CHAPTER 29:

The Temple of the Trials

Weeks later, Kaen'Dre stood at the newly fixed entrance to the temple as he watched the human laborers work to finish the top of the temple to cover the dilapidated chambers inside. His sensitive ears easily heard the humans panted grunts as they pulled and arranged the limestone cubes at the unfinished top of the temple. He felt pity for the humans since they were much lankier and fragile compared to his kind but he knew the strict rules for this ritual and would not be able to aid any human. The only control he had was to order what went on within the chambers inside. Most of them needed cleaning and a few touch ups, especially the sacrificial chamber and the Queen's room as they were the most important. Plus, the rotting and dusty corpses didn't give the chambers an awe-inspiring and proper ceremonial look.

I wish my trial would've been here, he thought mindlessly as his golden eyes stared lazily into the desert. Mine was on a jungle planet in the open rather than desert. These pups better appreciate all this work put in for them. If at all, this Hunt should've been for us but we'll be hunting oomans anyway so it balances out.

Forgetting the Unbloods, his mind wandered to the time frame of when the temple would be finished. How long would it actually take? Human labor was incredibly slow compared to theirs so there was a hope he could stay on Earth longer. Maybe Kiara would forgive him before it was completed and they could be together again! Once everything was finalized, he would leave in one or two days without say. The future after that was blurry to him and the idea made him uneasy.

Would I be allowed to return to Earth frequently? Would Kiara handle the vast distance and time between us? What if she dies before I visit again? Oomans are very frail and they die very young, I don't think I could handle her passing, he thought forlornly. Or will she decide it's too much work and break it off? I don't think I could handle losing her that way either.

We're married, she wouldn't, his mind objected, which relieved him lightly. She promised me and she's never broken a vow to me.

Letting out a long depressed breath, he sighed to himself, "I need to stay clear of those thoughts."

"You're here too?" his friend's voice popped up from behind. Kaen'Dre turned around to see Ani'Twei exiting the entrance doorway, stretching his arms overhead to release a tired grunt.

"Just overseeing construction" he replied lazily with a friendly nod and asked, "You?"

"I decided to see the chambers since we won't experience this hunt first hand" Ani'Twei answered and stopped next to him to smile up at the beaming sun. He hated dark areas and always relished being underneath the sun, it made him feel at home and gave his skin a bronzed tint. Unlike Kaen'Dre, he'd been there since morning and was happy to receive his first break outdoors away from the ship. He sat down on one of the limestone steps and chuckled, "It's a pity we can't. All I can do is look at the rooms and wonder about them. Maybe we'll be able to hunt in another ooman civilization in a hundred years for a normal hunt. We'll definitely be at our top game then to reserve a spot."

"That would be great" Kaen'Dre trilled but then snorted instantly at the air, "Too bad we're stuck on sentry duty now. I would enjoy a hunt in the kingdom for excitement but they're not scheduled until later."

"We were allowed to explore around here" he piped up happily and remembered the places Aziza had shown him in Memphis. She'd even allowed herself to travel to the Nile and a neighboring city to let him appease his adventuring. He shrugged his broad shoulders and laughed, "Better than sitting around doing nothing on the clan ship."

"How are the rooms inside?" Kaen'Dre asked curiously and peeked inside the dimly lit entrance. He couldn't see anything beyond a few feet with all of his vision modes so he gave up. Oh well, he'd see it sooner or later today. Underneath in the inside, humans were already working on repairing the lowest chambers as the top was being finished to safely cover everything.

"Surprisingly detailed with carvings and cultural mementos from both human and yautja culture" Ani'Twei answered delightfully and sharpened his claws on the rough stone to pass the time as he continued, "It's still dirty and has this dry white stuff called 'spider webs' I believe, hanging over the corners but the rooms are a bit dark for ooman vision. The Queen's chamber is pretty large but luckily for the Unbloods there is none since only the eggs will be hatched to prevent overproduction."

"Lucky them, we had a Queen nearby on ours" Kaen'Dre trilled smugly about their own class and snorted amusingly, "The warriors we have caged can entertain them as the huggers do their work."

