Duality of Man
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this story from The Mummy (1999) except for my OCs.
Words to Know:
Ka: The Ancient Egyptian concept of the soul.
**!WARNING!** This chapter contains material that may be triggering for some readers. The two scenes occur at the beginning of the chapter, which is marked as being NSFW. Read at your own discretion.
Evil as well as good, both operate to advance the Great Plan. ~Muata Ashby, Egyptian Book of Proverbs .
Late Fall, 1295~
The sun beat down on his eyelids, waking him from his slumber. Seti stretched on his silky sheets. He could feel his morning erection brushing tantalizingly on the fabric. Keeping his eyes closed, he felt for the soft, warm body in bed with him. Pulling it closer, Seti growled deep in his throat at the feeling of the woman's tight body. It was supple and curvaceous, melding into his own. The feel of her round bottom against his crotch was too much to bear, and he rolled over. Pinning the girl down to the bed, he sat atop her.
A soft gasp of surprise escaped from the girl's lips as her eyes shot open. "Pharaoh Seti! Good morning!" The girl moved to cover herself but soon realized her actions were futile. Stopping her movements, a look of embarrassment passed over her features.
"Good morning, my dear," Seti said, grinning at her. He had no idea what her name was, but it didn't matter. Roughly mashing his lips on hers, she moaned into his mouth, and he felt his desire swell.
Pushing back against him, the girl giggled. Looking up at him, her eyes relaxed into a siren stare. "Is there anything I can do for you this morning?" The girl whispered as she lowered the soft silk sheets.
He groaned as the satiny texture brushed against him. Not bothering to reply, he kissed her neck. Nearing her heavy breasts, he suppressed a growl as he slid himself over the girl, entering her. Her quick intake of breath as he slid into her was music to his ears. He took out all his stress on her, all of his frustrations.
"You are so beautiful," he managed to grunt out. She smiled and allowed him to use her body as his own. The overwhelming feeling of pleasure as he dominated her threatened to overwhelm him. Her soft cries spurred him further. He spilled himself inside her, collapsing onto her when he was done .
Laying there to gather his strength, he ignored the girl's grunts of discomfort until he was ready. Sliding off of her, he felt disgusted. How easily she gave herself to me! There is no challenge! How boring. Rolling his eyes at the girl on his bed, he stood to dress. The movement felt monumental as he puffed from the exertion.
Servants rushed in, dressing him without so much as a word. Sitting down, he caught his breath. All of this exercise wasn't good for his heart. It was pounding too hard!
His stomach grumbled. Another servant rushed into the room, bringing his breakfast.
"Finally." He said, glaring at the servant who deposited the tray. The servant bowed and scurried away, closing the heavy doors on his way out. Seti rolled his eyes.
The golden tray was brimming with food. Exotic fruits, meats, bread, honey, fresh goat's milk, tea, and exotic spices adorned the tray. Stomach growling again, he sat down to eat on the settee. Forgetting he had company, he was startled when he heard a throat clear from behind him.
The girl lay on the bed, a slight look of sadness on her features, looking at the food and then back at him expectantly.
Crocking an eyebrow, he said, "Yes? What is it?" As he grabbed his tea and a piece of bread, he slathered it with honey and stuffed it in his mouth.
The girl looked disgusted before her face became a mask of cheerfulness. "My Pharaoh! That was wonderful! Thank you for allowing me into your bed…." She said, moving on the bed, exposing her naked body to him once more as the silky sheets slid away.
Looking at the girl's body, he sucked in a breath and felt his lust stir again. "It was my pleasure," Seti said before returning to his breakfast. "And you may come over here." He said, his back turned to her.
Light footsteps against the limestone floor padded towards him. The girl came into view. Sitting on the floor beside the settee, her eyes widened at the spread of food.
Feeling annoyed at her lack of manners, Seti scowled, "I didn't say you could sit, did I?"
Scuttling up, the girl stood, looking reticent. 'No, my Lord, you did not. What is it you wish for me to do?" She said, covering her chest and lowering her eyes. Her thick, long black hair covered her face and obscured her brown eyes from his view.
