CHAPTER 26:

The Arrival of the Gods

"No, Kiara, I am not a god" Kaen'Dre said in a regrettable tone and looked away shamefully as she gave a sad nod and wiped her eyes. He couldn't bear to look at her while she turned away from him to cry quietly. In the same tone, he continued, "I am not completely immortal, I can die in battle or by the old age of 1,000. I don't have god-like powers, only technology far beyond your people. They would consider it magic but we are more highly developed to know better-"

"Are we that weak and small compared to you?" she whispered bitterly as she turned to look at him sadly. With a small upset smile, she asked, "Are we that meaningless that you lied to me when we met? You made me believe you were a powerful entity instead of honoring me with the truth?!"

He's not anything he said he was, she thought hurt. Set was right. My own friend opened my eyes instead of my husband.

"You mean everything to me, Kiara" he said in a fierce voice and shook his head. He sighed deeply and wondered what he could do to mend what he'd done. The last thing he needed was her doubt towards his love for her. He decided to start at the very beginning, "I lied in order to protect my presence here and yours from mines. I never expected to care so deeply for you while I remained here. I was meant to return to my brethren but I couldn't bear to leave you after spending so much time with you. I've never met another like you among my own-"

"What are you, Kaen'Dre?" she asked in a low voice as she tried to stop crying. Her heart felt as if it'd been ripped open by a knife. Everything she'd known of him had become an entire blank slate. She didn't doubt his love but the ability to spin so many lies to keep from her blind to the truth was still unforgivable. How could one claim to love while spouting lies with that very mouth? Raggedly, she demanded, "If you're not a god, then where do you come from?"

If he's not a god, then what in the world is he? Surely, he is not human, she thought.

"From the heavens above, we travel the skies of different worlds" he answered, thinking of a way to best explain it to a human. Her mind was less capable of understanding anything beyond the world she lived in. Unfortunately for her, that was the main factor that allowed him to fabricate his existence within her realm. He tapped his claws uneasily as he stated, "This is just one, there are many in existence. My kin and I are hunters and we scour the heavens looking for prey to raise our honor and ranking among our own. Our culture is much more different than your own in all aspects. We are yautja, but you can call us wanderers of the heavens."

"You look like gods, how could you be so different yet alike?" she whispered in shock, more to herself. He looked so much like a god in their religion, the previous dynasties had called them that themselves. And here she was in the Old Kingdom, discovering this truth from one of the so called 'gods' now. Damn it, her own husband wasn't even human or immortal! Were all the old Egyptian empires deceived like this? Blinking back tears, she questioned, "Do you even know of our gods?"

"I've never been here before so no, I don't" he answered sullenly and watched her wipe her nose as she shook her head in disappointment. He felt like a monster by ruining her entire beliefs in him. He knew he was entirely at fault, he'd kept everything from the beginning and she'd told him of her view on lying. He spoke softly, "Your people view us as godly due to our differences and advanced lifestyles but I want you to know the truth, Kiara. You deserve to know everything I've hidden from you."

"How could you let me believe you were a god?!" Kiara shrieked as she balled her fists in fury. She raised her fist and stabbed a finger at his chest, "You made a mockery of my culture and like a fool I believed every word you uttered from your mouth! You could have told me at any time and you kept it from me! How am I supposed to forgive you for that?!"

"I don't deserve it but I do seek it from you" he said softly as he looked at her timidly. His mandibles clicked nervously as his eyes turned to the floor, "I never meant to hurt you and I kept digging myself into these lies to protect you. I never-"

"How would keeping me in the dark protect me? I was living with a stranger!" she pointed out hurt and he winced from the last word. Kiara felt guilty for hurting his feelings but angry that he'd hurt hers like this. She wanted to thrash and destroy something but all she could see was Kaen'Dre in her line of sight. She yelled furiously, "I trusted you and you kept telling me that you'd always be honest with me. I kept my promise, why didn't you? For the gods sake, Kaen'Dre, we got married!"

"Kiara, there was no way to avoid this reaction if I'd told you that same day we met" he explained carefully and tried to think of a way to lessen her hurt. "You would've demanded the same and we'd be nowhere. This whole thing kept us together until now. I didn't want to lose you."

