UE Rewrite: B5 — 18. Throne of Truth (Patreon)

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Hatshepsut (Our Egyptian Female Pharaoh!)

Elinor (Our Lich Empress Raises A Mummy!)

Undying Empire Index

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Hatshepsut’s consciousness surfaced slowly, dragging with it fragments of three millennia of rough history she had not experienced. A dream outside her mind, pulled by an unseen hand that dragged her into an ancient land.

In an out-of-body sort of way, she knew what was happening to her. Her soul was dragged beyond the curtains of the past by something vast and inexorable, shown visions of what called her back—fear and awe woven into emerald flame that tasted of death made sovereign. Only, she was no longer fully a part of that world.

The voices echoed first, memories and the present meshing together into a choral resonance, layered and distant, filtering through the fog of resurrection like prayers whispered across temple walls. Images flashed with colors beyond words, and she saw things.

Karnak’s pillars, burning gold under Ra’s judgment, bowing before a great, terrible shadow. The smell of myrrh and linen, the weight of the double crown pressing against her skull. Senenmut’s quiet laugh in the garden, Thutmose’s cold eyes watching her monuments crumble as shadows encroached, ensuing her fall into the Duat, sinking below its lulling wake.

Abruptly, she heard music in the thick, dust-laden air of the sands of time…one familiar, fading tune, pulling at her tiny soul. Her body responded before her mind caught up.

Fingers brushing against firm stone, skin tingling—no, flesh regenerating into something whole. Every imperfection burned away as if a divine hand had smoothed over every flaw in her soul, animating her with a fire that didn’t belong to this world.

New, golden eyes flickered open to black stone, and cast skyward, impossibly tall, carved symbols and jewels shone overhead. The ceiling soared beyond comprehension, studded with gems the size of cattle that pulsed with their own light—turquoise, silver, crimson, green, and others.

Beyond the temples of Egypt. Beyond her ancestral images of grandeur. Two blazing figures stood high above, one of pure light, the other shadow, and around them stars so brilliant that it was beyond utterance.

Not Karnak. Not Thebes. Not Egypt.

She was remade by divinity.

Her binder. But also something more. A reality that was fading, though woven into her very bones—Ra bowing before a vastness.

…Empress Elinor. My empress…

Her vision lowered to her perfect, slim fingers, smooth, blemishless skin, and the realization that once again, she lived. But she was not the same person and never would be again.

All Hatshepsut heard was gentle weeping from an unknown lady nearby, a stillness that deepened after her whispered words. Her gaze swept the royal chamber once again to the thirteen thrones, arranged on a massive dais, each illuminated by corresponding gemstones above.

The hazy vision of deities and souls of cosmic power faded, replaced by figures of flesh and bone below the central seat. It towered over the rest of the thrones, sized for something thirty feet tall, radiating authority.

Two figures stood side by side before it, small, though filling it in every way that mattered—the Empress and High Queen.

Her words fell out of her on instinct, her head lowering.

“Empress, High Queen.”

Then movement drew her attention to her right.

A small woman with brown hair and red-rimmed eyes stood trembling nearby, clutching scrolls to her chest like sacred texts. She’d seen this before and knew the feeling intimately when she’d ascended the pharaoh’s throne.

Tears streamed down her face—not grief, but joy so intense it bordered on religious ecstasy.

Sarah…

The name surfaced with a resonance deep within her, pulled out from within a nexus she didn’t quite understand yet.

Dr. Sarah Whitmore. Historian. The one who carried me across worlds to preserve me from a chaotic point in Earth’s history…so I could be resurrected.

“You’re… You’re really here,” Sarah whispered, voice breaking. “You’re actually—”

She restrained a frown or flinch as new senses flared without warning, not physical but something deeper—an emotional landscape painting murals across faces.

She’s devoted, genuinely, Hatshepsut noted, feeling her soul flowing out in waves of sound that united into a clear-belled note in her ears. A curiosity, tinged with academic obsession. She worships the past and her own idolized image of me… That’s useful.