"Did you want to see the inside?" his friend asked eagerly, pointing with a thumb towards the dark entrance. "A few of the others are down there-"

"Pass, I'd rather spend my time alone" he rejected quickly and his friend gave a small offended hiss. Grinning at him, he added carefully, "Besides you, Kwei, and Sier, of course."

"You have to stop being anti-social and serious one day" Ani'Twei teased with a jab of his finger but stood up to pat his friend's back lightly.

"I doubt it, I like the solitude it brings" he stated uninterested and crossed his arms. He was used to doing things on his own and it was too late to change into something different. . .which he wouldn't. He gave a small smile and said, "Besides, I have my small circle of friends and a woman I adore, I don't need anything else from anyone."

"Except your rank" his friend laughed with a bark and Kaen'Dre glared at him until the other stopped. In a lighter tone, he asked calmly, "How are things with your female?"

He groaned, the same emotional wound scratching at him, and sighed, "Still no change, I wonder if she'll change her mind before we leave. I miss her and the more time we spent apart makes me feel as if she will slip away from me. Her people aren't making it easer by constantly intruding. . .yet again, I'm not even supposed to be with her which tends to hack at us."

"What did you two fight about?" Ani'Twei wondered, still clueless to what the argument his friend had been complaining about and sulking over the recent weeks was about. Most males who got into arguments with females were mated or rejected but his friend was jumping through hoops for his own which made him wonder how deep their connection ran.

"I can't tell you, it's between Kiara and I" Kaen'Dre said cautiously and his friend nodded in understanding to not overstep boundaries. He felt guilty for keeping his relationships from his friends but he'd revealed important information about his secretive culture already that could have serious repercussions if Kiara spoke to them about it. Also, he had no idea what their reactions would be once his secret marriage to her came into the open.

I told her about my people, I'm surprised I didn't add in how to use our weapons!, he thought dryly. Then calmed himself in afterthought, she is my life mate and she had a right to know. It's wrong to deceive a loved one that way and I vowed to never do it again. I'm sure I wouldn't like it if she'd done the same to me and she's the last person I'd dream of hurting.

"Well, I hope you make up soon, especially with your sulky mood ruining our sightseeing" his friend chuckled and remembered how much he'd snapped on every trip they took around Memphis. Kwei'De had even run off to go off on his own to not ruin his never-ending ecstatic mood. He tilted his head to the side in thought and offered, "Why don't we bother Kwei'De over the com-link? I'm sure he's eating again today."

"And he hasn't thrown up yet? He's eaten an entire week's worth of food within hours!" Kaen'Dre exclaimed in outrage and laughed darkly, "Maybe we can scare him with a fatal food poisoning alert."

"Scary but laughable" Ani'Twei trilled and opened his gauntlet's computer to punch in his friend's extension. The two friends would then entertain themselves by teasing their food loving friend with fear to pass the tedious time at the temple.

XXXXXX

Back at the capital, Kiara patrolled the outside defenses in search of Bomani and her father. Atem had informed her that they were beginning to form the second army infantries and she wanted to know more as usual. However, he'd run out after his meal and left her in the dust to track him down.

Donning a simple white linen dress, she climbed up the wooden stairs of the blockade defenses for the city. Guards passed by as she walked onto a platform and looked around both ways for either men but found nothing. She headed straight ahead for the limestone stairs that led up to the top of the limestone wall closing off the capital to the outside kingdom. Off to the far left, she spotted the general overseeing the entrance and quickly made a direct path to him as he finished speaking to an archer. He spotted her and raised a defined black eyebrow as she ran up to him.

"My, aren't you in a hurry" he chuckled softly as she grinned in return while catching her breath, hunched over to breathe deeply. Resuming his professional tone, he reminded, "Only the border patrols are allowed up here, Kiara."

"I know, I seem to breaking rules left and right lately but forget that" she agreed quickly and waved her hands to bring up her point, "Are all of the battalions ready?"

"Kiara, that information is classified for the pharaoh alone" he stated with a serious face and she nodded, already knowing and disliking the answer.

