CHAPTER 23:
Lies and Discoveries
Kiara leaned against the balcony railing as she looked over her city. Residents already walked the dusty streets as the blue-gray sky entered dawn as their new day approached. She knew her father had been informed of the incident at the festival and her involvement in it as well. She had to gather her explanations carefully along with keeping Kaen'Dre's true identity in the dark. Tightening her linen robe with her hands, she turned from the calming view and re-entered her dim sleeping chamber. Her emerald eyes trailed over Kaen'Dre's sleeping form under the crimson silk blankets as she went over to sit by him at the side of the bed. His close proximity eased her body's tenseness as she sought silent comfort from him.
Her thoughts wandered to yesterday's fire and wondered if it had been an accident. Maybe someone had accidentally dropped a torch or a fire had occurred within a kitchen. Even so, she had to go to the investigation site later to see how it was going and know the possible causes. Feeling a warm familiar hand trace down her back, she turned and smiled at her woken beloved.
"You woke earlier than me" Kaen'Dre teased groggily as he stroked her spine with the back of his fingers. Without opening his eyes, he murmured, "Rejoin me."
"If I did, I'd be tempted to repeat last night's event" she giggled bashfully and stroked his cheek with her palm. His mandibles clicked softly while his eyes opened to allow light into them. Kiara bit her lip and added as an afterthought, "I apologize if last night's festivities weren't to your liking. Our kingdom usually hosts beautiful feasts for the gods but-"
"Do not fret yourself with that" he dismissed gently and she sighed in relief. How lucky was she to have such a forgiving deity? She smiled respectfully and hoped their next celebration wouldn't be a blunder. Sitting up to yawn, he pointed out, "I enjoyed spending time with you, my love, not the celebration. I am still upset at your rash actions-"
"I am protective of my people and I will never fail them" she protested firmly and squeezed his arm fondly as he stretched on the bed. Kiara watched his powerful limbs as they warmed up the bulging muscles underneath the tan mottled skin. Clearing her throat to draw her attention away from her lover's sculpted naked body, she stated, "I am their princess and as such, I have my duties."
"I don't want to lose you one day, Kiara" Kaen'Dre said softly and embraced her. She smiled at his affection as his warm cheek pressed against hers. She held him in return as his warm breath tickled her skin, "You are brave but I will not have it be your downfall. I love you and I want you to stay safe in this world."
"I know, my beloved" she said with a small nod and kissed him. He returned it eagerly as she gripped the blankets to steady herself. After a few seconds of salivary bliss, she sighed, "I love you with my life as well. Place what happened yesterday behind us and let us experience today."
"What will we do today? I expect everyone will be on guard" he told her as she stood up again to pace around the room. Asim woke up from his small bed of pillows on the floor to glance at her lazily. She leaned down to pat his head in greeting and moved on to pace again. Kaen'Dre raised a curious brow ridge and asked, "What worries you?"
"I have to explain my actions to my father, he's protective of me since he knows how brave I can get" she explained as her hands clasped behind her back strategically. "My brother and I have to remain safe to continue our lineage, especially Atem. Hopefully, I can get by with a warning rather than a suspension from visiting the city."
I doubt it after all of my recent dangerous activities, she thought.
"I forget your parents hold the authority and you are still a youngling to them" he chuckled and stood up from their bed. He grabbed his discarded hunter's attire from underneath the bed, which had been kept inside a sack to hide it from view. As she paced, he tied each knot, secured each clasp, and buttoned whatever he needed to on his garb to look decent. Walking up to her, he embraced her form against his. "If they want you safe, I do not blame them. I want the same as well."
"I'm not a princess that will take her title for granted, it is a privilege to be bestowed of this honor" she said firmly and placed her cheek against his bare chest. She held the prestigious honor of protecting her people but she'd also been honored to be chosen as a god's wife. How could she ever choose one over the other? She understood his worries but that couldn't stop her from her duties. She sighed and shook her head, "I cannot do what you ask of me, Kaen'Dre. It is not in me."
But I want her safe, especially since we're together now, he thought in a sigh. But she is right, she has her free will and I can't take that from her.
