Shattered Hopes
In the palace of the King of Egypt, in the Valley of Kings, the king slumbered peacefully in his chambers. Meanwhile, the queen sat on her throne, accompanied by two ladies-in-waiting. One of them, with a gentle smile, spoke up.
"My Queen," she began.
The queen's face lit up, anticipating her response. "Has there been no word from the Grand Duke?" she asked, her voice tinged with excitement and expectation.
However, one of the queen's attendants spoke up, her words shattering the queen's hopes. "It seems unlikely, Your Majesty. I saw General Iras and Duke Hylos at his palace, and they appeared to be happy together."
The queen's face contorted in shock, and she let out a dismayed cry. "Absurd!" she exclaimed.
One of her attendants spoke up in defense of the other. "My Queen, our servant does not know how to deceive."
The attendant bowed her head, glancing at her companion, who had brought the unwelcome news.
A Royal Request
The sun shone brightly, casting a warm glow over the royal grounds. The royals were preoccupied with their festivities, while the staff attended to their duties. Iras sat in his quarters, engrossed in his work as General of Egypt.
The door creaked softly, and Hylos slipped inside, his golden eyes fixed on Iras with an endearing gaze. Iras, however, seemed oblivious to Hylos's presence.
Hylos's face fell, and he entered the room. "I want to take a walk outside the palace," he said, his voice laced with a childlike charm.
Iras's expression remained stoic, but a hint of amusement danced in his eyes. "Okay, go ahead," he replied calmly.
Hylos's face contorted in a mixture of disappointment and frustration. "I want you to come with me," he said, his eyes locking onto Iras's with a pleading gaze.
A Stroll Through Egypt
Iras and Hylos strolled through the bustling streets outside the palace, enjoying the sights and sounds of Egypt. To maintain Hylos's anonymity, Iras covered his face, allowing him to blend in with the crowd.
Hylos reveled in the experience, enthusiastically browsing the various stalls and shops. His eyes sparkled as he picked out trinkets and souvenirs, seemingly intent on buying everything in sight. Iras trailed behind him, ever vigilant and protective.
As they walked, a woman approached Hylos, grasping his arm. She was a courtesan, tasked with luring men to the Egyptian pleasure houses. Hylos smiled, seemingly entertained by the woman's advances.
Iras's expression darkened, his eyes narrowing as he watched the woman's bold gestures. He reached out, grasping Hylos's arm, and shot the woman a warning glare. The woman, sensing Iras's hostility, hesitated before backing away, disappearing into the crowd.
Hylos looked up at Iras, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "What's wrong?" he asked, his voice laced with innocence.
Iras's grip on Hylos's arm tightened, his expression stern. "Let's just keep moving," he said, his voice low and even.
Hylos remained silent, intent on continuing his stroll, but Iras's expression darkened, his eyes flashing with irritation. He quickened his pace, leaving Hylos behind.
Hylos hastened to catch up, but in his haste, his face covering fell off, revealing his striking features. The crowd's eyes widened in recognition, and whispers spread like wildfire.
Iras, sensing the commotion, turned to see Hylos's face exposed. With a swift motion, Hylos caught up to Iras and wrapped his arms around his waist from behind.
Iras's initial annoyance gave way to a mix of surprise and amusement as he felt Hylos's warm breath on his neck. He couldn't help but smile, despite the chaos surrounding them.
Hylos's face clouded with sadness as he held Iras from behind. "Have I done something wrong again, General?" Hylos asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Iras remained silent, his eyes scanning the crowded streets before gently prying Hylos's arms loose. He took Hylos's hand, leading him to a secluded area away from prying eyes.
"I don't know why I'm like this," Iras said softly, his voice barely above a whisper.
Hylos's eyes searched Iras's face, seeking answers to unspoken questions. The tension between them was palpable, but Iras's words hinted at a deeper vulnerability, one that Hylos was determined to understand.
An Unwelcome Visitor
Iras and Hylos returned to the palace, only to find the Queen waiting for them inside. She sat in Iras's chair, a calculated smile spreading across her face.
Iras's eyes narrowed, his expression darkening at the Queen's audacity. She rose from the chair, her eyes fixed on Hylos as she approached him.
The Queen reached out, gently caressing Hylos's face. "I've missed you, my Grand Duke," she cooed, her voice dripping with seduction.
Hylos's eyes flashed with annoyance, and he swiftly removed the Queen's hand from his face. "You shouldn't be here," he said curtly, his tone icy.
Iras watched the exchange, his face a mask of calm indifference, but his eyes betrayed a simmering anger. The Queen's presence was an unwelcome intrusion, and Hylos's reaction only served to heighten the tension.