Thanks to all the reviewers! I really appreciate all your comments and suggestions.

It's been a busy few weeks so that's why this has taken awhile. Sorry the last chapter was crap, and kinda rushed. Hopefully this will be better.

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Chapter 4
by Chione

I said yes. I couldn't look Neema in the eye when I told her. It's not that I don't want to marry him, I do. I don't love him though I'm sure I could learn. Like any other girl, I want to find the type of love Leigh always reads about in her novels. But the real world isn't like a book, and I don't think it's possible to have that kind of romance. Why throw away a perfectly good man just because he isn't the one?'

So I agreed to marry him.

Neema wouldn't talk to me at first. She loves him, Abasi, but he only ever paid attention to me. And here I was betraying her by marrying him when I probably shouldn't.

Could I really go through with it?

A week after his proposal,' Abasi and my father took me to the palace to get our marriage approved. Marriage in Egypt is different from the future. It's not such a big deal, first of all. The Royal Vizier would approve our contract and we'd be married. Simple really.

I'm beginning to think the Gods have other plans, however.

It was a silly fantasy of mine, that I'm sure hundreds of other girls have. I imagined walking in and the Pharaoh, Tankh, was having a conversation with the Vizier. When he'd see what I was there for, he'd protest, saying he was planning on making me his wife.

I know I'm delusional.

Besides, it wasn't Tankh that we walked in on with the Vizier. Osahar stood by the smooth stone desk of the Vizier, a smug look on his face.

My heart pounded with the knowledge that this wasn't a good thing.

My father looked back at me curiously.

I shrugged.

Ah, Tahirah-jendyi, just the girl we were hoping to see. The Vizier stood from his seat, wrapping an arm around Osahar's shoulders. My friend here tells me you're to marry him.

I knew I should've stayed in bed this morning. I knew I shouldn't have agreed. I knew he'd try something like this.

And there wasn't anything I could do, unless I wanted to challenge Osahar's words, and I would lose. My father clenched his fists, then released them with a deep breath. He nodded, and my stomach sank with the motion.

Abasi stood behind us both, but I could feel the muscles in his body tense.

Wonderful. I've already signed the papyrus. Now all that is needed is your signature, Tahirah. Osahar strolled over to me, as if he owned the palace. Or me.

Technically, I could refuse. I could sign it, then demand a divorce and my share of his ownings. But that was technically, if you don't take into consideration class, manners, hierarchy, and who held the strings of my life.

Namely, not me.

I swallowed, nodded to my father, and watched as he signed over my life to my new husband, Osahar.

It wasn't until Father and Abasi left me standing in the palace alone, that the full effect of what just happened hit me.

I was married.

Married to Osahar!

In a matter of minutes, my life had taken a drastic turn from the ordinary, safe and content to the uncertain, lonely, miserable life I'd lead as Osahar's wife.

The worst part, though, was that I couldn't do a damn thing to stop it. I'd always fancied the idea that I could resist Osahar no matter what he did; I honestly believed I had control over whether or not I married him. I guessed wrong.

I walked right into it!

Without thinking it through-as I've recently discovered I do quite often-I spun in whatever direction the Gods willed, and ran.

A tiny kitten interrupted my path as I traveled further into the palace, probably further than I was allowed. To dodge the kitten, I was forced to make a sharp turn and stumbled. As the stone floor cooled my back, any and all strength I had, left. I lay spread on the ground, and the kitten responsible for the whole mess curled up on my stomach as if that had been her intention the entire time.

Cats, honestly.

I rolled my eyes, allowing my hands to scratch the kitten's ears. The motion was soothing, and the gentle purr I got in response briefly took my mind from my current problems.

What have I told you about laying on the ground? One of these days you'll be stepped on. Tankh's face abruptly appeared above mine, effectively bringing me back to the real world.

And it was not a place I wanted to be.

Obviously not. Unless of course they're blind. But then they're excused. I said. Besides, your kitty here attacked me until I laid down for her to take a nap on. It's her fault! I glared down at the kitten, who was innocently licking her paws, just to make sure he got the point.

Ah. I see. He sat down, folding his legs neatly underneath him. Reaching across my stomach, he stroked the kitten's fur as she continued to purr happily at the attention. What would you like to name her?

She doesn't have a name?

Not yet. She was just born a month ago. I had forgotten until now that she hadn't been named. He pried the kitten's claws from my skin and placed her in his lap, then helped me to sit up.

You want me to name her? I asked. He looked up at me and nodded his head once. I thought for a moment.

Femi she is then.

I sighed and hung my head, knowing sooner or later my-I shuddered-husband would find me. My hands slowed in their attentions to Femi, and I felt a frown pulling on my lips.

One minute you're smiling and content, the next you're sad. Why? Tankh inquired. I'd almost forgotten he was there. I blushed when I realized how caught up in my own problems I had been.

Sorry. Just dreading, er, nevermind. My current love life was not something I wanted to discuss with the Pharaoh.

Dreading what?

Tahirah! When I find you, you'll regret running away from me! Osahar's voice saved me from answering, and made my throat clench. He didn't sound very happy.

What is that all about? Tankh asked, eyes narrowed at Osahar's tone. His head whipped around to stare at me, demanding a reply this time.

My hand trembled as I stroked Femi's fur. I shook my head vigorously, hoping he'd get the idea that it wasn't something I wanted to discuss.

He didn't. Tell me. That's an order, if it need be.

It doesn't! I snapped, resisting the urge to crumble into tears. It had not been a good day. I wished Leigh were with me. It's always better not to be alone. I continued, quieter. He's my husband. I wasn't supposed to marry him, he tricked my father and me just this morning and now I'm married and I'm afraid of him. That's all.

The Pharaoh was silent, regarding me through kohl lined eyes. He blinked, slowly and lazily, as if he had all the time in the world to just watch me. Which, if I thought about it, he probably did. You do not wish to be married to him?

I shook my head. Propriety be damned, I couldn't bring myself to lie about that.

Then the marriage will be annulled. He said, rising to his feet with the same grace he's exuded before.

Okay, but Osahar has lots of connections and-

He cut me off.

Yes, that's my husband's name. Do you know him? I asked.

He nodded, turning away from me. Yes. And I want you to stay away from him. I'll take care of your marriage. Just stay away from Osahar.

Oh I wanted to. And I'd been trying to for several years. A very unsuccessful venture, seeing as Osahar seems to have unlimited knowledge of my schedule, home, and acquaintances. Apart from Tank, obviously.

I hope.

I didn't say anything, just nodded. Then he stormed off in the direction of the Vizier's office, leaving me in the heart of the palace, a tiny kitten at my feet.

That's all for now, folks!

I plan on updating my other stories sometime in the next week too, so check em out!

And don't forget to leave a helpful, constructive review! They're much appreciated.

Oh, and just FYI: if you need anyone to beta or edit your story, just email me and I will. I'm good with grammar and spelling and stuff so. . . Also, I could use a beta reader, so . . . If you're up for the challenge, email me or IM me or whatever at Haderin or on AIM, Haderin.

Toodles!
Chione