"As long as you take the necessary precautions to stay safe" he relented with a sigh and stroked her unbraided hair. She nodded and wrapped her arms around his waist tightly. "Is something else on your mind?"
"You want your identity hidden and I must keep it that way" she admitted and looked up at him. He nodded as she continued, "I have to cover up your presence here from my parents or they will be furious with me for harboring a god."
"If you must tell them the truth, do it" he said regrettably and pressed his forehead against hers. She sighed worriedly and shook her head, rejected the idea instantly. "I will not have you in trouble."
"I'll keep it secret, I don't care" she said swiftly and sighed, "If I reveal you, our relationship may come into the open. My brother and friends already know your name. I won't risk losing you or what we have if my parents try to banish you."
"I am a god, they will obey" he said with a protective hiss and held her closer. Raising her chin with his hand, he met her gaze and smiled, "We belong to each other and no one will tear us part. I will make sure of it, Kiara."
She nodded and stayed quiet in his arms as she hoped he was right. Their relationship would cause shock to their peoples and they could not risk it coming into the open. She would be seen as a usurper for the throne and he would be banished from the gods themselves. She would have to keep up her charade and he would have to as well. Everything depended on it.
"I will see you soon, I must get ready" she broke in a few minutes later and pressed her mouth against his. Savoring his kiss for a few seconds, she let go and kissed his cheek, "Till then, my love."
XXXXXX
The royal family had finished eating their morning meal and the servants were clearing the table for them. While they drank their beverages, Kiara kept running over the different excuses she could use to keep her past day inconspicuous. Neferet glanced at her daughter as she sipped her drink quickly and her fingernails tapped the table absentmindedly.
"Is something wrong, Kiara?" her mother asked, placing her hand over hers gently. Her daughter glanced up and sighed, deciding to get the whole mess dealt with; the quicker, the better.
"Father, am I in trouble for yesterday's incident?" she blurted to him as he was speaking to Atem.
"Kiara, speak when you are recognized" her father reminded as he looked over to her. Kiara simply nodded dully to the fatherly scold, not really caring for the mannerism critique. "It is rude to interrupt a conversation."
"Yes, but I wish to speak to you about the fire" she said, bringing up the subject. Maybe her concern over the people's well-being would help in her talk. She was willing to try anything to divert any questions away from her and Kaen'Dre. "Do you know who's caused it?"
"The guards are on site but we suspect it was not accidental" Abubakar explained carefully as she listened. "With these rogue sorcerers wandering the desert, we must assume it was an enemy attack."
"Do you think they'll try again?" she asked, worried. "We should find and retaliate-"
"Daughter, you are not a commander of our army" her father stopped her gently. She nodded despite not liking it. True, she wasn't and most likely wouldn't due to her gender but she hated it. She could be as valuable as any man but her father wouldn't allow it. "I understand your need to protect our people, but the court and I have it under control."
"And I'll be there too" Atem added in with a smile. Out of everyone in the palace, he never stopped training with her and understood her concern. He knew she wanted to help but sometimes, she just wouldn't be able to.
"If you're on it, it'll take forever" she joked with a laugh but then cleared her throat to bring up the next topic. "Father, are you mad at me for helping?"
"For risking your life, yes, you should've stayed at a safe distance with the officials and for that, you should be punished" he said firmly as she nodded meekly. With a deep breath, the pharaoh sighed, "But I will only ban you from being in the city for one day. I am proud that I have children who care profoundly for their kingdom, not fighting for the throne like most siblings in others. However, I want you to assess situations before going into them recklessly next time, Kiara, no matter how desperate your heart desires to take action. Understood?"
"Yes, Father" she nodded instantly and felt relieved for that light punishment. It wasn't a warning like she hoped but better than a week's banishment. "I will be careful next time."
"Good, now to the next subject, who is Kaen'Dre?" her father asked, raising a curious brow. She clenched her teeth in surprise as she inhaled through her nose to gather her thoughts. "I heard some of my advisors saying a man by that name went to rescue you. I would like to thank him for that heroic act."