Placing a finger against her slim neck, she tested her voice again, vision moving from the woman back to the ruler over the dead; it came out smooth, feminine, carrying authority she’d spent twenty-two years in Egypt cultivating.

“Words flow into me from a heart already offered to the throne of Osiris—knowledge of one named the Dark Child of the Outland… There is a dream yet to cling to, do not waver now in the face of death. My task in life is not yet finished…though to what purpose that task is, I have yet to understand.”

Sarah’s mouth gaped in the stillness, following her gaze to the pointed-earred, black-crowned young woman standing above them. “Empress, Osiris…named you the Dark Child of the Outlands? What does that mean?”

The ethereal ruler’s lips curved slightly as the stunning blonde next to her giggled—twins. One with powers like unto Isis and Ra, the other, Osiris and Anubis. Elinor’s words were clear, soft as silk, yet lined with steel.

“You are the first I’ve raised to have made such a declaration. You should not be described as Queen Hatshepsut, but Maatkare, Beloved of Ra. As for your purpose, that will be revealed as you join me on this stage… Rise.”

Vision widening, a heat rose within her chest—recognition and respect.

She obeyed.

As she moved to the colossal ape’s open palm to act as her chariot, Hatshepsut’s Truth Core activated involuntarily—her new senses drinking in her empress’ potent soul with analytical hunger.

She has absolute confidence. She has no need for deception with me. No doubt in herself. She has the willpower of a god… And you can hear my every thought, Empress… 

Elinor’s vision narrowed with a smile. “You have surprised me, which is not easily done, Hatshepsut. We will talk about your unique resurrection at a later date and what it was you saw in your awakening. Welcome—”

Her words were drowned out with a bubbly squeal the moment she stepped onto the upper echelon. The blonde twin stepped forward with a warm smile, life energy crackling around her in golden sparks, and broke all formality, wrapping her in a powerful embrace.

“Welcome, Hatshepsut! I don’t like titles so much—for the most part. I’m Butter. This is my sister Elinor—don’t let her stiff attitude and distant, dreary vibe get you down. I’m so excited to have you here. Sarah told me all about you before we left Earth.”

“Butter…” Elinor sighed, giving her a stern frown that broke the tension in the chamber with light, nervous chuckles. “This isn’t a welcome party but a State of the Union. There needs to be a little decorum.”

The blonde broke away, her hair like liquid gold sliding over Hatshepsut’s arms as her aquamarine eyes flared at her sister with gentle defiance. “You have your way of doing things, and I have mine. But go ahead, spread your dreadful, gothic vibe.”

The sister duality was clearly manifest—Death and Life. Names and understanding filtered through Hatshepsut’s innate knowledge of truth woven into the Nexus itself she had access to as its governor. Irkalla and Ashrit. Past identities. One of only a few things these divine twins feared… No. Fear was the wrong word. Caution was better.

Hatshepsut gave a respectful curtsy that flowed naturally, despite the awkward custom she’d never enacted. The two rulers shifted their gaze back to her as she introduced herself to the empire she’d been raised in.

“I am Ma’at-ka-Re Hatshepsut. Former Pharaoh of Egypt. I ruled the Two Lands for twenty-two years of prosperity.”

Her lips curved slightly as she turned her attention to her fellow Court members, before her focus dropped to the citizens.

“For those who do not hail from Earth, the great nation of Egypt may not mean anything to you. Know that I have been dead for three thousand years. With that, I return to my place beside your throne, Empress.”

She shifted her posture to look between the powerful figures standing below each of the thrones—her co-rulers, supporting the Empress in her designs.

The split mothers, the White and Black Witch Queens. The Assassin, the Huntress, and the Death Knight husband and father. So many threads and interactions… Creaks in the foundation.

She noted the colder presence that swept through the Nexus as newcomers emerged from a portal behind the white throne.

