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"Thank you, Nina, you have made me feel better about our circumstances."

"I don't know what you mean, child, but don't mistake the pharaoh for her father. God knows that he was kind but strict man. His daughter has a lot of her mother in her so you will be cared for."

They walked out into the cool evening from Sarah's bedroom to the riverbank where Samuel and Hawk were waiting. Hawk held out her hand to Sarah to help her on board then turned and embraced Nina giving the old woman a kiss on the top of her head. "Corby came close today, Nin, so close we had to call it a tie."

"Foolish children, you will kill yourselves on those things one day mark my words. Now go on and don't keep your guests waiting," said Nina cocking her head toward Sarah.

Sarah almost fell overboard when she heard the maid fussing at Hawk, and that the king not only put up with it but also was now bowing to the older woman.

"Don't tell anyone, Nin, but that is going to be my new queen." Hawk whispered in her ear.

"I know that, you big trouble maker, that's why I'm rushing you."

Sarah listened to that laugh again as Hawk jumped from the pier to the middle of the barge. She is truly beautiful when she laughs and she bows to her maid. Who is this person, and why am I here? That question and many others were on Sarah's mind when she bowed to her master as she boarded.

"Sarah, please, don't do that when it's just us. I bought your freedom today so that's no longer required, unless we are in public. You and your son are free, so enjoy what life has to offer you. I'd like for you to stay until you decide what you would like to do or where you would like to go. Enjoy our hospitality and let me enjoy your company, yours and your son's," said Hawk. She took a seat on the cushions across from Sarah and Samuel, and signaled the serving staff to begin with the meal. Toward the back of the barge the order was given and the oarsmen started their cadence setting them in motion.

The small woman didn't know how to react to that news of freedom so she chose to throw herself at the pharaoh's feet in gratitude. Samuel would have a chance now as a free man to make something of his life besides shaping stone.

"Please, Sarah, get up and let's eat, you don't have to do that," said Hawk lifting the woman up gently. Hawk helped Sarah back to her seat and invited them to start eating.

They spent the remainder of the meal enjoying the food and Hawk's explanation of what they were passing along the shore. The oarsmen turned at Hawk's command when she noticed Samuel falling asleep on his mother's lap long after their meal was complete. When the barge glided back to its berth behind the palace, Hawk carried Samuel up to his room.

"Good night, sweet lady, remember to call for Nina if you need anything. I enjoyed our dinner and would like to do it again if you are agreeable." Hawk told her from the door of their apartment.

"Where are your rooms, sire?" asked Sarah. It was bad enough that her body would pay for the lovely evening, she didn't want to degrade herself anymore than necessary by having to ask someone for directions.

"If you head out the back, my rooms are the ones on the end of the palace. The ones that jut out over the water, but if you have need of me just ask Nina and she will send someone for me," answered Hawk.

"I prefer to come to you sire since Samuel is in the other room," answered Sarah bowing slightly to the pharaoh.

"All right, good night, Sarah." Hawk responded, confused as to the woman's last statement. Did Sarah not want her son to spend time with her?

Sarah watched the retreating figure flanked by two guards, wondering how long she should wait before following. Things were going so well that she didn't want to anger her benefactor by seeming ungrateful.

"Nina?" Sarah called in the direction of the maid's room.

"Yes, child, do you need something? How was dinner?"

"Everything was wonderful, and Samuel and I had a wonderful time. Could you watch him for me until I get back? He shouldn't be a problem since he is already asleep, but if he should awaken tell him I'll be back soon."

"Let me call you an escort if you are going out." Offered a worried Nina. Hawk would not like the young woman walking the corridors at night by herself without protection.

"No, Nina, thank you but that won't be necessary, I know the way I think," said Sarah. The best way to get to Hawk's rooms seemed to be by way of the back walk, so Sarah headed out in that direction. With each step she tried to build her courage so that the night would go well. She and Samuel's future depended on it.