"I didn't need saving!" she said quickly, disliking the idea of feeling weak. Lowering her voice in respect, she hesitated, "Kaen'Dre is. . . .well, he. . .he's a visitor from Armana and he came for the festival. We were speaking about our kingdoms with Atem before the fire broke out."
Great, father wants to thank him for it and they've both scolded me for it, she thought grumpily. I am not weak woman that needs supervision from a man.
"There's a visitor from Armana? The vizier didn't mention that in the trading reports" Neferet said, thoughtfully. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, but he's a traveling scholar" Kiara lied and Atem sighed at seeing his sister web together her thoughts. She'd forgotten her mother always kept tabs on her birth kingdom. She chuckled nervously and said, "He left for his city today at dawn, he had to return for scribe duties. But. . .um. . ."
"He helped Kiara and he seemed respectful" Atem added in truthfully to help out his sister. He didn't know why she was lying so much about last night but he'd have to trust her. "It's a shame he left, he seemed friendly. Who knows if we'll ever see him again."
Thank you, brother, Kiara thought gladly.
"Oh, I would've liked to meet a kinsman from Armana" Neferet said softly but squeezed her daughter's hand. "Did you thank him for his aid?"
"Yes, mother" she said, nodding her head politely. Hopefully, they would believe her lies and stop asking questions about Kaen'Dre. If she could make him seem like an average every day traveler, they would forget and his identity would stay safe.
"I hope our events didn't scare him off" Abubakar said and stood up from the head of the table. Looking to each of his family members, he addressed, "I have to go to the fire site and see the progress. And Kiara, you will not be going near there today, am I clear?"
"Perfectly" she answered tightly, displeased on the inside. She really wanted to find out about what had really happened but she'd have to wait.
Just like that incident with the serpent demon, she thought.
"Farewell, husband" Neferet said, dipping her head in respect. Her children did the same as the pharaoh exited the chamber.
When her mother left the table after breakfast, Kiara quickly stood up and walked around the wooden table over to her brother.
"Why did you lie for me?" she asked, sitting down in an empty chair.
"You want to hide his presence so I aided you" Atem answered and crossed his arms. Firmly, he demanded, "Why are you hiding things, sister?"
"He doesn't want people to know he's here-" she began.
"Is he still here?" he questioned with raised brows.
"I cannot answer that, brother" she pleaded and grabbed one of his hands. She hated lying, especially to her family, but she loved Kaen'Dre more than anything. "Please keep my secret, it is nothing ominous. We care for each other and I do not know how to approach our parents, much less our people on this yet."
"You really want to be with him? You care this much?" he asked firmly. Whoever this man was, he'd really ensnared his sister so easily. He didn't know if that was a good or bad thing. Most courtiers would present themselves to a family to ask for the chance.
"Yes" she admitted quietly and bit her bottom lip.
"And this is all you can tell me?" he asked, sighing. He didn't like keeping things from his family but she was family. She nodded regrettably and he pinched the bridge of his nose, "I will keep it secret but if father asks, I will tell the truth. He is the Pharaoh, Kiara."
"I know, but please come to me first and I will tell him everything" she negotiated with a determined face. "Promise me, Atem."
He groaned as he hesitated but agreed, "All right, I will tell Aziza and Set as well. I hope this doesn't blow up in your face if it's dangerous, sister."
"It is not and it will not" she assured firmly.
I can never let them find out about him, she thought in determination.
XXXXXX
"You are so dead!" Kwei'De blurted loudly as Kaen'Dre walked into one of the hallways of his ship and spotted his friends. He raised a brow ridge as his friend continued his rant, "We saw you helping the oomans yesterday."
"So?" he said simply with a snort.
"The elder and captain saw you" Ani'Twei informed as he crossed his arms. Firmly, he stated, "We all saw you hugging Kiara. You have to either tell the truth or do some damage control to make them think otherwise."
"Damn it" he hissed and wondered what to do.
I am in deep trouble, he thought. How can I quickly get out of this and return to Kiara?
"We tried to-" Kwei'De started but was interrupted as two tall figures entered the hall. Kaen'Dre groaned mentally at his bad luck and stood straight as his bosses for the trip approached him.