"I'd rather know the truth than live a lie like this" she said firmly and gave him a sidelong look as she crossed her arms. He was wrong though, she wouldn't had shunned him if he'd come clean that same day. She would've wanted to know more if he wasn't a god anyway. A reminder of his people popped into her head and she raised an eyebrow, "Is that why you were so angry when I visited you with your brethren? You were scared that your lies would unravel?"

"Yes and that they might hurt you" he responded softly as she furrowed her eyebrows in confusion. Walking over to her, he warned her, "Kiara, we are never meant to interact with other beings, I never lied about that. I have broken my laws so many times, especially by becoming attached to you. Like I said, my people hunt for honor and your people are qualified as prey meaning you are seen as inferior despite your praise for us. I love you and I would never let any harm come to you from my own kind or anyone else."

His people are dangerous too? Not only are they not gods, but they don't care about us, she thought solemnly. And they let our people think they're so great they deserve what they ask? As if we were their servants?!

"Is that why they host that stupid ritual?! Because we're gullible to believe in their greatness?!" she demanded angrily, not at him, but all of his kind. She hated being seen as weak by others, no matter where they come from and always strived to prove otherwise. Now, her own beloved's people saw her as scum on their feet? The thought boiled her blood as she yelled, "How dare they see us as weak and yet expect us to be their hosts?!"

"That tradition has been held before I was even born so I don't know" he answered quietly and sighed, "Your people have been gracious and honored to host it since they look to us as gods. We are not though, we're beings who travel the heavens and visit other cultures who may accidentally see us as higher people. We are superior, yes, but we are not godly. I suppose that is why beings assumed us to be gods. We are much more different than others and can achieve many things others cannot."

"I'm so stupid for believing you were one" she sniffled and closed her eyes, hoping this was all a bad dream. She was meant to be smart as a princess and she'd fallen for a man's lies like an idiot. Opening her eyes, she glared at him, "And here you are telling me that everything my ancestors believed in was a lie. For all I know, we based our gods off of you and they don't exist! I could be worshipping nothing in vain. How am I supposed to handle that, Kaen'Dre?!"

"We had nothing to do with your own gods, your people only assimilated us into the category when we first began to arrive" he said softly and reached to touch her flushed cheek, wanting to relieve her hurt and fury. She stepped back instantly and she eyed him suspiciously as he placed his back at his side.

She doesn't trust me anymore, he thought sadly. I don't expect her to, I did just tear her whole world wide open. I forget oomans are still developing as a species unlike us.

"Your culture is still the same as always, we only interfered to aid your development in civilization" Kaen'Dre explained as he crossed his arms and watched her. She didn't meet his gaze and remained looking at the floor instead. He wondered how much her mind could take before reaching a breaking point and his heart ached to embrace her and make it better somehow. . .but he couldn't. The damage had already been done. Cautiously, he said, "We have always been very advanced and we helped your species centuries ago from what I can remember in my old studies. Personally, my ranking isn't allowed to know much on those specific rituals. Because of our peoples interactions, you interpreted that as godly intervention from your gods and named us as one. That is all I can tell you and even that is forbidden among my people."

"And that should make me forgive you?" she asked in a low hostile voice as she brushed stray strands of hair away from her damp colored cheeks. Shaking her head, she snapped, "Kaen'Dre, you completely lied to me from the beginning after I gave you my generosity to see my kingdom. You stayed in my room and I protected- no, lied to my own family for you. And you were the one betraying me! You had me wrapped around your finger like a lord with his servant."

"I would never think of you like that! You mean more to me than anything!" he exclaimed, a little angry. He knew he'd ruined her outlook of him but that never meant he thought of her as low as an eta. He wanted her to remain at his side, he needed her after all he had shared with her back then and now. He stated firmly with a low hiss, "I love you, Kiara. Yes, I lied to you but my feelings have not changed-"

"If you loved me you wouldn't have needed to lie!" she declared and brushed her hair back to massage her scalp as her mind throbbed painfully from so much outbursts of emotion. She hiccupped slightly as she continued, "You should've trusted me enough with the truth, I would not have turned you away back then. But you tell me this now when someone finally finds out the truth, did you plan to keep deceiving me throughout our whole marriage?"

