Epilogue

Ten years had passed since Imhotep had been put to rest once again. Eden and Ardeth had married just three years after in a small ceremony within the tribe. She could remember the day Ardeth had made his intentions known to his parents. His mother had wept tears of joy, pleased to hear that her son was finally settling down. Arsinoe had easily and quickly taken to Eden, claiming the young woman as her daughter even before Ardeth had asked for her hand in marriage. His father, however, had been displeased by the news, to say the least. He had, of course, eventually accepted, but not before he and Eden had had a heart to heart.

The redhead could remember that day clearly, having found the man tending to the horses, stopping by and asking him to take a ride with her. Amir had agreed, and the two readied their mounts before setting off into the desert. She could still remember their conversation as though it were only yesterday.

"Amir," Eden had started once they had stopped to rest. "May I ask why the thought of Ardeth and I marrying bothers you?"

Amir cocked a brow as he regarded the young lady. He bore a striking resemblance to his son, with long ebony hair peppered with gray, and dark eyes that seemed fathomless, swirling with emotion. He even looked just like his son when he was brooding or thinking.

"Eden," Amir finally said after a beat of silence. "It does not bother me, the thought of you and my son marrying. What bothers me is why he has chosen you over any of the ladies within our tribe," he explained, not unkindly. "Arsinoe and I have tried for years. The men of our tribe, and neighboring tribes, offering their daughter's hands in marriage. And yet, for so long, for so many years, my son has vexed me so, turning down each and every offer. And now, after only three years spent with you in our tribe, he wishes to wed you. To tie himself to you for the remainder of his days. Why is that?"

Eden nodded in understanding, before giving a shrug of her shoulders. "Perhaps it's because unlike the delicate flowers that are born within the tribes, I'm a fighter like your son," she answered honestly. "When I first saw him, I felt this deep rooted connection to him. It was only made more prominent when I discovered more about our past connection in our previous life." Turning to look the older man in the eye, Eden laid bare her heart before him, speaking honestly and openly. "I love your son, Amir. He's kind and strong, handsome and brave. When I'm with him I feel like my heart is overflowing with the love I have for him. I feel as if I can accomplish anything with him by my side. And when we're apart, I feel as if a piece of my soul is missing. As though half of my heart has been lost to the sands. I will respect your wishes if you deny his request to marry me. I'll even leave the tribe if that's your wish. But there is no force on this earth, no God or deity strong enough, no living being in existence that could ever stop me from loving him."

Amir looked at the woman before him in awe. When presented with possible matches in the past, Amir and Arsinoe had always asked the woman why they deserved to wed the chieftain. Many answered the same way, claiming that they could serve him best, give him strong sons, keep the home. "And why do you feel I should allow you to wed my son?" he decided to ask, wanting to know what her answer would be. And he was not disappointed.

"Because I would fight for him, just as I am now," Eden answered instantly, a fire in her eyes. "I would fight with him and stand beside him in any battle. We would be equals in everything. I would be his wife, advisor, and maybe even the mother of his children. I love your son for the man he is, not the position he holds or what he can offer me. All I would ever ask of him is his love and respect."

The redhead was a bit put off as she watched a grin slowly overtake the older man's face. He then stood, Eden following suit, before he pulled her into a bone crushing hug and kissing her cheek. "I would be remiss to deny you and my son this happiness," he said, pulling back and holding her at arm's length, unshed tears in his eyes. "Allah has blessed my wife and I with a suitable daughter. A woman fit to wed my son, if you'll have him."

Eden remembered crying in joy as Amir had given his blessing. She clearly remembered riding back to the village, the older man waving her off, telling her to find Ardeth whilst he tended the horses. She had run all throughout the village searching for her beloved, finding him just outside of his own tent, speaking with some of his men. She had surprised him, and those around him, by running directly into his arms and crying. When he had asked what was wrong, eyes wide and worried she had been injured, she had beamed at him, proclaiming that they had his father's blessing. Ardeth had laughed aloud, spinning her before throwing all caution to the wind, kissing her out in the open for all to see as his heart swelled with joy.

Rick, Jon, and Evy had returned for the wedding, bringing baby Alex with them. Eden adored her nephew, the little boy being the spitting image of his father with his mother's insatiable curiosity. Jonathan hadn't changed a bit, still gambling and drinking, but he doted on Alex as much as allowed and was always sending Eden little trinkets that made him think of her.

Eden and Ardeth had children of their own, a little boy that was his father made over and named Amir after his father's father. Even now, at five years old, the little boy was strong and smart, brooding like his father. They also had a three year old daughter, Illiana, who was the spitting image of her mother with a mop of crimson waves and seafoam eyes. She was bright and bubbly with an insatiable lust for exploring the world around her.

The Medjai still watched over Hamunaptra though the city had been sunken a decade ago. However, a threat was on the horizon. Ardeth had caught wind that a rival tribe had been caught at the buried city. He and Eden had ridden out immediately upon hearing this, wanting to see for themselves. Perhaps it was simply a fluke or a misunderstanding. However, that was not the case. The husband and wife were greeted with the sight of a full blown excavation, local men digging and moving piles of sand in droves. Loch-Na, an old "acquaintance" of Ardeth's, seemed to be working closely with the strange man who seemed to be heading the dig. And what's more, they had an even stranger woman with them. She seemed to know things that no living being should. And when Eden had caught sight of the woman for the first time, she felt a chill run down her spine at the familiarity.

It didn't take long for the strange woman to find the books the living and the dead. And shortly after, Ardeth had confirmed to his wife that they had found Imhotep.

With a resigned sigh, Eden turned to look at her husband, asking with her eyes what should be done. His brown eyes connected with her seafoam gaze, and he nodded once, that being all the answer she needed. The redhead then gave her husband a tight grin, of course making a joke as she told him, "Well, I've always wanted to go to London."

That's a wrap, ya'll! 40,000 words and 86 pages on my Google Docs. I won't lie, I'm incredibly proud of myself. This story is my brain baby and I think it turned out beautifully. I really hope you guys enjoyed it! Drop me a review if ya like, if not, just send good vibes! I will be making a sequel to this based on 'The Mummy Returns', but it will take me a while, I won't lie. My schedule has been an absolute nightmare here lately, and it most likely won't settle down again until after the new year. So, if ya'll celebrate, happy holidays and happy new year! Hope ya'll have a great finish to your 2023 and that your 2024 is even better! Much love! And thank you for reading!