Manu wasn't sure what to do about this development. Badru clearly wasn't going to back down from this endeavor but something about that slave bothered him to no end. Maybe it was just his brotherly impulses that stayed his hand, but his instincts had never failed him. Holding to that, Manu stayed quiet as they moved toward the slave traders. The man in chains followed them, his eyes never straying from Badru.

"Manu!" Badru pushed, glaring at his brother. "Call them or I will. And you know how that will turn out." He threatened. He was stuck between his instincts, telling him to leave the slave be, and his desire to make his little brother happy. His hands clenched in indecision.

"You said you wanted to keep fathers new slave from coming on time." Manu pointed out, speaking Latin. Both brothers were well learned in the language and used it often since most couldn't understand it. "If you are going to drag me on some inane prank, at least have the courtesy to stay with it."

Badru stood up, his face scrunched up. "If you will not help me, then so be it." He said, not following Manu's example. This was not a private conversation they were going to have at that time. He turned toward the shore, his legs braced apart. "You there, slave traders!" He shouted, drawing both Manu's and the slave trader's eyes. "Stop by the order of your prince!"

Manu didn't bother to stop Badru. There was nothing he could do anymore except back him up. He should have seen this coming. Why he never tried to stop his brother, he did not know. Either way, he was stuck doing something he'd rather not. So with his face impassive and his posture set, he stepped beside his brother, looking as official as possible despite his unwillingness to be involved.

"You heard him. Stop." He ordered, seeing the five or so men stop with the slave behind him. As their boat drew closer to the shore, both brothers noticed some fascinating things about the slave.

For one thing, despite be obviously malnourished, he was still over a foot taller that his captors and well muscled. Manu frowned at this while Badru almost drooled at the sight of those tanned muscles. The slave's hair was matted with sand and dirt but looked to be brown, much like Manu's. His face, scarred over his cheek and left eye, were badges that showed how well this man could fight. Badru admired the slave's body with obvious interest, seeing as the man was only wearing a loincloth. Manu, however, wondered about how they got a warrior and a good one, from the looks of it, in chains.

As their boat hit the shore, Badru couldn't resist jumping off the rushing over to the slave. He didn't even wait for his attendants to help him down. He usually didn't do that in public. It was unbecoming of a prince. Only, he was blocked by his brother who had stepped off first and held an arm out to stop him. What worried him more was that the slave traders were about to do the same. Manu's eyes narrowed at them, his general persona coming up for real.

The men bowed, clearly shocked to be stopped by both princes. Surely, their luck wasn't that good, was it? Their slave stayed quiet, staring only at Badru, who stared back with a smile.

"Your majesty's, what do we owe this honor?" The apparent leader asked, even more ragged than the rest. He was bandaged a bit and looked weary, though he hid it well. Badru opened his mouth to respond but was interrupted by Manu.

"His majesty, Prince Badru, wishes to purchase the slave you have behind you." Manu explained, ignoring the pouting Badru behind him. Until he knew how much of a threat the slave was, he was going to act as Badru's shield. The young man didn't understand how dangerous people could be, especially when under someone else's thumb. They had little to lose.

The men before him exchanged slightly worried glances, while their leader smiled. "But of course you do." He said, confidently. "This specimen is quite a prize. Handsome, strong and surely a valuable to any person who owns him." He boasted, walking up the slave and taking his chin in hand to pull it down to their level. "He is a bit stubborn. He wouldn't eat or drink anything we gave him for weeks. I don't know how he survived but at least you know he can take any punishment without dying. It is a shame that we lose such assets to their stubbornness, really."

"What is that around his neck and wrists?" Badru asked, again drawing the slaves gaze. Annoyed, Manu stood in front of Badru, earning a glare from the slave. He glared right back. He was starting to see the stubbornness in the slave.

Unfortunately, Badru didn't care.

"These are his chains." The leader said, taking the man's wrists in hand. Manu hadn't noticed them, instead paying attention to the slaves face. He had yet to turn away from them nor had he seemed to have an ounce of fear. This man was going to trouble, he could tell. The 'chains' were just a thin metal bracelet on each wrist and a collar around his neck. Both looked equally fragile and the only thing that stood out about them was the single blood red jewel embedded in it.

"Those things? They look like they'll break if so much as a breeze brushed it." Badru pointed out, frowning at them. Manu agreed but considering how the slave had yet to fight his captors despite his clear unwillingness to be there kept him quiet.

