The Maximeron

By Beydulla Manaf and Marina Nairashvili Tvildiani

This fiction is the erotic stories about world politics.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Apr 12, 2021
• ISBN: 9781664168602

Book preview

Copyright © 2021 by Beydulla Manaf.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Rev. date: 04/12/2021

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CONTENTS

1     Unexpectedly Pleasant

2     The Taste Of Love

3     The Mysterious Guest

4     I’m Looking Out Of Mind

5     Turn Of Fate

6     Erbian Fragrances

7     For The First Time

8     Getting Closer

9     The Stepson

10   The Call From The White House

11   The Devil Is In The Thoughts

12   The State Is Us

13   The Confession

14   The Holy Brothel

15   The Fabulous Offer

16   The Turnover

17   The Black Pearl

18   The Passion

19   The Framework Of Decency

20   Titles Are Not Important In Bed

21   Revenge Of The Opposition

22   The Confidential Meeting

23   The Way To Power

24   Plan A And Plan B

25   Change Of Decorations

26   The Preparations

27   Poor Estonia

28   The French Fuse

29   Nothing Will Be Hit

Epilogue

1

UNEXPECTEDLY PLEASANT

The phone rang so suddenly that she flinched. The number flashed. He had never called at this time before. It seemed to her that, in the ensuing silence, everyone heard the beating of her heart. Meetingher husband’s gaze, she replied in her usual chesty voice, Hi, Mom. Are you all right?

His voice sounded somewhat playful. Hi, honey. We are OK now and even better than just OK. I’m at the hotel, in the same one. I’ll be waiting for you tomorrow morning. I know that your whole family has a dinner. Just called to say that I’ve arrived.

Blood rushed to her face. Her daughter noticed that and immediately took her to the kitchen. Her husband looked up in surprise, expecting an explanation. Getting up from the table, she walked headlongto the bedroom. Her daughter understood what had happened by reading the combination of happiness, excitement, and mild panic on her mother’s face. I have to go, she whispered barely audibly as if talking to herself.

Her daughter took off her light brown skirt and black sweater with gray stripes scattered on it. You will be irresistible.

Hermother smiled and opened a small drawer of underwear. She threw off her clothes. A pale pink bra quickly and dexterously grabbed her firm still young breasts. She caught her daughter’s admiring glance; she was always crazy about her mother’s bust.

Now the most important thing was herwhite and lace lingerie, which he crazy about.. But where did they go? Her daughter quickly picked up pink ones from the heap and handed them to her mother. But he likes white.

Her daughter looked at her with a stern look. He will be in heavenwiththe pink one.

Her husband came in on time; she was finishinghermakeup. Ahead of his question, she said in a businesslike and careless manner, Mom has a high fever, and my stepfather is away unfortunately. I need to take care ofher. It was composed on the go and therefore awkward.

After a short pause, she added, I’ll be back as soon as I can manage.

He grinned suspiciously. But what about dinner? Andit’s already dark, and it is snowing. Are you really going to drive? Can I give you a run? It sounded unexpectedly.

While she was gathering her thoughts to find an excuse and refuse his help, her daughter arrived in time. You have been unable to find time for two weeks to fix the door in my bathroom. I have to take a shower.

He looked at his wife. She was poking around in her bag and grabbed at a straw. She’s right, how long can you tolerate a broken bathroom door? You better do it, but I called Uber. I won’t be in time for dinner.

Returning to the dining room for the phone, she happily thought, It seems to work. But stretching out her hand for the phone, she suddenly noticed that it was not lying there. She found it, automatically turned it on, and saw the last incoming call on the screen; he was poking around with it. Well, go to hell! She dived into a dark alley, hailinga cab.

It was snowing thickly. It had already dusted the sidewalks and trees. Uber stood right at the corner. She flopped into the backseat. Marriott. You can count on a holiday tip. The driver thanked him and moved with joy too zealously. She initially wanted to call him from the car to meetat the front door. But thenshe decided to give him the same surprise as he did with his unexpected arrival from Europe.

She thought the elevator was going up too slowly. Couldn’t we have foreseen a speedy one? And she laughed at the rational proposal: To the third floor?