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Sarah slipped out the back and walked along the marble floors of the backstretch of the palace. When she approached Hawk's rooms Sarah noticed Corby outside talking to another man giving directions for the rest of the watch. Good at least I won't be killed trying to get to her.

Corby smiled when he noticed her and directed her to where she could find Hawk. Walking into the spacious sleeping chamber Sarah noticed the pharaoh looking out on the river from the balcony. The tall woman looked relaxed with just a rope draped over her shoulders and her feet were bare. Her short black hair looked soft to Sarah with the moonlight bouncing off of it, but the relaxed posture changed in an instant when Hawk heard someone behind her.

The quick movement of her turn caused her robe to open revealing a long muscled body that was ready for attack. Hawk changed her posture as soon as she saw that it was Sarah standing there and not someone that meant harm.

She knew she should look away, but Sarah's head refused to budge and stayed glued to Hawk standing there looking like a goddess. Sarah looked at the pharaoh wondering what it would feel like to be under that hard body. Hawk could awaken her desire if she was a gentle lover, and for once the task before her did not seem so horrible. Ramses was a touch Sarah actually desired at this moment.

"Sarah, do you need anything?" asked Hawk. She cocked her head to one side and waited for the smaller woman to answer.

As an answer Sarah untied the knot over her left shoulder allowing her dress to fall in a pool at her feet. "I hope that you are pleased, sire." She said as she sunk to her knees and bowed her head to the floor in a position of subservience. She waited for the pharaoh's reaction for what seemed an eternity before she heard the low voice.

"What are you doing?" asked Hawk. The fists that she had unclenched when she realized it was Sarah in the room balled back up at the woman's actions.

"I am here to please you, sire," answered Sarah not looking up.

"Sarah, get up and put on your gown. Now. " Hawk stopped before saying anything else trying to get her temper under control. After a few deep breaths she went on. "Have I done something to make you think your role here is one of a whore? Or is it that you think so little of me that you think this is what I require because I offer you a kindness? Go back to your rooms and to your son, Sarah."

"Please forgive me, sire, I misunderstood." Sarah pleaded as she stood and retied her dress.

" CORBY!" yelled Hawk looking past Sarah.

"Yes, sire?" asked the man that had seemingly appeared out of nowhere.

"Escort Sarah back to her apartment. And the next damned person that calls me sire tonight will be hanging off the end of my sword." With the command given Hawk turned and retreated into her rooms.

"Please, King Ramses, let me explain," whispered Sarah through her tears. She and Corby watched as the broad back turned a corner and vanished.

"Sarah, don't cry, she won't stay angry long, she never does. Whatever happened will be forgotten after a good sleep. If she is still upset in the morning, I will take her out and spar with her and it will a distant memory."

Corby didn't ask what had happened between them but he had a feeling he knew. Sarah's actions had wounded the big idiot's pride. Hawk wanted to court this one, not have her go so willing into her bed like the countless others. He would have to talk with his mother before retiring for the evening thinking that maybe she would be better suited in explaining it to the young woman than he would.

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Nina found Sarah lying on her stomach crying into her pillow after speaking to her son. The older woman stroked Sarah's hair and explained what her position was now within the palace, and what it was not. It was difficult for Sarah to understand given where Hawk had found her, but Nina kept at it until it sunk in. "Child, don't assume what Hawk's motives are, if you are unsure ask her and she will enlighten you."

"Sarah?" Hawk asked from the door of the bedroom.

"Sire, is that you?" asked Sarah. She sat up in the bed and tried to wipe her tears away before Hawk saw them.

"Please, Sarah, call me by my name. Are you all right?"

"Yes, Hawk, I'm just sorry that I upset you. My hope is you won't send us away for my mistakes," answered Sarah. At the admission, her tears started again.

Interrupting Hawk before she could say anything else to Sarah, the guard standing behind her spoke. "Sire, there's a messenger from King Neftu waiting to see you."

