October 1598

It was a crisp October morning in the hills of Colder Ridge, Scotland. Thirteen-year-old Antoinette Tully, known as Toni, was getting ready for another day on the family farm. She and her sister Roanlyn were busy tending to the chickens and goats when their father stumbled out, drunk as usual. He told Toni to ride into town for supplies while Roanlyn stayed behind to finish chores. This always annoyed Toni. She knew she’d hear about the unfinished tasks later.

So, she hopped on her horse, Shadow, a sleek black Arabian won by her father in a gamble. The ride to Inverness was familiar. Once in town, she tied Shadow to the hitching rail and headed to the food market and the Beaton, a local apothecary. After buying fish, potatoes, grain, fur, and hides, she walked three blocks to the Beaton for some medicines.

Upon entering, she greeted Mr. MacFurmire, who gathered her requested items. While he packed them up, Toni marveled at the unique things filling the store. When he handed her the bag, he said, “I added something special for you and Roanlyn.” Toni felt gratitude and enthusiasm as she hugged him before heading back to Shadow.
As she walked, curiosity got the better of her. She opened the bag to find rare tinctures that could help keep them healthy. She felt lucky. But just as she got to Shadow, a boy around her age snatched her coin pouch. “Hey, stop! Thief!” she shouted, but he was too quick. Frustrated and scared, she hopped on Shadow and started the long ride home, fearing her father’s reaction.

On her way back, she couldn’t shake thoughts of the boy. His torn clothes and dark hair were a stark contrast to the familiar sights of her town. Why would he steal from her? It wasn’t fair. Anger simmered inside her, but as home appeared in the distance, that anger shifted to worry.

Roanlyn was waiting near the barn as Toni approached. Panic settled in her chest. Had their father hurt Roanlyn? As they unbridled Shadow and gathered the market items, Toni asked, “Why are you out here?” Roanlyn whispered, “Daddy was really drunk and started throwing things, so I ran.” Toni felt a wave of relief wash over her. Inside, their father lay passed out on the floor, a wine bottle beside him. They both sighed, grateful for the quiet. They put everything away and headed to bed, ready to face another day.

June, 1602

As the years went by, Toni started stashing away cash, herbal remedies, and animal pelts. She learned how to wield her father’s sword and even bought her sister a horse named Timber. After 17 long years in Colder Ridge, Toni felt it was time to seek a better life for herself and her sister.

On a chilly, dry night in June, they packed their essentials, saddled up their horses, Shadow and Timber, and set off on their adventure. They both decided to make a quick stop in Inverness, just a few hours from home, to pick up a few more supplies.
Upon arriving, they paid for a room at a brothel, settled in after stabling their horses, and enjoyed a meal. The next morning, before dawn broke, they got dressed and prepared their horses. They gathered the last of their supplies and were just about to mount up when a rowdy drunkard shoved a young man right into Toni.
“Hey! Watch it, you idiot!” she snapped. The young man stumbled back, “Sorry, lady! This guy’s not happy!”

Toni’s sister chuckled in the background. Toni looked closely and recognized him from years past. “Hey, I remember you! You’re the guy who stole my money. A real thief. But I learned from it.”

With that, she climbed onto her horse and added, “You’re welcome to join us, but you’d better have your own horse.”

He kept running away from that drunk man until he was out of sight. When Toni and her sister no longer spotted him, they continued on their way. About an hour into their ride, they heard footsteps pounding behind them. When they turned around, it was the young man from Inverness. He slowed down as he got closer and said to Toni, “Thanks for back there. I’m Imo, and sorry about taking your money.”
Toni chuckled. “Imo? That’s your name?” He shot her a look that suggested he found her rude. “Yeah. I’m not from here. I’m from Egypt.”
Toni and her sister gasped, eyes wide. “You’re an outsider! How did you end up here? We could get into trouble just being with you.”

As they chatted, Imo shared his story. He had come to this land at ten, arriving by ship with money, scripts, and clothes. His family had been in exile for ages because the rulers in Egypt had kicked them out in a rebellion. Toni didn’t buy it for a second. But Roanlyn was fascinated and fired off a hundred questions. After riding all day and into the night, they decided to camp in Stirling.

October, 1605

Morning arrived, and they set off again. Toni and Imo had grown closer during their weeks of travel. Finally, they reached Margate. From there, they planned to take a boat to France and continue their journey.

