Of Angels and Demons

Sweet sixteen

The giant gray stallion thundered down the packed dirt streets going at break neck speed. Her laughter rang out and echoed off the walls of the clay buildings that surrounded them. She looked back over her shoulder to see her father racing close behind on his black mare. She giggled again and asked the animal for more speed. Her silver hair whipped in her face blue eyes gleaming with joy. The palace towered in the distance along with the busy market square. The thought of slowing the horse down as they approached the busy square entered her mind but she was having too much fun. She was winning! As the palace loomed closer she gave the animal his head and held on tightly.

Then from out of nowhere a small child darted out in front of her. She pulled back on the reins in attempt to stop the animal. The hot blooded animal reared against the bit and bucked sending her flying from his back. She laid on her back with her eyes closed trying to catch her breath. When she opened them she found she was looking up at a very disgruntled looking queen.

Anuxsous quickly scrambled to her feet brushing the dirt from her clothes.

“Women, grown should not participate in such childish games.” her stepmother said with a sneer before turning on her heels and heading back into the palace.

Her father sighed and looked at her sadly before following his wife inside. Anuxsous took the two horses back to the stables to tend to them.

He caught up to his wife in just a few short strides and took her by her hand.

“My love, what troubles your heart so?” He asked her, his voice soft and caring. She turned on him, her eyes blazing.

“Anuxsous is a woman of rank, and she has yet to settle herself and produce an heir.” the woman hissed.

At this, the man chuckled, “She is a free spirit that goes with the wind.”

“She is the future Queen and should act as such!”

“What would you have me do, My Moon?”

She stopped for a moment and looked at her husband thoughtfully. She smiled as an idea entered her mind.

“Match her with Akeim,” she stated flatly.

“The High Priest?”

“He is a bachelor of noble blood. It is an honorable match and a well-bred one.”

Her husband stopped for a moment and looked at her, searching her face for signs of a joke. Seeing that she was serious he sighed in defeat.

“So shall it be done.” He said taking her into his arms. The peace is being kept for another day. As she embraced her husband a wicked smile crossed her face. The game was set, soon she would be rid of both her husband and his hated offspring. She and Akeim would rule all of Eygpt together!

Anuxsous made her way to the Great Hall where her father had summoned her that evening with urgency. When she arrived she saw her father, her stepmother, and the High Priest Akeim huddled together, deep in conversation. Her father straightened and cleared his throat when he noticed her standing in the doorway. His eyes were somber and dull as he looked at her.

“My daughter, you are a woman grown. It is time for you to show it.” He said dryly. “I have matched you with the High Priest Akeim.”

“NO!” She screamed in disgust, “I will not!”

“Daughter!” Pharaoh growled in anger, “You are the future Queen and you will act accordingly and with honor. This match pleases the Gods and therefore pleases me. I have spoken.” Pharaoh then turned to Akeim, his anger radiating about him. “Take her away, treat her well. Love, honor and cherish her, as she has been her entire life.”

Akeim smiled and hugged Pharaoh, thanking him for his gift. He then turned to the Queen who held her arms open wide to him.

As she pulled him close to her she hissed in his ear, “Break her.”

Akeim smiled and softly kissed her cheek and pulled away from her. “I will do my best.” He said to both of them.

He then took Anuxsous by the hand and led her away from the Great Hall.

The Priest’s quarters were cold and uninviting as she stood there looking around. Shelves were cluttered with scrolls, texts, and various potions. The floor was stone and the cold of it burned her bare feet. He was so close to her, too close. She could feel his hot breath on her, it felt like a thousand insects crawling over her skin. He buried his nose in her hair and drew in a deep breath. His hands traced small trails up her bare arms. She could feel the bile rising in her throat.

“I have waited years to touch you like this.” He growled in her ear as he gripped her body tightly. She yelped in pain at his grip and tried to pull away. He only held her tighter and continued his rough exploration of her body. She turned into him, tears streaming down her face, and delivered a ring slap to his jaw. His grip loosened for a split second and she tried to run. He caught a fistful of her long hair and jerked her back onto the floor slamming her head against the stone. He was quickly on top of her as her vision blurred in and out.

“So many times I have imagined you writhing beneath me,” he grunted in her ear.

Her stomach turned as she fought against the darkness rimming her vision but it was getting to be too hard to do so. As he forced her legs apart she let the darkness take her she didn't want to remember this.