Hope you guys enjoy the music 😆❤❤. Its really amazing ❤❤.

Neith's Pov

"You can't head the army. That.... Its not possible," Abu said in horror. The lines on his face deepened making him look years older.

"Why can't I. I know how to wield a sword and I can do fine with a bow too. I have been trained by the Ammon, one of the best warriors. Just because I'm a woman doesn't mean I don't know or can't do anything," I said crossing my arms to my chest. There was this fire inside me that lit the moment I saw my old drawing. I have had enough of just sitting around and training when I could have done so much more. I had no clue what Ammon was going through nor did I see that Aahotep's mom was a conniving piece of #$%&.

All this mess was also in a way my fault and I needed to make things right. I was always in my own world, training all the time that I missed to see so many important things around me. So if my training got me in this mess it will get me out of it too. I will protect this kingdom and this era. I will make sure that peace will prevail. I had too. This was my way to redeem myself. Ammon and Aahotep almost gave up their lives to protect this land and I will do the same even if it costs me mine and no one can or will stop me.

"Neith, going to war isn't just about whether you can wield a sword or not its so much more than that. A great warrior is one who can make any kind of situation turn around to his favour. You need to know your opponent inside out. Their weakness, their strength. You must also be aware of your weakness and strength too. Battle strategy is the key element to winning or losing. You are too young. You don't have the experience or the knowledge to lead a Kingdom to war. And yes, you are a woman which means its not going to happen. I know you are an extremely talented fighter but we already have enough internal problems to deal with. We don't need to start a new one. So please Neith I request you to drop this insane idea," Abu said softly like he was speaking to a stubborn child.

"I have been reading up regarding strategies ever since I moved into this place. I know I might not have the experience but I do have the knowledge to head an army. I am not some small kid who just jumps to conclusions Abu. I have thought this through. I can not trust anyone else to do lead almost fifty five thousand men to war. I don't know who else is involved in this riot. I will lead the army and that's the end of this conversation," I said and left before Abu could say anything. No one was going to change my mind on this, no one.

I walked up to Aahotep's room. He still remained unconscious. He really did look soo much younger in his sleep, more relaxed and at ease than when he was awake. I wished I could have stayed and spent some time with him but I had more important issues to take care off so instead of going up to him, I walked up to the book rack situated at the side of the room and picked up a half dozen books. I gave Aahotep another glance and left the chambers, heading towards mine.

I placed the books on my desk and took out a few papyrus, a quill and an ink pot. I needed to make a few notes and think of plan to win this war. I didn't waste another minute and opened the first book in front of me. This was going to be a long afternoon.

*******

By the time I had finished, my head was ready to explode. I wondered how Aahotep managed to stay sane considering how much time he spent figuring out solutions to various problems of the country. No wonder he looked older than his actual age. This was more exhausting then actual physical training.

I laid back into my chair and massaged my temples to reduce the ache. I managed to read up on the Hittites army. I listed out a few of their strengths and weakness which I found out. I also listed out the strengths and weakness of our army too. I had a few ideas on the plan of attack but non of them seemed powerful enough. Just when I was about to write down another plan, I heard a knock.

"Gaya, I told you not to disturb m...," I stopped myself as someone else walked in.

"Oh dear, you look like you'll collapse. Did you eat anything Neith?" Neffittii said looking concerned as she made her way towards me. I was so not in a mood for her acting today.

"Yes, I had a few fruits a while ago," I lied hoping she would go away now.

"Well you look really tired. Shall I ask Gaya to get you some meat and something to drink?" Neffritti asked while making herself comfortable on my bed. This is just great, now she would stay for who knows how long. I had to get out of here before I hit her.

"No that's fine. I was actually going out now," I said as I got up.

"Neith, is something wrong? You seem to be avoiding me lately," Neffitti said looking concerned and a little sad.

I so badly wanted to ask her why she was involved with the rebels. Was she dragged into it? Was she leading it? How she could do something like that? How she could betray her own son and husband? I wanted to ask so many things but I had to keep my mouth shut. As Abu had stated earlier we can't take any sort of action till the other kingdoms leave. We needed to handle the situation as delicately as possible. If the other Kingdoms found out that the former Queen wanted the Kingdom to collapse then the peace treaty would probably go down in flames.

"Why would you even say that? I mean why would I be avoiding you?" I asked, acting completely shocked by her statement.

"Well I just felt that way," was all she said. I internally sighed. Now I couldn't just leave.

"Is there something you wanted to talk to me about?" I asked, sitting back onto the wooden chair

"Not really, I was just wondering how you were holding up. I know you must be hurting so I just wanted to be there for you, provide some comfort," Neffritti said. She looked like she actually felt sorry for me. I was taken aback by her words. She sounded so genuine that for a moment I believed her but only for a moment.

"Well I'll be fine," I said giving a forced smile. She was a great actress. For a moment I felt disappointed in myself. I was a fool for thinking she was actually a good person.

"Come on Neith, I know you better than that. You know you can tell me anything. I'm there for you," Neffritti said giving me a weak smile and placed her hand gently on my thigh. That did it.

"Are you?" I snapped. Nefritti took her hand back and looked startled. She looked confused and maybe a little scared too but I wasn't sure.

"I'm sorry I have to go," I said getting up and walked out the room before she could say anything. I started running once I was out but I had no idea where too. Tears started rolling down my face. I rubbed them off forcefully.

"You can't cry, don't cry," I kept telling myself. After a few seconds I found myself in the rose garden. Their fresh scent did nothing to ease the ache in my heart.