"I want to know if there's still an opening for the front lines?" she inquired, placing a hopeful smile on her face for emphasis. Bomani didn't buy it and gave her the same serious face and tightened lips. Sighing in aggravation, she admitted, "You're really good at your job. Atem said I could fight under his command and-"

"He also informed me that you've been careless and hasty in your training which is a negative on the battle field" he explained tersely and shook his head. "As a general, I cannot accept any soldiers in that manner or risk having my men injured by reckless tactics."

Kiara stared angrily and gaped at having both her brother and the general against her idea. How was she to fight now with two negative answers? She would not give up easily and placed her hands on her hips as she leaned forward to argue.

"I have been training to get better, I will be ready in time" she protested firmly and narrowed her eyes. Did everyone think she was weak and couldn't amount to their strength? She'd been training every day to increase her strength and dexterity, she could do this! She grit her teeth and said tightly, "I will not be a liability on the field, I know what is at stake. Do you think I am so foolish as to risk my people's life as well? I am here to defend them!"

"No, but you will risk yours" he pointed out and her lips thinned in displeasure. In his view, she was meant to stay away from any battles to continue the pharaoh's lineage in case the pharaoh and prince died in battle. She was also stubborn and could get killed, destroying her continuance as a princess and future family. He shook his head and said firmly, "Kiara, you do not need to jump into war where men dominate and can contain it. You are fiercely protective and loyal, I would not want to risk your capture by enemies and neither would your father."

"I am not weak, I've fought them, I know what to expect!" she objected snappishly and added, "I am ready for battle, I can fight and we need as many warriors in case unexpected scenarios arise."

"Battle is different than training, young one" Bomani stated sternly and she nodded, knowing his decades of experience in the battlefields. "You are pressed shoulder-to-shoulder with warriors, allies, and enemies. You must know to act quick or else the enemy will strike you down before your sword is drawn. Your movements must be flexible as your fighting area grows or shrinks without losing focus on your targets. Even your body has to be attuned to the same sensory perception as your eyes to dodge direct or ranged attacks."

He's right, there's still a lot I don't know, she thought grudgingly. But I want to fight nonetheless.

She stayed silent as he asked, "Do you see my point, Kiara?"

She nodded quietly in reluctance as he gave her a small friendly smile, "I would not put you in battle unless you are ready. If you keep training, I will see your results depending on the first battle and see if you are worthy of a spot."

"I will train, even if it's day and night" she assured quickly and nodded enthusiastically. If he was allowing her a spot, she'd train her ass off to attain it. "I will be as ready as any man when the time comes, I will prove myself to all of you."

"There is nothing wrong with staying behind, Kiara" Bomani advised and saw her face wrinkle at the thought. He knew she only saw battle as a way of respect rather than the non-violent approach. He reminded gently, "Your people will still look to you for guidance. As a princess, you must take care of those who need aid away from battle."

"I suppose, maybe I will see that meaning one day" Kiara sighed, not thrilled to the idea, and bowed respectfully, "Thank you, General. I will be at the temple if my father needs me."

Departing quickly after, she rode her brown camel towards the temple area. She'd heard the construction teams had finished the entrance and were rapidly working to finish the top. She'd hoped to get a small position in the army but since that wouldn't be possible yet, she wanted to peek in at the temple. The ritual still worried her but she trusted in Kaen'Dre to keep it safe when the time came for it. Taking her mother's advice, she decided to focus on one thing and let some of the other burdens go for a time. She hadn't wanted to, obviously, but she'd give up her worry for the hunt until this new war could be dealt with.

However, I still think our resources would go better to aid in this war than the temple, she thought bitterly. I could protest till I'm blue in the face but I can't argue with orders so I'll bite my tongue.

"If they mess up anything, I will be there to point it out" she said out loud and nodded once in affirmation, "My people come first."

XXXXXX

Kaen'Dre watched a limestone block shift into place with the others on the temple as construction kept going. However, he saw how easily the humans became tired without periods of rest and water. He walked up to the leader who was giving swift orders to the laborers, who were sweating and panting under the burning sun and decided to grant them a little moment of peace.