A knock caught him watchingFox News. He stood rooted to the spot andwas waiting for her since morning and did not know how to kill the whole night without her. And she stood here in front of him in an open fur coat with a face pink from frost and with burning, playful sparks in her eyes. In her hand, she solemnly held a bottle of Cabernet.

The bottle dropped. But the soft carpet kept it intact. The fur coat flew off her shoulders; her lips finally merged after a long separation. I don’t have much time. Open the bottle. I want to sip a little for courage.

Then we really need to hurry, love. And he picked up her fur coat from the floor, threw it over her shoulders, went to the closet, and put on his coat.

Are we going somewhere? she asked in surprise.

Yes. I need to take you somewhere. That is the reasonI flew to you.

A rented black Lincoln rustled into the upmarket area of town. The car pulled up at the garage gate of atwo-story mansion. The gate opened slowly and arrogantly. Without letting go of each other’s hands as if they were afraid to get lost, they walkedfrom the garage into a wide, bright hallway, through the living room, andinto the kitchen. Slowly taking off her fur coat, he sat her down at the bar and put his finger to his lips before the stream of questions. Dexterously, he opened the bottle, poured it into wineglasses, and presented one to her. The first toast, my love, to the cozy nest that we have dreamed of for so long.

She sipped the wine in confusion, looking around with childishly stunned eyes. He sat down opposite her and, with a look, invited her to him. She came in between his knees andgave him a kiss. Her tongue pressed against his. They heard their own even breathing and the frantic beating of their hearts. His hand, in a youthful way, penetrated under her skirt and eagerly felt through her thin tights, round ass, pubis, and legs. She slowly pulled away from his lips and sank to the floor. Her hands rested on the silhouette of his sleeping phallus. She raised her eyes to him, full of tears, and whispered, How I dreamed of such a night, my dear! Let me taste you with my lips. Otherwise, I cannot believe in reality.

The anticipation of this reality made his head spin. He leaned back, closed his eyes, and gave himself up to his pleasure. She clasped hisphalluswith both hands and, at first, gazed eagerly. Then it entered through her lips like a teenager enters his home—freely and even casually. It was greeted with affection and love. Enjoying the meeting, itbegan to grow and mature. And soon it already behaved like an adult husband who took possession of his wife.

Herskirt slid down instantly, realizing the importance of the moment. He pulled her tights off her along with the pinkpanties. Wasting no time, leaving them just belowher knees, he sat his beloved on hisphallus, eager to meet. She sat on the throne, proudly throwing herneckhigh, royally, unhurriedly, and with a light, almost airy groan of aprincess. They ascended to paradise, listening to the rhythm of their flight—a flight accompanied by delicious ups and downs. He enjoyed the abundant moisture, knowing how long she had been waiting for him. She felt a support, a dream, and a master within herself. I want to go to our bedroom, he heard her whisper through rapid breathing after their first long orgasm.

Jacuzzi greeted her with warm foam and coziness. Wineglasses migrated to the edge of the bath. They were basking, reclining against each other, kissingincessantly. His hand stroked his beloved’s knees. Her fingers were naughty with the instrument of love.

Waking up in the middle of the night, in the dark, he noticed that her phone screen came on. She slept like a little doll, curled up in a ball and buried in his chest. He reached out and saw her home number on the screen. The clock showed 3:40 a.m. She opened her eyes and slowly took the phone from his hands. In the silence of the night, he heard her daughter’s voice. You promised to call me. Are you OK?

Yes, my dear. Get some sleep. Ilove you very much. But I started a new life. Don’t be bored. We will see each other often.

She threw the phone on the floor and lay on top of her beloved. From under his pillow, her pink panties looked playfully at her. You said you loved white ones.

It seems to me that the color is not the issue. The scent of your flesh drives me crazy. But we still have to stock up on rainbow colors when choosing your underwear.

Sam had an important meeting at the local newspaper office at ten o’clock. He promised to be backfor lunch. Thelaptop was glowing so invitingly that Lindsay decided to scrollthrough it. nd from the very first lines, she understood thatit was all about a new novel onancient Egypt.

Outside the windows of their new bedroom, the pale pinkdawn of a new life was rising.