"Kaen'Dre, how nice of you to join us today" Sife-Ru stated crisply as his yellow eyes narrowed. "You are rarely on the ship as of late."
"I have been in the ooman kingdom of Memphis" he admitted, seeing that he couldn't lie much to his superiors. "I have studied the people while staying at the palace."
"You revealed yourself to them?!" the captain demanded, furious at his actions. Kaen'Dre knew how much his clan opted to stay hidden on all worlds. "They cannot know of us until we arrive as a group and ask for the ritual. The oomans view us as their superiors and as such, we are entitled to use their grounds for the Hunt like generations before us."
"I have not revealed myself to them, they are completely unaware of my presence" Kaen'Dre reassured firmly and looked at his Elder. "I have only been around one ooman and they have kept my identity a secret."
"Let me guess, that little ooman female? How can you be so simpleminded to-" Sife-Ru spat but his father raised his hand to silence him.
"When we are on Earth, yautja and human cultures have their share of contributions for the Hunt" Elder Reig'Tu stated with a deep voice. "Each will respect the other out of courtesy and humility, son. Now, Kaen'Dre, why does the ooman know of you?"
"I. . .we met when I first visited Earth with my father" he explained and looked at the wise male in respect. The older male was held in high regard and Kaen'Dre was obliged to tell him the truth. . .somewhat. The Elder looked lightly surprised as he continued, "She saw me when I killed the hard meat and she asked for me to see her kingdom since she still believes me to be a deity even now. I have kept up that identity so far, she knows nothing of the Hunt or our reason for being here. No other ooman has come in direct contact with me and she has kept me in an isolated area from the population while I explore it."
"On that, you have done well" Reig'Tu nodded agreeably and asked, "Does she expect your return?"
"Yes, she. . .oomans are curious by nature and so is she" Kaen'Dre said, clicking his mandibles nervously. He didn't want them to know of their real relationship so he would have to keep his heat levels steady to keep them at bay. Unlike humans, yautjas could spot a lie easily if one did not cover their fluctuating heat signatures and scents as well. Good thing he didn't have an Arbitrator in front or he'd be branded as a liar by now with their honed skills. "I have told her that we will be leaving soon though."
"Surely you won't let him go back?" Sife-Ru asked his father and wondered if the hunter would become a liability. "What if he accidentally reveals himself?"
"With respect, captain, I have kept myself in the dark very well" the hunter stated quickly and assuredly. Though he loved Kiara, he was a hunter and he would not ruin his brethren's plans. "I can disguise myself around them and I am hidden very well within the palace. I am not an oaf to let down my guard when our cloaking technology is advanced. I know why we came here and I will not bring any threats to hinder the Hunt's success."
"I still do not agree to your frequent leaving, Kaen'Dre" the Elder stated firmly and ordered, "For that, you will skip a hunt when we return to our mothership."
"Yes, sir" he responded regrettably but nodded in respect. Just great, he was banned from a hunt that could gain him more glory and prestige. As a lone hunter without living kin, he needed it to keep his rank at the highest position possible.
Why was I careless with Kiara in the open?, he thought annoyed. This cannot happen again. I cannot be so blatantly blind and foolish in public when my clan is so near.
"However, I don't want your ooman getting suspicious if you disappear suddenly" Reig'Tu continued and clicked his mandible in thought for a moment as the other two males stayed silent. He pointed to Kaen'Dre and gave him his new objectives, "Make sure she remains in the dark and do not reveal any of our information. That is why I will let you stay until we are ready to make our presence known."
"When will that be?" he asked and Sife-Ru nodded as well curiously.
"In a week or so" the Elder stated definitively and nodded to Kaen'Dre. "Your mission for now is to keep yourself discreet and give us necessary information on the kingdom. Once we arrive, you will rejoin our group permanently. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Elder" Kaen'Dre nodded and the male waved his hand so he could depart. He wasted no time in leaving them behind and headed to his quarters to rest with his friends.
They will come soon, he thought nervously. What will Kiara think when she learns of the ritual?