"Tell them to take a break, they've been working hard since morning" Kaen'Dre ordered and the human nodded obediently. At least as a god he had an unquestioned rule over the humans and could use it to aid those who deserved aid. He waved a hand to the human overseer in dismissal and said blandly, "I will tell you when they may resume their labor."

"Yes, my lord" the man bowed and walked off to inform the workers.

"Nice work you did there, lord of the stars" his mate's familiar voice chuckled behind him. He instantly turned with a pleased smile and walked over to her as she dismounted her steed. Grabbing her by the waist, he helped her down and his hold lingered around her curvy form for a few seconds before letting go. If she noticed, her face didn't betray any recognition as she dusted off her dress.

Might as well use it as an excuse to hold her, he thought gladly.

"I did not expect you here today" he told her as she tied the reigns to her animal on a nearby wooden post. The camel merely snorted as she made sure there was a water trough accessed to him and patted his rump lightly in affection. Tilting his head as he watched her, he added softly, "You usually stay away from here."

"It gives out an aura of strong energy, even without its majestic size" she explained shyly and smiled at him, "Have you been here since morning?"

His heart perked up when she asked about him, about his day, and answered gladly, "Yes, my captain told me and a few others to oversee it today." The two walked over a shaded area of the temple to avoid the sun and he clasped his hands behind his back to make sure they didn't wander. Lightly, he asked, "Did your father ask you to come?"

"No, I came on my own" she replied with a small smile and rested her warm back against the smooth limestone wall. The cool stone felt like heaven on her hot skin after the ride in the desert and she fought the urge to sit down in the sand and just stay there. She fixed a few strands of stray hair from her braid as she continued, "I wanted to join the infantry lines for the war effort but was denied. Apparently, I'm too emotional and can't think straight so I have to train more! And here I thought I was doing all right but I guess it's just my own plumped up opinion."

She wants to go to war?, he thought worriedly, despite his mate's downcast look. My mate? Against an army?!

"It is dangerous, Kiara" he advised but kept the worry out of his voice. If she hated one thing more than anything, it was being called weak. He found it surprising that her attitude was similar to his kind, except they punished weakness. In a soft tone, he continued, "You must be ready to witness and act in such turbulent violence. War is not a light situation one can walk into or escape, I would not want anything to happen to you."

She smiled tenderly and shook her head, "I know but. . .forget it, I've said the same thing so many times it's lost meaning." She sighed deeply and looked down at the sand as she admitted to him, "I wish I was strong like you. Your body defines what the perfect warrior is; your intellect analyzes, your fluid movements mesmerize, and your emotions are restrained to keep yourself alive and in the moment. You don't lose focus on anything. . .even when we fought, you were ready to destroy me and I didn't give you much of a fight."

The perfect warrior, she reflected. My warrior.

Her eyes wandered over his tall frame and she gave a gloomy grunt, "Everything I do seems to take a wrong turn lately."

"What do you mean?" he asked, leaning closer worriedly but made sure not to seem too close inside her personal space. He didn't want to scare her away, especially now that they were engaged in small conversation.

"I train but I can't fight, the 'gods' arrive and I can't bring myself to love them like my people" she responded and took off her golden crown. Looking at her reflection within the shiny metal, she finished, "I marry you and it goes downhill instantly."

"Do. . .do you regret it?" he asked quietly, a little afraid of the possible answer. What if his fears would begin to come true while they spent their days apart? She gave him a small smile as he waited and shook her head softly. Releasing a breath of relief, he smiled back, "I hope to be in your good graces soon. I still miss you. . .It feels terrible to be without you knowing we're so close."

"I know" she sighed sadly and placed her crown back on to give him a watery smile, "I wish you would've been honest with me from the start, I hate your lies but I love you nonetheless. Everything will work itself out in time, keep your hope for us. Don't despair, Kaen'Dre"

"What if I leave before-" he began uneasily.

She placed her hand over his covered mouth and advised gently, "Handle things one day at a time. Give time for the wounds to heal."

