The two of them were locked in a hard battle of focus. His eyes strained as they darted across the checkered board, trying to think of the best possible next move. His fingers circled the pawn, before sending it forward, pressuring his brothers knight
"What's on your mind?" Khonshu asked
"What?" Ra replied, as Khonshu easily moved his castle forward and took out the pawn, making Ra put a hand on his forehead
"You're not thinking properly. You're distracted" He replied
"Gods damn it... no I'm just trying to out think you" Ra said, looking across the board for any opportunity. His eyes lit up, seeing a chance to completely pressure his brothers king, without much consequence
"How are your friends doing?" He asked. Ra's eyes widened, his train of thought going completely off track, dumbfounded by the question
"My friends?" He asked as he looked up
"The ones you live with, what's their names, I forgot, Tefnut, Maahes, those" Khonshu said, his eyes still on the board
"W-Who...? I don't know who you're talking about" Ra replied nervously as Khonshu put his pawn down, looking at his brother straight in the eye and smirking
"Pfft, You're a terrible liar. Don't bother"
"What? I'm not lying!"
"Ra listen to me. I know you're a Powerholder. I know you're employed by lord Thoth, and I know you've got the powers of Ra, Horus, Sekhmet and Ma'at. No need to hide it. I'm just asking how your buddies are doing" Khonshu said as Ra gulped and looked around
"Shhh keep it down! ... how did you know I... what????" He asked, still perplexed
"You've been gone for so long. I asked the priests and they said it's for work. But that didn't make sense. If it was work I would've found out about it. I pressed them and they said it's a matter of the gods. So I prayed and put a request in to the ennead. They answered" Khonshu explained
"Oh... you didn't... tell anyone else did you?"
"No. You clearly want this to be a secret so I'll keep it a secret"
"Thank you... it's uh, not up to me though, lord Thoth ordered secrecy"
"So... how are they doing? Why are you back home shouldn't you be in training?"
"Lord gave us a vacation of sorts, we've been hard at work for a few months now, so we've got a few days rest. A lot of the other guys also went home, some are still at the house"
"Hmm. Interesting. It's still your turn by the way" Khonshu said
"Oh, right. Damn it I lost it, I forgot who I was going to move" Ra said as he focused back into the board"
"You were going to move your queen"
"Oh" Ra said as he moved his queen forward, and Khonshu without hesitation knocked it out, taking advantage of him
"You are not thinking"
"Wait... I WASNT GOING TO MOVE MY QUEEN! I wanted to move my castle!"
"You did"
"That's cheating!"
"No one told you to trust me. I'm your enemy after all" Khonshu said as Ra thought again and moved his castle
"Well I can make up for it"
"No you can't. Checkmate" Khonshu said as he toppled Ra's king down
"What?!"
"You left him exposed. Again. You're not focusing, Ra" Khonshu said as he poked him in the forehead with two fingers and Ra sighed
Ra quickly rearranged all the pieces back in order
"Again! rematch rematch!"