He stayed silent which easily confirmed her answer and felt like a slap against her face. Painfully, she whispered, "I gave myself to you in marriage because I thought you were honest and honorable. How could I be so stupid to think a god had actually favored me for a wife? I'm just a pawn in your people's plan, aren't I?"

"They only know that I am residing here, your relationship with me is hidden like I always told you" he refuted gently to ease her and gave her a small smile, "I love you even if we are different, our people may not agree but I know you love me."

"Of course I do but. . .I can't forgive you for this right now" she exhaled gently as her bottom lip quivered and her face became sullen. She saw the love shining in his eyes but his lies. . .the same rage overcame her but she needed to remain calm. What could she do now that they reached this problem? How could she trust him after what he'd done? Would she be able to? The questions prodded her mind and she waved them away as she reached a decision she hoped would be best. Quietly, she said, "I need to process this and I can't do this with you here. Kaen'Dre. . .I. . .I want you to leave."

He stared at her in surprise as his mind processed her words. She was kicking him out? But she was his mate! He understood her anger towards his lies but was throwing him out a little far off? He didn't want to leave her, especially if she was distraught right now. He wanted to take all that pain away but her defensive stance made it impossible now. Besides, what could he do? His heart ached to comfort her but he knew she'd rather have him at a distance. Had he ruined what he had tried to establish with her?

Like a stranger, he thought as the idea hurt him. I'm a stranger now.

"Kiara, I understand-" he began, wondering if he could change her mind. The last thing he wanted was for her to banish him and never dare to look at him. She shook her head firmly and pointed at him shakily.

"This is the hardest thing I have ever done" she choked out as she cried and placed a fist over her chest. She needed to think all of this over without his interference before it drove her insane. Her heart was breaking while her mind was pounding her with a hundred thoughts. Weakly, she confessed, "I need to be alone to handle this. I thought you were someone I knew well but it turns out I don't. Even now I realize there's many things I still do not know about you. I gave you everything I possibly could, by the gods, I gave you my innocence!"

I gave him everything and he gave nothing, she thought miserably. My first love was nothing but a false man. Were all his words a lie? I feel so used and stupid.

Exhaling in shaky breaths as her throat tightened, she calmed slightly before continuing, "I thought our marriage could last happily and I was so oblivious to who I fell in love with. . ."

Her voice cut off as she wished everything could have a different aspect to what she was feeling now. No person deserved to know their other half had been deceiving them from the start as one gave themselves completely to them in mind, body, and soul. She wished the tears could stop flowing but she felt like an endless river as she stood facing her husband.

"Everything I've done is for you" he stated and walked closer to her but she pushed him back timidly, wary of his presence. He hated the feeling of having his mate distrust him but he wouldn't give up. "I have come clean on everything now and I regret not telling you before." Kneeling down in front of her, he vowed softly, "I will beg for your forgiveness every second of my life and if you need to be alone. . .then I will respect your wishes."

He placed his palms on the cold floor and bowed his head to her in shame and defeat. He didn't want to lose her completely and it would tear at him to do what she asked but he gazed at her clothed feet as he agreed miserably, "I will do anything you ask, Kiara."

"I never expected this from you, I believed you were so perfect when I met you" she whispered and gingerly touched his cheek as she leaned down. She didn't like seeing him on the floor as a broken man but she didn't want him to think she'd let him off easy. As a princess, she'd been told to pinpoint any traitors for prosecutions. . .but how could she do that to her own beloved? Was she weak to give in to her heart or cold hearted that she even thought of doing it. His eyes met her watery ones as she said, "I love you and that is why I will not break our marriage. However, as of now, we will be separated as I dwell on this and give it time to pass."

"Kiara, do not do this-" he pleaded with her but she shook her head and kneeled down in front of him. He nimbly touched the fabric of her skirt to seek some physical contact with her. She noticed his small gesture and fought the motion of holding his hand. Even that order alone brought tears to her eyes as she banned herself from being with him.

I love him so much, she thought desperately as she fought with her mind. I can't bear to part from him!

You have to, he lied, now he pays the consequences, her mind ordered back. You are a royal princess, betrayers must be dealt with.

But I love him dearly, she thought and tried to permanently cling to that fact. We belong together.