THE PHARAOH IL HAMON

The Splash of the Waterfall Will Not Quench Your Thirst

The morning foreshadowed some trials. With the first rays of the sun, there was a feeling of a rush of blood to the back of hishead. This happened to him for the first time—for the first time since taking the high rank of high priest.

A maid in a thin veil entered the bedchamber silently and fell at his feet in anticipation. It was Zibbu. She was first introduced to the temple at the time of maturity. Since then, there was nevera case that Zibbu missed the moment of hermaster’s awakening. Sometimes it even seemed to him that she did not close her eyes, being behind the transparent fabric onher head.

He signaled with a glance to start the morning bath. After a while, closing his eyelids, Benaf walked slowly down the steps, gradually sinking into a white marble pool. The higher the water rose along hisbody, the more playful were the hands touching it. Seven young virgins unhurriedly began the ritual of the morning washing of the messenger of the gods. The ceremony took place under the stern gaze of Zibbu. Zibbu once started with this herself. But very soon, her unique art and undeniable talent were noticed. Since then, she had been promoted to the status of dreamkeeper.

The ceremony was drawing to a close. In the prayer room, Benafwas dressed in a white tunic over a thoroughly washed and oiled body. Fresh lettuce- sat on a round black marble dais in front of his throne, head up. (In ancient Egypt, lettuce was considered a symbol of fertility.) It was the symbol of the phallus and of all statehood, foundations, and philosophy of Egypt.

Seven virgins who had completed the ritual of ablution awaited theirmaster’s order, bowing their heads before the throne. Zibbu read the name of one of them from Benaf’s lips. Taking the happy darling by the arms, Zibbu led her to the black hill. She put lettuce into her very young hands. Mashenet, with a bewitching smile, brought it to her lips, applied it to her elastic girlish breasts, and then slowly and gracefully lowered it to her pubis.

The time of communication between the high priest and the Creator was approaching. Zibbu and the rest of the slaves quietly left the chapel. The priest raised his head towardthe sky, closed his eyelids, and whispered the first words of greeting, addressing the great Ra. Only a few moments passed before the chapel plunged into complete darkness. All the candles went out except one. The flame of this candle stopped flickering and froze like a powerful fiery tongue. A huge shadow of the Founder of the universe had appeared.

Benaf’s body relaxed. He went with his consciousness to another world. Mashenet unexpectedly caught the call of her own flesh. Herhand itself reached for the master’s groin. She, as in a dream, leaned her face against his slightly parted knees. For the first time, she felt the irresistible need to touch her lips on the male flesh. The throbbing barrel barely fit in a child’s hand. The young Persian woman brought her trembling lips closer. Herlips parted themselves along the rough and elastic rim. Herfree hand slowly lowered to herown pubis and began to stroke them slowly. Hertongue felt the tremor of histrunk.

Mashenet was losing her mind from the contact with the hot phallus, unknown to her until now. Her ears delighted in the priest’s musically intoxicating prayer. Her flesh, untouched by anyone, moistened her fingers. She discovered for first time her point of divine pleasure. This fantastic phenomenon could continue for a long time. But at a certain moment, the priest became all tense. He finally heard from the Creator what he turned to him for. To the priest’s question What is this? the Creator answered with a question. Are you ready for the fruit of love?

The priest felt the need to free himself from the heavy burden that had pressed on the back of his head since morning. He slowly lifted Mashenet, imperiously lowered her flesh onto hisphallus, and exploded with the energy of life. His long loud groan was heard in the vaults of the temple. Mashenet felt as if the scalding lava of a volcano had flowed into her youthful womb.

Hearing a groan, Zibbu entered the prayer room. The candles lit up the room again, breathing heavily on the throne of the priest and shaking with Mashenet’s first orgasm. Following Zibbu, the young queen fromSakartli—the snow-white beauty Inmutef—was brought into the chapel on a stretcher. The old slave who accompanied the queen fell at Benaf’s feet. No one is able to save my sovereign except you, my lord. Help her be born in health and keep the royal fetus alive. The Sakartli people need an heir.