"You don't believe me? Fair enough." The leader conceded, shrugging. "But allow me to demonstrate its abilities against such a man. Slave!" He called. The slave flinched, as if knowing something was going to happen. "Show his majesty, Prince Manu your respect by.... Kissing his feet."

Manu didn't think the slave would do it. Hell, the slave even glared and growled at the leader for a second, looking like he was going to attack. Manu was about to push his brother away as the slave walked forward but stopped as the man, a little taller than himself, knelt down to the ground. Manu couldn't hide his shock as the man leaned down to press his dry chapped lips to Manu's sand covered foot. Leaning back up, the slave wiped his mouth and glared up at Manu, as if this was all his fault.

"You see. Theses charms are quite special." The Leader boasted, pressing his foot on the slaves back and leaning forward on him. The man growled deep in his throat, clearly wanting nothing more than to rip the slave trader to shreds but stayed where he was. At this, Manu had to question whether the slave trader's boasts were false or not. "It takes a lot to keep his kind down and-"

"His kind?" Manu asked, not missing a beat. The leader flinched, realizing his mistake but recovering fast.

"W-what I mean, is that where he is from, men are quite.... Savage, so we needed something to force his compliance." He rushed, looking away. Manu was curious about this but Badru, finally fed up with being ignored stepped up.

"It doesn't matter where he comes from or what you did to get him complacent." He said, kicking the slave trader's foot off of the slaves back. "I want this man for myself. So state your price and stop boring me with such mundane details."

Silence filled the air. Manu had been hoping to convince Badru of not buying the clearly dangerous slave. No matter what the traders said, he couldn't shake the feeling that taking this foreigner would only bring about trouble. And he had a good sense for these things. The traders were shocked. They hadn't expected the Prince to be so blunt about his desires. Most nobles they came across hid their motives and emotions. This one just came right out, like those feelings couldn't be used against him.

The leader smiled, amused. He bowed and his cohorts followed suit. "As you wish, your highness." He said.

Badru puffed up like a peacock, seeing that he won. "Then I'll leave my brother to handle the deal. I don't want you unsavory folks trying to swindle me." Again, the leader couldn't help but be amused.

"We would never do that, my lord." The leader said, chuckling. "We'd give him to you for free but we have to make some profit after all our trouble."

"Trouble? What kind?" Manu asked, knowing where this was going.

The men exchanged glances, debating whether or not to disclose such information to their potential buyers. It may kill their chances. But just as they were about to lie and say it was nothing, they say Manu glare at them. They shuddered in fear. Though they were unaware of it, this was the glare an older sibling gave those who risk the lives of their younger siblings. And just to make matters worse, Manu smiled evilly.

"You wouldn't be thinking of trying to lie and tell us it's nothing, are you?" He said, his voice daring them to try. Badru looked up at his brother's face and chuckled.

"You'd better spit it out." He warned. "Or else we just might get the slave for free after all. Dead men can't gain profits, you know." At that, the men grew even more nervous.

"This man is a danger!" One rushed to say, earning a glare from the others. "He killed three of our men and injured our leader just on the way here. We don't know how he's survived this whole time since we haven't fed him anything more than bread and water but he's still as fit as when we first caught him. If you take him, you'll only invite trouble."

The traders rushed to stop the man's tirade but were too late to stop the worse from coming out. As they fought, Manu looked over at his brother. "Do you really think this is a good idea?" He asked, switching back to Latin.

Badru shrugged, smiling at the traders antics. "I want him. I have a feeling he will be interesting." He replied back, this time in Latin as well. Manu grimaced at that. Badru smiled up at Manu and pat his shoulder. "Don't worry, brother. I know what I am doing. Trust me."

"Every time you say that, something bad happens." He pointed out, folding his arms across his chest. "Why do you not try trusting me this time?"

Badru said nothing for a while and then sighed. "Traders!" He called out, switching back to his native tongue. The traders turn back to them, glad they had not left yet. "I'm still waiting for a price. Give it or else I will just take the man now." He stated.

Once the deal was done, fairly, Badru walked back to the boat. As he passed Manu, he whispered in Latin. "I trust you, brother. I just trust my own instincts a bit more this time around." With that, Badru was soon seated under the built on canopy and awaiting his brother and new slave. The traders had long since left, filled glee at their transaction.

Manu went over to where the slave still was, on the ground kneeling down. As soon as he drew near, the man glared up at Manu. Manu glared right back He knelt down until they were eye to eye.

