Her days began early. Before the sun had even risen, Phoenix was tending to her delicate charges. Little was known about phoenixes. Even the Priests and Priestesses who were said to have direct connections to the gods were wary when it came to handling phoenix chicks. Yet Phoenix knew that it wasn't until the chicks grew into maturity that they posed any danger.

Perhaps that was why there were so few phoenixes to begin with. Possessing the ability to be reborn from their own ashes wouldn't save them from hunters or other predators that found them particularly tasty. But Phoenix was determined to see that no harm befell the brood - or broods - under her care - even if Egypt wasn't her homeland and even if, in all honesty, she didn't owe the rulers of Egypt a thing.

"It would make my life easier if you hatched." she rested her hand on the surprisingly cool surface of one egg, "I do not know what they have planned for you, but I will be on your side." she frowned as she considered the possibilities.

After the death of the Princess, the Pharaoh and his Queen had gone into a period of mourning. Her tomb was nearly complete and it would soon be filled with her possessions. Phoenix could recall the Princess being intrigued by the phoenixes. She had even asked for some of their feathers.

But these chicks would not have feathers when they hatched and they certainly wouldn't be up to the task of flying or singing for the Princess's funeral.

Once again, she felt a nasty chill climb her spine. Were these chicks going to be hatched in order to die? Biting her lip, Phoenix lifted one of the eggs and pressed her ear against the shell. Movement could be heard inside.

It wouldn't be long before they saw the world.

Setting her jaw, she dropped a kiss on each of the eggs. As their surrogate mother, she would make sure they stayed in this world and took not even a single step towards the next. If she had to defy Pharaoh and his Queen, then so be it.

"You have given me purpose. Without you…and without my father…" she swallowed painfully, recalling her father's love of exotic and even rare birds, "I would have little reason to wake up every morning. They put you into my care, so I will care for you."

Until whatever end.

Rising from the sand and shielding her eyes, Phoenix brushed a strand of vivid red hair out of her grey eyes and focused on the location of the Princess's tomb in the distance. Workers were still trailing to and from it, which meant that the chicks had today, at the very least, to hatch from their shells. She honestly wouldn't put it past her "masters" to drive the chicks out of their shells by force.

Yet, once again, they would have her to contend with if they did so.

"Girl! Bird keeper!"

Phoenix found herself frowning before she could stop herself.

"I am here!" she called back, though there was a definite bite to her words.

A young boy was approaching her, looking winded. She held out her hand and offered him some water - which she kept in a skin tied around her waist.

"…th-thank you." he took a generous sip before wiping his mouth on the back of his hand, "Pharaoh wishes to speak to you. He orders you to bring the eggs with you!"

She could do little to hide her surprise. Suddenly, her heart was in her throat. The last time she even been near Pharaoh had been…

When her family had been forced into servitude. Needless to say, her mother and father had fought the order with tooth and nail only to lose their lives in the battle. She had been eight.

Now she was practically full grown and he still inspired terror within her.

"I shall come immediately." she swallowed her fear and grabbed a basket. After filling it with still hot sand, she nestled the eggs inside, "Lead me to him."

The boy turned on his heel and marched - a bit self-importantly in her opinion - back to the palace. All Phoenix could do was follow and pray to whatever gods or goddesses smiled upon her (if any existed) that she would not have to reveal how much she cared for the precious cargo in her arms. Or how far she was willing to go for them.