Iras remained silent, observing as a woman with a crown approached Hylos. As Iras focused on her face, he was shocked to realize it was none other than Queen Ashyahira, the wife of the Pharaoh and ruler of Egypt.
Iras's eyes widened in astonishment as he watched the Queen kneel before Hylos, seemingly begging for his attention. However, Hylos merely pushed her away, his voice dripping with disdain Hylos said, "You know that once I've savored a pleasure, I never go back to it."
"But I still bring you a pleasure, my Duke," the Queen's voice whispered, laced with sadness and obsession.
Iras couldn't believe the Queen's behavior, so brazenly obsessed with Hylos, and it seemed like almost every woman in Egypt was infatuated with him.
As Iras turned to leave, he accidentally knocked against an object in the room, causing a loud noise. Suddenly, he felt a pair of eyes on him, and he turned to see Hylos staring intensely at him, his eyes gleaming with a knowing spark.
As Iras spoke, avoiding eye contact, Hylos drew closer and closer. When Hylos finally reached him, he pinned Iras against the wall, making Iras cry out in surprise, "Ahh!"
However, Iras's strength as the General of Egypt proved superior to Hylos's. With a swift motion, Iras pushed Hylos onto the nearby couch. In the struggle, Hylos grasped Iras's arm, causing both men to tumble to the floor, with Iras landing on his hands and knees before Hylos.
Hylos's eyes widened as he took in the sight of Iras on his hands and knees before him. His voice was laced with excitement and a hint of challenge as he commanded, "Stand up!"
Iras replied with a hint of mockery, "Why, don't you like men, dear Duke?"
Hylos's eyes flashed with indignation. "How dare you! I'm just particular about who I share my... attentions with. And you, General, are not exactly my type."
Iras stood up and turned his back on Hylos, saying, "And by the way, I'm not attracted to men either. Stay away from my sister, Duke Hylos. You disgust me." Hylos remained seated on the floor, his silence a testament to the anger seething within him.
It had been three days since the incident. Iras was sitting at his post when a comrade entered and spoke, "General, the Pharaoh requests your presence."
In the Pharaoh's throne room, Hylos stood tall, elegantly dressed, and seemingly just arrived. Iras knelt before the Pharaoh, his eyes fixed on the floor.
Hylos flashed a charming smile at Iras, but the General's expression remained stern, his eyes narrowed in displeasure.
"I summoned you both to address a report I received, stating that you were seen inside Hylos's chambers, with you, Iras, on your hands and knees before Hylos. What is the meaning of this?"
Iras's eyes widened in shock, and he glanced at Hylos, but the Pharaoh continued speaking.
"However, my favorite General, Iras, I understand your situation... From now on, I hereby lift the ban on same-sex relationships. You two will proceed and get married, to prevent any further scandal from tarnishing Egypt's reputation."
Hylos's expression crumpled, and he stood up, speaking as the Pharaoh approached and patted them on the back. Iras, on the other hand, was speechless, his face pale with shock.
Hylos stormed out of the palace, his anger echoing through the halls. Beautiful women approached him, trying to comfort him, but he pushed them away.
Hylos thought to himself, "I'm a duke, loved by all, and now I'm being forced to marry a man I never desired. This is a nightmare."
Iras went to the Pharaoh's palace to say that he refused to proceed with the marriage.
But the Pharaoh grew angry and said, "Whatever I desire will be done."
"Dear Pharaoh, let's spare General Iras," the Queen said, approaching Iras with a stern expression. "If you hadn't entered the Duke's chambers, none of this would have happened." The Queen's voice was laced with anger towards Iras. "My decision is final," the Pharaoh declared, standing up and exiting the throne room.
The wedding day had finally arrived, and Iras was waiting at the ceremony, but Hylos was nowhere to be found. The Pharaoh's patience was wearing thin, and he grew irate.
"Where is the Duke? Bring him here at once!" the Pharaoh commanded.
Iras quickly responded, "Your Majesty, I'll go fetch him myself."
Iras was thinking that if he were to marry Hylos, he would immediately seek a separation. He rode on two large camels to fetch Hylos.
When he arrived, he saw Hylos surrounded by dancing women, nearly naked, in front of him. Hylos sat calmly, holding a cup, wearing a white dress adorned with golden jewelry.
Iras's anger flared, and he approached Hylos, saying, "The Pharaoh is looking for you, Duke."
Hylos didn't look at him, instead smiling and saying, "Why don't you join me?" His voice was filled with amusement. Iras didn't say a word and quickly lifted Hylos, putting him over his shoulder. Hylos was too weak to resist, having drunk too much.
The only sound was Hylos's angry shouting. Iras placed him on the camel's saddle, and they set off.