Spouses do not lie, they remain honorable, her logical side chastised. You will let him see the mistakes of his decision.

"Please respect my decision as my husband" she managed to finish as her mind conflicted with her heart from within. His eyes stayed on her face for a little bit until they closed and regretfully nodded.

"I feared I would lose you if I told you the truth" he said in a weak whisper as he ran his fingers over her skirt. In a somber gaze to the floor, he continued, "You're all I ever wanted and I hoped my new family would begin with you. I do not know if I could bear losing you, Kiara."

How will I bear being apart from him?, she thought painfully. But it's for the best.

"Me too" she said solemnly as she wiped her red puffy eyes. "I will keep our marriage active because I do hope I can get over this. It may take time but. . ."

"I will give you anything you want" he promised as he broke his gaze away from her form and sighed, wanting to clear his airways from the growing pressure in his chest. He never thought he'd feel such an agonized pain like this, especially one not from battle. He'd lost so many people he cared for and now he was losing another, it was unbearable. Letting go of her skirt, he informed, "I will return to my brethren as I give you your time."

"Thank you" she said with a failing smile and touched his cheek one last time to savor the feeling of his skin. The pads of her fingers stroked his defined cheekbone as she murmured, "Oh Kaen'Dre, why did you let it get to this point?"

"I am deeply sorry, Kiara" he said in a small upset whine that made her heart ache easily. Her fingers left his cheek and he dreaded the loss of the physical connection and warmth from the woman he loved. "All I wanted was to keep you at my side safely-"

A series of hasty knocks on the door interrupted him, followed by, "Kiara!"

"What is it? I'm busy!" she yelled in frustration as the two stared at each other solemnly. She wiped her blurry eyes again as she cleared her aching throat. An interruption is the last thing she wanted right now and gritted her teeth.

"There's a strange group approaching the kingdom! You need to see this!" Aziza's muffled voice informed instantly from the other side. Kaen'Dre and Kiara watched each other silently as she continued, "They're not the rogues but they're not. .they are not mortals, Kiara. You have to see it for yourself!"

"Who else but the rogues would. . .?" Kiara questioned but her voice trailed off as she looked at Kaen'Dre, who raised a brow in return. "Have your people come?"

Surely, they can't be here already, he thought confused.

"I don't know, they only told me to stay put when I met them days ago" he told her as she looked skeptic to believe him. Oh, how he hated feeling like a new stranger in front of her now. He placed his hand over one that lay in her lap and assured, "I am being truthful, Kiara."

She hesitated before nodding unsurely, "I believe you for now. I must go and inspect this new development. Please, Kaen'Dre, leave before this hurts us more than it already has. Be gone when I return because it will be painstakingly unbearable to watch you leave on my behalf."

The two stood up awkwardly and glanced at each other as Kiara headed for the doorway. Kaen'Dre watched and realized she was really walking out of his life now. The feeling was overwhelming, even worse than when he thought he'd fail his Chiva years ago or when he left her the first time. His mind struggled with his body as it yearned to grab her body into his arms and never let go. What male could let his mate walk off without fighting for redemption?

I tried and I have to abide by her choice, he thought in submission. This is all my fault.

"I will miss you, my Kiara" he whispered softly as his mandibles clicked gently. He turned to grab his things that he'd left underneath her bed for safekeeping as he felt two arms wrap around his waist. Looking to the side, he saw Kiara holding him as her eyes closed tightly, tears trailing down her cheeks. Purring softly, he soothed, "Do not cry anymore, it will just worsen this."

"I will miss you too" she gasped softly as she let go and crossed her arms to keep them from shaking. In a gentle tone, she added, "Stay safe and deny everything of us to stop their suspicions."

"I will, but first I need to see who these newcomers are" he assured and put on his mask. Making sure he had everything on him and left no remains of his stay, he gave her one last gaze, "Goodbye for now, my beloved."

"Farewell, my husband" she returned in a quivery voice and watched him become invisible and fade into the air in the balcony area. He was gone now, really gone. With no idea when he would return to be with her. Realizing that, she wanted to yell for him to return but she knew she had to get over his lies first. Collapsing onto the floor again, she sobbed quietly, "Oh Kaen'Dre, why did this befall on us?"