While in the market, Imo got caught stealing by King James I’s soldiers. Toni was stunned. Now, she faced a choice: save him or stick to her plans with her sister. Deep down, she felt a strong urge to rescue him. She couldn’t shake it off. So, she and her sister devised a plan to break him out that night before he was taken to the king.
As night fell, they made their move. They sneaked into Imo’s cell and managed to get him out without anyone noticing. They quietly cheered as they mounted their horses, but then they heard shouts: “Stop! In the name of the king!”

Soldiers charged at them. They took off toward the boat just in time. Amid the chaos, they reached the dock, horses and all. People yelled, but they felt a wave of relief. For now, they were safe.

Once in France, they settled in for the night. Imo approached Toni, sitting beside her. “Thanks for helping me. You didn’t have to. Why did you?”
Toni felt her cheeks warm. She realized why. “Because, Imo, you’re interesting, and it wasn’t fair.” It wasn’t the whole truth, but she laughed it off.

Imo smiled, calling her out. “Liar. You love me. I love you. Just admit it.” He leaned in, kissing her softly. She returned the kiss, and when they parted, she whispered, “Imo, I do love you.” They went to bed without another word, ready for whatever tomorrow would bring.

After arriving at a port in France, they started their journey out of France. Weeks, maybe even months, went by of talking, laughing, arguing, and everyone becoming a family. The three of them took care of each other and all wanted the same thing: to end up in an area where they were welcomed. They eventually ended up in Algiers, a city apart from the Ottoman Empire. As they were staying with a local family that Imo knew in the hills, Imo asked Toni to marry him. Toni accepted, and when they told everyone of their news, they were told it was a disgrace and that it was unacceptable. That an Egyptian of royal blood does not lie with a Scottish commoner. Her own sister even agreed that the proposal was out of line and that even though she loved Imo as a brother, it was not right for them to be together romantically. The next day they were kicked out of the family’s home they were staying at and forced to move on. Roanlyn was mad because of the situation, and Toni and Imo were confused at why no one accepted it or why they said he was of royal blood. They rode for 3 days straight without speaking to one another. It was not until they arrived in Tripoli and were preparing to settle in for the night at a local brothel that they finally spoke about the incident.  Toni wanted her sister to agree, yet it was not happening. Her sister decided to leave them in Tripoli and go on her own. Even though Toni did not agree, they went their separate ways.

March 1606

Toni hadn’t heard from her sister in months. She began to wonder where Roanlyn might be. After their split in Tripoli, Toni and Imo headed toward Constantinople, while Roanlyn turned back. Maybe she returned home, but why? There was nothing waiting for her there.
Once in Constantinople, rumors buzzed among the locals. They said the cruel lion pharaoh was dead. The old blood of the Good Yahweh King was around. Toni didn’t pay attention to the gossip. She just followed Imo, trusting him as they reached their destination.
When she laid eyes on the stopping point, she nearly fainted. Imo glanced at her. “I know this is a shock,” he said. “I’ll explain everything inside. I can’t let anyone see me. Just trust me a bit longer.”
Toni stayed silent, only nodding as Imo’s friend, Hermio, took their horses away.

Toni climbed the massive granite steps of the Temple of Constantinople, uncertainty gnawing at her. She muttered, “Am I marrying someone I don’t know?” Imo halted and faced her, holding her hands. “Toni, I promise, I’m still me. Nothing’s changed,” he assured her, leading her to the entrance.
As they reached the ornate, gold doors, familiar faces greeted them— the family they had traveled with, along with four others who looked Egyptian, like Imo. They treated him like royalty and ushered them inside.
Toni was struck by the temple’s beauty. Paintings and gold shrines adorned every corner. After being freshened up by what she guessed were servants, they sat down for a feast featuring dishes she had never seen before.
During dinner, Imo introduced her to the group, saying, “Everyone, this is my love, Antoinette Rose Tully.” Toni blushed, a bit shy about her full name being revealed. The others introduced themselves: Imo’s uncle Amen, his aunt Shiri, their hosts Amari and Henari, and finally, Imo’s little brother, Orion.
Toni felt overwhelmed. She had only read about these people in books, and now they were right in front of her. She needed a moment to breathe. “Imo, I’m going to my room for the night,” she said, looking at him.
Just as he opened his mouth to respond, his uncle interrupted, “That’s not his name, girl. You better call him by his proper name.” Toni bolted away.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window, warming her face, and she heard birds happily chirping outside. As she sat up in bed, she noticed Imo perched at the foot, watching her intently. “What are you doing here? How did you get in? I locked the door after dinner!” she exclaimed. He chuckled softly, “You can’t lock me out. I’m here because you need to hear my story.”