Queen Lilya… The Alchemist has left her world to give her report, without Princess Castria, the Arcanist. Though Roman has decided to make a surprise visit at this opportune time. How curious.

Elinor’s expression didn’t change, though something flickered in those emerald eyes as they took their own positions, Roman acting as if he were a figure amongst the Court. He was a subtle problem that needed to be dealt with.

“Hatshepsut,” Elinor spoke privately through the Nexus, though Butter listened in regardless, given her authority. “I want you to use your ability. I am about to give a speech to my people, and you are my Seat of Truth… Tell me what you sense and understand. I will only be here for a short time before the Court takes over the report.”

Her lips curled upward, hands clasped at her front, watching the all-powerful young ruler take center stage. I will be listening closely to their emotions, Empress, and give you a true account of where your citizens stand.

“Excellent. When my mother takes center stage, I will need you for another…more forceful task regarding enemy forces. Azalea…”

The blue-haired spider creature in human form strained a smile as nervous energy vibrated through the Nexus—she was not one who had often dealt with reprimands and came from a very foreign culture. Her older sister looked even more nervous than her.

“Empress, I wiped their memories! They don’t remember a thing. Well, except for a rational, somewhat irrational fear—at least for them—of me, but they’re listening intently!”

Hatshepsut looked to the mentally suppressed ri’bot strike force, bound off to the side, out of view of the public, and in a practical daze. In Azalea’s mind, she didn’t even understand why her actions were a problem.

“You are not in trouble. It was my oversight. It is salvageable. Your race functioned on pure power and evolution—propagate, invade worlds, consume, and create a stronger new generation for the next conquest. There will be growing pains.”

Hatshepsut had to acknowledge the insanity of such a casual statement, as the two odd young women practically glowed at it.

Her gaze settled on the blind man, projecting casual confidence that bordered on arrogance—Roman. Her Truth Core flared involuntarily, reading him in an instant as his sunglasses gleamed, head tilting her way.

He hides deeper knowledge behind layers guarding his soul… Interesting. I’d need to actively invade his mind, and it would not be easy. He has a warrior’s soul… A legend. Trustworthy in the moment, but not transparent. He serves his own interests. Yet, we need him to keep Kaspir open to our influence.

Vision drifting away, she felt a surge of motivation.

I like this new age I’ve entered. There are so many possibilities to explore.

She’d entered an age of myths and legends. Her rule had meant something for her to be granted this opportunity.

✧ ⸻ ✧ ⸻ ✧

[Shift to Elinor's POV]

Elinor let the throne room settle, emerald flames dancing idly along her fingertips as thousands of eyes fixed on her. The ritual cameras captured every angle, projecting her image throughout the palace and courtyard areas where citizens gathered.

Hatshepsut stood to her left, golden eyes sweeping the crowd with analytical precision. Butter remained to her right, radiating warmth that balanced Elinor’s cold authority—it was rather uncomfortable when she was trying to project a certain image.

“Roman’s here, hmm?” Butter internally mused to her, hair hanging as she leaned forward and waved at him with a toothy grin. “Uninvited. Bold move, Sister. What timing, too! What do you think he’s here to try and extract out of us this time?”

Her gaze wandered from his well-tailored suit, groomed appearance, and tanner skin than when she’d last seen him. He’s been to the desert. What did he tell you, Lilya?

The Alchemist responded with slight disapproval as Elinor took center stage.

“No one knew about my coming back at this moment but Castria. Given his known abilities, I’d say he has us under surveillance. All he mentioned to me was that he requires a meeting with you, High Queen.”

“Me?!” Butter laughed, eyes brightening visibly as she stole another look. “How mysterious. And almost insulting in an irrational way. Does he think I’m easier to deal with than you, Priss?”

He wouldn’t be wrong…

“Priss! I may be a socialite, but I am hardly easily dealt with, as you can attest to.”

I’m not talking about power, but your insatiable curiosity and habit of walking into traps for fun… Must we ask that Lunar Hare from Earth her opinion on you?