"Nina, send for Dennu to stand guard while I deal with this. And, Sarah, don't worry I'm just sorry that I lost my temper," she offered with a smile. Sarah tried to return it but Hawk could see her lips still trembling in an effort not to cry.

"Be careful, Hawk, I don't trust that man, much less his daughter," said Nina, as she and Sarah watched Hawk walk out of the toward the throne room of the palace.

"Will she be all right?" Sarah asked Nina. Sarah had not missed the venom in Nina's voice when she talked of the official visitors.

"She'll be fine, child, it's just that Neftu and his daughter Dalia never come here unless they are in trouble. Either that or they are trying to find new ways for that snake to crawl into the pharaoh's bed," answered Nina.

"King Neftu?" asked Sarah.

"No that would be his daughter's desire." Sarah took that into consideration and didn't like the feeling that had crawled into her heart.

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"King Ramses, I send word from King Neftu who is three days ride behind me. He seeks an audience with you upon his arrival."

"Go back and tell my friend he is welcome in my house. If there is anything he needs before he gets to my door tell my guard and it will be taken care of."

"Thank you, King Ramses." The messenger got up to leave and bowed again at Hawk's next concession.

"We'll be sending a contingency of warriors back with you to assure you safe passage into the city. Safe journey to you," said Hawk waving the man to go.

Hawk walked passed the messenger headed back toward Sarah's rooms followed by Corby. "Keep an eye on them my friend until I know what Neftu's game is. And if he has brought that leech with him make sure to remind me to up the number of guards around me."

Corby laughed at the king's description of the neighboring king's daughter. Her infactuations with Hawk were well known by the whole realm just by the woman's actions whenever she found herself in Hawk's presence. It will be interesting to see how Dalia reacts to Sarah and Samuel once the princess sees the king's eyes when she looks at the two together. Sometimes it's good not to be king.

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Sarah heard the footsteps that were heading toward her apartment, then the person stopped to talk to the large guard that was standing in her doorway. Sarah lay awake wondering if it would be possible to see the king again that evening. She was still reacting to what Nina had told earlier when Corby had brought her back from the king's rooms. Why would the king of all of Egypt be interested in a Hebrew slave girl and her son? How long would it take for Ramses to throw her out on the streets with the rest of the beggars once she discovered Sarah's condition? Larlis had left her with more than emotional scars.

"Do you ever dream, Sarah?" Hawk's voice cut through the stillness.

I didn't even hear her come in, thought Sarah as she felt the bed move when the king took a seat.

"Not really, sire, for what would a slave dream?" asked Sarah. Hawk sat with her back to Sarah looking at the billowing sheers that hung at the back of the room.

"Of freedom, of a better life perhaps. I dream sometimes, of my father who is now crossed over. He was my greatest advisor, my greatest teacher, and my most trusted friend. From him I learned to be pharaoh and I learned the secrets of Egypt. I miss him. Do you think that admitting that feeling makes me weak?" asked Hawk in a soft voice.

"No, sire, it makes you human," answered Sarah putting her hand on the pharaoh's shoulder. She would try her best to comfort Hawk in any way she could.

"There's a caravan headed this way from one of the southern tribes and should arrive in three days, so I may gone from your company for awhile. Remember to ask for anything you desire and it will be done," said Hawk. Sarah felt the bed move again as Hawk stood to leave.

"What can I do to repay my pharaoh her kindness to me and my son?" asked Sarah trying to get the woman to stay.

"There is nothing that I want from you, sweet Sarah, so stop worrying. I am just tired and thoughts of my father and Neftu have made me more so. They actually made me forget the reason why I came to see you in the first place."

"I'm sorry for upsetting you earlier with my temper. Your body is not the reason I did what I did today, but don't think that I am without interest. I just want the desire to flow from both ends of the river, Sarah. Do you understand what I am telling you?" asked Hawk.

"Yes, Hawk, would you like to rest here for a moment if you are tired?" Sarah asked shyly, still not sure if the pharaoh meant what she said about the use of her name.

