The Royal Gathering*

The sun had just set over the bustling city of Thebes, casting a warm orange glow over the majestic temples and palaces. The air was alive with the sound of laughter and music, as the royal family of Egypt prepared for a grand celebration.

At the heart of the festivities was the Pharaoh himself, resplendent in his golden headdress and elaborate robes. He stood atop a raised dais, surveying the gathering of nobles and dignitaries before him.

To one side of the Pharaoh stood General Iras, his piercing gaze scanning the crowd with a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. Beside him, his sister Aya chatted animatedly with a group of young nobles, her bright smile and laughter drawing admiring glances from all around.

As the Pharaoh raised his hands for silence, a commotion at the entrance to the hall caught Iras's attention. A flamboyant figure, resplendent in a gleaming white tunic and gold jewelry, strode confidently into the gathering.

"Ah, Duke Hylos," the Pharaoh declared, his voice dripping with amusement. "I see you've decided to join us after all."

Hylos flashed a charming smile, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Aya. For a moment, his gaze lingered on her, a look of intense fascination burning in his eyes.

Iras's gaze narrowed, his instincts warning him that something was amiss. He knew Hylos's reputation as a rake and a libertine, and he didn't trust the man as far as he could throw him.

As the Pharaoh began to speak, Iras's attention remained fixed on Hylos, his mind racing with possibilities. What was the Duke's true motive for attending this gathering? And what did he want with Aya?

Hylos's gaze remained fixed on Aya, his eyes gleaming with admiration. Her raven-haired beauty, paired with her golden eyes, left him breathless. He couldn't help but be drawn to her captivating presence.

With a charming smile, Hylos approached Aya, his voice low and smooth. "What a lovely day, my lady. You shine brighter than the sun itself."

Aya's cheeks flushed as she smiled, her eyes sparkling with delight. "Thank you, Duke Hylos. You're too kind."

However, their exchange was abruptly interrupted by Iras, who stood before them, his piercing gaze fixed on Hylos. His eyes seemed to bore into the Duke's very soul, his expression unreadable.

Hylos, undaunted by Iras's intimidating stare, flashed him a dismissive smile. "Ah, General Iras. Always the guardian, I see."

Iras's gaze narrowed, his jaw clenched in silent warning. The air was thick with tension as the two men locked eyes, their unspoken animosity palpable.

Aya, sensing the unease, placed a gentle hand on Iras's arm. "Brother, please. Let us not spoil the celebration."

Iras's gaze lingered on Hylos for a moment before he nodded curtly, his expression softening slightly. "As you wish, Aya."

Iras and Aya turned to leave, but Hylos's gaze lingered on them, his eyes burning with intensity. Suddenly, a melodious voice spoke from behind him.

"Looks like you're interested in my daughter, Duke Hylos. Are you tired of chasing me?" Ada, Aya's mother, asked with a sly smile.

Hylos turned to face her, his expression unreadable. "Lady Ada, you're as captivating as ever. But I must confess, your daughter has caught my attention."

Ada's eyes sparkled with amusement.

Ada's smile grew wider, her eyes glinting with a knowing glint. " whispered to Hylos, "Don't covet my daughter, dear Hylos. I'm still here, ready to pleasure and satisfy you."

Hylos's response was laced with sarcasm, his voice low and husky. "If you give me your daughter, perhaps I can tolerate you, Ada."

Ada's eyes flashed with anger, but her expression quickly turned into a sly smile, hinting at a deeper game being played.

Hylos turned his back on Ada and walked away. Meanwhile, Iras and Aya entered the grand hall where the Egyptian royals had gathered for a night of revelry.

Iras excused himself, leaving Aya amidst the merry crowd. He made his way to a dimly lit chamber, where a shocking sight awaited him.

Inside the room, he found a group of naked women dancing before a figure clad in a flowing white gown. The figure's hair was a towering golden coiffure, and their eyes gleamed like gold in the dim light.

The figure stood motionless, its gaze fixed on some point ahead. Iras's eyes widened as he realized who the figure was - Hylos, the Duke.