"For the third time? You're so stubborn"
"I'm not giving up. I want to defeat you" he replied as he put the pieces back, but before he could set his first move, a servant came from the door
"Prince Khonshu. Prince Ra. Please pardon my intrusion" she said with her head down
"Hello Amira" Ra said with a big smile
"We're in the middle of a game here" Khonshu said
"The Queen is calling you over for dinner, she asked me to inform you" She replied. Khonshu looked back at Ra, smirking before walking out the door, and Ra soon followed
They made their way through the large palace. Although way too spacious and fancy, they've grown to enjoy it as their home. Statues of all the gods placed in the hallways and servants and priests bowing and greeting as they passed by. The palace was surrounded by windows on either side, large windows showing the whole or Egypt around them. The great Nile, the pyramids, the four large obelisks, the Sphinx, and the bustling city racing and teaming with life. A sight that Ra could never get bored of, but one that Khonshu was indifferent to
They finally arrived to the dining hall, with servants welcoming them as they saw their parents on the end of the table. The Great Pharaoh of Kemet, and the Royal queen. Perhaps the most powerful mortal humans on the planet. Also known to them as Mwt and Jt, the Egyptian terms for mother and father. They each pulled a chair, each chair also adorned with jewels and gold on all sides
"So, who won?" The pharaoh said with a smirk as he pierced his fork into the perfectly cooked lamb on his plate
"Ugh, I tried my be-" Ra said as he got interrupted
"Ra won. We played three games, he bested me in all of them" Khonshu said making Ra raise an eyebrow
"Oh darling, looks like the tables are turning! You've been trying to beat your brother since you first learnt chess, when was that? Two years old?" His mother said as she sipped her goblet filled with Kemetic beer
"What are you- what?" Ra said. His brother was right. He want a good liar. He hated it actually
"His stubbornness has payed off in the end I guess" Khonshu said as from behind them two servants appeared and set out two big plates in front of them
Ra's plate was a colorful mix of different meats, vegetables and spices. Three different types of local fried fish caught fresh from the Nile, some lentils, onions, and rice, as well as a goblet of elite Hellenic wine
Khonshu had a much more plain plate, as he ordered. Some plain roasted potatoes and some grilled chicken, as well as a goblet of milk. Not... a lot of spices or flavor, really
"Praise be!" Ra said
"Praise be..." Khonshu replied as well, not as enthusiastic, and they both started eating
"When are you going to change your ways, your diet is so bland" the queen said
"Ra's the one in training. He needs all the nutrients. My work is much more tame" he replied
"You both can have both, you're acting like there's a shortage" she sipped
"I'm very satisfied with my food mother. No need to concern yourself" he said
"Son. The meeting is after dinner. I have gathered the council as you've asked" The pharaoh said
"Thank you father. I promise I will not disappoint" Khonshu replied
"Meeting? What meeting" Ra asked as he took a bite of his dish
"Your brother has a proposition regarding our nations political relationships, he wanted to discuss it with the ministers and high elites" Their father explained
"Oh? What kind of proposition?" Ra asked
"Relating to territories. Don't worry about it" Khonshu said
"I mean, shouldn't I know?" Ra asked
"You don't need to bother yourself with it, you worry about your training protecting our nation with the help of the gods" The pharaoh said
"You've got such a noble role after all..." Khonshu said, seemingly being... sarcastic?
"But... isn't a meeting like this something I should be included in? Something that relates the matters of our people?" Ra asked
"Son. Once I've discussed it with your brother, and the council, then I will bring you up to speed" His dad said in a more assertive tone
"But why? Why not both of us at the same time?" Ra asked
"Because I'm the pharaoh and I said so. Alright? Don't argue" he said
"Father you can't keep doing this all the time I just want an answer!" Ra asked
"Need I remind you that your brother gave up the chair of the Pharaoh for you? He's your elder brother, next in line to rule a nation of this magnitude, the largest and wealthiest nation on this planet, and yet he gave it up just for you, he notices that you are skilled in areas, while he is skilled in others. You need to understand that, and accept what you've got. Don't you get greedy with me" The pharaoh said, more frustrated now and pointing his fork at Ra. Khonshu silently looked down at his food, trying to hide a creeping smirk, he was loving the argument
"Father you use that same argument over and over! Every time you treat the two of us differently, you keep saying 'Khonshu gave up the throne for you' over and over, it's just the excuse for everything now!" He complained
"Because to me it seems you keep forgetting how much of a sacrifice it is, and not only that, the boy who has everything keeps asking for more!" The pharaoh replied
"All I'm asking for is to be included is that so much to ask? I'm gonna be the future pharaoh shouldn't I know what's going on?" Ra protested
"You should only know what you need to know, and that is final. You get rowdy with me one more time and I promise you won't hear the end of it" the pharaoh said, clearly agitated, while Ra looked down, he was rarely scolded, whenever he did get yelled at, it tore him apart. He was a well behaved young man, but he still did not want to be a pushoverHe wiped his mouth with the cloth, then slowly got up
"Thank the gods for their meals. Excuse me mother" He said as he got up and left the room
"Son! Come on!" His mother said before poking her husband "What's the matter with you? He's been gone for so long working hard he just wants to be included!"