"Isn't that easier to say than sire, Ramses or pharaoh?" asked Hawk with a laugh.

"Yes it is, but tell me, Hawk, how did you come by that name?" asked Sarah from her side of the bed.

"My father gave it to me because of my hunting skills and some of my other antics. It stuck, and now the bird for which I am nicknamed is part of my crest. What sort of names are Sarah and Samuel? Are you Hebrew?" asked Hawk. She stretched out next to Sarah and felt the aches of the day come all at once.

"Yes they are old family names. I'm named for my grandmother, and Samuel is named for my father. I was taken when I was ten so when I bore my son, I named him to keep my memories of my family alive through him." Sarah could feel the heat coming off the body next to hers and fought the urge to move closer. The breeze that was blowing the sheers was making it a little chilly in the room.

"Are your parents down in the quarry section?"

"Yes my father is a master sculpture for your house and my mother works as a medic in the slave hospice. Due to my position, I was not allowed to go back to see them to check if they are still all right."

"I can arrange that if you like, by taking you there whenever you want. Sleep now, Sarah, and I will see you soon." Hawk rolled to a seated position and moved to leave again.

"Please, sire, stay with me and I will watch over you while you sleep. How is your shoulder wound? Would you like for me to change the dressing for you?" Sarah asked and offered anything to get Hawk to stay. In a short time she had come to enjoy the pharaoh's company.

"I can see where Samuel inherited his love of talking. If I stay, will you promise to rest with me and not keep watch? People watching me sleep makes me nervous, and my shoulder is better than my pride. I may never live down that it was such a young boy who landed such a good shot."

They laid side by side for the rest of the night, each lost in their own thoughts and dreams. As the sun started to filter through the sheer linens that were hung from the ceiling as a barrier to the river, Hawk woke up. The weight and warmth that covered her left side had pulled her from the land of dreams. When she opened her eyes she found that Sarah had migrated to her side of the bed during the night and was now using her as a pillow. Hawk didn't move enjoying the feel of this woman on her even though the responsibilities of the day were calling.

"I'm sorry, sire," Sarah told her, having been awaken by the change in cadence of Hawk's breathing.

"Let us not begin at the beginning again, Sarah, please call me Hawk."

"Ok, Hawk, I didn't mean to use you as my personal pillow," Sarah started, but stopped when Hawk quickly got off the bed and ran out of the room toward the river. Trying to figure out what had caused that strange behavior Sarah sat on the bed and waited to see if the king would return from whatever had sent her running from the room.

"Mama?" called Samuel. He came into the room rubbing his eyes still half-asleep looking for his mother.

"In here, Samuel," she called to her son. The king's actions now made sense to her and Sarah's respect for the woman grew.

"Good morning, you two, did you sleep well in your new home?" asked Hawk as she came strolling in from the back of the palace.

"Hawk!" cried Samuel as he ran to his new friend.

"Hello, Samuel, and good morning to you Sarah." Hawk looked past the child plastered to her leg to his mother who sat smiling at her on the bed.

Sarah smiled for what the pharaoh had done on her behalf. Hawk didn't want Samuel to come in and find them in bed together giving him the wrong impression of his mother.

"Are we going out on the boat for breakfast, Hawk?" asked Samuel.

"No, my boy, we are eating on land this morning, and we have to make it fast. I have some guests that are arriving soon so I'll be tied up for the rest of the day and maybe tomorrow in preparation."

"Ah I was hoping to go riding with you today," whined Samuel.

"Samuel, the first thing that every pharaoh must learn is that responsibility comes before pleasure, though I tried my father's patience on that rule more than once. Nin can tell you stories of my corrupted youth if she hasn't already. So as soon as I am done preparing for King Neftu, I will take you riding. We can race Corby and Dennu to show them who has the better team, and perhaps we can talk your mother in to coming with us." Hawk looked toward the bed again and offered a winning smile hoping to entice the young woman into going.