"You can't break down Neith, you can't. Not now," I said to myself but somehow my brain wasn't able to process the words as tears were now unleashed at full force. How could she do this to me? I believed in her so much. How could she? I fell into the soft patch of the lush green grass sobbing like a little kid who seemed to have lost her way.

The reason I was so upset was that I always thought of her as a mother I never had. She was always so warm, always so sweet. I finally thought I had found the warmth of a mother I never had when I was a kid and her betrayal hurt me in ways I couldn't even describe. Why did she have to act all nice and warm to me? How could she be so cruel? I curled up into a tiny ball and cried for what felt like eternity. I stayed like that in the garden still stars embraced the night sky.

When I finally felt like I could walk, I got up and made my way back slowly. My eyes were burning and dry. I really hoped I wouldn't see anybody on the way to my room but I knew that wasn't gonna happen when I heard Gaya scream for me.

"Your highness, I have been searching everywhere for you," She said panting by my side. Seems like I keep making her run around a lot. I really needed to stop making her do that.

"What is it Gaya?" I asked looking at her. I hoped she wouldn't recognise that I had been crying but I didn't really care though. Right now I really didn't seem to care for anything. Well except for some peace of mind.

"The Pharaoh, he's awake. He has been asking for you" Gaya said, eying me closely.

My heart leaped out of my body. All fatigue left me instantly. He is finally awake. I ran as fast as I could and reached his room in less than a minute. My eyes were met by a tired but radiant pair of emerald orbs. A smile as big as the sun appeared on my face as I ran and embraced Aahotep in a bone crushing hug.

"Ow! That hurt," Aahotep said his voice weak and raw. I loosened my grip but didn't let go of him. I missed him so much, more than I cared to admit.

"Well you deserved that, no actually I need to beat you up, you stupid ass." I said a little angrily, breaking the hug.

"Why would you want to beat me up?" Aahotep asked looking confused.

"Because you poisoned yourself you big idiot. Who does that?" I asked punching his arm lightly.

Aahotep just laughed. How I missed his laugh, his voice, his scent. I shook my head my head. What in Aten's name where my thoughts going?

"I'm sure you know why," Aahotep said with his usual smirk.

"Don't you ever do that to me again," I said firmly, crossing my hands to my chest. I tried to look as angry as I possibly could.

Aahotep took my hand in his,"If it means saving you I would do anything, even give up my life." He said, his eyes held mine. His voice sent goosebumps down my skin. I felt warm and fuzzy inside. I smiled at him and moved closer so I could whisper in his ear.

"If you died then how could I kiss you," I whispered and pulled back. Now it was my turn to smirk. Aahotep just froze. He seemed totally shocked by my comment. Now that's a face I could get used to. But I immediately regretted saying that as Aahotep's expression changed from a shocked one to one of a predator who was stalking its prey.

"I will never hold back after that statement," Aahotep said as he made an attempt to move forward but collapsed.

"What happened King. You seem to be totally helpless right now," I giggled. I should probably have felt sorry for him but a helpless Aahotep was just too funny.

"Don't get too excited, remember I'll be back on my feet in a month or so and I'll rub that grin off your face," Aahotep said looking a little pissed off. He looked way too adorable now.

"Well than I guess I better make use of the time I have wisely," I said with a wink.

"Did you just wink at the Pharaoh?" Aahotep asked in shock.

"Its not a crime to wink at one's husband is it?" I asked smirking. I could get used to smirking. It really is quite fun.

"Did you just call me your husband?" Aahotep asked in disbelief. Damn, I forgot to tell him how. I just nodded and bent my head. I could feel myself blush.

"Neith, please look at me," Aahotep said softly. His voice made my stomach turn.

I slowly raised my head. I knew I had to say it but I was scared. Maybe I shouldn't tell him now. Its not that important right? But the moment I met his eyes I knew I had too.

"I love you Aahotep," I said and immediately bent my head down again. I couldn't look him in the eye. Who would have thought that those three words would be so embarrassing to say out loud.

Aahotep reached out and lifted my chin. His eyes held a soft glow and his lips were curled up into a small smile.

"So it takes kidnapping you and poisoning me for you to admit your feeling huh," Aahotep said, still smiling.

"I was going to tell you in the rose garden but I got kidnapped before I had the chance,"I said shyly. I was pretty sure I was blushing like a crazy person right now.

"I so want to kiss you right now," Aahotep said closing his eyes. He seemed to be restricting himself. He probably thinks I'll run away again. But I'm done with running away. I moved closer to him almost making our foreheads touch.

"Then do it," I said looking at him. His eyes shot open and I could see he was clearly confused.

"Are you sure?" he asked. I just nodded in response.

Before I could think of anything else his lips smashed into mine and unlike last time I didn't run away. I knew this would probably be the last time I could pretend like everything was alright, just like that night in the rose garden. Because once I break this kiss I would have to tell Aahotep everything.

A/n:

Hii guys, how are you all today? I'm sorry for updating the chap soo late I was suffering from writers block 😅😅. Well I hope the last bit made up for it though 😉.

Also I would like to tell you that Neith has own the Car awards 2017 so m really happy about that 😆😆😍❤. Thank you guys soo much for all your support.

Also LuckyPlum made this amazing piece of art 😍😍❤❤. Tysm for this. I cant describe how much I love it and how much it means to me ❤❤❤ 😘.

If you guys enjoyed this chap then please do vote and leave a comment. I would really love to read them 😊. Hope you guys have an amazing day. Love ya!! ❤❤