Egyptian Sands (18+)(Private)

[Sathenus]

Bakari glanced up when he heard the sound of approaching feet eyes landing on the servant who spoke, he nodded but otherwise didn't react, he wasn't really sure what to make of the summons as he watched the servant turn to leave and get back to their duties. Shaking his head he pushed himself up and brushed himself off before he turned and walked back towards the palace himself, heading straight for the Pharaoh's bedchambers figuring that was where he would be waiting for him.

 

He didn't knock when he entered, instead he just walked in and shut the door behind him before turning to face the older man and speaking. "You wanted me?" he asked as if it was questionable even if he knew that Naeem had indeed called for him.

[Kotorichan]

Naeem stood up as the concubine entered. "Yes... I..." He hesitated for a moment before stepping closer and gently taking Bakari's hands in his, kissing the boy's fingertips. "I wanted to apologize... I should not have asked about your feelings. I seem to be unable to handle the consequences of my own selfishness. It was selfish for me to have taken you for my own pleasure, I truly apologize." He bowed his head slightly. The pharaoh wasn't used to apologizing, no one ever expected him to apologize for his mistakes. He was meant to be perfect.

[Sathenus]

Bakari watched Naeem with hesitant eyes as the man spoke and he was honestly surprised by what he said, "Don't be." He replied watching the other man. The last thing he wanted was for his pharaoh to feel like he had done something wrong, "I knowingly and willingly did this to myself." he added shaking his head. If anyone was to blame for where he was now it was himself and he didn't want Naeem to think he had done something wrong by buying him.

 

When it came down to it he was honestly happy that Naeem had been the one who had bought him, he didn't want the other man to start to regret the fact that he had done so or to feel guilty about it. In a way he felt like if Naeem was feeling guilty or was regretting it that his pharaoh would get rid of him, and he didn't even want to think about how he would be used by someone else. Though he was sure if he was resold or even just sent away he would not be treated as well as he was here.

[Kotorichan]

"Bakari..." Naeem stepped closer and gently wrapped his arm around the boy's waist and pulled him close. "It may not seem like it at times, but I do care about you as more than just a concubine... You are the only person I feel I can relax around, so I do not want you to be unhappy..."

 

This was the closest to an actual confession Naeem could make, just saying that Bakari was somewhat important to him. It was probably more than he should say but he couldn't stand to think of the boy thinking he was just an object. "I hope this does not make you feel uncomfortable..." He slowly pulled away, averting his eyes. "I think I need to take a walk in the garden to clear my head."

[Sathenus]

"But I am happy." Bakari replied when he was pulled closer to Naeem, he didn't want his pharaoh to think he was unhappy and it made him wonder if his words earlier about not being able to marry and making anyone a good 'wife' was what had brought this all on. 'Does he really think I'm unhappy here?' he asked himself a small frown crossing his face, though his heart had swelled hearing that he was important to Naeem he wanted the other man to know that he did mean a lot to him and that he didn't want him to think that he didn't want to be here.

 

"You make me happy." pausing for a moment he met Naeem's gaze his hand slipping into the other's when his pharaoh pulled away and said he thought he needed to take a walk through the garden to think and clear his head. "I'm not sorry that I ended up here, or that you bought me. I couldn't have asked for anything better to happen to me." his words were honest as his eyes watched the older man's face. "Please don't feel like you've done something wrong, or like you ruined my life because that isn't the case." in a way he felt like Naeem had saved him.

 

"I am glad that I make you comfortable and help you relax." he added this time his voice was soft and he dropped his gaze letting it rest on the floor, it meant a lot to him to hear that he was important to his pharaoh. Even if he thought it was strange that Naeem had admitted it to him, he wasn't about to say anything against it. If anything it made him feel even more comfortable to be here with him and be what he was, it made it clear to him that Naeem didn't just want his body but actually wanted him as a whole.

[Kotorichan]

Naeem went quiet for a moment, staring down at the concubine. He didn't know what to say for a moment. How could he react? He wanted to express how much that meant to him, but how could he say that without confessing his true feelings. After a moment of silence he wrapped his arm around Bakari and pulled him close, pressing a passionate kiss to his lips.