"I know you are angry at your circumstances." He started, his voice strained at the thought of what he'd just let happen. "I know you would like nothing more than to lash out at those who own and trade you off like nothing. I sympathize with that. But do not think that I will let you hurt a hair on my brother's head. If you even think to do so, I will make sure your last moments in this world are worse than any fate you can think of. Do you understand?"

The man stared back at Manu for a long moment, seemingly unfazed. It was clear he had no clue what Manu was saying but, man to man, it didn't take words to understand a promise of retribution. After a brief snort, the man nodded, just before snapping his teeth at Manu. Anyone else would have flinched but Manu stood his ground.

"I am glad you understand."

*****

Meanwhile at a dingy inn, a man paced the floor, clearly agitated. He was an older man, clothed in robes of fine silk and adorned in jewels and such. Back and forth, he paced as his companion, a scantily clad woman, watched him in amusement.

"My lord, why ever are you so anxious?" She asked her voice like wine. Sweet but carrying a punch that only hit you later and when you least expect it. "Are you that worried about the Princes?"

The man turned to her, enraged. "Do not test my patience, woman!" He snarled, gritting his teeth as she smiled seductively at him. "I will punish you if you push me any further."

The woman moaned and rolled over onto her back, displaying her plentiful breasts and bare body to him. Her hair was red all over and her skin was tanned from long days in the sun. Though most would see her and think she looked strange but it was just that made her popular. No one made such a conflicting look appealing.

"Oh, please do, my lord!" She begged, smiling at him. Even after how much they'd done already, all she had to do was look at him and he wanted more. He scowled at her as his cock hardened for another round with the slut. The man turned from her and continued pacing.

"I have no times for your games, Karla." He growled. "If you are not going to be of any use, then be gone." He said, looking out the window. Had he been looking, he'd have seen Karla glare at him. How dare he say such a thing to the one who had pleasured him like he'd never been pleasured before? Ungrateful bastard!

Despite her acidic thoughts, she was all smiles when he turned back. She lay on his bed facing him. She rested her head on her palms as she leered at the unappealing man. "I apologize. I was just thinking about how a great man like you could easily become more than just a Scribe." She took on her best scolded child face and continued. "How silly of me to think that such fantasies were real. So stupid of me."

Silence filled the room. She knew it was coming but it took so much longer than she'd like for it to happen. The man grabbed at her bait.

"You honestly think I could be more than this?" He asked, staring at her as if she was some kind of oracle. She mentally rolled her eyes. Men. She thought. If they're not lead around by their dicks, they lead with their egos.

"I am but a humble courtesan, dear sir." She said, sounding all the while like a ignorant slave. "Surely I could not say." The man grabbed her shoulders and shook her. It jarred her a bit and it took everything she had not to pull out the dagger she always kept nearby and cut him. Somehow, she resisted the urge to do it. But only because her plan was so much more fun.

"Do not toy with me, woman!" He shouted. "You are his majesty's most regarded courtesan. I know you have his ear and know his thoughts. Have you heard him say anything about me? Is that why you said those words before?" He questioned, squeezing her forearms tightly. It hurt but not as badly as it did with most men. This man was so weak.

She looked away innocently. "I cannot say, sir." She retorted. "My Pharaoh is so very hard to figure out. He may have spoken of you fondly and considered promoting you from a scribe to a full fledged noble. Maybe even a Priest. You have been quite a help to him, so he was thinking of letting you be promoted ." She lied. Though such a thing did happen, it was so rare one didn't hold out hope for such a thing. Yet this man fell for her sugared words like a fly. How fitting a description too, since this man was nothing but a nuisance.

"T-truly?" He asked, kneeling before her in his shock. Surely, his majesty would see how hard he worked and reward him, if this woman was correct. And she had to be. As someone who slept with his majesty, she had to know their Pharaoh's thoughts.

Karla nodded, grinning openly. "But, his majesty needs further proof of your dedication." She proclaimed, rolling off the bed. The man stared at her body as she glided across the room. Her body was what men dreamed off though if she had one fault; it was the nasty burn on her left hip. It was small, circular and deep red. No one knew where it had come from or how it would happen. Anyone who asked was refused thereafter so many stopped questioning it.

Karl pulled on a robe and covered herself until she was halfway decent. Her legs were bare and there was nothing beneath her clothes to cover up her privates but they themselves were not all that private. Most knew her and knew what lay underneath so she no longer bothered with such fancies. Just before leaving, her customer grabbed her arm to stop her. Again, she had to keep herself from slitting the man's throat.

Forcing a smile, Karla turned to the man. "Yes, is there something else you need of me?" She asked, impatient to leave. The man somehow saw that and didn't waste her time. At least, what he thought wasn't a waste.