He nodded as she traced her fingertips over his mask and once again appreciated the small physical gesture. He knew her emotions were fragile but he didn't doubt her love for him, it was still there despite the pain. Quietly, he raised his hand slowly and gently grasped hers to feel her small digits under his larger ones. His warm touch made her blush awkwardly due to their situation but her heart swelled happily as he intertwined their hands.

"We cannot keep doing this" she whispered glumly and looked up at him. Their hands stayed connected and undisturbed as she confessed reluctantly, "My mother knows about us."

She what?!, his mind reeled instantly.

He stared at her in surprise as he hesitated for words to blurt out and finally asked, "How? We've never been seen!"

"Nonverbal communication" she answered and brought his hand closer to her. Her fingertips caressed the palm of his hand and she gave his hand a squeeze. Wrapping her other hand over it to cover his in-between hers, she explained delicately, "She saw us giving each other looks ever since you arrived publicly. She made a guess and. . .I don't like lying, it makes me feel conniving and I had to. . .she's my mother. It's not in me to be a constant liar, it feels horrible."

"What did she say about us?" Kaen'Dre questioned worriedly. He hoped her parents wouldn't give him a chase out of the kingdom for wooing their daughter and ruining the Hunt itself. Or possibly praising him for taking a mortal- what if his clan found out? He'd be stripped of his rank and-

"Are you listening?" Kiara's voice interrupted his rambling thoughts and he nodded quickly, bringing the focus back to their conversation. The princess smiled and happily said, "She wished us luck. No vile comments or reminders about our forbidden feelings, just hopeful remarks for our future."

His masked face was still in surprise but he cleared his throat to show her he was listening. So her mother wouldn't be brandishing a spear at his head? Well, that was enlightening. The idea of their relationship erupting into the open without warning was something he wasn't prepared for and didn't think he could handle. That thought alone told him he wasn't ready to chose between his people and the humans. Squeezing Kiara's hand, he purred encouragingly, "Our love is pure and strong, despite my tainting, and it will keep flourishing and no one will crush it. We will pass all of these worrying hindrances and a new day will arrive for us. Are you with me on this, Kiara?"

"Of course I am" she agreed instantly with a bobbing head that made him trill and let his words ease her heart. Exhaling a shaky breath through her lips, she whispered, "I miss you, my love. I've never felt so alone without you especially now with this war. I miss the peace we had before all of this."

Kaen'Dre embraced her tightly against him and she clung to him fiercely as her logical mind objected to the action. Purring into her neck in comfort, he stroked her back gently as he kept her body entrapped in his. Her words had poked painfully at his heart and knew his had done the same. Why couldn't he keep her like this forever?

Because I lied and made her look as a fool, he thought regrettably.

His mate quickly cut into their small intimate moment, "People are everywhere, yours and mine. We cannot risk ourselves so foolishly. . .we miss each other tremendously but we can't let that ruin what we're trying to hide."

A little annoyed, due to her point and not wanting to release her, Kaen'Dre backed away and she smoothed out her dress to resume her untouched regal look. An awkward silence engulfed the couple as they waited in the soothing shade for the other to speak.

"Would you like to see the inside of the temple?" he invited and pointed to the temple's entrance. She eyed it warily as he chuckled and assured, "I will look after you, nothing bad will happen. Besides, two of the rooms are finished so you can view them today to ease your tension about the temple."

Hesitantly, she nodded and hoped the inside wasn't filled with frightening objects or creatures. She doubted the inside was covered with flowery vases and exotic candied treats. After all, they were hunting those horrible serpents. Just about anything could be expected from the superior beings. The two walked into the sun again and began the long climb on the stairs to the top. Kaen'Dre walked them with ease due to his constant training and strong physique while Kiara. . .well, humans weren't meant to walk at a yautja's pace.

"I can do it, just. . .give me. . .a second" she panted as she wiped her sweaty forehead. He offered his hand to help her along but she rejected it out of pride. She gave him a firm stare and assured, "I can do it myself, I. . .am not weak."