XXXXXX

Kiara ran as fast as she could to where her father, brother, and their royal guards had gone to face the invaders. Despite her heart wrenching argument with Kaen'Dre, she couldn't let them face any possible danger alone. She couldn't see any hostile situations so far and approached the back of the group quickly. People in their homes had shut their doors and businesses nearby had gone silent as the groups gathered. It was a ghost town as her feet made the only sound in the lonely streets while she hid behind one of the homes corners. She stepped up on her tiptoes to peek over and tried to spot her family but failed.

"Do you see anything?" Aziza whispered behind her as the two tried to squeeze in. She'd followed willingly after realizing Kiara was going to find out firsthand who was there.

"No" she muttered and tried to find an opening within the groups but the guards kept it tight. There wasn't any room for her to move without being seen making her sigh and stomp her foot.

"Kiara, let's go around the homes and come up from behind" her friend suggested and she quickly nodded in agreement. The two were eager and worried about who these new strangers could possibly be.

They ran to the left side of the street until they passed the mud-brick homes of that section and made a northern turn to keep heading in that direction. The streets were empty so they had no trouble for getting to their destination without being seen. As they made their last turn, they cautiously approached the group in a slow walk as they pressed against the homes to hopefully keep hidden. Approaching the corner, the two peeked into the center of the group where they got a perfect eye view.

"I told you they weren't normal" Aziza whispered in her ear as they watched the new group in awe. Kiara simply nodded from above her friend and felt nervous again.

They were here.

She exhaled a breath she'd been keeping as she spotted her father speaking to the leader of Kaen'Dre's kind who easily towered over him. His followers easily dwarfed her people as they stayed behind him like a military platoon. In between the lines, she spotted Kaen'Dre in his silver armor as he easily blended in among his own. They were beautiful deadly warriors as their perfect postures stood at attention and she easily understood why others would believe them as gods. Their bodies were at the utmost physical peak and were almost gigantic, their intelligence was astounding, their physique was entirely strange, and their weaponry was beyond anything imaginable. Their mere presence screamed of divine origination. . .but she knew better now. Her hands dug into the wall as she longed to be with her handsome warrior back in the days before this happened. Her eyes closed slightly as her cheek pressed against the home's bumpy wall.

I miss you already, she thought. But I can't keep dwelling on it.

"What are they saying?" Kiara wondered as she watched the two leaders converse. Were they speaking on the ritual? About Kaen'Dre's absence or presence in the city? Those evil serpents?

"If I could read lips, I'd tell you" Aziza chuckled as she tried to hear as well but came up with nothing. In a hopeful tone, she added, "Maybe they'll explain later."

"I doubt it, the men always keep their meetings private" Kiara scoffed sourly and kept her eyes on the two men. Oh, how she wanted to know what they were saying.

I really should stop being so curious, she thought. The last time ended with me pissing off Kaen'Dre by seeing his people.

"This is getting us nowhere" Aziza mumbled as her back began to ache from leaning down too much below Kiara's shoulder. Her foot accidentally kicked out a rock while she'd tried to straighten her balance and the two watched the little object roll into the open path before them with wide eyes. The rock rolled right in the middle of both groups, grabbing their attention.

Curses, Kiara thought, knowing a disciplinary lecture was in store for her.

"You there! Halt!"

The two yelped in surprise and tried to muffle their noise by covering their mouths as they huddled against the wall, hoping to become invisible. They watched the commander of the guard, Bomani, approach them cautiously, expecting them to be spies or trespassers. The women stood straight and came out from their hiding space as the 5'9 tall dark-skinned man walked up to them with raised eyebrows and a stern look. Kiara simply waved in welcome as she gave him a nervous glance and Aziza tried to hide behind the princess to draw away attention.

"Bomani, greetings" Kiara chuckled nervously as his brown eyes narrowed at her, obviously not amused.

"May I ask why you are here, princess?" he questioned calmly, crossing his arms. "Civilians and those not called here were ordered to stay indoors. Why do you disobey orders, Kiara?"

She groaned, feeling guilty under his gaze. After many years of loyal service to their family, especially since her childhood, Kiara looked up to him as a uncle of sort. He was the best protector of the kingdom but when he scolded you, it'd be best to listen like a toddler.