"He's only this way because of the way you coddle him" He replied
"He's still young! He's not as mature as you, Khonshu, all he needs is patience" She said, annoyed as she tapped Khonshu on the back of the head and followed after Ra, and marched up to his room seeing him pace back and forth
"I-I'm sorry Mwt I... I wasn't thinking rationally" he said
"No son. Your father and brother have taken it too far, you're going to be the future pharaoh of this country, how are you going to learn if he keeps you out of all the meetings?"
"I don't know. He has a point. Khonshu has always been the political one"
"No. He's a moron"
"You just called the most powerful man on this planet a moron. You truly are a descendant of the gods" Ra joked
"Finally my worth is understood. Don't worry about your father. I'll have a word with him and I'm sure he'll see sense"
"Thanks Mwt, I love you" he said as she put a hand on his smiling cheek
"You know what you need? A partner"
"W-What?!" He replied, blushing
"You're very sweet on those you love"
"What like... a girlfriend?"
"Or boyfriend, I don't know up to you"
"Mother that's against the rules!"
"Oh screw the rules. No one puts rules on the son of the pharaoh"
"Except the pharaoh himself"
"Forget about him. While you're training I want you mingling with those girlies"
"I-I was actually thinking of heading back. I've been in the palace for a week I wanna see what my group is up to"
"Aw, I won't stop you, but... I miss you a lot son. So does your brother. We rarely get to see you these days"
"Pffft... you really think so? He's been acting so indifferent about everything lately"
"Oh he's just growing up, trying to put a confident front and act for father. He looks very silly doing it"
"Hehe..."
"If you want to head back you're free to do so, just promise to come back okay?"
"Of course I will. I'll come back as soon as the gods let me"
"And you better come back with a girlfriend in your arms"
"MWT!" He blushed
"Hehehe, get out of here" she said as she gave him a kiss, and left the room. He didn't need to pack his bags, he didn't need to pack anything, he had everything he needed already back at the powerholder house
He ordered the driver, and soon one of the Royal Carriages arrived in front of the front gate, with a gigantic scarab beetle tied to the front. As soon as Ra comfortably got in, the driver pulled the reins and the beetles large wings flapped vigorously, pulling the carriage high up above the nation of Kemet, travelling for quite some time, before finally reaching at the powerholder mansion
Ra got out, pulling his key out and getting in
"Um... hello? Is anyone here?" He asked
"Prince?" He heard a girls voice coming from the kitchen, and as he made his way in, he saw Hathor and Maahes sitting on the table. She was eating cereal and he was eating ice cream "Prince!" She said as he smiled excitedly and sat next to them
"How are you doing guys?" He asked
"Bored. House is empty" Maahes replied
"Oh-" Ra said before Maahes got a spoonful of ice cream and pulled it up to Ra's mouth, making him reactively open up as Maahes put the spoon in his mouth
"This is a new flavor. Came all the way from Zhongguo. It's authentic" he said
"Oh wow, yeah that's delicious!" Ra said, and as Hathor finished her cereal, they all moved to the couch. Ra sat, while Hathor sat on the floor, painting her nails with nail polish, while Maahes laid his head on Ra's lap eating his ice cream
"You shouldn't lay down while eating. If Anubis saw you you wouldn't hear the end of it" she said
"Mhmmm" Maahes said, too focused on his ice cream to care
"Are you guys the only ones left?" Ra said
"Tefnut went to her fathers farm house. Nephthys went to Hellas to see her siblings. Nüt is at work in another country, I forgot. Some Amazigh client" Maahes said
"Geb had to go back to Mecca, some big family council meeting. He wanted to take me but I was shy, hehe" Hathor said
"Aaand, Isis went back to Terra Australis" Maahes said
