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Marcus woke up the next morning, Maati nestled against him. He kissed her forehead. Maati woke up. He began to run his hand over her body, feeling every part of her, leaving no area untouched. Maati again felt desire rise in her. She was touching him now, working her way down to his thighs, grasping his manhood, sending shivers all over him. Marcus kissed her fiercely, moaning when she ran her fingers back and forth. Marcus plunged into her, not being as gentle with her as he had been. Maati was with him, digging her nails in his back. They came in unison, sweat beads covering them.
Ami knocked, having heard their lovemaking, not wanting to interrupt.
Marcus covered them. Maati told her to come in. Ami smiled and left.
While they were bathing, he saw a peculiar bottle by the pool. He asked
her what was it. Maati could think of nothing better. He poured some in his hand and started massaging her body very slowly. Even just setting in his hand it had a sensual feel to it. When he put it on, her skin seemed to say, "touch me." He kissed her neck. Maati loved the feel of his hands caressing her, even though she had seen him with those same hands pick someone up and throw that person like a wet rag.
There was a knock at the door. Ami came in, staying behind the partition.
There was no getting around it. Duty called. She told Imhotep what the Queen had said. Marcus climbed from the pool. They both were disappointed as they wanted to spend the day alone. But they knew as soon as the Nile overflowed its banks, they would be wed and have a lifetime to be alone. Marcus dressed and went to his chambers to change, as he and Caliecus wouild be there also. Thirty minutes later, Maati entered in her formal attire and sat. Each provine came and said they were glad she was back on the throne and left a gift. Some gave jewels, some carvings made from alabaster or black onyx. Maati was greatful that each province had shown their loyalty. It let her know that she had allies she could count on.
The last delegation though left no gift. They had seemed disappointed
that she was there, although they tried to hide it. Maati could see it in
their eyes. They were allies of the Shiites.
They hadn't expected her to be quite to the point. They turned red with rage, but dared not say anything, knowing what would happen to them. They bowed and walked out, Ammuhtep right behind them. As there was no other business to attend to, she left, Marcus right behind. Caliecus left to find Simset. Simset was in her chamber waiting for Maati to return. She didn't want to be a pest, but Simset wanted to get things started toward the wedding as the planting season was only a couple of months away.
Caliecus came in. Simset kissed him.
Maati had almost forgotten about going over the wedding plans with
Simset, her mind on other things.
Maati could never keep anything from her. Simset seemed to know what was
going on. Caliecus left. He didn't particularly want to hear the women
talk about what to wear or the other myriad of details. He joined Marcus
in their quarters. Marcus was thinking about what their life would be like waking up next to her every morning. That alone was enough. Caliecus couild see Marcus was in another world. He just shook his head.
With him marrying Maati, what position would Marcus have in court?
Probably prince. Prince Marcus. Caliecus could just see him calling his
brother Prince Marcus. Caliecus started to laugh. Marcus was thinking about what had happened this morning. The last delegation had not been happy about seeing her on the throne. Something told him that they may have to fight one last time. When was it ever going to end. Came the day of the ceremony. The Nile was overflowing its banks as it was supposed to. Upon invocation of the High Priest, Marcus scattered seeds over the water and the people. In doing so, there would be an abundant harvest. Gifts were given to the populace by the palace for celebration. Both Simset and Maati were getting dressed by their servants now, as Ami was directing them how to do it. Simset was dressed in a white tunic with a small tiara on her head. She wore a blue necklace (scarab). Her hair allowed to be free. She was very nervous. Her makeup being flawlessly applied as she had done to Maati. Maati would be wearing a very sheer sea green dress that required it being draped in a certain way. It took Ami two hours alone after she had bathed her to put the dress right. She applied Maati's makeup. Black kohl lined her eyes, with gold flecks on her eye lids. Her powder contained traces of gold flecks so it looked like the sun was shining on her. She wore a gold sunburst necklace and golden sandals. She wore a tiara with Isis' symbol on the front, and golden sandals. Simset swore she was Isis herself. She too was getting nervous. They hugged each other and left for the temple, Ami right behind. Marcus and Caliecus were nervous themselves. Marcus was dressed in a white tunic with silver, silver sandals, and a necklace with the symbol of Osiris on it. Caliecus had been named head of the army, along with Ammuhtep. Both men agreeing to it. Caliecus had a small ceremony for him. He would be in his uniform for the ceremony. They left for the temple. Imhotep going with them. The temple itself was decorated with flowers of all kinds and the smell of incense. It was filled to the brim with invited guests and delegates. It was