"I was curious and worried, in case they wanted to hurt father" she grumbled gently as she looked down at her sandaled feet. He really did make her feel like a scolded child all over again. Summoning up courage, she asked, "May we stay or are we in trouble?"

"That is up to your father, come" he said and summoned both to follow him. Both women followed willingly as they looked at each other in support and then stared at the guard's back. Aziza suddenly chuckled making Kiara look back in confusion.

"What is so funny?" she asked, puzzled. What could she find humorous at a time like this?

"Do you think my hair would look better in braids?" Aziza asked out of the blue. Kiara stifled a groan as she continued, "Bomani's hair is as long as mine and it looks nice braided. Maybe I should change my hairstyle, my hair is always all over the place."

"I don't think this is the right time, my friend" she smiled gently as Bomani ushered them forward in front of both groups. Both women quieted as they saw the 'god-like' beings stare at them dead on. Aziza stared at each in awe but quickly regained a respectful look and bowed lightly. Kiara's eyes remained on Kaen'Dre who in turn glanced at her until a sand-colored male poked him to draw his attention away.

"Father, I apologize, I meant no harm" she quickly addressed her father and bowed to her waist respectfully. Her father had a firm glance similar to Bomani while Atem grinned in amusement. "We thought it could be the rogues and merely wanted to aid. I did not expect to disrupt the meeting between you and the. . .strangers."

"They are more than just strangers, my daughter" Abubakar said firmly but let the comment go. "They are respected guests and will be treated as such at the palace. Now, we must return before we worry the people. They don't need more stress after all that has happened."

"Let us return to the palace" Atem ordered the men and they began to escort the new group towards their home. Kiara and Aziza stayed behind as they watched them all leave down the wide path and Kiara felt a hand graze over her back lightly.

Turning around in surprise, she came face to face with Kaen'Dre. She managed a small smile as she looked over his masked face, knowing those intense golden orbs were watching her.

"You should go before you're in more trouble" he said in a friendly tone as he squeezed her shoulder gently, relishing the small caress. She nodded quietly and grabbed Aziza's hand to lead her away.

"Go back before they wonder where you are" Kiara told him as she quickly left with her friend, who was curious to know what he'd said. She stayed silent and dragged away her friend as Aziza stared at the new being curiously.

XXXXXX

Kiara sat by her mother's side and tried to keep a calm face as the servants brought in platters of food to set upon the square-shaped dining table in their eating chambers. She paid no attention to the mouthwatering variety of foods ranging from roasted and dried meats, vegetables, fruits, and deserts. The tantalizing smells easily entered her nose but she paid it no mind as her eyes stayed on the hunters as they gathered around the table with her father and his advisors. Since they were honored guests, the kitchen had prepared the gods a welcoming feast. Word had spread quick around the city and the civilians had also begun to prepare feasts for the formidable gods for the coming days.

They are majestic but they are not gods, she thought bitterly. I know better now. Even that fact is still unreal yet my beloved informed me of it. He was truthful with it at last.

"Kaen'Dre" she whispered to herself as she snuck a peak at her silver armored hunter. He sat a distance off to her left as he stayed silent but she could see two others trying to converse with him.

His friends, she remembered easily. I bet they missed him.

"Kiara?"

She snapped out of her reverie and looked to see her mother offering her a full dinner plate. She grabbed it quietly and set the warm dish down on the table without touching it. Her mother glanced at her and smoothed her loose brown hair to catch her attention again.

"What is it, child? You look troubled" Neferet said gently and smiled at her daughter in concern.

"What do they want?" she asked bluntly in a low voice as she eyed the hunters again. The servants had served them their own plates so they could begin their special evening.

"I believe they are here to begin preparations for a ritual that only takes place every century" her mother answered in a light voice as tipped her glass in her husband's direction across the table without stopping her voice. "Our kingdom must host it and your father will make sure everything is to the gods specifications. We do not want to anger them and have them seek retribution."

"But what if it goes wrong and something happens?" Kiara questioned irritably as she tried to act as if these news had never reached her ears before. She didn't need more drama in her life after today's fiasco. "Our people cannot suffer."