Scowling, he banged his fist against the tray and shouted. "If you are to be in my bed, I expect you to be on your knees when I am having breakfast, is that understood?" Seti bellowed.
The girl shook with fear and fell to her knees, "But I thought you said not to sit…." She said now.
"You do not sit here as an equal. You are here as a servant; don't you forget that." Seti said, shoveling food in his mouth again, "Now, service me!"
Looking confused, she did not move. Seti felt his annoyance beginning to bubble over into anger.
"I don't understand what you mean, my King."
His eyes hard, he turned on the girl and grabbed her by the hair, yelling again. "I did not invite a dancer to share my bed to be treated equally. You will not be considered as such. You will do as I ask and not ask questions. Got it?"
Shaking her head up and down the best she could, she answered, "Yes, my Lord.."
"Good, now do as you were asked," Seti said as he released his hold on her. His eyes were hard as he looked down at her.
The girl took her position and got to work, tears flowing down her face. Seti smiled as waves of pleasure washed over him. He enjoyed his breakfast more that morning than any other.
Later that morning, Seti sat on his throne. Boredom threatened to lull him to sleep, and he woke himself up with a loud snore.
Imhotep, who sat beside him, chuckled. Seti sat up straighter and cleared his throat.
"Hush, Imhotep. I was not asleep. That's ridiculous." He said, smoothing out his loin cloth and adjusting his crown.
Imhotep snorted. "I never even said anything of the sort." Imhotep's eyes glittered with mirth before falling back into his customary stoicism.
Seti rolled his eyes. "Hmpf, well. Imhotep…" He said, leaning in closer to his Vizier, "What is the matter?" Seti asked, trying to be polite.
"What do you mean?" Imhotep asked, his face not betraying any of his thoughts.
"You seem to be off in another world. The look on your face is severe."
Chuckling, Imhotep appeared nervous. "Severe? I'm not sure what you mean."
"You have often been disappearing as of late, and you have been incredibly quiet. What is it that troubles you, my friend? What do you think about?"
Shifting in his seat, Imhotep looked more and more nervous. "I have not been sleeping well, my Lord." Jumping at the last word, Imhotep corrected himself, "Seti… I mean." His face was now a mask again. Not even the slightest hint of emotion leached out of it.
Staring at Imhotep, Seti scrutinized his face. New wrinkles had appeared there almost overnight. "Hmmm…yes, you look great. You look as if Osiris has been beckoning you to the grave."
Raising his eyebrows, Imhotep looked at Seti from the corner of his eyes and laughed. "Thank you, that is a compliment I shall cherish forever."
"No, truly , Imhotep, you look as if you have not slept in months! Tell me! What have you found out from the Gods? We have never spoken of it."
The Vizier's hands fiddled with the hem of his robes, twisting them. Seti's eyes honed in on the motion.
Seti leaned over. "What did they say? About my question…?" Seti repeated. He waited on the edge of his seat for the answer, afraid to know.
Imhotep's eyes became devoid of emotion again as they shifted away from him. Seti marveled at how Imhotep did that, but it worried him. What's he hiding? Seti thought. Had he not known Imhotep for so many years, he would have never noticed.
Imhotep stiffened. "Well…" He cleared his throat. "Well…There was not much to learn. Thoth was most unhelpful…."
Seti balked. "Of course, Thoth was unhelpful! You must go to Seth!" Seti said, his eyes shifting around. "Seth always knows about these matters."
"Why would Seth be better? Thoth is the god of knowledge. He sees all. I assume he would know best?" Imhotep questioned.
"No, no. You must convene with Seth!" Seti said, his eyes begging. "Besides, what did Thoth tell you? He must've told you something."
Clearing his throat again, Imhotep took a moment before responding. Seti's heart beat in anticipation.
"As I have said, the Gods were unhelpful. All I know is this.…that you will produce a male heir."
Excitement lurched in his heart, and he grabbed onto Imhotep's robes. Imhotep held up a hand before he could speak.
His eyes shifty, Imhotep continued, "You will produce an heir, but it will come with a cost."
The relief Seti felt as he heard those words made Imhotep's warnings fall on deaf ears.
