Chapter 21: I don't want you

..A Desperate Quest:

Iras returned to the grand palace of the Valley of Kings, despite being removed from his position. He was desperate to reach Hylos, and his emotions were on edge.

As he burst through the doors, he was immediately restrained by Hylos's guards. But when he scanned the room and didn't see Hylos, Iras's anxiety turned to panic.

"Where is the king?" Iras shouted, his voice echoing through the halls.

The guards didn't respond, simply staring at him. Iras's frustration boiled over, and he grabbed one of the guards, pinning him against the wall.

"Tell me, where is he?" Iras demanded, his eyes blazing with anger.

The guard, trembling with fear, stuttered out a reply. "The king...he went on an outing...rode his camel to Giza."

Iras's mind racing, he realized that if Hylos was heading to Giza, he would have to pass through the desert. A sense of foreboding washed over him, and he knew he had to act fast. He suspected that Murako's men might be lying in wait to ambush Hylos in the desert.

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A Deadly Ambush

Hylos was enjoying the breeze, riding his large camel with four guards surrounding him. The vast desert stretched out before them, and the scorching heat was unbearable. Hylos halted the caravan, which included two large camels, to take a break and drink some wine.

Just as he was about to take a sip, one of his guards shouted from behind, sounding like he was being stabbed. Hylos immediately went to investigate, leaving the caravan to see what was happening.

As he stepped out, he was ambushed by a man clad in warrior attire. Hylos pushed the attacker away and tried to run, but his foot was struck by a sword, and he fell. Hylos was shocked when his clothes were suddenly ripped apart, revealing his chiseled abs and toned physique. The attacker's eyes widened in surprise, and he couldn't help but stare.

"What a pity that we have to kill you," the attacker said with a chuckle. "I don't discriminate; you're a pleasure to look at, even if you're a man... hahaha."

Hylos's eyes narrowed, and he realized that he was in grave danger. The attacker's words sent a shiver down his spine, and he knew he had to act fast to survive.

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Hylos lay on the ground, clutching his injured foot. "Who are you? What do you want from me?" he asked, trying to hide the pain and fear from his voice.

The three attackers, who had ambushed him, laughed and closed in on him. "We were ordered to kill you, King of the Valley of Kings, the one everyone covets," one of the men sneered.

Hylos's eyes narrowed, his mind racing. He knew that he had many enemies, but he didn't expect to be attacked so brazenly. He tried to move, but the pain in his foot was excruciating, and he knew he couldn't escape.

The attacker's words sent a chill down his spine. Who could be behind this assassination attempt? And what did they hope to gain by killing him? Hylos's thoughts were cut short as the attacker raised his sword, ready to deliver the final blow.

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An Unexpected Rescue:

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Just as the sword was about to strike, Hylos closed his eyes, resigned to his fate. But suddenly, chaos erupted, and the attacker was intercepted. When Hylos opened his eyes, he saw a familiar face - Iras, dressed in silver attire. Hylos couldn't believe his eyes; the man he thought was dead was now standing before him.

The scene froze, with the two men locked in a intense stare. Hylos's eyes welled up with tears, but he quickly wiped them away, saying nothing.

Hylos tried to stand, but his injured foot gave way, and he fell. Iras rushed to his side, concern etched on his face. "You're okay, you're just injured."

Hylos pushed Iras away. "Don't touch me."

But Iras persisted, lifting Hylos into his arms. "Are you still angry with me?" Iras asked.

Hylos glared at him, his voice cold. "When I arrived at the palace, I don't want to see your face."

Iras smirked. "And why is that? You're still my husband, after all."

Hylos's face twisted in anger. "I don't want you anymore. I don't need you. You're disgusting."

Iras's expression didn't change, but he tightened his grip on Hylos. "Even if you don't want me, I still want you. And now, you're mine."

Hylos's eyes widened in shock as Iras mounted a camel and began to ride away, not towards the palace, but into the unknown.

"Where are you taking me?" Hylos shouted.

Iras smiled. "You don't want me, but I still want you. So, I'll take you somewhere where you can't escape."

Hylos's face contorted in rage. "You have no shame, Iras!"