"Anubis is home actually, he's in his lab. Been there for a while. Osiris is technically here as well. Doesn't make an appearance as usual. From his lectures to his room and back to his lectures" Hathor added
"Prince you should talk to him" Maahes said
"What? Why me?" He replied
"Cause you're the prince of Egypt" Maahes said
"Yeah, your father is the pharaoh I'm sure you're used to difficult people" Hathor said
"My father is no where near as scary as professor Osiris" Ra said
"Has anyone even talked to him? Anyone but Isis and Anubis?" Hathor asked, blowing on her nails
"Doubt it. It's very wholesome seeing Isis check up on him though" Maahes said
"I think the best way to talk to him is if you go to one of his lectures" Hathor said
"Will I be allowed in?" Ra asked
"Don't see a reason why not" Maahes said
"I don't know I'm nervous" Ra said
The three of them continued their conversation onwards, hours and hours of them hanging out. Ra honestly preferred this company over the luxurious life in the palaces, it felt closer. Everyone has always treated him on a professional level, he's never really had any deep friendships like this. It made him very happy. Very relaxed. Their deep conversations merged into twisted topics, and as the sun set, they also changed locations, going out into the back yard, laying on the grass together and looking up at the orange sky turn into a purple hue as the day turned into night
"-And to be honest I don't know what to get him for our anniversary. He gets me something cute each time" Hathor said
"I don't think he would be expecting much, Geb isn't really a material person, anything would do, it's the thought that would count" Maahes suggested
"I was out shopping with Nüt the other day and she recommended some matching bracelets" Hathor said
"Could be cute. You know, Nüt is much more caring than she lets on" Maahes said
"HAHA!" Hathor said
"Like she's quiet ALL THE TIME it's tough to make out what she's feeling" Maahes said
"Leave her alone you're just slow" Hathor replied
"So, when you're in a relationship, how often do you get hugged?" Ra asked
"W-What?" Hathor asked
"Is it like, instead of saying hello you get a hug or a kiss" Ra asked
"Ra have you ever been in a relationship before?" Maahes asked back, confused at the very random question out of nowhere
"There's no wa-" Hathor got interrupted
"No..." he said whilst looking down and pointing his fingers together, very shy and embarrassed about it, his cheeks blushing
"WHAT" Hathor said
"That makes more sense" Maahes said
"You're the Prince of Egypt how did you not have a partner yet!" Hathor said
"Well it's against the rules! Only after we've finished our junior duties and training can we get engaged, and that's when you're over the age of 24. And it's this whole stupid boring process of them being investigated to make sure they're a good option it's so weird" Ra said
"Hmm, fair enough then" Hathor said
"Your brothers older than you has he been in one before?" Maahes said
"I'm pretty sure my brother is asexual and aromantic I've never ever seen him show the slightest bit of interest in anyone. He had a crush on a girl when we were growing up but since then I don't remember it" Ra said
"Hmm... you're not though right?" Maahes asked
"Are you kidding me Ra is like one of the most wholesomely emotional people I've met" Hathor said making him blush even more
"...that's... actually why I'm asking uh..." Ra said as he looked back inside. He saw Anubis cooking in the kitchen but the window was closed, he didn't seem to notice Ra was even there
"What is it" Hathor asked
"Ok guys, I wanna tell you a secret but like, don't tell anyone okay? Only to you two" He said
"Yes that's usually how secrets work" Maahes said
"Hehe, yeah we promise!" Hathor said as Ra closed his eyes and sighed
"I actually... I have a crush on Nephthys..." he said as they both stayed quiet, looked at each other, then back at Ra, not surprised at all "Well? Say something!" He said, getting slightly nervous at their silence
"Ummm... and?" Maahes said
"What?" Ra asked, confused
"Prince with all due respect that's the most obvious thing ever" Hathor said