"I am to produce an heir?" Seti whispered. "Finally! All of my hard work will produce the fruits of my labor!"
Imhotep turned to look at him. His dark eyes were complex and intense. "Yes, Seti, you are to produce an heir. But you must be careful. Something about this does not bode well."
"Whatever, whatever! This is joyous news indeed!" Seti said, feeling almost fifteen years younger as he sprang from his throne. "Thank you, my friend!" Seti said, kissing Imhotep on the cheek.
Imhotep's eyes widened, but Seti was too busy thinking of the concubine in his room. He knew she was special. That's why he was so nice to her. His intuition was always correct.
"Oh, Imhotep!" Seti said, falling back into his throne, breathing hard. "I knew this would happen! We must celebrate!"
Waving his hand for his Medjai to come forth, he asked them to bring him his wife. He wanted to share this excellent news with her.
"How would you like to celebrate?" Imhotep asked, all of a sudden looking very tired.
Seti frowned, momentarily dreary, looking at his friend. But the thought of a bouncing baby boy running down the halls took precedence. His troubles would soon be over!
"Why we must throw a feast in this young lady's honor! Of course, only after she gives birth to my son!"
"Sounds perfect, my Lord," Imhotep responded, distracted.
Seti frowned again. "Imhotep, what have I told you about calling me that?"
Imhotep laughed. "You're right. I apologize, my friend." Turning to look at him, he cracked a small smile.
Seti smiled back. All was finally right in his kingdom.
Seti beamed with excitement. He was told his wife would not leave her chambers, so he set off to find her. Usually, the walk would have been too taxing on him. But not today. Today he felt like he could run from Thebes to Memphis and back again. Nothing would slow him down.
"My dear! This is a time to rejoice! I am to produce an heir!" He burst through the heavy doors, panting with the exertion.
Tua-re looked up from her vanity and then turned her back once more. "And I am to assume it is not with me?" She replied, her back stiff.
Seti was beside himself with excitement and did not heed her lack of enthusiasm. "Well, no, my dear, it seems you are a dead end for us. But I feel good about the new dancer I have taken under my wing." He beamed.
Tua-re's back stiffened up more at his casual blow. They had lost more children than they had barred. Nefertiri was the only benefit of their union. "That is great news…Seti."
Finally noticing his wife's lack of excitement, Seti touched her back. She spun around and got up from her seat at once, stalking over to the window and sitting in the alcove. Her silhouette was one of pure hatred.
"That is wonderful news for you, indeed, Pharaoh," Tua-re said, turning away further. "But have you forgotten about your duties to the Princess? Your own daughter?"
Seti felt annoyance creeping in at Tua-re's rebuff. "Yes, yes, Nefertiri, what of her?" He said, waving his hand.
Tua-re crossed her arms over her chest and exhaled. "What of her? She is the Princess! Just because she is not a boy does not mean you can ignore her!"
Seti laughed, anger beginning to brew under the surface. How dare this woman speak to me this way! "I have many daughters, my dear, or have you not noticed?" He spun around and spat, "The palace is crawling with them!"
Tua-re stood then and faced him, her eyes blazing, "Yes, as a result of those whores you take to bed! None of them are as pure as Nefertiri!" The venom in her words seeped through.
Seti saw red, and the anger bubbling below the surface exploded. The sound of skin hitting skin reverberated throughout the room. The silence was deafening. Tua-re fell to the floor, holding her cheek and glaring up at him. He looked down on her, and all he saw was a disappointment of a woman.
Looking up at him with narrowed eyes, Tua-re panted, her teeth gritted. "You coward! Any heir you produce with a whore of impure breeding will bring a curse upon our land, and you know it!"
Ancksunamun clutched her shawl to her chest as she ran across the cold limestone. Stifling a yawn, she snuck in through the servant's hallway. Most nights she spent by the river, and she was beginning to feel the lack of sleep. Though her head was fuzzy, her heart felt full. Each night, the river enveloped her like a hug from an old friend. It was all she had to keep her sane.