Tired of the morning communication with the world’s Creator, the lord only now understood the answer of the Creator. He walked slowly toward the stretcher. Inmutef, barely hiding the incredible pain and with a proud, regal movement of her well-groomed hands, raised the hem of her thin robe to her breasts. Flashing her fiery eyes, she whispered in an imperious voice, You have put too much holy passion into me. Not a single fetus from such a sperm can fit into eventhe royal womb.

But, Your Majesty, on that night, you were the queen of love too, retorted Benaf with a smile.

Inmutef’s answer sounded with some reproach. The splash of the waterfall did not quench my thirst.

Putting his hand to the once coveted royal pubis, Benaf said thoughtfully, The fetusis unusual not only for its disposition but also for its divine light. Therefore, do not worry. Itwill be alive, and you will be healthy.

At the sign from the priest, two black giants seized the queen from both sides and lifted her over a massive table covered with a veil. Then he ordered her to be lowered onto her left side. He put his hand to the belly of Inmutef and whispered a few unintelligible phrases. After a while, he ordered the giants to lift the body of the lady and lay it this time on herright side. The lord ran his hand from her navel to her pubis, repeating mysterious incantations. Finally, the giants fulfilled another will of the priest; they put the body of the woman in labor facedown, leaning on her knees and elbows. With mature and snow-white buttocks, Inmutef’s flesh—wide open from tension—reminded the priest of a unique night of love spent in the Sakartli Palace last spring.

As soon as the priest approached the parted thighs of the queen and extended his hands, in front of everyone present, a transparent ball with a baby inside fell on his fingers. The queen gave birth to a difficult child. But she gave birth in a holy shell. Afaint voice sounded like a whisper of prayer. It was a dazzlingly beautiful femalebaby. She entered the temple in an unusual way—with wide-open eyes. Benaf, tenderly taking her into his strong hands, cut off the umbilical cord, went to a warm waterfall, and dipped the baby’s body into it for three short moments.

Zibbu presented him with a blanket of the finest linen. The priest, touching the baby with hislips, gently wrappedher in a cloth and handed her over to the nurse. The princess was named Nairam.

Zibbu took her completely exhausted masterto his bedchamber. He was not ready for this kind of birth. As he went to bed, Zibbu didn’t forget to remind him, You gave birth to many sons around the world. The gods have finally given you a female child. Tomorrow I will prepare everything for a generous thanksgiving to the gods.

Meanwhile, the priest was overcome with an ineradicable thirst. This haunted him every time after mental shocks. Zibbu knew about the only source of vitality for the lord. A mature snow-white thrush was brought into the bedchamber. She was breastfeeding the newborn, Nairam. Calling the nurse to him, the priest greedily fell to herotherbreast. And he met the gaze of the sucking newborn. Fatigue began to recede. A new day was beginning outside the windows of the temple.

2

THE TASTE OF LOVE

Pete Colbyfrom CNN was on fire, describing the upcoming summitin Hamburg so monotonously that Lindsay was ready to turn off the screen. Moreover, except for her, no one listened to him. She didn’t like peeling potatoes. But Sam liked the fried potato side dish she did. Thoughts in her head were peeled in harmony with the potato skin.

For a year now, they had finally joined their destinies, acquired a cozy and expensive house in a prestigious area, and enjoyed reality after tenyears of virtual communication over the Internet. Lindsay tried not to think that time could chill their relationship. But everyone around them often hintedto not really hope for love until the grave.

Two days ago, when Sam received an invitation to Hamburg, this very damned summit, Lindsay was pretty sure he was planning to take her with him too. But he didn’t even start talking about the trip. However, the departure was scheduled for today, Friday. Meanwhile, Lindsay had secret plans for this weekend—a romantic dinner at a restaurant. After all, there was a reason—eleven years of their acquaintance on a social network.

Sam’s voice could be heard from the bedroom upstairs, talking loudly and irritably in German to someone. Most likely, he discussed the conditions of his participation at the press conference. Suddenly, Pete Colby fell silent, and Lindsay even thought, God, did this clown hear me? The potatoes almost fell out of her hand when Lindsay felt Sam’s lips on the back of her head.

You look so delicious in the kitchen, myprincess. His hand rested on her belly and already wanted to sink lower.