"You can catch your breath, I'll remain here" he said gently but she could hear the humor in his voice. She glared at him and he simply trilled amusingly in return. His mate's perseverance on any matter had always interested him and sometimes, it was just too humorous to pass by. Nonchalantly, he said, "I'll stop to enjoy the view."

The playful quirk in his voice made her smile without putting up a fight against his hidden help. Looking at him as she sat down on the steps, she panted with a laugh, "I've missed spending the day with you."

XXXXXX

"This is the sacrificial chamber and the beginning of the Hunt" Kaen'Dre said as he waved his hand around the room while Kiara's eyes trailed over the gray colored stale room. Her nose instantly wrinkled as cool but stale air filtered into her nostrils despite the blistering heat outside the temple.

She didn't like it here. At all.

Her skin easily broke out into goose bumps as the room gave her an eerie unwelcoming. In the center of the room, a row of a dozen horizontal limestone platforms rose to form a circle, similar to the room's shape. The size of each rectangular-shaped stand had the correct length to hold a human body in a resting position. In the center, a small podium took position in front of all the slabs but Kiara couldn't understand what the purpose of that one was. Remembering the Elder's words about the chamber, she stayed in her spot and didn't enter the room completely.

This is where the chosen ones will be sacrificed. . .but to what and how?, she thought morbidly. This hunt better be worth the lost lives of my people.

Kaen'Dre looked at her as she gave the room an apprehensive look. He snapped his fingers to grab her attention and asked, "Is something wrong?"

"I. . .um. . .I want to leave now" she stammered nervously and looked back into the safety of the hallway corridor instead. She couldn't bear to walk into that cold unsettling room and wanted to get away from it as quickly as possible. Her hand grasped his and she pulled him back out to refuse, "Kaen'Dre, thank you for showing me around the temple, but this is one place I cannot enter willingly."

That room is nothing like the others, she thought darkly. It practically reeks of death.

He looked around the chamber, not understanding her odd fear, and asked puzzled, "Why? There's nothing-"

"I just can't, please don't make me" she pleaded quietly and stayed near the doorway, not letting a toe enter past it. He sighed deeply, relenting to her wish and nodded to her. She instantly began walking away from it and tugged him along as she hastily said, "I will be departing now."

"I apologize for whatever scared you in there" he soothed as he walked by her side and asked gently, "Would you like to tell me?"

"I have no intention of seeing the eternal tombs of my constituents" she replied sharply from fear and anger. Seeing her beloved look away for the indirect insult, she sighed and squeezed his hand against her chest, "Kaen'Dre, how am I to look past this?"

"You can't, it will happen" he said, knowing there was no simple answer to all that was occurring around them. Her eyes narrowed at the helplessness of it as he continued, "This is what our people, both of our people, agreed on ages ago when you and I were merely a twinkle for possible existence. My people agreed to aid yours to rise into an advanced civilization of your time and in return, you would host our rituals. You and I cannot change it and it will continue on for centuries after we're gone."

She hated the blunt reality he told her, he was right. . .exactly right. . .and she could do nothing. Just sit by and watch the whole thing take place and hope it would please the hunters. Kaen'Dre purred to her and she smiled shyly as her hand caressed his covered cheek again. His fingers dug into her tied hair and his thumb caressed her temple soothingly as he let go a minute later. He pointed to the open entrance to remind her of their imposed rule and patted her cheek.

"You are absolutely right. . .unfortunately" she said solemnly and crossed her arms as they kept walking. The cold air had given her skin shivers inside the large temple and she almost hated to leave the shady building to go out into the searing sun once more. She smiled to herself and said fondly, "Thank you for showing me the inside of this rare temple, despite my previous reaction. I. . .I'm glad to have spent some time with you today, Kaen'Dre. Will you be returning to the palace?"

"Of course, I will not turn away your father's hospitality" he nodded amicably and felt pleased at her admittance. Maybe she was on the path to forgiving him soon? He really hoped so. He wanted their marriage to work more than anything so far. Her demeanor towards him was lightening than in previous weeks when she couldn't bear to look at him. Their progress only made him more committed to reuniting with her. Lightly touching her back with his hand, he beckoned, "Come, I will escort you outside and see you off."