The garden had also become a place of solace for her. The alluring moonlight and the heady scent of exotic flowers would fill her nostrils. It left her feeling as if she had stepped into another world. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, she had found her refuge. Kher-heb had also become an unlikely friend to her. Most nights, she would see him passed out under the pomegranate trees. Snacks and scrolls scattered around his feet. It made her smile seeing him there. Sometimes they would wave to one another. They seldom spoke, but Ancksunamun liked it that way.
Lost in her thoughts, she came to the doors of the throne room. She dreaded going inside. Steeling herself, she pushed open the great golden doors and slipped inside. The lavish room was still shocking each time she saw it; she still felt like an outsider. Taking her place in the line of girls, she removed her shawl and stretched her neck. She was more exhausted than usual.
"Finally here, huh?" The girl next to her said. Ancksunamun opened her eyes and looked up. The girl who spoke was named Safiya, and she was one of the only other dancers who would speak to her. Sometimes Ancksunamun even confided her loneliness with her.
"Yes, I am just so tired!" Ancksunamun said, going back to stretching her neck.
"Well, maybe if you didn't sneak off every night to do God knows what, you wouldn't be so tired," Safiya said, a twinkle in her eye. " Perhaps you're even sneaking off with some handsome stranger."
Ancksunamun gave her an exasperated look and laughed. "Yes, perhaps I am!"
Safiya giggled at that and focused on her own morning stretches. "I never even see you at breakfast anymore! I wonder where you're going off to…."
Ancksunamun, with her own twinkle in her eyes, laughed in merriment. "Well, just imagine I am off with some mysterious stranger!" She rolled her eyes at her own stupid joke. The two girls soon finished what they were doing and went to join the others in the line.
Each morning, the head dancer rounded up the girls and briefed them on the news for the day. Kesi had been replaced with a new girl named Akela. Most days, they were told whether or not the Pharaoh was in a good mood or not. Depending on the day, they needed to alter their behaviors. It felt like whiplash to Ancksunamun each morning.
"Alright, girls. Listen up. I've just been informed that Pharah Seti is not even here this morning. He ran out of here earlier. I'm not sure if and when he'll be back. So I guess…take a break," Akela said, her voice a commanding hush to the small group. Clapping, she dismissed them.
Safiya grabbed Ancksunamuns wrist. "Since when does the Pharaoh do anything besides sit there? Strange day indeed." She rolled her eyes and beckoned for Ancksunamun to follow.
Moving to sit by the wall, the two girls slid down it to the floor. Whispering amongst themselves, they deliberated Seti's absence. A few hours went by in this fashion, and a couple of times, Ancksunamun found herself dozing off. It was nice to do something different for a change. And she was tired …so tired…
Ancksunamuns eyes snapped open. Her body tingled as if someone's eyes were on her. Looking up from where she had been slumped, she looked around the room. Her eyes connected with the Vizier's hawk-like stare. His dark golden eyes surveyed her from across the room. The emotion within them were impenetrable. She was held there by him, her soul bared to him, unable to tear herself away. Something was pooling in her gut; feelings of passion and fervor were mingling within her. It was the same feeling as before. Electric. But something about him felt dangerous, and her heart fluttered with uneasiness.
His eyes looked away, and the spell was broken. Ancksunamun exhaled and looked down at her feet. What was that? Swallowing, she dragged her hands through her hair. She felt unable to look at Safiya, who stared at her quizzically.
That man is the right hand of my enemy! I should not be feeling this way about him! Besides, he's bald, and he's ugly. He seems pompous…always cold and haughty. There's nothing about him to like! Her mind was a mess of thoughts. Ancksunamun stood up in a hurried manner. Wanting to be anywhere but here.
"I have to go. I'm sorry!" Ancksunamun said to Safiya. She did not wait for the other girl's response as she fled from the room. Something about that man unsettled her.
Imhotep stayed behind after Seti had run out of the room. His mind was in chaos as he contemplated the will of the Gods. Why was he complicit in Seti's misdeeds if it was his duty to uphold the highest decorum? Imhotep knew his Ka had to be marred by it. Each day he felt worse and worse at what he was carrying out for the Pharaoh. His hands were bloodied by it. Bile rising in his throat, Imhotep made to leave. He wanted to go back to his chambers and study. Anything to take his mind off of it.