rare to have a double ceremony. Everyone would take careful notice of the ceremony and reception, as they would be asked by those who couldn't make it. Maati and Simset were the last to arrive. Ami helping Maati with her dress. Everything was ready. They were given the signal. Simset entered first, walking towards Caliecus, who couldn't believe how beautiful she looked. He took her hand and stepped to one side. Then Maati came in, looking as if she were floating on the sea itself. Marcus was stunned. He had never seen her look so beautiful. They didn't notice anyone else, their eyes looking only at each other. The High Priest consecrated the honey cake and wine, murmuring the words of marriage to both couples. He gave each of them a piece of the honey cake and had them drink from the marriage cup. When they had done this, he said they were married. They all walked back down the aisle and back to the palace to change for the banquet.
Everyone was waiting for the couples to come. When they entered everyone took note of everything they did and what they wore. Maati had changed to a simple long white tunic and wore only her rose necklace as jewelry, with a small tiara. Marcus was also simply dressed. All the guests were allowed to approach the royal table and congratulate the newlyweds. Food of every concievable kind, shape, and taste was served, along with plenty of beer and wine. Entertainment consisted of dancers, actors, and plenty of music. The evening wore on. Caliecus and Simset were anxious to be alone. Maati could understand. They left and went to their new home. Marcus and Maati too wanted to be alone. As soon as the festivities were in full swing, they snuck out as fast as they could, running to their quarters. Marcus couldn't wait. As soon as they were in the room, they undressed each other. Marcus carried her to their bed. He kissed her, probing the inner reaches of her mouth. Maati returned his kiss, her tongue gliding over his; both of them running their hands over each other as if doing so for the first time. He marveled at the feel of her skin, every inch of her feeling like silk. His lips tasting her perfume at her neck, her breasts, and that spot between her thighs, like warm honey. Maati was on fire, her senses reeling. Maati's lips were caressing every inch of him, feeling his manhood grow ever larger. His body jumping when she grasped him, sending shivers all over him. He was on top of her now, guiding himself in, going very slow at first, her legs wrapping around him, moving with him. He was going faster and deeper, Maati there with him. Both spiraling higher and higher, each crying the other's name as they climaxed.
Sinuhe had not forgotten his ambition to gain the throne. The head of the Shiites was wanting to be rid of Egyptian rule. He had not forgotten what happened to his delegates the last time. They had recently become allies with Mascedonia. They were planning an invasion on what they thought was the weakest point of Egypt, the east. They were going to cause trouble on the southern border, thus splitting the army, having it in two places, leaving the palace virtually unguarded, or so they thought. Unknown to them, the king and queen were receiving regular reports on what was happening, as Marcus knew Sinuhe was still alive. Marcus had Caliecus and Ammuhtep pretend to split the army, sending half the army on barges, pretending to squelch the rebellion in the south, knowing the troops he had there already would take care of it. When the invading armies came to within site of Memphis, the barges he sent earlier would have let off the men behind the invading army, thus putting the invaders in the middle of a vice. Maati was worried. She knew Sinuhe was crafty. She prayed to Isis to protect Marcus and the army. Simset was worried also, she was expecting their first child. She prayed to Bastet to have her Caliecus come home safely. The army left out late at night, word being purposely leaked out, knowing Sinuhe had spies watching. This was what Sinuhe was waiting for. They marched to Memphis, taking only a day to get there. Further down river, Marcus and his troops disembarked behind the invading army. The Shiites and Mascedianians began their siege on Memphis, bombarding the city with arrows, spears, and stones. Ladder groups at the ready to climb the walls. The defenses that had been set up were holding their own. Maati and Simset were in the temple, each praying for victory and for their loves one to come home safely. Sinuhe had the army split in half, the other half laying siege to the west wall, which was near the palace. This had not been accounted for. The defenses were now having to be in two places, but they were holding their own. Most of the army were Roman, who had fought many battles such as this. Just then Marcus and his troops rode in from the South. Seeing that two walls were being attacked, Marcus had his troops split. Caliecus was attacking from the South, Marcus from the West. Now the invading armies were caught in the middle, having to fight two sets of armies at the same time. Each of the brother's troops were making short work of the enemy. Neither one though could find Sinuhe or the Shiite leader. Sinuhe, seeing how things were going, knew of a secret place where he could get in. He, the Shiite leader, and four men entered through the secret place, which led them to the temple. They went into the temple, direct to the inner chamber.