"H-how do I gain his majesty's favor?" He asked, looking around nervously. Karla just resisted rolling her eyes. Was the man really that stupid? He honestly believed her? Then he deserved this.

Karla grinned and strode over to the man to whisper in his ear. As she spoke, the man's face pales and he moves way. "A-are you mad?" He cries, looking around like she'd just suggested something treasonous. And she had, but if the man was stupid enough to believe her sugared words, he deserved everything he got as a result.

She spun out of his grip and looked over her shoulder at him. "You asked what needed to be done and I told you." She replied, fixing her hair. "If you want to get on top, you have to step on some toes, my dear." She advised.

"B-but, to do so with our god king?" He stammered, wavering a bit but reaching for the reassurance that this would work. And she gave it.

"Of course, good sir." She assured, watching the stupid man smile in relief. "Just do as I have told you and all will work out for you. Oh! And please don't mention this was my idea to anyone." She said, running a long finger down the man's cheek. "My Pharaoh would be quite cross with me if he learned I gave advice to his people. I wouldn't be able to help good men like you if he lost his trust for me."

The man nodded, understanding this. "I swear to Iris that I will never reveal your involvement to anyone, Karla." He promised, sealing his fate. Karla smiled and leaned over to kiss the man's cheek.

"I knew you would understand." She whispered, smiling at the man who, if she didn't leave soon, would toss her down and have his way with her again. No way was she letting that happen. As soon as she was out of his sight, she shuddered in disgust, hating that she had to touch that guy. Not that he was ugly or anything. He was quite handsome for his age. It's just she hated men like him and reveled in her little vengeance.

Satisfied that her lie would bring about interesting results, Karla left the humble building that acted as her sanctuary away from the envious eyes of those who wanted her position. Why does everyone assume that being the Pharaoh's favorite was a good thing? He wasn't overtly cruel but neither was he pleasant. He had a wife, several in fact. Why was she even needed? Couldn't any man just be faithful to their wife? Even he last client, as young and dumb as he was, had a loving wife at home.

Karla scowled as she walked down the city streets. With her head and face covered, she could look around without drawing anyone's attention. The beige buildings were quite a sight to see after so long in the elaborately decorated palace.

Strangely, Karla had always preferred the city to the palace. Why? She had no clue. It was hot, there was sand everywhere and the people smelled not of perfumes and oils, but sweat and poverty. Despite that, she always loved coming down here.

But, it seemed that peace was not something she would have for long. Karla stopped, hearing a bunch of noise coming from somewhere. She turned to see a crowd of people observing something.

Running over, she pushed through the crowd before her until she got close enough to see what all the fuss was about. Was a noble passing by? If so, she hoped these people didn't expect a hand out. Nobles were surprisingly cheap when it came to their wealth. It was quite amusing sometimes. How the poor and rich alike refused to share what they got.

But the ones passing by was not a noble. Oh no, it was much worse. At least, it was to her. It was Prince Badru in all his extravagance and arrogance. He was riding in his personal carrying chair with a grand assortment of pillows and a canopy that kept the 'poor' prince from roasting in the sun. He even had some drapes to keep the people out of sight.

Karla snorted and turned away, disgusted by the sight of such indulgence. Gods forbid the brat ever be seen by such humble eyes. Around him were soldiers and slaves alike. The soldiers kept the people from coming too close while the slaves carried their prince on their shoulders. As the prince's entourage passed, Karla froze. Her nose twitched as she could have sworn she felt something call out to her. Something she felt she had long since forgotten.

Searching the crowd, she felt a ... Feeling push her to move out of the crowd that had parted just so that the selfish prince could stroll back home. She felt many people stare at her, but that didn't stop her from running toward the prince only to be stopped by the guards and pushed away. As she hit the ground, her head hit the leg of a slave. She looked up at him, she couldn't help but smile.

Brother!

Her heart screamed as she stared up at the disheveled man before her as tears seemed to burn in her eyes. He was huge, handsome and felt so familiar despite her never having met the man. She knew him. She knew him in her heart of hearts and wished to call out to him. She stood up and just as she was about to be dragged away by the guards, A voice stopped them.

"What is happening?" The guards stopped and bowed as their second prince Manu stepped forward. Karla didn't bow but she wanted to. Her heart was still thudding hard in her chest as she stared at him. Though the mysterious man captivated her eyes, her heart only longed for one.