He sat back down with a whoosh as a thought hit him. The day prior, Imhotep had run into Seti's newest concubine. Kesi, she said her name was. He and the girl had exchanged pleasantries in the hallway. Grimacing, he covered his face in his hands. The girl was a young dancer with all the earmarks of being Seti's next victim. He had the distinct feeling that the girl thought she was to be treated like a Princess. Imhotep knew better than that.
Oh Anubis! He cursed as he sat there in the throne room. What hell awaits me for what I am doing at the hands of the Pharaoh? He put his head in his hands, remembered he was in public and was quick to regain his composure. Clearing his throat, he settled down in his seat once more.
Anxiety coursed through him as he sat there. He remembered he wasn't to leave until Seti returned. And so he drummed his fingers against the pad of his chair. He was itching to run from the room as fast as possible. Another thought struck him as his mind did a 180. The goddess down by the river…he hadn't even had time to think about her. Of course, as always, she haunted his dreams, though. The woman had radiated with exquisite beauty, unlike anything he'd ever seen. How could she be real? It had to have been a mirage. But her aura…it had stayed with him. It had been saccharine and sweet at all once, leaving him drunk on her presence.
Looking around the room, his heart jumped. Dark obsidian eyes stared at him from the crowd, piercing into his very soul. He was held there by her beauty. The headache he so often had chiseled away at his skull exploded into the ether as their eyes met. The eyes, rimmed in gold, stared back at him, unblinking. Fear settled in his gut. Why is she here?
Swallowing, Imhotep tore his eyes away. He needed a moment to recuperate. Looking back, he was shocked to see that she was gone. Fled from the room. Leaving him a mess of emotions.
After the Pharaoh returned, Imhotep sat, unable to listen to Seti's drivel. He could not have cared any less for what the man was saying.
"She has agreed to it." Imhotep heard Seti say.
"What?" Imhotep replied, his eyes trained on the tiny dancer across the room. She had returned sometime soon after Seti had.
Her movements were so fluid, almost as if she was of the Nile herself. Her raven-colored hair hung below her ribs and flowed around her like wisps of the wind. Could it really be her? He blinked his eyes several times to ensure the illusion did not disappear. The goddess of his dreams was right here in the flesh, close enough to touch. And here he sat, frozen to his chair. Rubbing his tired eyes, he checked to see if she had disappeared, but she was still there. Her beauty twirled its way into his vision.
Dark eyes connected with his once more. All of the noises in the room faded away, all the sights, sounds, and colors muted. All that was left was the vision of her. Imhotep swallowed, trying his hardest to keep his composure. His heart pounded into his throat, a slight metallic taste left behind.
"Imhotep? Are you even listening to me?" Seti asked, his displeasure evident.
"Yes, of course," Imhotep responded. His body felt as if it was transcending.
The girl looked away from him, a look of disgust on her face. Moving across the room, she faded from view. The spell was broken. Imhotep sat back in his seat, Seti's voice droning in the background.
Was that really her? The same woman from the banks of the Nile? She has to be a mirage. A figment of my imagination… Imhotep stood, his chair clattering to the ground.
"Imhotep!" Seti asked, incredulous. "Where are you going? I was speaking to you!"
Imhotep did not bother to respond as he ran from the room. He needed air.
Later that same evening, Ancksunamun heard whispers of gossip all around her. Turning around to look at Safiya, Ancksunamun cocked her head in question. Safiya patted her mat and invited Ancksunamun to sit next to her.
"What's going on today?" Ancksunamun asked. "What are the banshees of Thebes up to tonight?"
Safiya smirked. "Ha ha, funny. I like that! I'm keeping that name."
Ancksunamun smiled back at her in jest. "Well, it's true! So…what is going on?"
"Kesi's already been promoted to head concubine. It has only been a few months!"
"Hmmm… that's concerning ." Ancksunmaun mused. "Why so soon?"
"No one is certain, but rumor has it…." Safiya pulled Ancksunamun closer and whispered in her ear. "That she is to be pregnant with Seti's heir. A boy."