“Oh, that’s a low blow,” her twin pouted, cheeks puffing to the side. “You weren’t there. I only showed you everything after the fact.”

From your own point of view, Sister, she corrected, almost smiling at her as she let the crowd feel her presence. You’re a danger to yourself, and you know it. But I doubt that’s the reason he’s here, Elinor sighed.

“It’s not like you don’t make mistakes out of interest too, Priss,” the blonde grumbled in a way only she could. “We’re two sides of the same coin, so it’s like the pot calling the kettle black.” 

Fair rebuttal. Your Earth idioms are getting better.

“Thank you!”

In any case. We’ll deal with him after. 

“Citizens of my Undying Empire.”

Her voice carried through the amplification rituals, clear and absolute.

“You will hear reports from my Court. After which, you will understand the scope of what we build—multiple species, multiple worlds, death itself serving our vision. But words mean nothing without action. So let me be direct about what comes next.”

She gestured toward the crowd, emerald flames intensifying briefly.

“One hundred twenty-seven thousand corpses await resurrection. Your families. Your friends. Those who carried you across the jungle and died before reaching safety. They return within the week…”

Gasps rippled through the assembled masses as Hatshepsut fed her a distilled image of the most potent tensions that swept through the throng. Her mouth tightened at the words she spoke, vision narrowing.

“…Some of you may feel anger, even hatred, for your neighbors who abandoned Earth, choosing this world when you were forced here against your will. I understand those emotions. I know you wonder if there was a possibility that the portal remained open for you to return.”

She paused, her voice leaving no room for error. “That is a false belief that is poison to the soul…but what is not is the hope for another Crystal to appear. I promise you, one day, you will have the chance to return. I will find a way. I will not rule over someone who does not choose to be under my mantle. That said… I will not be made a fool.”

A chill swept through the throng at her cold words, burning lime eyes flickering as they whispered her power directly into their souls.

“I have been nothing but patient and fair. I have stood between you and this harsh, wild world. I have forged you a place in it with blood and death, breaking your shackles to give you dignity and as much freedom as you can reasonably obtain on this planet. If you disagree…the gate is open.”

Not one eye out of thousands was raised to hers as she waited, and Hatshepsut’s opinion somewhat surprised Elinor. Yet in that oppressive silence, she accepted the direction, and Butter joined her, golden hair radiating with her more gentle voice.

“My sister has moved heaven and Earth to save you from the pain that was inflicted on you. I know doubt is easy when you do not see everything that happens behind the scenes. Questions… Questions shed light in our darkest hours.”

Slowly, eyes rose, a harmony resonating between those who looked as she coaxed them on. “Doubts bring fear, trapping us in a blindness that swallows our courage. I know you’re afraid of us… Who wouldn’t be with the powers we show; it’s easy to feel powerless. But the world won’t save itself. We cannot save all of you and need your help.”

She gestured to ri’bot, then the humans, and each other’s race, including the undead serving staff. “You don’t need great power to be a hero in someone else’s eyes. When things are turning sour in your lives, answer the cries of those who seek help…and lean on each other to get through those dark days. Find what is precious to you that makes courage worth holding onto.”

Butter found Elinor’s hand, smiling at her and squeezing it, finding something new that resonated between them—something that was probably their only true fear.

Then, she turned back and whispered, “Even when hope is gone, the harmony we share with one another can pull it back. Faith is like a little seed that needs hope to grow. Little things are all it takes. Helping a parent, telling a story while building a room together, or a simple smile. We’ll stick together and get through this storm somehow…because it’s too late to back down and run. We’re here. We’re alive… And we aren’t going anywhere.”

With those words hanging on the hearts of her people, Elinor stepped back in, her voice firm, though her presentation inviting.

“The High Queen of Life and I will perform the ritual together. Ten days of work. I cannot promise that all will return in this first resurrection, but we will bring back as many as we can. Merit determines priority, as I have long stipulated. Colombians retain preference due to prior sacrifice, but exceptions exist for those who prove their worth.”