 

He continued the kiss for only a moment before breaking it , his cheeks flushed a very light shade of pink. "Would you care to join me for a walk..?" He asked softly, lightly stroking his waist.

[Sathenus]

Bakari was a little surprised by the kiss but kissed him back with little hesitation enjoying the feeling of being so close to Naeem and knowing he really wanted nothing less. When it was broken his eyes met the older man's as he asked if he cared to go for a walk, it seemed like an odd thing to ask him, considering his position and all and the fact that he had never before been asked that question. Considering it for a moment he gave him a small smile, "Sure." he said softly deciding that he really would like to just go for a walk with Naeem.

 

It seemed... almost to normal of an action for the two of them to do together, but at the same time he really wanted to just be able to enjoy spending time with him and it seemed like a good idea. Slipping his hand into Naeem's he gave him a slightly curious look, "Lead the way." he commented waiting to see where exactly Naeem wanted to take a walk or if they were just going to wander aimlessly.

[Kotorichan]

Naeem smiled down at him before leading him out of the room. He did have a specific spot in mind, it was a spot that he had requested the gardeners to make. He stayed quiet as they walked, not having anything to say. Really he just enjoyed the boy's company.

 

He led Bakari into the largest garden within the castle walls and down a path. Eventually they reached a huge rose bush, Naeem let the concubine off the path and around the bush until they reached a bench hidden in the flowers. The bush also kept the bench from the hot sun. Naeem sat down on the bench, pulling Bakari to join him.

[Sathenus]

Bakari followed Naeem as he was lead from the room and they made their way to the garden, they walked in silence and he made no move to break it figuring that if the other man wanted to speak he would do so. There wasn't any point trying to force conversation and as long as he was spending time with Naeem he could care less if they were speaking, he just enjoyed his pharaoh's company more than anything else.

 

When they arrived at the bench he glanced around before taking the seat beside him, "This is a private looking place..." he murmured trailing off before he glanced back towards Naeem. He wasn't sure what to make of the fact that he was lead here, or why this was the location that Naeem had picked, but he didn't question him, instead he just let his eyes scan around them once more.

[Kotorichan]

"It is..." Naeem pulled Bakari a little closer. "I thought it would be nice to get a bit of fresh air without being somewhere everyone can see." He leaned against the concubine and slowly closed his eyes. "Of course I don't intend to do sexual things with you out here, I'm aware that it isn't completely private. I just feel more at ease without feeling watched"

 

When he was around other servants and guards he always felt like he had to behave as a perfect ruler. Right now he just wanted to relax for awhile.

[Sathenus]

Bakari looked up at Naeem when he spoke and had to admit that he was glad to hear there was no sexual intention behind him being brought here, as much as he enjoyed having sex with his Pharaoh, he enjoyed being able to just relax with him and spend time with him even more. Considering most of the time they were together it was for some sort of sexual act it was nice for things to be a little different, the news actually allowed him to relax completely against his pharaoh's side happy with the company and the location.

 

Sure even he was aware that ti wasn't complete;y private, but it was private enough to give hi ma sense that he could be less on guard himself. He didn't have to worry about whether or not he looked to comfortable with Naeem, letting his eyes wander around the taking in the area and enjoying the fresh air he was also able to enjoy how close the older man was. Though not unused to such contact he was pleased with it nonetheless, letting his eyes drift shut he let a soft sigh escape him just listening to the area around them.

 

It was peaceful, and he felt like in this moment nothing bad could happen. It gave him the feeling of being able to express his feelings towards Naeem a little more without worry of anyone around them finding out or realizing it, but at the same time he was a little afraid of what his pharaoh would say if he found out just how deeply he cared for him. His worst fear was being sent away, he hoped that such feelings towards his pharaoh, towards his owner wouldn't end like that, but he never really knew how the news would come across.

