Several weeks had passed. I got to make myself at home in the crypt of the Pharaoh, even had my own little pile of sand to sleep on. At first they offered me to sleep in one of the old sarcophagi but I humbly refused. Not because I was creeped out by the former resting places of dead people, no of course not, it was out of respect!
Anyways, with no knowledge of the outside world and with how society developed outside of the tomb, I slowly became the Pharaoh's go-to for information on the people living not too far away from her own doorstep. The Pharaoh's people were at their lowest point, along with her power due to her lack of interaction with the outside world and people, meaning we desperately needed new recruits to become her followers. Either that, or the kingdom would eventually crumble to dust, along with my new lover Karima. Which at this point, I couldn't let happen, for obvious reasons.
I have to admit, despite her being the main reason for staying here, the other inhabitants slowly started to grow on me. They aren't stupid or naive, just blind to the outside world. Pharaoh Cassiopeia was carrying a grudge against humans that she had refused to explain to me and Fatima... well I didn't exactly make a great first impression but... I felt like she started to warm up to me as well. At least a little bit.
I owed these people. I tried to steal from them and they could've easily disposed of me if they wanted to, so the very least I could do was help them regain their kingdom's foothold in this, for them, unfamiliar world.
"Alright everybody, here's the situation. We need to assemble what remains of the Pharaoh's troops, mummies, sphinxes whatever is left. The village lies southeast of here and not too far off either. We need to avoid detection by the village guards while simultaneously making sure to make the villagers aware of our existence. A lot of them will be willing to join us, even if just to get away from the working conditions under the new king, but we'll have to be stealthy about it. We'll have to work smart. Use traps, ambushes and inconspicuous surveillance. Catching them off guard might give us an advantage in case their first reaction is alerting others and then we can still try to talk them down. It's best to do it at night for now. Less people, less visibility, bigger chance of getting in and out quickly and quietly."
My words carried throughout the throne room as the remaining forces of the Pharaoh had gathered around me. Pharaoh Cassiopeia, Fatima and Karima as well as an assortment of different mamono listened to my strategy. Some paying attention, others much less so, clearly bothered by the mere fact of me being the one talking to them.
Muttering erupted from the assembly of monsters, glancing at me with bewilderment and uncertainty. It was obvious where the distrust was coming from. In their eyes I was already an established menace and they hadn't listened to a human speak for many years beforehand. I was an outsider and the only way to make them remotely trust me, was to level with them.
"Look, I know, I know way too well. I tried to harm your people more than I could ever repay you for. I know what and who I am and I know you don't trust me. Whether we like it or not, I'm a part of your kingdom now, and I am going to earn my keep whatever it takes. And if we do not pull this heist off, this kingdom is going to keep being just a sunken temple in the sand. It's your choice whether you believe it or not, but neither you nor I want that to happen." I glanced over at Fatima, standing next to the Queen's throne with a stiff posture, keeping a straight face as she tried her hardest to look dignified. Once her eyes met mine though, she broke into a cute little smile and gingerly waved down at me until she got shot down by her sister's cold, sideways glance from the other side of the throne.
I felt a warmth in my heart that I had been missing for the majority of my life and it once again bolstered my confidence. There were good people here who didn't deserve to fall along with their kingdom and even more of them in the city who deserved a better life than slaving away under an uncaring king. There was no arguing it, this needed to happen.
"This plan is as tight as I can make it. The rest is up to you. If we pull it off by the book, you will once again be strong with a population WORTHY of a kingdom. The Cassiopeia empire will rise from the sand and everything for miles will belong to US! So tell me, are you ready to give it your all for your pharaoh?!" I raised my fist with the throne room erupting in cheers.
As monsters swarm out of the temple into the dark of the night, a growing silence filled the room and with the rousing air still lingering, I steady myself on the side of a sarcophagus as the tension leaves my body.
Almost immediately, I feel a pair of energetic arms throwing themselves around my neck from behind and a petite body cuddling up against me. "You did it! We actually might have a chance to thrive now thanks to you! Did you see, Fatima? Shaiq was so cool!"
"I was wondering how long you'd hold back, Karima." I chuckled, petting her soft, little head as I turn around. "I did the best I could. Other than giving them orders like this, I'm afraid they're on their own out there."