She paused, letting that sink in.

“An empire is merely another word for a community. I want our community to be strong because the threats of this world are real… The Great Clans beyond the grasslands have sent scouts to observe us. To assess whether we are monsters or builders. To decide whether to negotiate or wage war on Elder Chief Krava’s fears.”

Elinor’s gaze swept across the throne room, settling briefly on the concealed ri’bot prisoners before returning to her citizens.

“Those scouts were captured. And they will observe our empire for two days before returning to their leaders without harm to give an honest account of what they witness here.”

Murmurs of confusion, anxiety, and interest swept each group, every ri’bot clan reacting differently to that information.

“Let me be clear,” she stated firmly. “I do not want war. We gain far more by working toward a peaceful solution, as we have with the Kaspir Kingdom. Elder Chief Krava spreads fear about humans, about me, about this nation. His insecurity and irrational terror poison his people’s judgment. But fear is not truth.”

Her flames extinguished completely, leaving only her voice.

“These scouts are under my protection and will see our organization. Our prosperity. Our strength. They will tell their Great Chiefs that the Death Empress released them unharmed when she could have destroyed them. They will report that we prefer allies to enemies, negotiation to slaughter…because that is rational. Though some are immune to rational thought. That is a reality I must deal with.”

She stepped forward to the edge of the dais, so her words carried more weight.

“But understand this: I am not afraid of war. I am not afraid of death. If the Great Clans choose aggression, they will learn what it means to fight not the living, but the dead. Every warrior they kill becomes mine. Every battle they win depletes their forces, while ours grow stronger. That is the true terror of challenging this empire… Of threatening you.”

Silence. Absolute, breathless silence.

“Krava knows this, despite his fear…because he is trapped not only in the terror of my power, but his own powerlessness. He sees me as his prize for fame and being immortalized, framing me as the second advent of the White God. Is he wrong?”

She showed a small, sharp smile that caused gulps among her people. “In power. No. In ideology? Yes. He knows this. That is why he spreads lies. That is why he paints me as a monster. Because the truth is worse for him—I am competent. I am patient. And I will outlast any enemy foolish enough to reject peace. Impossible to defeat. I am his pride’s perfect target.”

Elinor's gaze shifted to Hatshepsut.

“Due to these threats, amid many other grievances that must be answered for, the Prophetess and High Queen Butter will manage daily governance while I handle external threats. They speak with my authority. They act with my trust. Their word is law. She heads the Judicial Branch. You cannot choose how others act, but you can choose how you react…and consequences are real.”

Then she returned her gaze to the crowd.

“Your loved ones will return. You have a city that is secured. Your lives have improved with every passing day. But I will not coddle you. I will not remove every obstacle from your path. Hardship builds strength. Challenges forge character.”

She raised her voice, letting steel enter her tone.

“So I pose a challenge: seek responsibility. Ask for more than comfort. Demand growth from yourselves every single day. That will provide you more strength than I could ever grant through power alone.”

Her emerald eyes burned with intensity.

“I can offer you a safe place to grow. Shelter from threats beyond your capacity. But I cannot act on your behalf in your personal lives. Even with all my power—and even the Royal Court and those you see operating in positions of authority—I merely bring out what already exists in a soul. I cannot make you more than what you already are…

“So find your path in life, because I feel the strength of souls. What will I feel when your corpse lies before me… Will you be worthy to rise again?”

Pulses could be heard in the cold pressure that radiated from those words, the walls around her people’s hearts quaking. Several seconds passed before she gestured dismissively, turning back toward the thirteen thrones.

“The Prophetess will guide you. Do not fear what you do not know, but embrace the unknown… Comfort is the beast within your souls. Will you be consumed by it, or tame it to answer your call?” 

With that, she walked back up the dais, flames reigniting along her arms in a clear signal:

The speech is over. Now it was time for work.

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