XXXXXX

Kiara walked the lively streets of the city as she headed towards the High Priestess' temple. She would be helping with the flower decorations to adorn the gods feast celebration, just another of many for the beloved individuals. At first she'd objected due to her stand on it, but agreed when she knew her father would be disappointed and that was something she would always avoid. Aziza would be joining as well since most females within the city aided in the arrangements at one point while the surrounding towns grew the flowers. Queen Neferet's flowers would be used only on the main table for the royal family and the gods.

Kiara's shoulders were slumped lazily since she didn't really want to do this but had to suck it down for the honor of her family. She still had the duties of a princess to perform, whether she liked it or not.

Maybe this will make me feel better, she thought tiredly. Especially after bolting out like that. Poor Kaen'Dre, I hope he didn't I was rejecting his company.

He should be upset, after everything's he's brought onto you, her mind shot back and she waved it away.

"Arrgh, why is my mind tormenting my heart?! Why can't you both shut up?!" she exclaimed and pulled at her hair. Passerby's stared at her puzzled and kept walking, not wanting to anger the princess about her fit.

They probably think demons are plaguing me now!, she sighed mentally.

She approached the ankle high steps of the temple and climbed it without breaking a sweat. Compared to the main temple of the High Priest, this one was its miniature sibling. She approached the temple guards for entrance and they bowed before opening the copper doors to the inside. Civilians were rarely allowed inside, especially during holy preparations, and only officials were allowed besides the priests, priestesses, and their congregation. Kiara knew her way after many years and she'd been here more than a month ago for her secret marriage. Set had also shown her and their friends around when he had studied under the High Priestess before transferring to the other temple.

She rounded the corner and spotted the high priestess heading her way. Amunet was only a few years older than Kiara but she had been rumored to have the ability of foresight since childhood and had instantly been accepted into the temple for training as the High Priestess. No other priestess in Memphis had the great respect and power she possessed. The taller and willowy woman stopped before her and her coal black eyes bore into hers as Kiara curtsied quickly in respect. Princess or not, she respected the woman immensely.

Her honey tinted lips gave a gentle smile as she spoke softly, "Princess Kiara, I sense turmoil within you even as you smile at me."

"Recent events, the war" she explained with a casual tone but the priestess tilted her head curiously. Kiara felt awkward in front of the mysterious woman and hoped she wasn't an open book to her. Hiding her nervousness, she asked, "Is something wrong, high priestess?"

Amunet hesitated for a moment as her eyes remain on her face. Her eyes blinked repeatedly the next second to wipe away what had made her pause and she smiled again, "You are in love. . .with someone strong. . .a god perhaps? Yes, one of the visitors." Kiara shook her head instantly to deny it but she raised her hand, "A sweet innocent love. . .yet I see fear and pain clouding it."

"There is nothing, nothing between a god and I, it's inconceivable!" she declared sharply but the woman chuckled and Kiara stopped a glare from rising onto her face. Either her façade was weak or the woman had perfect extrasensory perception.

I'm going to have to go with the second if she keeps yanking out my past, Kiara thought.

"Oh, but there has been conceiving" Amunet stated and gave her an amused look. A slender hand pressed against her temple as she went on, "You could say he's given you a special gift that will be brought into the world by the end of the year."

What gift?, she thought confused.

Kiara stared back with a puzzled face at the riddle until the priestess gave her the freebie and answered her unasked question, "You are expecting, princess, I can sense a different aura about you. It will grow as your child matures. Oracles can sense it within feet away."

That's impossible, I know Kaen'Dre speculated but I can't, not now, she thought appalled.

"No, no, you must be mistaken" she chuckled nervously as she waved her hands. She couldn't be pregnant! She had so many things on her mind now, more importantly- she and Kaen'Dre weren't on 'happy couple' terms anymore.

"My foretelling rarely fails" the priestess stated and gave her a comforting smile, "Do not stress yourself in these chaotic days. Protect the heavenly gift the gods have bestowed upon you."

"What if. . .could you possible be wrong?" Kiara asked anxiously and pressed her thumb and index finger closely together before them. She closed the gap between her fingers and squeaked out, "Just a tiny bit?"