Some kind of electric charge passed along her entire back from the neck to the gyrus on the butt. Lindsay was excited for being next to him. With a sarcastic smile, she stopped his impulse. Sit down. I’m setting the table soon, Caligula.

Sam could only stroke her curls. I’ll fry the potatoes myself and set the table. Run upstairs and pack your things. We’re leaving in three hours.

We? Lindsay dropped everything that she was holding in her hands and realized she still hadn’t been able to guess his next move.

As it turned out later, he insisted that the organizers provide for his participation with a personal secretary. Lindsay got ready in fifteen minutes; she put only a bunch of underwear and three outfits into her suitcase. The trip was planned for only three days. But they rushed to the airport in vain; their flight was delayed due to weather conditions for two to three hours. There was a blizzard in Hamburg, but here, it was slush and cold.

It was necessary to somehow kill time, and Sam suggested the nearest cinema; they showed a classic comedy. Fortunately, their suitcases had already been checked in. It was dark in the small hall, the first shots were going, and six people were sitting. And they all took the best seats in the middle of the hall. Sam pulled Lindsay’s hand into the very last row. It was warm, cozy, and deserted there. Her first kiss in the cinema was innocent but delicious. She touched his chin and realized that she wanted to bite him here and now. And then the top button of her blouse was unbuttoned, and his hand plunged into her narrow bra.

Gained weight again, ran through Lindsay’s head. You can’t go on a diet with him.

Sam knew her underwear well; with an experienced movement of his fingers, he unbuttoned the cups and breasts and, heavy with lust, playfully jumped out to freedom. You’re crazy. Stop it. She tried to resist. At the same time, her hand fell as if by accident on the main dignity of the family. Itwas immediately startled by the familiar contact. His fingers met his beloved’s right nipple. It was so spoiled thatit responded to caresses instantly. And hisgourmet lips fell to the left one. The left nipple answered shyly and therefore was tempting.

Lindsay dropped her head on his shoulder and whispered, What are you doing to me, barbarian? I’m not iron. And her hand went to the fly of his trousers. The lock opened quickly, and her handenteredHis Highness’s. It was already standing. A warm palm grabbed, squeezed, and unclenched it several times in a row. The nipples under his fingers and lips acted like windy schoolgirls. Lindsay felt the familiar languor sink mercilessly.

Rising slightly, she lifted her skirt and tried to calm her rebellious pubis. But his hand immediately fell on her hand, and Lindsay had to retreat. She only slightly parted her legs to finally capitulate and surrender. The captive was already wet. And when his finger just touched Lindsay couldn’t help but groan. Recovering herself, she—to her joy—heard laughter in the hall; six spectators laughed together at the antics of Jerry Lewis.

Taking advantage of the enthusiasm of a small cinema hall, Sam completely lost his head; he lifted her and put her back to him, facing the screen. She began to sway slowly as if under hypnosis. She stared at the screen with her eyes closed. In a home environment, Lindsay usually tried to restrain her orgasm at such moments to stretch bliss. But giving herself up for the first time in an openly public place, she involuntarily tried to speed up this process and hurried to rejoice at every wave of relief.

Her thoughts suddenly floated in her youth. One day sitting with a girlfriend in the cinema, she suddenly noticed that at the other end of the empty row, a young lady—burying her head in her boyfriend’s knees—was clearly providing him with oral services. And at some point, Lindsay’s and the man’s gazes met. Fifteen-year-old Lindsay blushed deeply, buried her eyes on the screen, and did not take her eyes in his direction.

And now as soon as this scene from her youth surfaced before her eyes, she was struck by a royal orgasm. She leaned back and gave in to Sam’s kisses. Returning to her chair, she again—for the umpteenth time—noticed that he was licking his finger like a little boy sucking on a lollipop, the same finger that just recently captured her in a seductive captivity below the navel. She reached for his lips and gave him a juicy kiss. This was herfirst—the first after orgasm in a public entertainment area.

