Chapter 33
Charlotte
My body feels sore, like I’ve been drug behind a horse and then stomped on by an elephant. It takes effort to open my eyes and once I do, I see familiar golden ones looking down at me with a mixture of relief and love.
“You came back,” he gasps and he squeezes my hand.
I give him a warm smile and nod, hoping to convey all of the love that I feel for this man. He gathers me in his arms and tilts my head to meet his lips. It’s a kiss to convey all of our apologies and love without words needing to be spoken.
At a clearing of a throat, we break apart and I note that we have an audience. All of the other four temple residents are in Anubis’s lab giving us soft smiles and looks of admiration.
Anubis speaks first by asking, “How are you feeling?”
“I’m a bit sore, but I feel good.” I take a quick look at my chest. There is a large bandage going across my breast and behind my shoulders. It starts to come back to me what happened during my final hours before I lost consciousness, including having a knife to the heart.
Horus must sense where my thoughts have wandered because he gives me a gentle squeeze and says, “She cannot hurt you anymore. I told you that anyone that would harm you would pay with their life. I did not break that promise.”
It takes a moment for that revelation to sink in. Ammit is dead by Horus’s own hand. I don’t normally condone violence, but this declaration has my heart soaring.
Thoth takes a step forward and asks, “Do you still feel like yourself, Ms. Fletcher?”
I nod and reply with a crack in my voice, “Yes, I cannot thank you enough for not giving up on me.”
“You are a unique mortal whom I’ve come to admire. It seemed beneficial to give that spell a try.”
“A spell which was extremely dangerous to perform,” says Isis. “But I too am glad that it brought you back to us for I have apologies to make.”
“There is no need…”
She holds her hand up for me to stop speaking. “While I was unaware of Horus’s feelings towards the betrothal, it should have been my duty as his mother to see to his happiness. I was too blinded by the grief of my own loss to see love for what it is, power. When you find the one who makes your soul sing, it is a unique and powerful experience. Your love will make each other stronger and as will your new bond. Please forgive me, Charlotte, for I hope we can begin anew.”
“Of course, your grace. Nothing would make me happier,” I answer with tears in my eyes.
“I know I can never replace the mother that you lost, but should you need anything, I would be honored if you called upon me for guidance. And please, call me Isis.”
As soft tears flow down my face, I answer, “Thank you, Isis. That would mean the world to me.”
She gives me a soft smile before looking up to her son. “Go, Horus. Take some time to be with your consort. We will plan a celebration of her return once she feels up to it.”
I look at Horus and smile as I say, “Consort. I like the sound of that.”
“You better,” he says as he smiles back with a heated gaze. “Because I am going to be calling you that for quite a long time.”
As he carries me down the hallway, he peppers my face with light kisses and caresses. When the door to his bedroom closes, he shows me how a god worships his consort.