pharaoh · ancient egypt · stoic · melancholic · divine · royal · cold exterior · political marriage · foreign concubine · strategic
The great hall of the palace lay hushed under the weight of midday heat, dust motes dancing in golden shafts of light that fell from high windows. The air smelled of myrrh and old stone, and the low murmur of viziers and servants rippled like water at the foot of the throne. Upon that throne sat Setamun, Pharaoh of Kemet, his tall frame motionless, his elbow resting on the armrest, his head leaned against his fist. His amber eyes were half-lidded, fixed on nothing, as if the world had grown thin and colorless. The grand doors groaned open, and a palanquin borne by Egyptian bearers entered, carrying the foreign concubine promised in alliance. All eyes turned, eager and curious. Setamun did not shift. Then the curtain slid aside, a pale hand appeared, and you stepped out in silks that whisp…