"My prince..." She sighed as Manu drew closer. She knew he'd be there. He was always around his idiotic slut of a brother. Tall and proud, Manu's pale eyes brushed across her body being held by his men and scowled. He was upset for her! The stupid guards had to ruin her good mood, though, by speaking.

"Your majesty, this peasant here dared to draw close to Prince Badru." One of the guards reported, his grip on her arm firm. "We only tried to stop her from doing so." Karla scowled from under her cloak.

"Do not insult me." She snarled, tossing her head back to remove the cloak masking her face. "I only wished to speak with his majesty. How dare you assume such a thing about me?!" Realizing who she was and how easily it'd be for her to have them executed, they released her. As she fell to the ground, the guards who held her apologized for their behavior. Despite their apology's, they still gave her a look of disgust. They clearly hated having to show respect toward what they saw as merely a decorated whore. But they knew as long as she was favored, they'd have to give in. Too bad for them.

Manu stepped forward and extended a hand to her. Karla stared at the hand and then up at Manu. His pale eyes reflected her image and that alone made her happy. Everything about him made her long for him. His kindness, his humility and even his size drew her in. He was one of a few men who towered over her. Most were either shorter or the same size. It was comforting to have such a nice man make her feel both respected and female. Just as she was about to take Manu's hand, his idiot brother shouted.

"Can we get going now?" He demanded, looking back from his throne. "I would like to get home soon so I can enjoy my new toy." He looked past Karla and then looked away. If she didn't know better, she'd swear he looked embarrassed. But why? The only thing behind her was the guards and the mysterious man so-

Manu gave the smallest of smiles and then ordered the men to continue. As they did, the slave, whom she only now noticed was tied to the carrying chair by a long rope, was staring a hole through the back of said chair. The stare, though not directed at her, was intense. So much so, she took a step back. It was the look she'd seen often on the face of many a man she'd slept with.

One of pure domination. At such times, even Karla's bitter heart raced when faced with such a look. To be owned with just a look, sent shivers down her spine. Yet, this time, it was a slave who dared to look at their master with such eyes?

It was equal parts amusing and scary. Cause a man like that very much looked like he could own his 'master'.

Manu, seeing this gaze, clearly felt entirely different from Karla. He openly glared at the slave with such animosity, Karla felt a little scared. Did he sense the man's intention too? He was much bigger than Badru and obvious a fighter.

"Your majesty," She called out, only barely getting Manu's attention. "are you really alright with letting Prince Badru have such a... questionable slave?" Karla asked, looking at the back of the slave. She truly felt that he must stay, as if she longed for him though she wasn't sure why. He was handsome but not appealing to her in such a way. Moreover, he was her 'brother' so... She continued to stare at him, noticing a few things. The muscles that rippled under his skin, the grace of his unsteady walk and that under the long deep auburn hair he bore, the mark of a crescent moon was tattooed between his shoulder blades.

"No, I am not okay with it." Manu said. "But I will take care of it soon enough."

*****

Badru was quite unsure of himself. As he kept himself from view, he couldn't help but remember the smoldering look his new slave. Were they suppose to look at their master like they were about to take a bite out of them? He wasn't sure, since this was his first slave.

Though his father had slaves aplenty, he never had the opportunity to have one himself. He was a prince with no slaves. Then again, father didn't have all that many either compared to others. Less still were foreigners. Perhaps foreigners were different? But this man called to him, almost as if they were brought together by fate or something. He shook his head to dispel the thought. What nonsense. As if the gods would dare to pair him up with such a lowly creature. Still, the man was going to be an issue.

He laid back, almost feeling the gaze he knew was still trained on him, and sighed. What should he do? He went and damn near begged Manu to buy the man and now he was feeling like mother after buying something she was sure she'd never use. He'd simply wanted the man because he was big, strong and handsome to boot. And all under his control, if the traders boast were true. He hoped so. The slave looked to have the strength to tear a man to pieces. And those eyes.

The thought sent a shiver though Badru and he squirmed in his seat. That thought shouldn't get him excited. He mentally scolded himself as he pushed down on his half hard erection. From the looks of it, the slave was the type to do the pounding and there was no way he, the prince of Egypt, was going to be the bitch boy of a slave. No matter how delicious the thought was. Yet he found himself curious, just for a second, at how that would play out.

In his mind, he imagined being held down by the slave, his body cushioned by sheets a silk and wool. They would be soft under his hands, which would help since they would be gripped tight as he clung to them for dear life. He would have his eyes closed, so as to better revel in the brush of smooth lips over his body. Just barely touching the edges of his lips, traveling down his neck and stopping at his shoulder. Oh, why stop there? Don't stop. Just as he was about to beg for him to continue, a burst of pain would pull him from his thoughts.

