Izna's POV (10 years old)
After my mother's death everything changed. Everyone in the palace hates us because we are children of the woman who tried to murder the Pharaoh. We are often bullied by our half brothers. No one saves us. We don't get any slaves, luxurious clothes or decorations like other royals. We don't even get proper meals. Qebeh often steals from the kitchen to get enough food. One time he got caught and both of us were beaten with whips. Our life is more miserable than beggers.
This morning I'm waiting outside the kitchen door because they forgot to give us breakfast. This happens often.
"Princess Izna?"
"Y...yes."
"The Pharaoh calls for you"
"What did I do wrong?? Please! I...i didn't steal anything. I was just waiting for my food."
"No that's not what he called you for."
"Then?"
"Please come with me. He will speak to you personally."
I follow the man. He takes me to the Pharaoh's resting chamber.
"What is your business here?" The guards stop us.
"The Pharaoh called for the princess."
"She's the princess?? She looks like a begger. She can't go in dressed like this."
After I get cleaned up they give me new clothes, jewelry, wig and hair accessories. This is the first time I see myself in a luxury outfit. I look beautiful. I wait outside to be called in. Hours later a maid takes me in.
"Long live the great Pharaoh," I get down on my knees.
"Izna my dear. Come here. Let me see you. I haven't seen you in years."
I walk closer.
"You look just like my mother, the late queen."
"Thank you."
"Sit here. I have presents for you."
Servants bring in expensive looking boxes.
"These are all yours. You are a young lady now. You need these to look presentable. I have some for your brother too."
"Thank you."
"Oh and one more thing. Horus, come here."
A dark, tall, well built man walks in.
"He will be your personal guard from now. He's intelligent and strong. Whenever you go somewhere take him with you."
"He's my guard?????"
"Yes. You're the future queen. You can't walk around without protection."
"Queen? Me?"
"Yes you. You're my only daughter. You will marry the crown prince in future. Speaking of which, did you meet your future husband?"
"No."
"You can meet him during the hunting fest this month."
"As you wish great Pharaoh."
"Call me father. You're my only daughter. You don't have to be formal."
"Alright father."
"Horus, take her to her palace."
"Great Pharaoh, as far as I know the princess doesn't have a palace of her own. She lives in a shabby building near the royal kitchen with prince Qebeh.They sleep on the floor in a stack of old mattresses."
"WHAT!!!"
"Yes she's often bullied by the third and fifth prince. The servants also bully her sometimes."
"How dare they!!!! Take my guards and hit every one of them who bullied Izna and Qebeh. RIGHT NOW!!!!"
"Yes I understand. Long live the Pharaoh."