I sincerely apologize to my readers for the amount of time it has taken me to update but the realities of life have been getting in the way of my writing. Sincere thanks go to all of my lovely reviewers and those still following this story (I will finish it, I promise!).

The man stepped into the room and nodded "it is I, O'Connell, but my name in this life is Sekmut and we, apparently, are cousins" he replied. "Figures" Rick muttered under his breath, completely unsurprised. From what he had learned from Evie about ancient Egyptian customs, they liked to keep it in the family – especially the royalty. "Twenty thousand people, five last names" he thought, then picked up his spear and faced his 'cousin'.

After confirming his identity, Ardeth instructed him in the use-it-or-be-killed list of ancient Egyptian phrases then ushered him out the door, saying they were going to be late for their posts.

"You are the personal bodyguard of Princess Selkenauset" Ardeth continued "so you are responsible for her welfare from sunrise to sunset. You follow her everywhere, never let her out of your sight, and stand at her door when she is within her rooms. It is important that you stay alert and all visitors must be approved by her highness before you allow them entrance, except Pharaoh and her highness Nefertiri"

"Right"

"O'Connell. You must draw on your instincts, they will tell you who cannot be trusted. The palace, despite its opulence, is neither pleasant nor safe. Especially for the pharaoh's daughters. Under no circumstances are any of pharaoh's concubines to be permitted in the rooms of the princesses without at least one royal guard present. They are expected to stay in the harem and, if you happen to encounter them, do not let them touch you" he said gravely "and, even if Farsiris has been transferred to the body of Selkenauset just as you have been to Nebi's, do not try to confirm her identity unless she asks you directly. We cannot afford to be mistaken"

That would be easier said than done, given that Rick had no idea what the concubines looked like. The only one he had seen thus far was Ank-Su-Namun and, at the time, she had more resembled a very authentic Hallowe'en decoration - dusty bandages, crispy hair and all - than a pharaoh's mistress.

No sooner had Ardeth finished with his warning than a familiar voice cried "wha...wait just one bloody second! Where...oh bloody hell, not this place again!"

The two Med-Jai exchanged looks of stupefied horror that would have been humorous in just about any other situation than the one they had just landed in.

"Jonathan"

Farsiris awoke with a start and her hand flew to her stomach just in time to feel the child kick again. Wondering why she was always the one who ended up pregnant, she heaved her legs over the side of the bed and was about to stand when her passage was blocked by the wall of linen-clothed muscle that was Imhotep. He seemed taller now than he had when she had seen him last and that unsettled her but she couldn't show it. Until she found out why exactly she was here, she couldn't display any reaction that was out of place. So she looked up at him reassuringly "my love, I am well. I was simply tired and our child is very active" she took one of his long-fingered hands and splayed it over her stomach to demonstrate her point.

The baby moved beneath his hand and his serious expression softened a little "understood. However, the physician recommends that you rest for the remainder of the day. This pregnancy has been difficult for you"

"My beloved husband, if I stay in bed any longer, I am going to grow roots" she protested irritably.

"I believe there is a remedy for your restlessness that also does not require you to leave the bed. I have heard that gentle exercise is good for pregnant women and their husbands" he responded lowly and there was very familiar look in his eye that made her guts turn with trepidation when her memory kindly informed her what he was referring to. Fortunately it also provided her with the recollection that she enjoyed his attentions so she shoved back the guilt and anxiety and was able to smile indulgently at him, as she was certainly expected to do. Just as he removed his robes, however, a voice that was both strange and familiar split the air and dread turned her blood to ice.

"Oh Gods help us all" she groaned and, after blowing through her memories in search of something she could say that would not expose her or get Jonathan killed, added "my brother is having one of his drunken fits again".

On the other end of the royal wing, Evelyn had been in her – Nefertiri's – rooms taking a brief moment to try and make sense of the situation when she heard a strange voice, coming from the general direction of the courtyard, speaking in a familiar and definitely un-Egyptian manner that sent her stomach plummeting into her feet. Then her reflexes kicked in and she bolted through the doors, hollering for the guards to retrieve her drunk brother before he brought dishonour on the entire royal family.

In the shadows of the palace, a lone figure watched the scene unfold with a satisfied smile. These people had altered history enough by restoring the high priest to the good graces of the gods despite his having killed the pharaoh and resurrected the whore. Now it was their turn to be meddled with and he was going to enjoy every minute of their discomfort.

He didn't, however, count on the nature of the prince he had chosen as his instrument being such a close match to the one whose soul now inhabited the royal body. Nor, had he been prepared for the swift reaction of the younger princess, who he could already hear calling for the guards.

No matter, he thought I still have plenty of time to find the diary before the older princess gives birth and, unlike them, I know exactly where it is hidden.