"WHAT?!" He replied
"Tefnut always used to bet on it when we go out drinking, even Anubis assumed it because of- wait he's right there. Anubis! Hey, Anubis!" Maahes said as Anubis couldn't hear him. Or just... didn't want to
"What are you doing?!" Ra asked
"I wanna tell him cause he was always certain about it- ANUBIS!" Maahes yelled and threw a pebble at the window, making Anubis turn to face them then come outside
"We literally JUST said how we weren't gonna tell anyone" Hathor said
"Hmm? Oh. Prince Ra you're here, welcome" Anubis said
"Hey Anubis did you know that-" Maahes said before Ra grabbed his mouth, covering it with his hand
"BE QUIET" he yelled as he blushed
"What" Anubis asked as he stood there and both Maahes and Hathor giggled, he was very unbothered, not in the mood for Maahes's tantrums
"It's like I'm back in middle school" Hathor said
"You know that Ra-" He said before Ra covered his mouth again, but this time Maahes licked his hand
"WHAT THE- EW" He said as he wiped his hand on his pants
"You remember what you told us about Ra and Nephthys?" Maahes said
"Maahes I really could not be asked to gossip with you again I'm making dinner. Actually, come set up the table" Anubis said before going back inside
"HEY! DONT IGNORE ME!" Maahes said, but Anubis closed the window
"Oh thank god" Ra said
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN THANK GOD HE ALREADY KNOWS" Maahes said
"THEN WHY WERE YOU TRYING TO TELL HIM?" Hathor said
"Shush" Maahes said
"Wait so... everyone knows???" Ra asked
"Well, the two of us do, Tefnut and Anubis do, idk about Geb and Nüt" Hathor said
"What about Isis and Osiris?" Ra asked
"Osiris is a psychology university professor of course he knows, I don't think Isis does" Hathor replied
"...what about... Nephthys" Ra asked, blushing more now
"Look at you getting excited just saying her name" Maahes said as he pinched his cheek that Ra shrugged off
"I'm not sure but you can ask Tefnut she probably knows" Hathor said
Suddenly, Anubis opened the window"All of you. Dinner is ready. Maahes I told you to set the table I'm not gonna ask you again" He said, wiping his hands with a towel. Its like he was the only adult dealing with the kids
"You're so lame" Maahes said as he got up and they all went inside
They sat down for dinner, and all scooped a few plates
"I apologize for the bad portion I did not know Ra was here. My measurements were off" Anubis said
"It's okay! It tastes delicious though!" Ra replied
"It's YOUR fault for not informing me" Anubis pointed at Maahes
"Look he said it's okay alright leave me alone" Maahes said as he bit into his drumstick
"How did you learn how to cook Anubis your surprisingly good at it" Hathor said
"Excuse me? Surprising?" Anubis replied
"Oh my god I'm never complimenting you again" Hathor scoffed
"I learnt it in my college years, I lived alone on campus and have grown to enjoy the hobby" he explained
"We should have a cook off between you and Nephthys. I mean you two at the ones who make dinner the most" Ra suggested
"I'm sure you've had much more lavish dishes though" Anubis said
"Fair, but it would still be fun" Ra said
"Is it true that you've met Chef Aether before? He said you did" Maahes said
"My father had a celebration prepared, and he was invited to be the event organizer so in a sense yes we met before" Ra said
"OOH! Wait right! The other day, Nüt, Geb, Tefnut, and I forgot who the third was I think Isis, they went to his restaurant, the one here in Alexandria, and they said it was like some of the best food they've ever tasted" Hathor said
"WHAT? THEY DIDNT INVITE ME?" Maahes yelped
"Bitch I didn't come either everyone else was busy" Hathor said
"That reminds me. I'm traveling tomorrow" Anubis said, taking a sip of his beer
"Oh? Where?" Ra asked
"I'm going to Zhongguo, there's a work partner there I must meet up with" he explained
"GODS DAMN IT EVERYONE IS LEAVING THE HOUSE I WANNA HANG OUT!" Maahes yelled
"You're so loud sometimes you need to realize that" Anubis frowned
"I am allowed to be annoyed you're betraying me" Maahes said