Squeezing the enraged rascal in her palms, she whispered briefly and imperiously, I want him … I want … do you hear me? And you know what I want to do… I am completely crazy. He lifted the arm of the chair, and they were side by side without obstacles. Lindsay only had to bend her head. Her lips sucked in with such eagerness that he already rested against her larynx. She began to do it more and more often. His Majesty reared up and turned into a solid ruler, ready to explode with volcanic happiness. Her fingers caressed the base and sometimes penetrated into the crotch. He felt her rapid and hot breath on his stomach. The wave rolled in for the umpteenth time, demanding an orgasm. And he tried to hold on as long as possible on a high note of pleasure. But Lindsay decided to speed up the approach of the explosion; for a second, she released the prisoner free. And barely having time to bring it back, she felt a stream of warm moisture onher tongue and palate. It was an indescribable sensation, like a scattering of dew on a petal.

They didn’t wait until the end of the movie when they turned on the bright lights. Coming out into the fresh, frosty air and wrapped in a sheepskin coat, Lindsay took Sam’s arm, and they walked slowly toward the airport. On the way, she told Sam about the same incident at the cinema that had happened to her many years ago, when she and a girlfriend were visiting relatives in Alabama.

Sam stopped and looked at her as if he saw her for the first time. He suddenly began to laugh. And then he asked, "It was an evening show at the New Vision Cinema in Montgomery, and the movie wasCasablanca"

Lindsay froze as if bewitched. So it … was you? Son of a bitch!

Sitting in the third row of the first class and without waiting for the drinks to be dispensed, Lindsay fell asleep like a marmot, curled up in her chair and legs bent under her. Sam carefully covered her with a blanket and took hold of the laptop. She woke up from a nightmare. What time is it, dear?

It’s already 6:00 p.m. in Hamburg. How did you sleep?

Disgusting! I dreamed about that idiot Pete Colby from CNN. Imagine, he was shaming me from the TV screen all over the country, like I acted like the last whore when I fucked you in the cinema.

I hope you explained to him that we don’t do this every day.

Lindsay slapped him theatrically on the lips and took away his unfinished glass of wine.

Sam, suddenly noticing someone in the first row on the left, handed Lindsay the laptop. Hold on, love. I need to talkwith someone. Be back soon. He walked through the sleeping cabin of the plane and sat down in an empty seat next to acouple. The man, from the back of his head, looked like someone. But Lindsay couldn’t remember who it was. The woman sitting between Sam and the mysterious man turned and looked at Lindsay for a few seconds; it turned out that it was the wife of California governor Michael Nicholas Topalis, Adele Topalis. It was rumored that they were the next candidates for the White House.

Lindsay opened the lid of his laptop to a page with another chapter of short stories about ancient Egypt.

THE PHARAOH IL HAMON

My Pitcher Will Irrigate This Soul Too

Fiery torches illuminated the entire road leading to the palace of the tenth-dynasty pharaoh Il Hamon, the son of Hata Kyar III. The celebration was in full swing when the priest, Benaf, slowly crossed the last line of the guards, which with a greeting parted before the high lord. The myriad of guests—already drunk, having done away with the appearances—split into small groups around the gushing pool.

A rhythmic melody sounded loudly; adozen naked slaves danced. The inviting body movements of lush hips and breasts could not leave anyone indifferent. Shaking their heads and hands with time, the old ones fought with dice, while the young and very young were carried away by lustful games with the servants. The country celebrated a rare event: Shepsut, the mother of the recently ascended to the throne of the pharaoh, notified the people of the first ejaculation ofIl Hamon.

The still childish face of the son of the sun shone exactlylike a sun. The sun’s descendants were considered the pharaohs of Egypt. He was surrounded by a crowd of carefully selected slaves for all tastes, aged twelve to twenty. From time to time, one of them—waiting for Shepsut’s command—bent down between the teenager’s legs, pleasing him with her inherent mastery of oral art. The mother was careful not to miss the main event, the first public ejaculation.

Benaf approached the queen, stood at arm’s length, and bowed his head in respect. Shepsut just nodded, saying, I see the gods are still merciful to my son, the great Il Hamon, if they decided, although belatedly, to send the priest to our palace.

The gods convey to you, noble Shepsut, and to your reigning child their mercies. Blessed be the first seeds of the future kings of Egypt.

Lowering hervoice to a whisper accessible only to Benaf’s ears, Shepsut capriciously rebuked, Once, Your Holiness awarded me a more affectionate title than the Noble One. How long will I have to wait for that pitcherthat used to rush to irrigate my soil from that memorable first night of our secret love?