XXXXXX
"You're back!" Kiara called happily as she saw his invisible form jump onto the balcony gracefully. She ran to him from the spot on her bed and into his arms as he uncloaked. "It's almost dinnertime, I was worried for you."
"Nothing can harm me, Kiara" Kaen'Dre chuckled and unlatched his mask so he could kiss her firmly. Letting her go for a second, he purred, "I missed you."
"I lied to my family, beloved" she informed softly and held him close for support. "I didn't like it but I can't lose you."
"We will have to part one day" he reminded gently as her eyes watered at the fact. He nuzzled her face as he purred, hating the fact that harboring him was possibly severing the ties of trust between her family. "If you feel guilty, tell them the truth. I don't want you in agony over it."
"It's my choice. Is it wrong for wanting and protecting you over them? Am I being traitorous for doing this?" she whispered as she breathed onto his chest and wrapped her fingers over the material of his warm mesh. "The gods cannot be with mortals and you're going against them as I am. But I feel miserable the moment you are gone from me."
"It doesn't matter what they think, we make our own choices" he comforted and purred softly to calm her. "Do not feel heavyhearted over this. I will lie to protect you from the gods as much as you will lie to your kin for me. We are too deep into this to turn back. . .unless you want to?"
"No! I want to be with you, Kaen'Dre" she stated adamantly and held his face in her hands. Meeting his golden gaze, she smiled, "I love you and that will not change. I know that you cannot remain with me and it aches my heart terribly when I think of it but I'd rather have you than any other man in this existence. I will take your identity to the afterlife, that is my undying loyalty to you."
If she is this loyal, can I forsake my people and remain only loyal to her?, he thought guiltily. I've hidden so much from her and it isn't fair.
"I don't deserve you" he whispered as he felt the guilt eat into him. Nipping at her lips softly, he admitted, "I am honored to claim your heart, Kiara. I cannot wait to have you as my wife, but you deserve so much more than what I can give you."
"You are all I need, I don't care about what you bring upon me, I would still choose you in the end" she smiled honestly and kissed him gently. Did he know how much he meant to her? She would give up everything just to be with him for the rest of her life. Seeing his sullen face, she stroked his cheek, "You seem worried, what's wrong?"
"My kin saw us together yesterday" he sighed and buried his face into her neck to breathe in her scent. He told her of his earlier conversation, excluding his orders and other things not meant for her ears. "They know I spent time with you but they do not know of our relationship and I will make sure it stays that way."
"Were they mad at you? If you're here against their judgment, I-" she began worriedly but he stopped her by placing his finger over her lips.
"Surprisingly, they let me go but they were disappointed I was here" he answered, a little depressed. If there was one thing he couldn't stand, it was disappointing his clan after everything he'd achieved.
"Could they be watching us now?" she asked, hoping the gods wouldn't seek revenge against them. She knew they were ever watchful and if they spotted them again. . . "Kaen'Dre, if I am risking your position, I cannot ask that you remain here. It is selfish of me and that is not honorable. As much as I love-"
"I will remain here and they will not have a say" Kaen'Dre hissed firmly and cupped her chin. "I will not leave you unless I have to. We are together and that is what we must enjoy, Kiara. We've fought for this amongst ourselves, let everyone else settle their own opinions about us. Forget the world around us, this room is our sanctuary so let this negativity go."
She nodded and hugged him tightly, "You're absolutely right, this is about us."
"Mate with me" he purred and nipped at the side of her neck softly. The hectic day had left his mind and body yearning for its other half. Breathing ruggedly onto her neck, he whispered, "I've missed you since last night."
Sighing apologetically at his husky tone, she disagreed, "Dinner's being served soon. What if someone hears? You're pretty loud, handsome."
"Everyone will be downstairs and the halls here will be empty" he pointed out easily and grinned, "We need a different mood than this depressing one anyway. Besides, all the practice can aid me in becoming silent in my growls."
"You're right, we need our playful banter back" she agreed in a laugh and led him to her bed as she smiled, "Nothing will ruin our sanctuary."
