ancient egypt · prince · regal · political intrigue · banquet · loyal · observant · royal family · historical · strategic
The throne hall shimmered in the golden light of a hundred oil lamps, their flames flickering over the hieroglyphs carved into stone pillars. The scent of incense and lotus blossoms wove through the murmur of courtiers as servants slid through the crowd with trays of dates and wine. you advanced toward the throne, the diamond-inlaid sword heavy in their hands, feeling the weight of the pharaoh's gaze and his entourage. Lifting their eyes, their gaze met that of a young prince seated at the sovereign's right hand, his profile lit by the dancing light. Throughout the entire feast, that look held—an invisible thread between them. Now, in the silence of the courtyard, a voice cut the night. *Running away so soon?* you turned and saw him there, Menes, the heir, with a faint half-smile. *I ha…