"No, if so, I will declare your prophecy as my first blunder" she stated confidently and nodded to her with another calm smile, "Will you help with the decorating or do you need time to be alone for this?"

I could be pregnant, Kiara thought fearfully. What will I do? Will I be able to keep it safe? Oh dear. . .Kaen'Dre. What will he do? What should I tell him?

"Could. . .um. . .could I come tomorrow instead?" she breathed tiredly as her head became stuffed with a million new thoughts. She wanted to scream them out and yell at Kaen'Dre for a moment for getting her pregnant but kept calm instead.

"Of course, rejoice in the new life you bring forth" Amunet congratulated and left a stunned Kiara behind to continue her work.

I cannot be pregnant, she thought meekly. This is the worst case scenario I never imagined!

Her fingers grazed over her stomach and whispered, "Are you really in there?"

She quickly ran away from the temple as tears blurred her vision and singed her eyes. She did not want to believe what the priestess had told her, especially since she was apart from her husband and she couldn't even imagine telling her parents. Bringing everything into the open was not a possibility and if she was pregnant, she would hide it completely from them.

Curse it, why did I let Kaen'Dre bed me so many times?!, she thought angrily. Cursed charms of his.

"I want my husband" she sniffled in effect to the emotional overload and rubbed at her stinging left eye as she kept running towards the palace.

Suddenly, she heard the beat of hoofs and jumped out of the street before she could cause a collision. Her head turned to the road to watch a group pass by. . .with the head driver as her father. What had happened now? Scanning the group, she spotted Atem and waved her arms fretfully for his recognition. Her brother caught a small glimpse of her flailing limbs and she wasted no time before he passed her by.

"Where are you going?" she called out worriedly as she batted away the dust rising into the air from the convoy.

"Another attack, we're going to assist Bomani in the front lines" he informed quickly and ordered, "Go to the palace, we will return by midnight."

"I can help" she offered but he jabbed his finger at the palace in the distance, refuting her assistance. She scowled and shouted, "Fine, I'll stay locked up!"

"It's for your own good, sister! You'll thank me one day!" he yelled back and he passed her by as their group faded into the sunset. She really wanted to help her people without being held back by so many restraints. . .but now, it seemed she'd have another.

"I suppose it wouldn't be good for you either" she sighed despondently, tapping her fingertips over her sides as her palms rested on her hips.

If this isn't true and my stomach stays flat, that priestess is going to have a huge problem with me, she thought irritably. Pregnancy is no joke, especially with Kaen'Dre as the father. And if I'm not pregnant, even better.

I know I wished for a child but that was when I believed every fabricated fantasy he had told me and now we're barely near each other, she thought glumly as she walked to the palace. How will I tell him if I am pregnant? What if it makes everything worse?

With a miserable knot in her stomach, she headed back towards the palace as she wondered what kind of battle awaited her family at the front lines while all she could do was stay behind innocently like a child. How many soldiers would be lost this time? How many civilians? If she was pregnant, then she would not be able to fight at all alongside her brother. She would have to make due healing the injured and helping in other areas, like the kitchen, stables, and bathing houses.

I'll be nothing but an errand lady!, she thought angrily. Useless in the battle for victory!

"Why did this have to happen now?" she groaned in frustration but then growled, feeling guilty for the outburst. Her hand went over her lower abdomen and she sighed, "I don't resent you, little one, but you could have waited a while longer. I fear it won't be safe for you in this world soon if things progress the way they are."

XXXXXX

End of Chapter 29. Another filler chapter but with a small twist. Ain't I a stinker? Making someone who doesn't want to be pregnant stuck at home? It'll feel like prison to Kiara now that she can't join the battlefields. . .or will she? She's a stubborn one so who knows? And Kaen'Dre still keeps pushing for some love but he hasn't decided who's he willing to let go of. They had it easy when the story started and it'll get tougher as the war and the Hunt press against them. Thanks as always to the readers and the reviewers! This would've been up sooner but fanfiction kept screwing up my file and I had to refix it.