"No thank you, I prefer to watch from the steps as you corrupt my son," said Sarah shaking her head.

"Ah, dear Sarah, to become as bad to the core as I am takes years of practice," said Hawk spreading her arms out at her sides.

"You can not convince me of that, Hawk."

"I didn't mean bad in a bad way, Sarah, I meant bad in a good way. You two enjoy your day and if you like have Nina bring you to meet me later."

Hawk picked Samuel up placing him next to his mother on the bed then left the same way she had come in, through the back of Sarah's room. The moment Hawk stepped out to the black marble of the river path headed back to her own rooms, advisors surrounded her telling her their opinion of why Neftu was visiting. Hawk who only nodded to appease the older men that had once served her father already knew his reasons. She smiled and rolled her eyes at Corby who walked by her side already thinking of Dalia and the border raiders that Neftu would complain about.

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Later that day as the advisors argued about how to handled Neftu and his demands on Ramses, Sarah stood outside the room waiting for a break in the verbal din to get Hawk's attention. "Sire, you can not just give him what he wants, it will only embolden him for the next time," said Mika the head advisor.

"Much like you, Mika, in your manner today for example." Hawk said in a flat tone looking at the older man with void of expression. The room grew silent from her statement and the fact that Sarah has stepped into room unannounced.

"Sarah, come we are finished here. The mystery of Neftu's visit is solved and the fighting among us is also done so I thank you for a welcome diversion." Ramses waved Sarah to her side and arched a brow at the men in the room as a hint to get moving.

"Sire, I came to see if you were hungry? Nina has set up lunch under the canopy by the river next to your rooms." Sarah told her as she slightly bowed her head. Hawk got up and swept past everyone in the room. When she reached Sarah Hawk held out her hand to the young woman. Hawk was becoming quickly addicted to the smiles that Sarah gifted her with. Unlike all the others in her life always wanting something from her, Sarah seemed eager to please just for the sake of doing so.

"Let us not keep Samuel waiting, lady. I owe you whatever you desire for saving me of a death of boredom if I had to sit in there one more minute."

"I'll just take you having lunch with me today, Hawk. Do you have many of these meetings with these men?" asked Sarah reveling in the feel of Hawk's hand covering hers.

"More than I would like, Sarah, more than I would like. Having lunch with you though would be something I would never tire of if you gave me the chance."

"Are you flirting with me, sire?" asked Sarah coyly.

"Would you run screaming out of the place if I said yes?" responded the pharaoh, pulling them to a stop.

"No, I just want not to make any more mistakes on that score," answered Sarah pulling on the large hand in hers to get Hawk moving again.

"Just so that we are clear, first I will get you to fall in love with me making it impossible for you to live with out me. Then I will do everything within my power to make your life here so wonderful that you will not want to leave. And lastly I will help you with Samuel so that through him you can have hope and dreams for the future."

"You have a sweet tongue, sire."

"You have no idea, Sarah." Said Hawk in a low voice causing Sarah to blush.

"And how do plan to accomplish all that, sire?"

"Well if I had a palace, a kingdom to offer and a charming personality it might be easier to pave the way for me. Wait a moment, I do have all that so what do you say, Sarah, are you interested?"

"I would be a fool to say no, sire." The servants working along their path looked at the couple and wondered what Hawk was telling the beautiful blonde woman that was making her both laugh and blush.

They stopped their walk when they had reached the end of the corridor to admire the vast view of the river the spot provided. The palace was built in tiers especially along the back so that the waters of the Nile could be used to feed pools and fountains leaving those lucky enough to see it in awe of the grandeur of Egypt. Sarah looked out from Hawk's side and wondered if her father had ever come here to carve the marble that surrounded them giving the palace its elegant look. It was a bit overwhelming to go from slave to being courted by the pharaoh all in the span of a day.

Looking at the woman beside her Hawk asked, "Are you all right? Do I frighten you with such talk?"