Toni was taken aback but got out of bed and started dressing. “Can you just sit down for a minute? You’re being really annoying,” he urged. Reluctantly, she sat back down, and he began to share. “My name is Imhotep Sa’Rac Nazar VI. After the new king’s family took over years ago, mine went into hiding, trying to stay off the radar.”

He told her about his childhood, the adventures he had with his family, and how he ended up in her life. But Toni interrupted him. “Why did you lie to me? I thought you cared about me.”

He sighed, looking down. “I was afraid you’d see me differently or that you’d turn me in.” A heavy silence fell between them.

They spent the day in bed, talking about their dreams, sharing their lives, kissing, and holding hands.

June 1606

Toni spent months at the Temple of Constantinople, dreaming of marrying Imo and escaping together. One summer night, after dinner, they planned to meet at the temple’s peak to finalize their getaway. But when Toni arrived, Imo was nowhere to be found. She waited for hours, but he never showed up. Heartbroken, she slipped into her room, packed quietly, and fought back tears. Feeling betrayed, she hid her belongings under the bed and tried to sleep.

The next morning, she chose her favorite outfit over the fancy dresses everyone expected her to wear. At breakfast, the atmosphere was tense. There sat Imo at the head of the table, ignoring her completely. Anger surged within her as she watched the others eat. When the room cleared, she confronted him. “You are dead to me!” she declared, rising suddenly. She slammed her hands on the table and added, “I’m leaving today to find my sister and stay away from you.” Without waiting for a response, she walked out, ignoring his calls.

Toni rushed to her room to gather her things and then headed to the stables to get Shadow. Just as she was about to leave, Imo burst through the door, breathless and with tears in his eyes. “Toni! Please stop!” he begged. “What do you want, you fool?” she shot back, frustration bubbling over.

“I’ve loved you since the day we met. I still do. I wasn’t there because my family was getting ready for me to be king.” “King? What are you talking about?” she interjected.
“Just listen, you stubborn girl! I want you to stay and be my queen here in Constantinople before we return to my homeland.”

She took her hands out of his, sighing with disappointment. She looked up at him with tear-filled eyes, saying, “Imo, this isn’t what I want. We were supposed to marry in the coming months as we discussed—simple, handfasted with closest friends. I am not meant for this, and I will not stay no matter how much I love you. I’m sorry.” She kissed him on the cheek and jumped on Shadow. As she rode off, she turned back to Imo and said in his native tongue, Arabic, “سأحب دائما Imhotep نزار,” or “I’ll always love you, Imhotep Nazar.” He smiled, not realizing she ever learned the language, and stood there staring, wondering if he made the right choice to not make her stay or leave with her. Toni never looked back again as she rode away crying all the while. She headed back toward Bulgaria and then on to Venice, where she heard her sister was last seen.

August 1606

Toni stepped off the boat in Venice, feeling wiped out. She hadn’t eaten for days, and Shadow, her trusty horse, was struggling too. Spotting a hostel, she called over the stable boy. “Can you feed Shadow and settle him down?” she asked. Then, she rushed inside to pay for a stable and a room.

Once in her room, exhaustion hit hard. She collapsed on the bed and passed out. Later that night, she woke to silence, except for the snores of the men next door. She took a swig of wine from the bottle in her room and fell back asleep.

Morning came, and sunlight streamed through the window. She got up, ready to face the day. After saddling Shadow, she set off to meet her friend Amoura. Amoura had sent word about her sister, and Toni couldn’t wait to hear more.

As she entered Raider’s Peak, a small village outside of Venice, Toni felt the stares. People glared at her with looks of disgust. Just then, Amoura rushed out, leaping into her arms.

“Why is everyone looking at me like I’m contagious?” Toni asked, puzzled.
Amoura chuckled. “Oh, silly Toni! Everyone knows you were with that Egyptian king, Imhotep!”

Toni’s eyes widened. “What? How did that get around so fast?”

