Toxic

As a ruler of Egypt I feel empty sometimes. Women flock to me like I am a fresh lamb or treat for them to devour. I hate that idea but as the saying goes when there's honey there are bees and certainly ants that wouldn't resist your sweetness. Power, riches and influence couldn't give me the happiness that I want for myself and my life. But as I am committed to my people, my nation, the world, I vowed that whatever happens I am going to be their beautiful, amazing and powerful leader always.

I helped train General Hydra, though some council elders opposed my decision to place her in command of my infantry. Andromida is the best choice I have ever made in my years as pharaoh. I explained to Meraek everything but I don't know if she understood my feelings concerning the girl I am infatuated on now. I left Thebes for a couple of days to travel to Nubia to check on the army Hekanefer and Sakhbe are training. Of course as Hekanefer's ally and sort of partner I need to please him and his needs. It's not part of the deal but it is sort of like a mutual, sexual partnership. He is indeed the father of my child who I am in love with now. My elders were disappointed since it's a girl not a boy who I delivered in the world. But Jaur will be a strong and faithful queen to Egypt, I know it. For I too am loyal to her as my crown and bloodline is concerned. I brought a dozen soldiers to accompany me to back to Kush. Hekanefer is training their army in Napata, known as the spiritual civilization

Meraek was walking in the garden with baby Jaur when she saw Andromida or General Hydra appreciating the beauty of pharaoh's gardens.

I know what you are!, Meraek said while carrying Jaur in her arms. She kissed the baby and gave it to one of the maids who smiled at the cute little one in her arms.

And who might I be, priestess?, General Hydra replied turning to face the beautiful lady wlaking towards her on the other end of the garden.

A poor, selfish, cunt who is sucking my queen's love for me!, Meraek added angrily as if she wanted to strangle the girl who is in front of her now.

Aha, is the priestess talking about herself or the jealous woman who is getting old since she is maybe about twenty or so now, why the queen preferred a younger, healthier and more tastier breed than you!, General Hydra said catching Meraek's arm when she slapped the general after hearing the words.

You….Meraek said and slapped General Hydra again, now catching the general on her right cheek.

My patience is thin but I respect the queen more than you. I never forced her to come to my bed, she chose me and there's nothing you can do about it. I like you and respect your position in the courts but as general of Egypt, respect my position in it even if you hate me as your rival with the pharaoh. Tisbah 'ala khair' (good night) Priestess, General Hydra calmly said and bowed a little to bid her respects.

Meraek bowed and cried, thus, fell to her knees to sob on the ground. She was really angry and jealous of General Hydra but Henshupta fancies her now and she can't do anything about it but accept that truth.

General Hydra came in at Queen Henshupta's chamber with a frown. Lord Henshu, I can; do this anymore, Priestess, is hurting! And I don't want to hurt her more than I want to hurt your highness!, General Hydra standing near the window and looking from afar in the wilderness of the vast Nile. Yes, yes. I know Meraek can be stubborn but she just loves me so much that she does those things. I love her too. But I love you too!, I added while moving close to her and touching her armor. I hugged her and smelled her sulky and earth sweat from battle practice. It smelled so nice to my taste that I wanted to eat Andromida now. My queen, stop it, please!, General Hydra removing my touch to her arms and breasts when she took off her armor.

I can't do this anymore. And I think I'm falling for you, and that's…that's….., General Hydra added looking to the ground and about to cry.

I love you too. We will make it work. I promise. Now that the war is about to commence against Persia, we can't stop now. I need you and your power in me. Be with me tonight Hydra!! Andromida! Please!!!, I whispered while I kiss her on the lips hungrily.

Hydra couldn't control her emotions and grabbed me by the arm and kissed me like there's no tomorrow.

Good bye my queen!!!. Good bye! See you soon!!!

Jardin-Ur…Jardin….., I shouted and gasped for air when I dreamed of Jardin bidding me his last goodbyes. It's weird he told me he'll see me soon, and that made a mark on me that I didn't forget, ever.

Are you okay Henshu? Meraek was holding my face on both of her hands when she woke up catching me in my bad dream. When did I come back from Hydra's bed?, I thought.

She left a couple of hours ago, if you're looking for the general!, Meraek's eyes suddenly in tears realizing that I was looking for Hydra and not her.

Ah no, I…..Henshupta tried to lie but Meraek threw me the towel she was about to place in my forehead and walked to the bathroom sitting in the tub. I heard her cry but I didn't know what to do. I went in the bathroom and sat beside her. Meraek cried and really poured her heart out. I tried to hold her shoulder but she tried to shove me off. I hugged her and since I love her so much, I never wanted to lie nor hurt her. I love Hydra but I don't want to lose the love of my life, Meraek too. I kissed Meraek's neck and found her mouth, dry, wanting, needing of my kisses. So I gave in and kissed her back. I missed her too since after coming back from Nubia yesterday, I saw Hydra first than visiting Meraek that's why she was furious and so jealous. I asked her to forgive me by crying along with her. I couldn't take back what I did and unlove Hydra but I can only let Meraek feel my love for her and it's more than the size of Egypt and the world that I get to feel suffocated. I needed to leave and be with Hydra to stop myself from being so overwhelmed of my affection for my priestess, so does her towards me. The love is just too much that you get to feel like drowning with these emotions I have for her, it's numbing, killing me little by little.