XXXXXX
The following night, Kiara wandered the hallways at night as she read a scroll while she continued walking. The cool air entered over the hallways as the right side had no wall, only hieroglyphic columns with large open spaces in between as torches burned brightly along the left wall to produce it yellow-orange light.
"Kiara!"
Putting her scroll down, she approached Set and gave him a smile. The older male was carrying scrolls in a makeshift brown bag around his shoulder. She raised a brown eyebrow in curious humor as she rolled up the scroll and placed it in one of her robe's pocket.
"More studying?" she asked with a grin. He shrugged and joined her on her stroll.
"For the temple, I need to help the Hight Priest plan the next festival" he explained and patted his bag proudly. "Our gods need to be appeased and now that their loyal subjects still grow strong, especially after our recent disastrous feast."
Loyal? The only god I am personally loyal to will be Kaen'Dre, she thought. He's the only one who'll ever understand me. But will the gods think treason if I favor him above all?
"I'm sure Father will be happy" she smiled supportively as they walked. Her friend always sought perfection in his creations and he never disappointed. "You've always been so loyal to us."
"Your parents took me in when I was orphaned from one of those cursed plagues" he said forlornly and offered a small smile. She understood his painful past and only nodded to have it remain private. "I owe you my life and I will always be here for you all."
"I'm glad" she said, patting his back. "You'll always be family, Set. Blood or no blood."
"Thank you for that" he smiled appreciatively and asked warily, "Kiara. . .are you really going to marry the stranger from Armana?"
"He's not a stranger to me and yes" she groaned, feeling another lecture piling on. She knew the risks, she wasn't a child anymore. "Atem's already warned me about it so please, no more."
"Yes and he told me to keep silent" Set hissed quietly in case anyone overheard. "Why are you so quiet about this? I thought you'd go public with it."
"Not yet" she lied and tried to think of yet another lie. She'd been lying so much recently, she thought she would've had it fluent in her system by now. "As a princess, I'm expected to marry a man of power but Kaen'Dre is not a prince or of nobility. I don't want a scandal arising so quickly after being engaged. Promise you won't tell anyone?"
"I promise but everyone in the kingdom cannot lie to the Pharaoh without facing prosecution" he sighed and looked at her worriedly with brown eyes. "I don't want anything bad befalling upon you, Kiara."
"It won't" she assured half-heartedly. "I am an adult and I can take care of myself."
"Old or not, friends look out for one another" he pointed out but smiled gently. "I want only your happiness, princess. Despite my feelings, I will always look after your interests."
"I think my destiny was intertwined with his instantly on the day we met" Kiara smiled as she clasped her hands over her chest. Set sighed at her longing doe-eyed look and she quickly regained a casual look once she heard it. She stared at him and assured, "I am honored to have your concern and protection but it isn't needed right now. I am in a safe and happy place at the moment, Set."
"I hope he does not break your heart then" he sighed forlornly and hugged her. She smiled at his kind words and returned it. "He is a lucky man."
"I am sorry I cannot reciprocate your feelings" she apologized and felt bad for being so clueless about them the whole time. Kaen'Dre really did take up a lot of her time now and her mind was happily on him since they met up. She was destined for him and she didn't think her heart would let go of him soon.
"Being your friend will suffice" he smiled and grabbed her hand to kiss the top of it. "You need not worry over me."
"Get your hands away from my intended!" a deep voice broke in from behind the columns. Kiara and Set both looked to see an enraged Kaen'Dre, wearing a long brown traveler's cloak over his shoulders while his silver mask gleamed from the torch's glow underneath the cloak's hood. He growled at Set who instantly stepped in front of the princess defensively.
"Who are you, demon?!" Set demanded, looking over the imposing and frightening strange being who stood by the columns. "I will banish you if you intend harm on Memphis!"
"Get away from her" Kaen'Dre growled and walked towards them angrily. Like any yautja male, he was aggressive over another male who dared enter his territory; especially towards his mate. He narrowed his eyes behind his mask as he snapped, "I tire of you wandering around her like an animal in heat, now leave before I do something I may regret."