They laughed as they led Shadow to the barn. After settling him in, they headed inside for food and wine. They reminisced about the years gone by, sharing stories and laughter. Before long, they were tipsy and ready for bed.

The next morning, Amoura told Toni they were off to find her sister. She believed Roanlyn was in Tyrol. Upon arriving, Toni asked around but hit dead ends until someone tapped her on the shoulder. She turned around, shocked. “What the hell are you doing here?” It was Imo, beaming. He chuckled, “I promised to marry you and stay with you ’til my last day. Plus, I found your sister.”

Toni’s mood lifted. “Great. Let’s go see her.” They headed to a big house in the Tyrolean hills. Reunited, Toni and Roanlyn caught up on lost years. Roanlyn had settled in, married to a local Italian. Toni felt a twinge of jealousy—she was still single—but that faded quickly. What mattered was being with her sister.

After breakfast the next day, Toni mentioned her new place in the Netherlands, hoping Roanlyn would join her. Roanlyn loved the idea but hesitated, saying she wanted to discuss it with her husband, Ricon. While Roanlyn busied herself, Toni wandered the land, jotting down her thoughts in her journal.

As the day dragged on, she realized she hadn’t seen Imo since last night. Annoyed, she started back to the house to confront him. She didn’t want him there. But deep down, she was glad he was around.

As she neared his room, nerves kicked in. What should she say? Just then, the door swung open. Imo stepped out, a grin on his face, hiding something behind his back. “What are you hiding, Imo?” she asked.

“Nothing. It’s not for you,” he replied, trying to keep a straight face.

“Oh come on, show me!” she laughed, tugging at his arm. He hesitated, his excitement barely contained. Finally, he relented. “Okay, but this isn’t how I planned it.”

He revealed a stunning bronze and gold ring. Toni gasped, eyes wide. “I came here because I want you to be my wife. Will you marry me?” he asked.

Toni froze, confusion washing over her. After a moment, she said, “Imo, I love you. But you can’t give up your responsibilities for someone like me. You should go back and rule. Forget this young love.”

Imo shook his head, firm in his decision. “No. I only want you.” After a pause, she finally nodded, saying, “I’ll accept, but I won’t take the ring until the ceremony.”

January 1607

Winter was settling in over the Netherlands, and Toni and Imo were set to tie the knot on a chilly, snow-covered day in the mountains. Toni slipped into her long-sleeved white gown, adorned with silver and diamond beading, then stepped outside to find her groom. Before she walked down the aisle, her sister took her hand and led her to Imo.

After they exchanged vows and Imo placed a handcrafted ring on her finger, they celebrated with a small group: Hermio, Imo’s friend; his brother Orion, who had come secretly; Roanlyn and her husband, Amoura; and Bray, the local boy who had helped Imo find his way. The ceremony was filled with laughter, drinks, and love. Toni wished it would never end.

That night, they returned to their room, a mix of excitement and nerves in the air. Toni kissed Imo as he began to undress her. When her gown hit the floor, he stepped back, awestruck, and said, “God, I am a lucky man.” Toni giggled as he laid her on the bed. She had never felt such ecstasy before. Giving herself to Imo for the first time felt right. They spent the night together, lost in each other until sunrise.

Months passed in their new life in the Netherlands. Toni, Imo, and her sister, along with her sister’s husband, managed their homes and land. Then, one day, Egyptian soldiers arrived. They demanded Imo return to Egypt to claim his throne, stating his brother had died in battle. Imo, filled with regret, refused and wrote a letter to his family, explaining he no longer wanted the position and had married Toni.

He knew this would upset them and could lead to trouble. After the soldiers left, Imo shared his worries with Toni and his sister. He suggested they sell their home and land and relocate. They all agreed and started packing that evening, ready to leave the next morning.

November 1630

Twenty years after leaving the Netherlands, Toni and Imo settled in a small town in southern Spain. They lived a happy, peaceful life, hidden from the world. They had two kids: Neytiri, a daughter, and Burick, a son. As they approached their teenage years, the children enjoyed their simple, carefree existence.

One November afternoon, everything changed. Imo’s family arrived, demanding he return to claim his royal title. They had given him time to live life on his terms, but now they insisted it was time to accept his responsibilities. Imo pushed back, stating he was happy where he was. Hours of heated discussion followed, but in the end, he decided to stay behind, renouncing his royal name. His family left in anger, blaming Toni for his decision.