"You shouldn't downplay your role in this time of change, human. You have given them more hope and fervor than they've shown in the last few decades. Quite admirable for someone such as you." Cassiopeia
"Ah, I guess. But I can't promise any great results. I've never launched an operation this big before. What happens now is out of my hands. All that's left for us is putting our trust in your people and hoping they don't screw things up out there."
"I see you still haven't learned to properly address our Pharaoh. Guess you really can't teach an old dog new tricks." Fatima let out in an exasperated sigh, crossing her arms.
"And I see you still haven't taken that stick out of your butt. Seems we're all having a hard time changing here." I responded with an admittedly cocky smirk.
"I swear sometimes I could just..."
"Enough, you two! No need to cause such a stir in my throne room. Fatima, maybe some... frivolity is necessary in times like these to raise our empire's spirits again. But Shaiq, do not take your presence here for granted. This is your home now as well and I ask you not to forget that. Everyone here, including Fatima and I are one of your people now and as such, you have certain obligations to them. And respect is the first of those."
At this point Fatima, having stayed silent the whole time, spoke up in my stead. "He does respect us! He promised me that he would adhere to you and your people. I will... I will vouch for him!"
"Karima..." I felt a tug at my heartstrings as she wholeheartedly defended me. Petting her head as I walked past her I sighed, addressing the others. "With all due respect, your highness, I did promise I would do my part in rebuilding this empire and I plan to keep that promise. I will assist you in any way I can and I will never try to endanger your people... but I will not ditch one dictatorship to join another. I'm agreeing to partnership, not subservience."
Both looked at each other and then back at me with conflicted looks. "So how do you suppose we can tell whether you keep loyal to us?"
"Trust me."
"Pff, that's rich." Fatima scoffed, rolling her eyes. Quickly flinching after the Pharaoh threw her a disapproving sideways glance at the undignified comment.
"That's indeed quite a bit of an ask, Shaiq. Given your record, there's no guarantee for any of us that you're not lying. You are a useful asset and I would hate to lose you at such a critical point. But if not for curses, submission or force... what holds you here?"
I cross my arms in thought, knowing that she has ample reason to doubt me and that I have little proof of my conviction. "I'm afraid it's what a partnership entails. I know what I'm saying is true, but you never will. I know where my loyalties lie but you can never be certain about it. I want to stay here. I want to see this kingdom flourish again and we can only do that if you believe that that's my goal."
I see her face twist in conflict, her eyes narrowing more and more in frustration that even she doesn't know what to think of this alliance. "Words hold so little meaning to me these days. So be it, I will accept your independence for now, mortal. Your actions from here on out will decide on whether it remains intact." Her eyes turned to Fatima, immediately grabbing her utmost attention, reflexively making her bow to receive orders. "Fatima, our kingdom is more vulnerable than ever. We need eyes on the outside, both to receive our returning forces as well as enemies. Stand guard at the tomb entrance... and take Shaiq along with you!"
"WHAT?" "What?"
We both answered, dropping all formalities we tried to maintain. Me more out of mild surprise while Fatima reacted with utter shock.
"You can't send me out there with him?! What if he flees, or attacks me or..."
As Cassiopeia already turns to leave, she waves over her shoulder and nonchalantly responds "I trust you will be very much capable of dealing with him, Fatima. Come, Karima, we have to set up accommodations for the new arrivals."
"But... your highness!" Karima protested, holding on to me, looking back and forth between me and the Pharaoh, reluctant to let go.
"They'll do just fine on their own, Karima. I'm certain of it. I'll need your help elsewhere, so come along now." She insisted in a gentle yet commanding tone.
Karima's ears flopped down dejectedly but before letting me go, Karima swiftly got onto her toes and pecked me on the lips. "I'll check on you later if I can. Please behave yourself, will you?" She pleaded cutely.
I smirked as I leaned down to kiss her back. "Don't I always? Now go before you get in trouble." I sent her off, squeezing her slim body one more time before letting her go.
She walked backwards, almost stumbling over her own paws, shooting me a small smile and then running off after Cassiopeia.
It was only me and Fatima left now, the latter of which glaring daggers at me and curtly uttering orders. "I'm not allowed to use curses on you, so just... just come along and don't cause trouble, mortal!" She sighed, clearly frustrated at being denied having more of an upper hand on me. Not looking me in the eye even once, she headed up the stairs to the surface with me shortly following behind.
