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know.”
    “You are immortal and I have a limited span in the world,” she said, matter-of-fact, as he carried her to their improvised bed. She dropped the gauzy shawl on the sand. “But we can be together for my lifetime.”
    He laid her down tenderly and lowered himself on top of her, taking his weight on his elbows so as not to crush her. His cock nestled between her thighs. She parted her legs to grant him easier access.
    He inserted the head of his shaft a little way inside her again, teasing her sensitive nerve endings. “What kind of life is that for you? Stolen hours here on a beach with me once in a while? While you slave daily for your stepmother and worthless father? I want your happiness, Merys.”
    “I’m happy if you love me.” She moved her hips, drawing him farther inside her body. Her palms glided slowly down to rest just in the hollow of his back, holding them together more closely.
    He transferred his weight to one elbow and put his other hand on her cheek, smoothing her hair, and stared into her eyes. “I would take you away to be with me, dwell in my home, I would, I swear. But I can’t.”
    “You are a Great One—what prevents you from doing anything you desire?” He hadn’t made any promises, indeed had specifically warned her that great obstacles were in their path, but Merys had cherished some hope. Deep in her heart she felt a connection between them, almost a destiny, calling for them to be together.
    Moving with deliberation so his staff stayed seated inside her, he rolled onto his side and brought her to face him. Merys curled one leg over his hip. Adjusting her a bit, he asked, “What is your village headman to Pharaoh?”
    “I’m not sure I follow you.” She raked her nails in light, lazy circles along his spine.
    He shivered against her. “What power does the headman have in your village?”
    “His word is law. He gives justice, he assigns work, he—he rules.” Her hand moved to brush over his nipple. Why are we talking about this? Why are we talking at all? I can’t concentrate. Merys kissed his neck.
    “But he reports to someone higher.” His hand found her breast, kneading the soft flesh, rubbing her nipple till it pebbled. He lowered his head to suckle and nip gently at her tender flesh.
    “Yes, the headman reports to the nomarch, Ienhotep.” Merys gasped a little as he amused himself with her body, sending ripples of electric pleasure through her.
    “And your nomarch, in turn, gives loyalty and obedience to Pharaoh. Pharaoh is a Great One himself, accepted by the gods as a son. But even he is subject to Osiris and Isis. As am I.” Dropping a gentle kiss on her cheek, Bek shook his head. “To you I am a Great One. To Osiris and Isis, I am one to be commanded, sent here and there to do their will. I have powers, but nothing that would stand against them.” He slid his hand down the curves of her body, over her hip and lower, seeking and finding an incredibly sensitive spot, massaging it in slow circles.
    I don’t understand. And I can’t think with him doing that to me. Merys wriggled away a few inches, her hand on his chest to fend him off so she could gather her thoughts. “But the legends say you created the world, which must have taken immense power. Why then do you bow to anyone else?”
    When he laughed there was a bitter undertone to the mirth. “Whatever I was, whatever I did in the beginning times, Osiris and Isis rule now. I assisted them in attaining their thrones. They are the right ones to rule in the era of man. I don’t deal well with the minutiae of human life. I’m more akin to nature itself. I tend to the health of Mother Nile. I accomplish such other tasks as I’m given. I’m not much venerated save in certain provinces like this one, along the Nile. Other Great Ones are on the rise—Horus, Ra, Hathor, Amon. My powers wane as theirs ascend. It is the way of things.”
    “Oh, and I’ve spent such time these past months talking to you