The Pharaoh's princess

Dream 4

Renee – POV

Exhausted from the day’s events, I went straight to bed after dinner. But once again, I found myself wide awake in the dark. Drawn to the faint glow of the mirror in the vision room. I’d gotten used to it at this point—my body moved on its own, drawn toward the light.

I was pulled into a vision again—into Neferet’s mind. A guest, here only to observe.

Neferet – POV

I was so sick of the Pharaoh’s newly appointed bodyguard—this so-called Aten. He was arrogant, undisciplined, and always stared directly into my eyes instead of lowering his gaze like any proper soldier should. I couldn’t stand his boldness.

So I snuck out today, accompanied only by Anipe, my most loyal servant, and Anum, my favorite guard. I wanted to walk the market without Aten scaring everyone half to death by reaching for his sword at every perceived threat.

The market buzzed with life—merchants calling out, children laughing, the scent of spices and roasted nuts in the air. I admired the jewelry and the freedom of the common people. Now that I no longer ruled Egypt, I felt adrift. These people moved with such purpose. I envied them.

“There you are,” came the voice I loathed most.

Aten.

Of course he’d followed me. The Pharaoh must have sent him to guard me as punishment—for what, I wasn’t sure. I’d even asked Anum to intervene, but Aten outranked him. That infuriating man, so much smaller than Anum and completely lacking the grace of a real soldier, held more power. It was outrageous.

Idris – POV

Seriously? What was this guy doing? If this was me in a past life, I clearly had no game. The way the princess looked at Aten—pure death glare.

I could hear Aten’s thoughts. He was falling for her. He admired her compassion, her intellect, her beauty. She was fluent in multiple languages, brilliant, confident… and breathtaking. He hated how other men looked at her. He wanted her—but not through force. He wanted her to choose him.

But his approach was all wrong. Dude, you’re her bodyguard, not her equal. You’re pushy, overbearing. Honestly, I was surprised she hadn’t figured it out yet.

Renee – POV

Through Neferet’s eyes, I saw it all—until a commotion snapped my attention.

A man lunged from the crowd, grabbing at her.

Two others tackled Anum, overpowering him. Despite his strength, he couldn’t fend off both. Meanwhile, the third man ran off—with me. Or rather, with the princess. Anipe gave chase, her voice frantic.

Where was Aten? Gone. Useless. These visions had never stirred such panic before. I was literally being kidnapped and could do nothing but watch. I could feel her heart pounding, the panic crashing through her thoughts like waves.

Neferet began to fight back. Then—pain. A sharp blow to the back of the head. Darkness.

Rahotep – POV

I sprinted across rooftops, heart hammering. I couldn’t lose her.

Sword drawn, I leapt from above and struck down the kidnapper in one blow. I caught the princess’s limp body in my arms.

Anipe rushed toward us, panic in her voice. “Is she alive?!”

I checked. Her chest rose and fell. Even in sleep, she looked like a goddess.

“She’s breathing,” I said.

Anum arrived moments later, bloodied but alive, his guard’s mask missing—exposing his identity. He nodded silently.

Amon—my closest friend—joined us with a group of soldiers. With one look from me, he barked orders. The princess and her entourage were quickly escorted back to the palace.

Idris – POV

I was stunned. Anum was Jacob?

Was everyone we knew part of this tangled past?

The royal doctor confirmed that the princess would recover. Anipe dismissed everyone, wanting privacy to tend to her.

The Pharaoh used the chaos to his advantage—slipping away, washing up, changing into his royal robes, and returning. This time as himself, not Aten.

Neferet – POV

My head throbbed as I slowly came to.

I was back in my chamber. Anipe rushed to my side, tears in her eyes.

“You’re awake, Princess!”

“What happened?” I rasped.

“You were attacked. Three men. Anum killed two. Aten saved you—struck the last one down in a single blow.”

“Aten saved me?” I blinked. “But… he disappeared.”

“I know. Then he jumped from the air like a hawk and struck the man down.”

It didn’t make sense. I had seen Anum struggling—

“Where is Anum?!” I cried.

“He’s just outside. He’s safe.”

Relief poured through me. Anum was more than a guard—he was a friend.

Moments later, Anum entered and asked how I felt. I could see the worry in his eyes.

Then came the announcement: the Pharaoh had arrived.

We bowed as he entered. I kept my eyes low, not daring to look up.

“I heard of your ordeal,” he said. “Those responsible will be hunted and executed. No one knows who they were—none can identify them. But rest assured, I’ve appointed Amon, my most trusted commander, to investigate.”

“I thank you, my lord Pharaoh,” I murmured.

He left. The room quieted.

Renee – POV

Seriously, why won’t she lift her head?! I wanted to see him—see if he was Idris. I’d caught glimpses of him in other visions, dressed in linen robes and golden jewelry, while awake.

But not today.

The princess leaned back, slowly falling asleep.

And just like that, I awoke in my room, heart pounding, mind spinning.