"No, sire, but I would like to ask you why me? I'm no one and I'm sure there would be so many others more worthy of your attention and your affections. I'm afraid when you know all there is to know about my past I'll fall short in your eyes." Sarah lowered her head and willed herself not to cry. When she felt the warm fingers under her chin urging her to look up, the tears came unbidden to her eyes.

"The only thing short is your height, but everything else screams out strength. It has taken strength to endure under Larlis has it not? There have been many that would like my affections yes, but it must be mutual and that has up to now not happened for me. Yesterday I saw a vision in a thin tunic and she has run away with my heart and my thoughts and I feel so alive. I don't want your gratitude, Sarah, I want you to care for me but I will not force you."

There in sight of the ancient waters Hawk leaned down and kissed Sarah, not a kiss of conquest or of desire but of gentleness and caring. Hawk had cupped Sarah's face in her hands and from the first touch of the small woman's lips never wanted to let go. Sarah had to grab onto Hawk's tunic to keep herself on her feet. The touch of the pharaoh's lips sent a fire through her blood that was a new experience for her. The woman's words and her actions had freed the former slave's heart from its prison of non-feeling.

For the next two days Hawk spent what time she could with Sarah and Samuel further cementing their bond and feeding the glow within Sarah's heart. Nina looked on and relished the laughter and smiles that seemed to be a permanent fixture on the pharaoh's face when she was in the company of the two small blondes.

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Sarah stepped into the throne room with Nina and Samuel, standing well to the left of the raised dais that sat under a grand mosaic that depicted the gods of Egypt. Samuel was quietly standing in front of her taking in all the sights and the people that were waiting for the pharaoh to come in and take her throne. Nina had helped them both get dressed and gave them a quick lesson on their conduct while they were in the grand room.

The palace seamstress had been busy sewing new clothes for the two blondes and Nina was proud to see they didn't look any different that the rest of the courtesans present. The older woman had glared at a couple of people when they had entered knowing that the rumors of where Sarah had come from and what she meant to the pharaoh had spread like fire through a dry field. Those that were caught quickly turned away not wanting Nina to go back and tell Hawk of their behavior.

"Why are there two chairs, Nina?" asked Samuel pointing to the dais.

"The larger one is for the pharaoh and the smaller one is for her queen. Hawk's situation is different than any Egypt has witnessed before in that Ramses made her pharaoh and not queen, but we that raised her know his reason for doing so."

"She has a queen?" Sarah whispered the question in surprise. What does she want with us if she already has a queen?

"No, child, Hawk still looks for the one that would capture her enough for her to give the greatest possession she has."

"What is that, Nina, the throne?" asked Sarah.

"No, child, Her heart. Whoever is lucky enough to get that, gets the whole of Egypt for that is who the pharaoh is, Egypt. That woman's children will rule for Hawk once she has gone to the land of the pharaoh's and joins her father. The love her parents shared is the love I wish for her, only hers should last longer than then time her father had with her mother." Nina hoped that Sarah understood the hint that she had given. If Sarah could truly come to love Hawk, she had the world to gain by it.

"I wish for the same thing, Nina, our pharaoh seems to be a kind and compassionate spirit she deserves no less from her mate. May her gods see that her wait is not too long."

"I think, child, the gods are smiling upon her now and the Hawk's seeking has come to an end."

The drums began to sound as the advisors entered the chamber dressed in their ornamental white robes adorned with gold and black piping. They took their position to the right of the dais and bowed as Ramses entered behind them.

Sarah looked at Hawk in total awe. The king's stride displayed nothing but confidence, confidence that let the people gathered know everything would be all right because she was there to lead them. The stark white short linen tunic was a nice contrast to the dark tan on the impossibly long legs. Over Hawk's shoulders was draped a midnight blue cape that was trimmed with leopard skins and her short black hair was combed straight back. Hawk looked like the leader of her people. Behind her trailed Corby and Dennu with her scepters, sword and crown.