Ancksunamun pulled back. "How do you know that?"
Safiya grinned. "I know a few of the people in the kitchen. They hear things, you know."
Ancksunamun grimaced. She did not even want to think about what that meant. "Ick. Well, good luck to her. That's what she wanted anyways."
"I know. I heard she had it out for you when you arrived."
"How did you know that?" Ancksunamun asked, embarrassment filling her.
"Everyone knew! You're pretty, that's why." Safiya said.
Ancksunamiun blushed. "I am not! Besides, she's been here a lot longer than I have! What do I have on her?"
"My dearest Ancksunamun. It is simply due to how the Pharaoh looks at you. That's all there is to it. She's been after the title of Head Concubine since she came here."
"Well, that much is obvious. What else do you know about her?" Ancksunamun asked. Her mind flashed back to when Kesi had pinned her in the hallway, and she swallowed. I do not like her nor envy her, that's for certain.
Safiya readjusted on her bed, swishing back her long straight hair. "There's not much to tell about Kesi. She's a poor farmer's daughter from the town of Amarna. Simple, really ."
Anger flashed through her. "A farmer's daughter, huh?" And yet she makes fun of me?
"Yes, the same as many of us. But she has one up on us. She's well endowed. The Pharaoh is partial to women built like that. Lecherous creep." Safiya laughed. "You should see Queen Tua-re."
"I don't think I've ever seen the Queen…." Ancksunamun replied. "Why?"
"She's the most glamorous woman I have ever seen!" Safiya gushed. "She's really nice too. I don't know how she got stuck with that odious man."
"Poor woman…" Ancksunamun sighed. "Well…since we're on the subject. What do you know of the Vizier?" Her cheeks burned.
Safiya waggled her eyebrows at her and chuckled. "You've finally seen good ole' Imhotep, huh?"
Imhotep…the name hit her like a ton of bricks. Just hearing it made her body tingle, and she looked away in shame. She wanted to hate him. She really did. "Yes," Ancksunamun said simply.
Safiya's eyes were bright. "Yeah, I know. I saw the way you were looking at one another today. I don't think I've ever seen that man so animated in my life."
"Animated? He's like a statue!"
"Mhmm…If you had been here long enough, you would know. That man is digging on you…and you're digging on him."
"I am not!" Ancksunamun said, her cheeks red. "I hate him! He's the right hand to Seti!"
"That's not what your pheromones are saying, though…." Safiya said with a giggle.
Ancksunamun smacked her shoulder lightly and laughed. "Untrue, slander!"
The two girls sat and chatted for a while more before Ancksunamun felt it was time for bed. Waving goodnight, she returned to her own mat for the night. Settling in, her mind was clouded.
Imhotep…the name ran through her head. Taunting her. Groaning, she flopped onto her back and stared up at the ceiling. Why, of all people, must it be Seti's Vizier? And the High Priest, too, her brain reminded her.
"Ugh!" Ancksunamun threw her arms over her head to block out his golden eyes from memory. They haunted her. His haughty face watched her, memorizing every curve of her body. She gritted her teeth as she fought back the feelings of arousal that coursed through her. But, there's something wrong with him….a voice in the back of her head said. She was confused by her body's strange visceral reaction to this man. It wasn't the same disgust and anger she felt when looking at the Pharaoh. It was different. It was a primal fear that gripped her insides. A part of her felt an incredible pull to him. An electric heat pooled in her abdomen, warming her from the inside. But the rational part of her won control over her body. The fear she felt around him was enough to deter her. There was an unshakable feeling of doom whenever she looked upon him.
My mind is made up. I'll stay away from him! But…also…why must he make me feel this way? Huffing, she rolled over and stared at the stone wall near her head. Her eyes bored into it until she could no longer distinguish any discernible corners. She rolled back to her other side. He must be evil! He must! If he works for that man, then that must be why something feels wrong! That's all it is!
Although her rational brain had decided against him, her heart felt differently. Try as she might, she could not block him from memory. Ancksunamun dozed off, his name repeating in her mind as she did so. Imhotep…Imhotep…Imhotep…
A/N: Newly updated as of January 22, 2023!