That night, Toni and Imo reflected on their life together. Toni suggested that maybe Imo should reconsider returning. Imo, however, remained firm in his choice. As December rolled around, they prepared for winter. On Christmas Eve, Toni approached Imo with a bold idea: they should all take the throne as a family. Imo tried to brush it off, but Toni insisted.

The next morning, they gathered the kids and broke the news. They were moving to Egypt. They laid out the full story, explaining Imo’s true identity and the reasons behind their decision. The kids were upset, but in the end, they agreed to embark on this new adventure together.

March 1631

When Imo’s family arrived in Egypt, they didn’t exactly roll out the welcome mat for Toni and the kids. Instead, they acted like they were invisible. This rejection stung. Toni felt it deeply, and so did the children. They faced snide remarks from the family and temple staff as they walked by, and at dinner, their plates stayed empty. Finally, the kids voiced their desire to return home.

Imo reassured them. He promised that once he became king, everything would change for the better. The kids clung to that hope, trusting their father. That night, they went to bed with lighter hearts.

Later, Toni and Imo had a conversation. Toni expressed her doubts, worried that things might not improve. Imo comforted her, insisting that his love for her would remain constant. Weeks passed, and the day of Imo’s crowning arrived. Tension hung in the air; they hadn’t spoken much lately. Toni felt a growing distance between them. She dreaded the thought of losing Imo again. Despite her worries, she attended the ceremony with an open heart. After the crowning, they met in their bedroom. Imo looked at Toni and said, “My love, everything is in place now. I’m all yours.” Toni felt a wave of relief but paused before letting him embrace her. “Is this how it’s going to be? You’ll talk to me only when it suits you?”

Imo, surprised, replied, “No, my love. I’m free from the king’s duties now.”

Toni felt confused and needed clarity. So, she turned to Imo. He explained that he had claimed the throne. Their son was now a prince, ready to manage military and financial matters. Imo also mentioned a trusted friend would oversee everything else. Only urgent matters, like food, water, shelter, or war, should reach him. They wouldn’t live in the palace; instead, he had built a house for them outside the city.
Toni’s heart soared. They were finally becoming who they always wanted to be. In a burst of excitement, she jumped into his arms, filled with passion. They moved to their new home with their daughter, while their son opted to stay at the palace. He enjoyed both the simplicity of regular life and the comforts of royalty.

As their daughter grew and their son matured into a man, Toni and Imo found happiness in their roles. They balanced being king and queen with being husband and wife. They traveled back and forth between the palace and their hilltop home, ruling their lands with kindness. Imo ruled wisely, never with pride. The people adored them, calling them the greatest rulers to ever walk the earth.

June 1650

On a scorching summer day in Spain, back in 1650, Imo and Toni lounged on a blanket in their sprawling meadows, sharing the company of their horses. They opted for a picnic, diving into deep talks about life and the challenges of getting older.
Later, when they returned home to their hillside abode, dinner was a lively affair, filled with family and the laughter of grandkids. It was a familiar scene, yet brimming with warmth and joy.
After the meal, they readied themselves for bed. Toni and Imo made their way to their favorite stargazing spot on the hill. It was a ritual they cherished. Here, under the vast sky, they felt safe, loved, and completely at peace.

The next morning, Burick woke up and noticed his parents were missing. He peeked outside; the horses were grazing peacefully, and everything seemed normal. He nudged Neytiri awake and asked if she had seen them. She told him they went to their favorite spot on the hill the night before, but that was all she knew.
They saddled their horses and rode two miles up to the highest point of their parent’s land. When they got there, they found Lay Imo and Toni. They had passed away in their sleep, wrapped in each other’s arms at the age of 62. A note lay between them, written for their kids to read on the day of their passing.

The siblings grabbed the note and read it silently. Neytiri looked at Burick, her eyes welling with tears. “They never got to see what the people painted for them,” she said.
Burick frowned, confused. “What do you mean? What did people paint?”
She wiped her tears and explained, “People thought they were a god and goddess, but also forbidden lovers. A group of artists, all struggling, came together to create a huge mural. It showed a Black Panther with godly wings and a pastel princess holding a big silver sword in the panther’s arms. They called it ‘Black and Pastel: Loving the Enemy.’ It was meant to represent the good god and his human princess, just like Mom and Dad.”

Burick sniffled and nodded. “They really were a love of a lifetime.”

Burick became King.