Maati had Simset hide so no harm would come to her. When they entered
the temple, they found Maati standing at the foot of Isis. Sinuhe turned around. There were Marcus and Caliecus standing, blood on their uniforms. Marcus' eyes were looking at Sinuhe with death in them. The Shiite leader told his four men to attack them. Marcus grinned as they attacked, knowing they would be no match for him and his brother. Swords clashed, but the strengths of Marcus and Caliecus were too much. Four men were dead on the temple floor in a matter of a couple of minutes. Caliecus then took on the Shiite leader. Sinuhe grabbed Maati and took her with him, a knife at her throat. Marcus followed, knowing that Sinuhe would be dead if so much as one scratch was put on Maati. Maati was making it as difficult as possible for Sinuhe to get away. Caliecus had been wearing the Shiite leader down with his relentless attack, not stopping til the man was dead, thrusting his sword into the man's heart. Simset, who had been watching, came out of hiding. She clung to Caliecus. Seeing she was okay, told her to stay there while he went after Marcus. He wanted a piece of Sinuhe himself for having put his wife in danger. Sinuhe was dragging a squirming Maati down the passageway to the exit. They were just to the secret door when he felt a bit on his leg. It was a cobra, symbol of Heru. He yelled. Marcus grabbed Maati just as Sinuhe was bit.
It was not long before he lay dead on the floor. His face twisted in
agony. The cobra leaving out the door and disappearing. All four walked out of the temple. By this time the invaders had surrendered. Ammuhtep came to the temple in time to see them come out. They told him where Sinuhe was. Ami came running and put her arms around Ammuhtep, seeing everyone was okay. She breathed a sigh of relief.
What was leftof the invaders was dealt with swiftly, thus sending a message to anyone else what the consequences would be for invading Egypt. As for Sinuhe, his body was burned so as not to be able to gain entrance to the afterlife. The temple again having to be purified.
A couple of weeks after everything had calmed down, Marcus came into
their quarters and found Maati with something in her hand.
Marcus was stunned by the likeness of mother and daughter. She looked at
Marcus and smiled. She disappeared. Days later, Maati was not feeling well. Horeb examined her. She was with child. Marcus couldn't have been happier. During her pregnancy, Maati was busy getting the nursery ready. Simset had given birth in the meantime, a boy. Caliecus was overjoyed. When it was time for Maati, Marcus waited outside their chambers, along with Caliecus and Simset. He was pacing steadily, growing more nervous every minute. Then he heard a cry. A smile came across his face. Two minutes later came another cry. Marcus was stunned. Ami came out and told him a boy and a girl - the boy born first. This was too much.
Horeb came out. He said Maati was fine, a little tired but okay. Marcus
was allowed in. He saw her half-sitting on the bed. He saw his children
in their cradles. They were exact likenesses of their parents. Marcus sat with her and put his arm around her. He kissed her on the forehead. They were looking at their children, knowing their lives were just beginning. END |
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