"The gods will handle it, we are merely the catalyst for this tradition" Neferet answered simply as her daughter stared in surprise at her calmness. Smiling softly at Kiara, she explained, "I have had ancestors live through these traditions before, we are not the first in Memphis, Kiara. Fear not, my child, I will protect you from any harm while your father protects our people."

"You always make me feel better, mother" she said with smile and pressed her cheek over her mother's bare shoulder tenderly. Neferet smiled and kissed her daughter's forehead as Kiara asked softly, "Is it wrong to not want them here?"

"We are all entitled to our own opinions but do not insult them, they are still important guests" her mother said in a firm motherly voice and let go of her gently, smoothing her daughter's hair like she'd done since her childhood.

"They are staying here? In the city?" Kiara asked warily as she looked at the hunters again cautiously. Her mother nodded once which made her ask, "In the palace?"

"That is up to them, we cannot order them to" she answered calmly and raised an eyebrow. "Does it worry you?"

"They are strange to me is all" she said nervously and gulped. If Kaen'Dre stayed, would their estrangement turn awkward? Would their people notice their behavioral patterns towards each other? Anxiously, she asked, "How long will they stay?"

"Until everything is set up, I am sure your father knows more on that than I do" her mother sighed and looked to the head of the table. Like her daughter, she was also curious to know more about the gods visit. She watched their mingling from her spot and told her daughter, "I am sure he will address us with the new developments after dinner."

Kiara nodded as she watched everyone begin to eat, even the hunters. She glanced at each of their unique faces, noticing their differences in color and facial characteristics, until her eyes stayed on Kaen'Dre again. It was unreal how easily he was able to bring up so many emotions and thoughts in her with just his mere presence. She watched him pick at his food like he had done when they were in her room together eating their nightly dinner. His friends stared in surprise at how easily he ate the human food as if it were natural for him already. Her lips formed a tender smile as she watched him and his eyes met hers as he looked up in mid-bite making her blush easily from embarrassment. They were supposed to be apart yet here she was ogling him again!

I was so used to his company and I can't even talk to him now, she thought glumly. How can I get past his lies if he will be within the city?

Quietly, she ate her meal without disruption and forced herself to stop looking at him throughout the whole dinner. When her plate was taken away by the servants, she was about to leave but her father spoke up. Sitting back in the chair with a groan, her mother silenced her and she obeyed. Taking a sip of juice from her goblet, she focused her attention on her father.

"A great privilege and honor has befallen us today" Abubakar began as he stood up to face everyone from the head of the table. The room became silent as the occupants listened. "We have been visited by our humble gods to host the temple hunt that only occurs every century and we have been blessed to be able to honor it. Our gods will battle with the serpents of the underworld to determine the balance between our realms. We will prepare the temple during the following weeks as our gods reside here in our beautiful kingdom."

Tipping his goblet of wine towards the group of hunters, he finished, "On behalf of my kingdom, I thank you for gracing us with your presence. Hail to the gods!"

"Hail!" the Memphites chorused, while Kiara gave a half-hearted response since her festive mood was nonexistent.

With a sigh, she ignored the ongoing feast and gave Kaen'Dre a quick look. The hunter returned her gaze without looking away and she heaved another small sigh, prying her eyes away.

He is rather magnificent even if he isn't a god, she thought. Still, he lied to me. I cannot betray my personal rules over my heart.

"Kiara, would you like to meet the gods?" her mother asked as she stood up from her seat. Her daughter quickly shook her head and looked down at the table.

"I am rather shy right now, I fear I may embarrass myself" she lied and watched her mother leave to rejoin her father. Under her breath, she muttered, "And I don't want to meet my possible executioners yet."

If this hunt comes to pass, what will happen to our kingdom?, she thought worriedly. Will Kaen'Dre's people really look over us or will they leave us at the serpents mercy?

XXXXXX

End of Chapter 26. Thanks for all of your reviews, I'm glad the story keeps you sucked in. So yes, the gods are here and the Memphites have more on their plate than before. And the rogues have just begun on their evil deeds. Thanks for reading and drop a review, they're always appreciated. I put the chapter early because I want to begin the last edits of my first chapter of my next story, I'm sure you guys won't complain for the early update.