He bit me?! Eyes opening, he'd stare up at the man, his broad tongue licking those delectable lips. Badru would stare, dazed as he tried to read his expression, though his face was all but shadows. Oh, how he wanted to see the man's eyes. To watch their color darken with desire for him alone. He'd attempt to reach up to touch the man's face but the limb would quickly be pinned to the bed. Even as his inner prince raged at the audacity, a small part of him shivered in delight at being dominated. Of being at the whim of such a big strong man. Then he would continue kissing his skin.

As the fantasy grew hotter and more graphic, he let out a small moan. It wasn't very loud and the noise from outside should have blocked it out but the second the noise left his lips, Manu called out to him.

"Badru, are you okay in there?" He demanded, sounding concerned. That snapped Badru out of it. His cheeks heated, Badru assured his brother that he was just fine and that he'd just hit his arm on something. Just outside his curtain, he heard Karla snicker. He didn't bother commenting on her obvious amusement. She seemed to get off on him being in pain. Bitch.

Badru caught his reflection on his mirror and grimaced. Boy, was he glad no one could see him in this chair. What would his subjects think if they saw him all hot and bothered in public? They'd think he was like the whores one sometimes caught in the alleyways, servicing their customers.

They'd make up terrible rumors and then Badru would have to deal with Fathers lecture.

Just outside his little sanctuary, he could hear Karla speaking to one of his guards. No, flirting was a better word. Badru rolled his eyes. He would have complained but knowing her, she was probably doing it on purpose. They held mutual dislike for each other but for vastly different reasons. Badru disliked her mostly because she slept with his father. It's very disturbing to know ones father has sex with a woman only 2 or 3 years older than his son on regular basis.

Yet another thing to dislike about his father. Oh, the list grows by the day. But then again, Badru disliked most people. He couldn't be like his brother and see beyond people's faults. He knew and understood people wore masks but he preferred honesty above all that nonsense.

Soon, their little parade reached the palace and Badru was lead out to receive some welcome. But not a warm one.

"Mother? What are you doing here?" Badru asked, stepping toward the first wife of the Pharaoh. Her hair was black as night and arranged so it never fell into her eyes. She was covered head to toe in jewelry and makeup. She looked like a queen and held herself like one. Much to everyone's dismay.

"I need a reason to see my son?" She countered, raising a drawn on eyebrow.

For other mothers? No. You? Gods, yes. "No, but..." Badru really didn't like talking to her. She was such a downer, always telling him what he should be doing and why he would grow up a failure.

"Before you start, I have one question for you, Badru." She continued on as if he'd never spoken. How very like her. He thought, schooling his features. Might as well get this over with. "What is that filthy thing over there?" She said, looking past him.

Just as he was about to ask what she was talking about, he heard a loud roar. While everyone else jumped back at the sound that sent shivers down their spine, Badru couldn't help but shiver with delight. He really liked that sound. It reverberated through him and settled in his stomach making his hard again. To hide this from his mother's notice, he turned toward the sound to see his newest slave fighting the guards who were trying to hold him down. Clearly, he wasn't going to yield and they brandished their weapons to punish him.

"Stop!" Manu shouted before Badru could. He stepped up and walked over to the guards. "Take the slave and place him in my quarters. I want him chained and under control when I arrive or I will take it out of all of your hides. Understood!?"

"Yes, your majesty!" The guards shouted, bowing to their prince. At once, the guards went about dragging the slave away. The man, still under Badru control, went with them willingly, yet his gaze never strayed from Badru's until he at last, disappeared from sight.

Badru didn't even realize that his gaze was following the slaves with his eyes until he started after him. He just barely stopped himself. He shook his head and instead watched as Karla ran up to Manu and started to converse with him. Badru could never figure out why that woman was so obsessed with his brother. Was she much of a slut?

"What a disgusting display." His mother said, drawing his attention once more. "Do those two not have any shame? Surely, if they wanted to whisper sweet nothings to each other, they could do so in private." She openly glared at Manu. Manu must have felt it because he then turned toward them.

He excused himself and came over to them. Badru shook his head, trying to signal to his brother not to come over but the stubborn man refused to listen. He stopped beside Badru and inclined his head to the queen.

"You're Majesty; it is a pleasure to see you again." He said, respectfully. But he might as well as spat in her face with how she reacted. Though her features were set, one could see the pure disgust in her eyes.

