered her bare shoulders and collarbones.

The princess was on one of the balconies, looking out into the city and local towns. From hers and Atem's palace, she could see everything. She could see everything except what she wanted to see most. Akiefa.

Her mind traveled to their last meeting.

"Princess…" the Thief King whispered. His lips brushed her ear and she had shivered in pleasure. "I can make you my Queen. Just say the word and we are out of this place forever,"

Hijra looked into his dark blue-gray eyes and felt her body melt into his embrace. His arms were strong and held her tightly but affectionately. She didn't want to leave them, leave him, but she knew that she had to for now. The heat from his dark skin radiated onto her. She felt his warmth through her dress, sending another shiver through her; warmth she would never forget.

"Akiefa," she murmured. "You know that I can't… Not now,"

"But you will. Your brother cannot keep us apart,"

"Forgive him, stop threatening him… and he won't. I'll make sure of it,"

"That is something I cannot do. I am aware that I cannot make you choose, but if you do… I pray to the gods you choose me,"

His rough, deep voice soothed her and echoed in her mind as his lips grazed hers to bid her goodbye.

He wasn't a criminal with her. She saw no darkness in his heart. There was only a troubled, sad, misunderstood soul that dwelled within him. Many times Hijra had tried to convince Akiefa that her father was not responsible for the massacre at Kul Elna, but she knew she could never change his mind. As many times as he passively nodded and agreed, his hatred for his lover's brother and their father burned strongly within him. Hijra understood, and that was one of the reasons why he had opened his heart to her. She knew that if she witnessed what he did as a child, no matter what the facts were, she would be scarred and vengeful as well.

The princess gripped the rail of the balcony until her knuckles were white. She breathed in heavily, holding in sobs. She wanted Akiefa. She wanted to choose him more than anything, but she knew how heart broken her brother would be. Why can't they just get along… why must I be in the middle of this? I-I…

"Hijra!"

She jerked around and faced Malik. She couldn't help but smile when she saw that he was carrying the most beautiful bouquet of flowers. He wasn't supposed to be here. Hijra knew that, which made her smile even more. He's too kind to me, she thought.

Hijra walked over to him and Mana, greeting them both as happily as she could.

Malik saw the sadness in her eyes. He knew he had to fight even harder.

"Mana," Hijra started. "You're looking cheerier than usual. Is there any particular reason for that glow on your face?"

Malik's eyes darted to his friend, who was now a shade of crimson. His lavender orbs then narrowed as he smiled deviously.

"I think she has a crush, Princess," he said.

"Oh?"

Mana shook her head, smiling and laughing nervously. "N-no! A crush!? Me?! On who?! Never!"

Hijra glanced at Malik, who was still grinning.

"What's the big deal?" she asked. "A crush is a crush, Mana. It's nothing to be ashamed of,"

Mana lowered her head and let out a high-pitched sigh. But… but… she's a woman. She wished she could say it out loud.