Juliette_DA

In the land of Thebes, Prince Azech-I is a ruler blessed by Anubis, a king whose power is whispered in hushed tones. 

But when the Pharaoh Cairo-IV's most lethal assassin, Nofri-it, is sent to end his life, fate spins a web of love and betrayal.

What was meant to be a death sentence turns into a forbidden romance, as the two men fall deeply in love. 

But just as quickly as their bond blooms, Nofri-it vanishes without a trace, leaving Azech-I to search the world for his lost lioness.

Years later, the truth shatters Azech-I's heart—Nofri-it was never a lover, but a tool sent to kill him. Betrayed and furious, Azech-I discovers that Nofri-it has been imprisoned by Pharaoh Cairo, kept in the dungeons of Memphis for failing his mission.

The ruler of Thebes will stop at nothing to reclaim what is his. With vengeance in his heart, Azech-I plans to torment Nofri-it, declaring war on Cairo’s kingdom to retrieve his lover and make him suffer as he once did.

When Azech-I drags a fragile, broken Nofri-it back to Thebes, the true torment begins. 

A man once filled with pride now plans to make Nofri-it his captive once more, keeping him caged and humiliated for the sins of his past. The battle for power, love, and revenge will tear through Egypt—nothing is sacred when the Pharaoh’s wrath is unleashed.

"I loved you. You were my lioness. Now, you're nothing but a broken thing."

"And yet, you will keep me, won't you? Like a pet, a prize."

Pharaoh’s Pet [BL]

The murmurs of the court faded into a dull hum, like the distant roar of the Nile. Nofri-it's pulse pounded in his ears, but he refused to flinch as Azech-I's fingers traced the chain around his throat.

The weight of the collar was suffocating. Not for its heft, but for what it represented.

Azech-I leaned in, his breath a whisper against Nofri-it's temple. "You stand before me, dressed in silk, adorned in gold, yet you shake like a leaf in the desert wind." His voice was smooth, dark, curling around Nofri-it like the coils of a serpent. "Tell me, is it rage that makes you tremble, or fear?"

Nofri-it lifted his chin, his voice hoarse but steady. "Neither."

Azech-I's lips twitched. He leaned back against his throne, his golden eyes flickering with amusement—and something deeper, something dangerous. "Lies do not suit you, Nofri-it."

He lifted a hand lazily. A servant immediately stepped forward, carrying a goblet of deep red wine. Azech-I took it without sparing him a glance, swirling the liquid idly before turning his gaze back to Nofri-it.

"I have won wars with less provocation than what you have given me," he said. "I have razed cities for lesser betrayals." He took a slow sip, watching Nofri-it over the rim of the goblet. "And yet, here you stand. Still breathing. Tell me, why should I let you live?"

He knew this was a test. A cruel game. If he answered wrong, Azech-I would not hesitate to turn him into nothing more than another name whispered in fear.

But that was the thing, wasn't it?

He had already been left for dead once. He had already wasted away in Cairo's dungeons, barely more than a phantom.

And now, he stood here, before the man who once swore to love him—who now sought to break him.

Nofri-it's lips parted, but the words he wanted to speak did not come.

Azech-I chuckled softly, leaning forward once more. "Shall I tell you?" His fingers ghosted over the exposed skin of Nofri-it's chest, just above his racing heart. "Because death would be mercy."

His touch dropped away, as fleeting as a passing shadow. "And I have no mercy for traitors."

The words were spoken lightly, but the weight of them crashed over Nofri-it like a tidal wave.

The court still watched, waiting for the moment he would fall apart.

He straightened his spine, forcing his voice to remain even. "Then what will you do with me?"

Azech-I's smile was slow, deliberate. He lifted his hand again, but this time, the servants who approached did not bear wine or offerings.

The murmurs in the court rose, excitement rippling through the nobles like wildfire.

Azech-I did not look away from him as the guards seized his wrists. "I will make you watch," he murmured.

The cold bite of metal locked around Nofri-it's wrists. The chains were not meant for security. They were meant for spectacle.

A golden cage in the heart of the throne room.

Azech-I took another sip of his wine, watching as Nofri-it's fate was sealed before the eyes of the court.

And Nofri-it knew, with a terrible certainty—

The true torment had only just begun.

Chapter ~ True Torment