 

In the end it was this fear which made it so he expressed his deeper feelings only with his unconditional obedience, why he did what he was told so easily without even one complaint, or an ounce of hesitation. He could only hope that Naeem could see into it and realize that he wasn't doing so just because he was expected to behave in such a manner, but hoped that he could see past it to notice that there was something else hidden in the actions. A willingness to do such things with him, maybe even a little excitement at times.

 

After a moment his eyes opened and he looked up at the face of his pharaoh and the man he found himself truly adoring, it made him wonder if he had been in any other position if he stood any chance at all with his pharaoh. Probably not. It didn't stop him from hoping at all and he found himself slipping his hand into the other's and shifting into a more comfortable position as his mind started to wander, wondering what sort of relationship may actually be possible with the other man if he wasn't a concubine, or a slave so to speak.

[Kotorichan]

Naeem almost fell asleep on the concubine's shoulder, the warm air and sound of the other's breathing was extremely relaxing. He was brought back to reality by a deep sense of unease. His head lifted as he tried to locate the source of the feeling.

 

The sound of rustling leaves made him look behind them where he saw the flash of a sword. He had barely a moment to react, during that moment the only thing in his mind was Bakari. If he tried to move out of the way the sword's path would meet with the boy's neck. Naeem's arm was already around the concubine's waist, so he pulled the other close to his chest in a protective embrace with his back to the attacker. A loud cry of pain escaped the pharaoh's lips as the weapon hit his back at full force, burying itself deep in his flesh.

[Sathenus]

Having started to doze off as he rested on the bench with Naeem he was surprised by the other's sudden movement, blinking a little to clear his vision more he turned to look at him just as he felt himself being pulled against the other man. His hands flew up and landed on the other's chest as he heard a loud cry of pain escape the older man, he was shocked and stunned for a moment resting against Naeem's chest, his heart slamming painfully against his ribs. Taking in a shaky breath his worried and surprised eyes darted up to his pharaoh's face as he finally pulled back shaky despite the fact that it was clear he was unharmed his hands were still on Naeem's chest and he could see the damage that had been dealt.

 

Bakari knew he had to do something, but the shock and fear was still very much real, his eyes darting to the space behind them, what was the chance something like this would happen? It seemed almost impossible, not to mention completely unlikely. "Naeem..." his pharaoh's name fell from his lips in little above a whisper, he was pale from fear, not really sure if he should chance leaving the pharaoh to get him help, but he knew he had to. For the moment they seemed to be alone again, the damage was dealt and his pharaoh was bleeding, his loyalty and love for the man before him meant he had to do something.

 

It was then he slipped to his feet setting a gentle hand on the Naeem's cheek before he glanced around them, the last thing he wanted to do was leave the other man alone but he certainly could not support his weight. Silently he cursed himself for not being stronger and more capable to do so, "I'll be right back... just... hang in there." he said quickly before turning and darting off. The quicker he made it back inside the palace the quicker he could find Naeem the help he needed, it didn't take him as long as he would have thought but still longer than he would have liked to find someone he could send to the garden to get his Pharaoh and bring him safely back to the palace where he could be tended to and looked after properly.

[Kotorichan]

Naeem's cry of pain made the attacker panic and run, it also brought the attention of all servants and palace guards within earshot. There was a commotion of guards who roughly pushed Bakari out of the way to reach the pharaoh and chase after the attacker.

Naeem himself was starting to lose consciousness from the pain and blood loss. He collapsed forward onto the ground, eyes closing slowly. The only thing he could think as the world went black, was that Bakari was safe. That was what was important.

Servants swarmed around the man, stopping the bleeding before carrying him back to his room and laying him down. The palace doctor came to Naeem's room to properly tend his wounds. The servants and guards filled the room, preventing Bakari from getting anywhere near the man as Naeem recovered.

One guard grabbed the concubine and pulled him to the side. "You were with the pharaoh weren't you? What happened? Why didn't you protect him?" He snapped.

[Sathenus]

Bakari was more than a little frustrated when he was pushed so easily aside, wanting nothing more than to be at Naeem's side but knowing that he would be in the way if nothing else. What he didn't expect was for one of the guards to grab him and pull him to the side when they had brought the Pharaoh in only to speak and in the end asking him why he hadn't protected him. That seemed almost like a stupid question in his eyes, did they really expect him to be able to protect the pharaoh? Not to mention how was he supposed to protect Naeem when he hadn't even known what was happening until it was to late for him to do anything about it?