Everything is your will, desired by me and chosen by the gods. They allow our lust on any blessed night when your fertile soil decides to drink from my pitcher. The gods blessed our secret union long ago.

Shepsut stared into his eyes like a hungry lioness at her lost male. Hearing what was important for her to hear, Shepsut bowed her head, commanding him to continue.

Benaf approached her ears. The gods today are concerned about the future of Egypt and sent me with an important message to you and the pharaoh. The king of Nubia is secretly preparing intrigues against us.

Shepsut looked at her son and turned to the priest, indignant. Don’t your gods see how out of place it is now? Imagine yourself in the place of the pharaoh! Tell the gods to wait with Nubia!

At these moments, the eyes of the young and excited pharaoh opened; a terrible grimace distorted his face. Shepsut raised her hand. The music stopped instantly, the dancers froze, and the guests knelt down, bowing their heads in the direction of the throne. The country froze for a few moments. A short groan echoed throughout the palace. Pharaoh Il Hamon, for the first time, publicly emitted a seed.

Shepsut, with a victorious smile on her face, signaled to continue the triumph. Deafening fanfare alerted the country to the beginning of a new era in the fate of Egypt. The pharaoh embarked on an important stage in governing the state—the fertilization of wives and concubines.

Benaf decided that he could not wait any longer. He came close to Shepsut and whispered, The gods warn that the Nubian will move his troops to our borders the day after tomorrow.

Shepsut, not even surprised, answered, My son and I tomorrowwill be busy with matchmaking. As you know better than anyone else, yesterday with your help, the princess of Sakartli, Nairam, was born. I want to conclude a marriage alliance with Queen Inmutef between Il Hamon and Nairam. Soask the gods to postpone the date of the start of the war—well, at least until the day of the princess’s maturity. Otherwise, you will have to lead our valiant troops yourself.

Then imperceptibly tothose around her, she touched the dignity of the priest with the back of her right hand and added with undisguised passion, Follow me, prisoner. This night, I will quench my thirst leisurely and with pleasure. The two of them disappeared unnoticed; the guests were already, with might and main, carried away by the food, drinks, and slaves.

On the way to her bedchamber, Shepsut was so hungry for caresses that, turningaround the very first column, she lifted the priest’s tunic, took his dignity into her own hands, and lowered herself to him with regal lips. I burn with desire and cannot hide my lust.

Benaf heard someone’s approaching footsteps; it turned out that it was Esab, the brother of the late spouse of Shepsut, Pharaoh Hata Kyar III. The priest lifted her in his arms and carriedher quickly toward the chambers.

Shepsut, throwing off her clothes, pulled his hand to the pool. Benaf was taking off his tunic, already wet. The queen seemedunbridled. My son has reached maturity today, andit seems to me that I’m crazy about you, my love. Only you can cure me of my madness, only you, from whose seed the country received Pharaoh and I received a son.

She released the priest only with the first rays of the sun. And even so, Benaf left the palace before the holiday drew to a close. In the dimly lit corridor leading to the rear exit, he ran into a busty nurse. The baby in her arms was noisily capricious, refusing to feed. Her strange cry reminded Benaf of some familiar melody from early childhood.

When he came close, the baby saw him and suddenly stopped crying. It was the newborn, Nairam. The gaze of the shell-born princess met thatof the priest, her father. This did not last long. But after a moment, the child—as if nothing had happened—silently and relishingly sucked the breast. The amazed nurse looked at the priest from head to toe; the child refused to breastfeed all night long.

Returning to his room, Benaf remembered that, yesterday morning, the sky was distinguished by the largest cluster of planets. It was the year of the fiery horse. The marriage plans of the young pharaoh and Nairam were not destined to come true. The nurse could not understand the meaning of the phrase thrown by Benaf. It seems that my pitcherwillirrigate this soil as well.

3

THE MYSTERIOUS GUEST

Hamburg met them with a continuous snowfall. The five-star Fairmont Hotel captivated with its nineteenth-century building. Lindsay loved classic hotels but, of course, with modern facilities. The spacious room overlooked