"Do not think you have any right to speak to me, bastard child." She said through gritted teeth.

"Mother, he is the son of the Pharaoh, as I am." Badru defended, staring hard at his mother. "He is a respected soldier and an honorable man. He is-"

"All he is, my dear son, is the son of a disgusting heathen." His mother said, her voice composed once more. She watched Manu, wanting to see him flinch. Manu gave her nothing but his usual stoic expression. She took a step forward and leaned in close until there were nearly face to face. Not an easy task since the queen was fairly short. She was not even close to Manu's height, only barely reaching his chest. "You may have coated yourself with honor and valor to hide your roots but I know what you truly are. And I will make sure you never forget it." With that, the Queen left, her handmaidens, who had been standing some distance away, followed her.

The two brothers stood there and watched the queen leave. Both sighed.

"Why did you come over here, idiot?" Badru said rubbing his hand across his face. He spoke Latin since even the servants were nosy. "You know she hates you, right?"

Manu gave him a sad smile. "I just wanted to see if it was still as scathing as last time." He replied in kind. "At least she didn't throw anything at me this time." He joked.

"Well, I suppose compared to the time she tried to kill you, this was a much better result." Badru retorted. Manu let out a snicker, which triggered Badru's chuckle. They soon both burst into laughter. As the two shared a laugh, they continued down the hall until they reached a private corner the two had claimed as their own from childhood. It was secluded as usual.

The two sat down on a bench and sat back to back. Badru leaned his head against Manu's back and closed his eyes, letting the sun warm him. Now, he was not cold, but the contact always comforted him. They both loved to bask in the comfort of each other's company on days like this. The two sat there for what felt like hours, though they had only sat in silence for an hour or two at most. At some point, Manu spoke.

"Badru." His brother said, just as he was about to fall asleep. He let out a groan, effectively trying to tell Manu to leave him be. "Badru, I will drop you if you do not wake up." He threatened.

Pouting, Badru sat up and turned to Manu."What?! I was comfortable like that." He complained. Manu turned to him, his expression serious. "Oh, no. You have your big brother face on."

"Quite. This is about your slave, Ba-" Badru covered his ears and turned away.

"No, I am not going to listen to you if you are going to tell me to get rid of him." He said, glaring at his brother. Manu jumped up and grabbed Badru hand to pull it away from his head.

"Listen to me, Badru!" He ordered. "That man is dangerous. He could easily kill you."

"We have that collar that controls him, Manu." He retorted. "We know for a fact that it works so-" 

"What if it snaps? Or we lose that ability to control him?" Manu grabbed Badru by the arm. "I will not have you hurt just because you are being stubborn. I am going to keep him locked up for now but you are not to see him."

Manu probably said other things but Badru hear nothing more. Not see the slave? Even though he had yet to see the man's face? Even as he yearned to see what color eyes seared him to the bone?

Never! Badru pulled away and ran off, hearing his Manu call after him. He was not going to lose that slave to Manu's over protective babble. Badru was 22 years old now, not a child. He could protect himself.

He ran about the palace, making sure to stay out of sight or else Manu would find him faster. He didn't have much time and he had to a lot of ground to cover. Seeing the guards from before, Badru took a chance and walked up to them. As soon as the two realized who it was that approached them, they bowed.

"Y-your majesty, it is an honor to have served you before." One said, his partner echoing the sentiment. Badru just shook his head at them. He would have teased them but he didn't have the time.

"Where is the slave I purchased?" He asked, hoping Manu hadn't told them to keep him away. Luck was on his side as one of the men directed him straight there. It was a good thing these two had yet to move very far from their assigned places.

Yet, he was confused when they lead him to a spare room where they kept their incense and spices. Badru looked around and saw that they were nowhere near his brother's quarters. Not that he was complaining but if he'd been the one to give the order, this oversight would have enraged him to no end. When he demanded to know why the slave was in this room instead of his brothers, they're response was... interesting.

"We apologize, your majesty but this was as far as we could get him." One explained. Badru raised an eyebrow at them.

"It's true, my prince." The other jumped in, looking contrite but firm. An interesting expression. "As soon as we got him to the hallway, he started fighting us, trying to go back. It took us a long time him chained up and gagged. We didn't want him screaming and bothering anyone else."

"He nearly bit my fingers off when I tried to gag him the first time." One said, as Badru entered room. They stayed outside, as per his instructions, and kept watch.

"Well at least you did not take that kick to the gut I got from him." The other complained. The man rubbed his belly, grimacing. "The man kicks like a horse."