 

Instantly he opened his mouth to defend himself, but at the same time he knew there really was no point. If the guard was going to blame him his word would mean nothing, he was after all just a concubine, little more than a slave in the eyes of most. For all he knew he could see the man before him trying to blame him for what had happened, and right now he felt like that was exactly what he was trying to do. At first he didn't get any sound out much less a defense for his own actions, he hadn't done anything, one minute he was dozing off, almost falling asleep against his Pharaoh's side, the other man falling asleep on his shoulder the next he was pulled roughly and quickly into the man's chest and he was crying out in pain.

 

"I... didn't see what happened... much less be able to protect him from it." he finally said blue eyes locked on the floor. This man could try to get whatever he wanted out of him, but it came down to the fact that in the end Bakari saw nothing, he didn't see the attacker, and he hadn't been able to do anything to protect his Pharaoh. Aware of how his hesitation to answer could be seen as if he was trying to come up with an excuse but in the end his words had been the truth, he was in this moment a bit worried about what the guards thought of him and the fact that he was unharmed. Did they expect Naeem to push him in the way or use him as a shield instead of what had really happened

[Kotorichan]

"You useless whore" The guard snarled, shoving Bakari away. "You should have shielded pharaoh with your body, not just sit there!" He stormed away to join the search for the attacker.

 

After about half an hour the group of servants and doctors had dissipated, leaving only one doctor at the pharaoh's bedside and the guards at the door.

 

Naeem slowly began to wake up, groaning softly at the pain in his back. His eyes opened slowly, searching the room for the concubine. When he didn't see the boy he bolted to an upright position. "Bakari?" He gasped in pain and almost instantly collapsed back onto the bed. "W-where is Bakari?"

 

The doctor quickly jumped to his feet and went off to have someone call for the concubine.

[Sathenus]

Bakari wasn't really surprised by the guard when he spoke, but that didn't stop it from hitting a nerve and pissing him off. For a moment he stood there before he turned and stormed off himself grumbling softly to himself as he went to go to his own chambers and kind of hope that the rest of the servants and guards would forget he even existed, at least for a couple of hours to give him time alone.

 

Entering the small area he shut the door behind him, of course his own chambers was just like any other slaves, small and not really worth being in, but it would give him what he needed to get over what had happened not just to Naeem -who he was really worried about and really wished he was with- but the confrontation with the guard as well.

 

He wasn't even really sure how long he had spent alone, but it didn't feel like long enough when the door opened and he looked up at the man who stood there. For some reason he wasn't as happy as he felt like he should have been to hear he was wanted in the pharaoh's chambers. Before he would have at least been anticipating what was to come between them when summoned, but now... now all he could think about was the judgement he had received for not shielding him and found himself wondering how many other people agreed with the guard.

 

Sighing he stood and went for the pharaoh's chamber despite that, he knew better than to not come when summoned despite right now not wanting to really be present if anyone else may be. As he arrived he noticed the guards standing at Naeem's bedchamber doors and he inwardly flinched, but tried to spare neither one a glance and he slipped inside. Once he was there and present he kept his gaze averted and his distance, despite wanting to instantly go to Naeem's side and do whatever he could to make him feel better. In this moment, he was worried maybe his pharaoh would feel the same way that the guard had and just see him as useless.

[Kotorichan]

Naeem had managed to sit up by the time Bakari reached the room, he quickly dismissed the doctor and had the door closed so he was alone with the concubine. He watched the boy for a moment, trying to read him. Had Bakari realized that Naeem had feelings for him? Was he disgusted that Naeem could use someone he loved like a slave?

 

He took a deep breath to force down his fears. "Bakari... Come here" He gestured for the concubine to sit on the bed. "Were you harmed..?" He couldn't see any physical damage, but there could be something unseen.

