Preface

I wish to dedicate this story to a person I have known for a short while that has shown me that no matter what happens, keep pursuing what you desire to do. This person had the courage to write a story that defied others and did what it saw fit to do.

Enjoy the story!


Prologue

Fall 1529

Whitehall Palace

"Will Egypt conquered England, my lord? Or will you surrender?" A young, charismatic woman with olive skin and ebony hair asked playfully as she lied on top of King Henry. Her eyes were like crystals of emerald. Her clothing consists of a blue dress that revealed her collarbone and a slight part of her back. She was pure Egyptian with her wardrobe and so was her dialect. She kissed his soft lips, and planted one on his nose as she continued to caress his face in the palms of her soft, myrrh hands.

"I do not care, because you have already conquered my heart," he whispered in her ear and she smiled tenderly. Henry was intoxicated with this woman who was only but a maid when she came to his English Court. And soon he would possess her as the goddess she proclaimed herself to be…the daughter of Isis. He inhaled her alluring fragrance of cinnamon and lavender that lingered around his nose. She was the air he wanted to breathe. The beauty he wanted to possess. She was the woman who would bear him a son and become his crowned queen for the entire world to see. His greatest desire was to love her forever and no one else.

He had no more use for Katherine and her barren womb of miscarried sons, nor the beckoning infatuation he thought he had with Anne Boleyn. He wanted Salomé and only Salomé. He was going to continue to annul his marriage before the eyes of the church and God, and devote his soul to his tempting and attractive Egyptian lover. It was awfully funny that no one discovered there secret engagement. No one had dare questioned the King, even though they assumed he was "whoring" with the Lady Anne. No, Salomé kept her love life with the King secret and was pleased of her work. They were hidden in one of Henry's private chambers, where she received the honor of seeing him once more.

"What is it your heart that you desire? Tell me, and I will give it to you," He said fervently. She looked deeply in his eyes and saw his sapphire jewels burn with passion. "If it's half of my kingdom, I will give it to you, sweetheart." He kissed her ear and sucked the honey milk sweetness of her cheek. She moaned softly; silently begging for more. She wanted to give herself to him, but she knew she most wait and avoid the temptation.

"When my coronation arrives," she began, as he left trails of kisses on her arm," build me a ship of grandeur and extravagant features. That I may ride it to Westminster Abbey and be crowned not only just your luxurious and amiable sweetheart, but your kind, and elegant wife and queen of England," she said without any hesitation and perked her eyebrow. He just looked at her and let his fingers run down her skin. He chuckled softly and answered, "You have already become the Queen I could have ever wanted in my life." She smiled wickedly and stifled a laugh. "You shall have it and it shall be the most I will spend on. You are worth more than every pound that I hold dearly to my everlasting heart." She gazed into his lascivious eyes and kissed him passionately.

"Then I am most gracious by your loving answer, my lord." She smiled graciously, but then her smile slowly but surely began to fade. She thought to herself, wondering how she was going to maintain his interest in her before sharing his bed on her wedding night. He obviously took notice in her sudden expression that was fully seen on her lovely face.

"What is it?" He questioned as he kissed her palms. The chills erupted all over her body as his hot kisses diverted her concentration. He was as much as a temptress as her and she enjoyed the way he tried to vex her. He promised that he would honor her maidenhead until they were married.

"Why do you torment me so?" She asked playfully. He smiled wickedly and replied back,"Because I am King. Tell me sweetheart, what thought seems to be more attentive in that pretty head of yours than me?" Salomé's blush was the most red-complexioned shade that made Henry melt at his knees. She often reminded Henry of his mother, Elizabeth. Her kind, sweet nature hid beneath her intellectual thinking and her passion for romantic intimacy.

At first she felt compelled to whisper, but she wanted to clarify one thing that should always be above all other sentimental feelings that they had for one another. She began audaciously stating, "There is another wish, I want you to grant me."

"Anything," he said tumultuously.

"Love me for eternity! Never stop for any reason, no matter what happens! No matter if we start to have confrontation or if we are from different worlds! Henry, look into my eyes and let me have your heart, so I may care for it, and have it close to me. I will cherish it forever even into my death. Let me be the lover of all your lovers and possess only me," she demanded. It was the only way she would ensure herself to make him hers and take control of what was hers.

"I do!" He stated profoundly and kissed her deeply than he had ever done before.


Chapter 1: The Daughter of Isis

Dynasties of noble Egyptian rulers have been past done from generation to generation, of tales so memorable and ethical. Some taught more than others, but only the mysteries undiscovered remain in the sand.

In a land far, far away into the desert where the pyramids of Giza rose high above the borders of the Red Sea; there stood a palace that lingered underneath the scorching sun. It was a well-built, profligate palace made of blocks of gold, thousands of crystals of jade and granite, and porcelain chamber glass that furnished the palace from the outside to the inside. The interior decorations were embellished with a variety of tapestries and numerous amounts of statues that prolonged throughout many generations of a living dynasty. Although the palace was grand, where the Nile streamed beside the palace enriching the gardens outside, the gardens itself were substantially adorned by such a water supply that nourished it with the fruits of the spring.