Badru, only barely listening, proceeded in. As soon as he opened the door, the scent of spices and incense invaded his system. After a minute inside the rather large room, his head started to feel fuzzy. Shaking his head to clear it, Badru proceed inside, looking for the slave. Just when he was about to call out to the slave, he tripped over something.

Badru hit the ground and fell onto a bag of something that smells spicy. Coughing, he tried to focus on anything but the dust covering his and misting the air. He then heard a growl. Slowing turning, Badru saw the slave, chained to the wall with his arms above his head.

Badru stared at his biceps, entranced for a minute by them. The slave clenched and unclenched his fists repeatedly, making his arms bulge and tighten with strength. Unconsciously, Badru reached out to touch them. Just before his fingers touched, the man flinched, as if anticipating the gesture. This made Badru stop and pull away, holding his arm to his chest.

What was he doing?! He was a prince, not a simpering bitch boy in heat. He had to show more resolve than this.

This in the forefront of his mind, Badru stood up and brushed himself off once more. He walked over and pulled the cloth from the slave's mouth. The man's tongue lolled out, as if dead before returning to its home. Badru stared, a bit fascinated. As he'd thought, it was broad and long, seeming made to be run across skin. He imagined it running over his cock, the tip nestled in its center. Badru shivered at the thought but quickly shook his mind free of his fantasies. He had to focus. He had to see his face! Frustrated, Badru pushed the man's bangs up with his hands and stared into the man's eyes and stopped breathing.

His face, so savagely handsome, floored him. With his heart pounding in his chest, Badru took this chance to study the slave at his leisure. The man's eyebrows were just shade darker than his hair, making Badru assume his hair had paled under the heat of their sun. his face was covered in scars but none marred his beauty. In fact, it made him even more mouth watering. His skin was rough to the touch, as was his lips. It was obvious the man hadn't had any water in some time yet he remained strong and showed no weakness. That alone made Badru hard as a rock.

And those eyes. Those searing green eyes that reminded Badru so much of the emerald's he'd always found himself admiring. Something about the color made him feel so content, the way it danced in the light. This man's eyes didn't make him feel content though. It made him feel targeted.

With great reluctance, Badru looked away and stood. The slave tried to do something but his chains stopped him. When struggling didn't work, he started speaking. Badru had no clue what the man was saying but his voice was delicious. Deep and scratchy but not too booming. Shivering, Badru turned back to the slave and pressed him finger to his lips.

"I'll be right back." He promised, as he walked to the door. Though the man didn't say a word, he watched at Badru left, clearly bothered by his departure. How strange he was. He reached the doorway and looked around the hall. It was still empty. Good.

"You." He said to one of the guards, He jumped and bowed. "Give me your wine skin." The man did so and he went back inside.

The slave was still there, staring at him. He reminded Badru so much of a stray dog. Clearly in need of help but wary of everyone. It was nice to be that one person he seemed to trust. At least, that's what he thought before the slave refused to drink the water he offered. He scowled at his audacity.

"What? Do you think that I am trying to poison you or something?!" He demanded, placing his hands on his hips as he glowered at the stubborn slave. "You should be grateful that I am doing all this for you. Manu would kill me if he knew I was so close to you."

The slave replied but Badru still had no clue what he was saying. Though, from the tone, he figured it wasn't all that nice. Why was he doing all this? He wondered for about the hundredth time since seeing the slave. Yes, the man was handsome and strong but many of the guardsmen were as well.

But not to this extent. His inner voice countered.

Yes but the man was so rude and stubborn! All he was trying to do was be nice and this lowly slave had the nerve to refuse his kindness.

Think of what Manu told you about how to get along with people. The voice advised.

Badru recalled when he'd cried to his brother about how mean others were being toward him and his demands. Manu had said that in order to get along with others, one had to meet them halfway. Badru only rarely did this but he did trust his brother's word.

Badru took a swig of the water and licked his lips. "See, its fine." He assured, smiling though he was a bit upset he had to stop. He was kind of thirsty but the slave needed it more. Not that he cared. He just didn't want a weak man following him.

The slave, instead of looking relieved or relaxed, was staring at Badru's mouth. Mainly, he was watching his tongue glide over them. Noticing this, Badru got an idea. He took another swig and held it in his mouth. The cool water felt so nice on his tongue, he almost swallowed, but before temptation won, he pressed his lips to the slaves and fed the water to him. The slave swallowed.

He pulled away, smirking as the slave tried to follow after him. "I think I like this 'meeting others halfway' thing, brother." He muttered, taking another swig.