 

His chest felt horribly tight. The wound didn't bother him too much, it would heal in time. But if this had ruined things with the one person he careful for then he didn't know what he would do. There was so way he could function without Bakari. Without the boy he would be completely alone, all his feelings would be pushed down until he burst.

[Sathenus]

He didn't move or look up until he was addressed, his gaze finally lifting from the floor as he moved over to the bed and climbed onto it. Instantly he moved to Naeem's side where he settled himself, his eyes going to the other's face when he spoke again asking if he was hurt. Shaking his head he spoke, "No." he was completely unharmed, though he had some emotional damage thanks to the guard, he was physically fine.

 

What really mattered was that Naeem was alright, and before he could stop himself his hand slipped into the older man's and the question slipped past his lips, "Are you alright?" It was clear in his tone that he was worried, and his eyes showed it too when he looked up, looking at his pharaoh and hoping beyond anything that he was alright. Though he seemed okay enough to sit up he wasn't sure if Naeem was hiding anything and wouldn't be surprised if he was, after all he was just a slave.

 

That did make him wonder why Naeem had protected him instead of just moving out of the way and letting him get hurt instead, and maybe Bakari was reading more into the actions than he should but he felt... almost as if it was because unlike the others his Pharaoh truly cared about him, something not entirely impossible. Though as the guard's words echoed through his head he realized it was more impossible than anything, anyone in this palace and most of if not all of his pharaoh's subjects would have preferred he had been the one to get hurt. Bakari knew had it been any other person, he would have been used as a shield or they would have moved and left hi to take whatever blow would make it's way to him.

 

In a way he felt almost as if this was a worse punishment, being completely fine while the person he truly cared about wasn't. Had he known what was happening he knew he would have tried to protect his pharaoh, but he had been aware of what was going on or the attack until it was to late for him to do anything about it.

[Kotorichan]

"The wound isn't too deep, it will heal soon." Naeem pulled the concubine into his arms, gently running his finger over the boy's back to check for any injuries. "I'm glad you're safe." He breathed once he had confirmed that there were no injuries. "When I woke up and you weren't here..." He trailed off, realizing that he was being too honest.

 

He pulled away and cleared his throat, his gazing moving away from the boy. His cheeks flushed softly as he tried to clear his mind. "Well, I suppose I'll be told to get as much rest as possible. So I hope you'll keep me company as I recover."

[Sathenus]

He was glad to hear that the wound wasn't to deep, but surprised when he was pulled into his pharaoh's arms feeling the hand running along his back. Obviously the other's own inspection to ensure he truly was unharmed, it confused him especially when Naeem spoke saying he was glad that he was safe, "Your guards wish otherwise..." he replied his voice soft. Of course he couldn't blame the pharaoh's guards wishing it was him instead of their pharaoh that had been hurt, but in the end he was still grateful for what Naeem had done, instead of using him as a shield like most would have, instead of moving and leaving him to take the blow his pharaoh had done the exact opposite.

 

That meant a lot to him, and he knew that he would never be able to repay him for what he had done, but he also knew that it probably wasn't just the man's guards who wished he had been the one to get hurt instead. If he was being honest, he kind of wished that it had been him, but he also knew that if Naeem had done what most would have he would never want to be around him again. Noticing how Naeem's demeanor suddenly changed and the slightly blush on his face, he felt a small smile cross his own as he leaned forward pressing his lips to his Pharaoh's in a gentle kiss.

 

"Of course I will." he replied, his voice soft and hopefully soothing, he had heard the caring in his pharaoh's voice, and had heard just how much he seemed to mean to the other man. He felt his heart swell at the idea that maybe Naeem cared for him as much as he was finding himself in love with his Pharaoh, it wasn't like it was uncommon for a concubine to fall in love with their master. They just understood that their owner, their master, would never feel the same way and that they were only here for that person's pleasure. But in this moment, he felt like maybe things were truly different for him, maybe Naeem really did love him to, and it made him more than a little happy.

 

In this moment he wanted to do nothing more than to show Naeem just how much he truly cared for him as well, but it was hard when he wasn't really sure if he would be pushing to far by doing so. With the other injured he knew he would be spending a lot of time probably just sitting by his side, and he was going to try to make the best of it and make more of his own feelings known while being careful and making sure that it was only his pharaoh that saw how much he truly cared for him.