From ancient lineage of the great ruler, Cleopatra; comes a daughter of imperial beauty and youth that conquers all who bow to her. This daughter was honored by the goddess Isis and therefore held the blood of many gods and of her royal dynasty. The child was called Salomé, which means life. Yes, this child was full of life. One smile from face would make an angel cry from the heavens. There was nothing more beautiful or sacred in this kingdom. She was the key to it all.

As the child grew, she was able to care for herself. After all, she was her father's daughter, King Amenhotep. King Amenhotep was ruler over Thebes, a city part of Upper Egypt. He has ruled over his kingdom for more than a decade. He was great and proclaimed over as a most gentle and humble pharaoh. Salomé adored her father and wanted to be like him. He was the idol that she worshipped.

Salomé learned a great deal of the world from an excellent tutor, by the graces of her brother, Prince Akhenaten. Her brother wanted her to be educated and understand the world apart from Egypt and its arms of luxury. By this act, she learned many languages that consisted of Latin, French, English, and Spanish. She was able to comprehend the controversies between the Catholic beliefs and the term heresy. She even undertook the arts of music and science. She developed a fondness to cures and healings. She even learned how to handle a sword and defend herself. She was quite cunning and witty.

But underneath all this mere girl had, she was just Salomé. She felt lonely and mostly…she felt sad. For her mother was not there with her. She died, giving birth to her. Salomé had began to realize that when she came of age. If she had comfort with her brother, it was only when he was around. Normally, her brother traveled around, exploring new sights without her. Her father spent a great deal with her, every minute he had to spare. She loved every moment to be with him. He was everything she could ever want in a father. But even this could not feel the emptiness of her heart.

Her father sensed her distress and decided that she needed someone around to care for her and be by her side. He wanted someone to adore her as he has, and not let ego get into the way. For months now, a city eastward from Thebes had written to him, begging that he take in two young men that are need of guidance and tutelage, that they may be the next rulers. King Amenhotep made of his mind and decided to write back requesting that he may take the boys and aid him as he will teach them the ways of a ruler.

Winter 1512

Months had past when young Ramses and Elijah had joined the palace. They had been gracious to accept and learned every day from the hand of Amenhotep himself. And when their teaching was over, they played with his daughter, Salomé. Both boys were practically at her hand and foot. She was the jewel they wanted to obtain. They had adored her just as her father predicted.

Salomé took note of Ramses and Elijah. Elijah was wise and had a caring nature for the people. He had respect and wanted to know more about life. However, Ramses was impatient and brutal. Even though, he was able to hold a conversation, Salomé and Ramses often bickered and that is where Elijah had to break the fight. The three of them became close, but between Elijah and Ramses; only one can win for her love or for the throne. By Egyptian law, only a princess can marry a Pharaoh.

Salomé ran down the halls of the palace, as her dressy jewels clinkered and bangle across the granite floors. She ran calling out her father's name as she held a letter in her hands.

"Father! FATHER!" She needed to find him, it was about her brother. "FATHER!" She shouted once more, until she came to the throne room and found him reading to Elijah.

"Father," she breathed. "Look, it's a letter from brother. He has sent us news." Her father gathered his little girl in his arms and sat her own his lap.

"Read, my daughter." Salomé stifled a giggle and Elijah leaned on the Pharaoh's throne. Salomé opened the letter and cleared her throat.

She read, "Dear my loving father, my adorable sister and own special guests. Father, where is Ramses?" She asked curiously.

"Don't tell me, you've missed me already," Ramses said, entering the room.

"Don't flatter yourself. The letter is addressed to you...idiot." She muttered the insult discreetly. Even his presence annoyed her. Elijah chuckled to himself. Salomé regained herself and continued to read, "I have set foot upon the new world and a new land. I have settled in Eng-land and have seen great and exciting things. It is very dif-fer-rent from Egypt and I have enjoyed myself completely. I only wish to enjoy this experience with you, Salomé. The world has so much to offer you that I wish you could be here now with me." Salomé sighed in content.

"Why does he want you to experience it? Why not us or me?"

"We have a duty here Ramses, like so many others before us," Elijah answered for him.

"So? I want to see places," Ramses countered back.

"Who says the places want to see you?" Salomé snapped.

"Go back to reading the letter, Salomé," her father changed the subject in a heartbeat, in order to escape such foolishness.

"Yes, father. This Eng-land has a king. He is about my age and has an amiable and loving queen beside him. I wished happiness on both of their lives. I have eaten good and slept well. I have made pleasant negotiations with the King and the ambassador of Spain. I will be returning shortly and plan to return shortly. Your humble servant, Prince Akhenaten."

"Father, what do you think?" I asked curiously.

"I think it is a marvelous idea," he always admired my spirit and supported the decision heartily.

"About what?" She wondered aloud.

"You should go to this Eng-land and explore. I shall retire for now." Her father had left the room and she re-read the letter over again.

"You're not actually thinking about going to England, are you?" Ramses inquired, placing his hands on his hips.

"Ramses, I don't see why it concerns you," she snapped, narrowing her eyes at him.

"I am merely suggesting that you shouldn't go," he advised, placing a hand on her shoulders. She shrugged it off and faced him.

"That's not a suggestion…that is a command. And I shall do as I please."