"Why are you acting like this? He's my friend, he would never think of such a thing!" Kiara protested as she ran to Kaen'Dre hastily, leaving behind a baffled Set. She grabbed his cloak in her hands as she pleaded, "Please go back before you are discovered! You shouldn't be here!"
"Kiara, if you are to be mine, I cannot have males undermining my claim on you" he stated firmly but calmed at seeing her worried face. He didn't need to make a scene and frighten his mate.
"No one ever will, I will always belong to you" she whispered and traced her hand over his masked cheek as she looked into his visor. "Please, Kaen'Dre, go before you are seen."
"Kiara? Who or what is that?" Set questioned the woman. He was still shocked at how easy she'd run to the stranger instead of seeking safety. Had she gone insane or fallen under a spell?
"Set, this is. . .this is Kaen'Dre" she sighed as she turned to stay in front of the irritated male so he had no chance to strike the other human. "He. . .he's very protective as you can see-"
"That is not a man, Kiara!" he pointed out in shock and motioned at the angry being, who now wore the ferocity of a lion in spirit. "He is no mortal. Is this why you've kept him secret from us?"
"She has no right to answer your questions, she is your princess" Kaen'Dre growled and placed his hands over her shoulders protectively. "I am not of this mortal world and as such, I am superior to you or any of your kind. Watch your words before I punish you for insolence against the gods."
"The gods? Is. . .Surely he is not one!" he sputtered, looking at Kiara. This whole scene had erupted into something strange that he couldn't comprehend but he doubted the presence of a god was near. "I have never studied any gods relating to this man's physique."
"He's taken a physical form, is all" Kiara assured firmly, defending him to the end. She wouldn't let anyone tear her away from him. "Set, do not speak of this to anyone."
"Kiara, he could harm you!" Set exclaimed and the hunter hissed dangerously. The human flinched in surprise but still stayed rooted in his spot.
"I have not lied about our affections and I trust him with my life" she stated as her eyes narrowed. "He is who I choose to be with and I've known him since I was a child. As the princess, I ask you to keep this to yourself."
"Your father is the Pharaoh, he must know if the gods are within our kingdom" he responded with the same tone as hers and looked at Kaen'Dre skeptically, "If he really is one."
"Of course he is, he has the strength of no mere mortal and has done things no man can" Kiara snapped, not liking his accusations. How dare he imply Kaen'Dre was a fraud? She'd seen the things he could do. "No one will be changing my mind, I only want his presence to remain secret. Unless you want to suffer the gods wrath for being a disbeliever?"
"Of course not" he answered quickly and looked at both suspiciously. "I do not trust this being but for your sake, I will keep this confidential. Please look after yourself, my princess."
"I always do, Set" she said softly and waved her hand so he could leave. He gave a small bow and exited the hallway quickly. Sighing in relief and anger, she turned to Kaen'Dre, "How could you come into the open like that?! What were you thinking?!"
"I am tired of seeing him try to gain your favor" he snorted disdainfully and squeezed her shoulders. "I love you and if your heart wanders to another, I do not know what I would do. I thought I could leave this world and let you go easily to another man a week ago but I can't now. I could never stand by and let another take you away from me. I know it's selfish and petty but-"
"I will never seek another, Kaen'Dre" she whispered as she dove into his arms to hold him tightly. "So please stop these foolish actions before they reveal our relationship and you into the open."
"All right, I will return to your bedroom and we will talk there" he sighed and let go so he could activate his cloaking device. Giving her one last look, he jumped from the floor and landed on the solid earth ground below gracefully.
Watching him fade into the shadows like the wind, she hoped Set would be more loyal to her than the pharaoh, but doubted it. No one held a stronger oath in Egypt than to one's pharaoh, the master and tamer of the desert land. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, she kept walking towards the end of the hall so she could return to her room and have a serious chat with her lover.
XXXXXX
End of Chapter 23. It's been a long time, I know. I felt bad leaving this piece of work behind while I started new ones so I'll attempt to finish this once since it's very long. In my outline, it's at least 53 chapters so we'll see what happens from thereon. I thank my past loyal readers and many reviewers for their kind words for making me continue this tale. Sketches for this work and other Predator works are posted on my profile via Deviant art.