SCARAB OF THE GODDESS

Long ago in the land of Khem the Pharaoh who keeps the peace is dying. To save himself he must undergo the Initiation of Light. His nephew, Rai Xion, works to uncover a coup to prevent the pharaoh from receiving the life-giving ritual. To save the life of the ruler, Rai Xion will use anyone to foil the planned overthrow, even an arrogant slave.
Bought by the most famous courtesan in Anaktes, Maya has grown into a strong young woman who runs the household of her kind mistress, Miryham. One afternoon Maya’s peace is disturbed by the discovery of a man skulking in the foliage near the courtyard gate. Accosting the tall stranger, Maya discovers he desires an assignation with her mistress. She rebuffs his request, but concerned by his furtive approach, she later journeys to the Temple of Isis to pray for the well-being of her mistress. Kneeling at the back of the sanctuary, her prayers are interrupted by angry whispers and she spots two men in stealthy conversation. Alarmed, but hidden behind the altar of the goddess, she waits as shortly calm again descends within the temple. Growing silence persuades her the conspirators have fled. She stands to slip away, but is unceremoniously tackled and dragged to the floor.
Struggling for release, her gaze fixes on the face of her attacker. “You!”