[Kotorichan]

Naeem frowned deeply and pulled the concubine onto his lap. "Bakari, whose opinion do you value more, mine or the guards'?" He lightly brushed the boy's hair back, staring into his eyes. "I'm happy you're safe, so ignore what anyone else says" He pressed a gentle kiss to Bakari's forehead.

 

It upset him to know that someone had expressed some sign that they thought Bakari should have been hurt. Naeem had made the choice to protect the boy, and he didn't want anyone to make Bakari feel guilty for that.

 

His hands lightly ran up the concubine's sides, feeling his form. "You belong to me... I decide what happens to you, and I don't want you to be hurt by anyone." He lightly caught Bakari's hand and kissed his fingers. Right now he just wanted to hold his precious Bakari and confirm that he was safe. He didn't want to think about the people who would judge him for protecting a slave.

[Sathenus]

"Yours." Bakari replied without hesitation, of course it was his Pharaoh's opinion he valued over anyone else but he still couldn't help but feel guilty about him getting hurt. Something like that being said to him, almost in a way of blaming him made it feel like he should have done anything he could to make sure that he didn't get hurt. But... how could he protect Naeem from something he hadn't even known was happening until it was to late?

 

He realized then that he needed to be more observant to what happened around him, he was to comfortable with his life here and he needed this in a way to kind of wake him up from this dream. As much has he liked being here, and living a practically carefree life, this one even was enough to remind him that things weren't always how they seemed. His eyes never left Naeem's as they watched each other, but they were giving away the guilt he felt.

 

It was the hand running along his sides followed by the pharaoh's words that helped ease him enough to where he could at the very least relax in the older mans' lap. "But I don't want you hurt either..." he murmured trying to keep his own eyes averted afraid that maybe to much emotion was showing in them, as if his voice and the words he said hadn't done so enough.

[Kotorichan]

"So just forget them..." Naeem pulled the boy close to his chest, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of his head. "I'm alright, you don't need to worry about me. I'll be more careful in the future."

 

"Bakari, please look at me..." He gently lifted Bakari's chin and looked into his eyes, his own gaze filled with care. "I don't want you to feel guilty for not trying to protect me. The guards are the ones who should feel ashamed, that man should have never gotten so far into the palace. I just happened to spot him and had just enough time to react."

 

"I'm very happy you're safe, I wouldn't have wanted you to be hurt in order to protect me." He leaned in and gently kissed the boy on the lips. He couldn't say his feelings, but it was becoming very obvious. The attack had taken a lot out of him and now the pharaoh didn't have enough energy to think about what was proper for him to say.

[Sathenus]

Bakari wanted to object, he wanted to argue that it wasn't because Naeem hadn't been careful. But he didn't. He kept himself quiet and just kept his head against his pharaoh's chest as he tried to get rid of the feeling of guilt he still had. It was when he was told to look at him and his face was pulled up that he finally brought himself to meet the other's gaze. "But I should have done something..." he mumbled despite his better judgement.

 

He knew in the end he shouldn't feel guilty, he had done nothing wrong, but at the same time he couldn't help it. It had never crossed his mind that the person he found himself caring for so deeply would get hurt. Not being the pharaoh, not with all of the guards that were around. But it had happened, and right in the palace grounds no less. That made him feel guilty more than anything else, how could he not have been aware of the danger? Kissing the older man back his mind was racing over what he had just said, heart beating painfully against his chest in hope.

 

Was it possible that Naeem truly cared for him? That maybe his feelings were returned? It made his heart race, and the rapid beating was painful against his ribs but the love he felt swell inside of him for his pharaoh dulled the pain. As the kiss was broken his eyes locked once more with his pharaoh's, "I love you..." the words left his lips in a soft voice. Soft enough that part of him hoped that Naeem hadn't heard it, but he needed to say it. He had needed to say those three words for some time now, and despite knowing this might not be the best time they had slipped out.