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 weight of the chain settled heavily around Nofri-it's throat, the links warm from the heat of Azech-I's touch. It was a gilded thing, deceptively beautiful, much like the man who held the other end. But beneath its polished surface, it was still a shackle.

The murmurs of the court had settled into an expectant hush, the gathered nobles watching with rapt attention. Some with amusement, others with curiosity, and a few with something darker—anticipation for what their Pharaoh might do next.

Azech-I had always known how to command a room.

Seated upon his obsidian throne, he looked at ease, fingers idly toying with the golden chain. But Nofri-it knew better than to be deceived by his lazy posture. Azech-I was never idle. Even in stillness, he was a predator. And right now, Nofri-it was his prey.

"You look well," Azech-I mused suddenly, his voice like silk sliding over steel. "For a man who spent five years rotting in Cairo's dungeons."

Nofri-it said nothing. He would not give Azech-I the satisfaction of a response.

Azech-I's lips curled. "Ah, but I forget—you were always silent, weren't you? Even when I first took you into my bed, you rarely spoke. But your body..." His golden eyes gleamed, "...it was far less restrained."

A ripple of laughter spread through the court.

Nofri-it's fingers curled into fists against his thighs.

Azech-I noticed. Of course, he did.

"Still so defiant," he murmured, leaning forward. The chain between them tightened, forcing Nofri-it's chin to lift. "Tell me, Nofri-it, do you still dream of me?"

The words hit like a strike to the ribs.

Nofri-it's breath caught. He did dream. Every night. In the depths of those dungeons, when the darkness felt endless, when the weight of his failure crushed his very soul, Azech-I's face had haunted him. Not as an enemy, but as the man he had once reached for in the quiet hours of the night.

Azech-I exhaled softly, and for a fleeting moment, there was something almost unreadable in his gaze. Something distant. As if he, too, were remembering.

Then, in a single motion, he stood, towering over Nofri-it. The nobles stilled, waiting.

Azech-I stepped forward, the chain tightening further, pulling Nofri-it to the very edge of the dais. The pressure on his throat made it hard to breathe, but he refused to resist.

A warm hand slid beneath his chin. Azech-I tilted his face upward, forcing their gazes to meet.

"Five years," he murmured, his tone almost thoughtful. "Five years I searched for you. I waged wars in your name. Tore through cities, burned entire bloodlines to ash. And all this time, you were there. In his hands. You let me believe you had betrayed me. You let me suffer in my madness, thinking you had chosen him."

Azech-I's grip tightened. "Did you think I would forgive you?"

Nofri-it had never expected forgiveness. Not from Azech-I. Not from anyone.

But what he had hoped for—however foolishly—was understanding.

Instead, Azech-I had dragged him here, to Thebes, bound him in chains, and declared him a possession before the very people who once whispered his name in fear.

A cold smile touched Azech-I's lips. "No words? Very well." He turned, hand still gripping the chain, and gave a single, sharp tug.

"Then let's begin your punishment."

Azech-I descended the steps, dragging Nofri-it with him, the chain coiling in his grip like a leash. The nobles parted, murmuring in excitement, their eyes gleaming with morbid curiosity.

Because he knew—whatever was about to happen next, whatever game Azech-I intended to play...

Chapter ~ Man He Loved