THE GREAT LADY OF ALKION

CHAPTER 22

EGYPT
The letter sent by Alkion had arrived in Egypt three moons ago but there were many events including the selection of a bride for the two sons of Pharaoh. It had been a big affair since all daughters of high priests in the land had come to test their luck but only one of Pharaoh's sons married.
Now the council had time to discuss the potential alliance between the two lands. An interpreter took the letter and read it aloud to everyone in the court. It was brief and straight to the point and stamped by the king's signet ring.

     To the Pharaoh Ramses, Lord of the two crowns,
I King Anthony, King of Alkion do seek an audience with you. I would wish to ask for your help by aligning our kingdoms. I wish to safeguard my kingdom and having you as an ally will benefit my kingdom greatly. You on the other hand may ask for what you want to have. We could have these negotiations whenever you feel like but the sooner the better.
            Anthony, King of Alkion.

Everyone had something to say and Pharaoh sat on his throne stroking his false beard listening to them.
"We need something to make Alkion truly loyal to us when we join forces with them in a way that they will never think of rebelling against us mighty Pharaoh,"one said.
" Let us just use the common method. Have them marry one of their women into our kingdom."
"I sent some spies into their kingdom some moons back to spy on their king's family. He has one living daughter and two granddaughters. The eldest is about twenty seasons old while the other is eighteen seasons old. The eldest is such a beauty. I sent two spies to do their research and both returned with the same piece of information. She is as beautiful as the goddess Isis. From what I've also heard is that she is well educated and intelligent. Besides, she comes from an impeccable royal family. She is the king's favourite and having her for ourselves will make him think twice before rebelling. I suggest to you living Horus to permit this marriage and allow the proposal for an alliance," one said.
Everyone in the great hall agreed to the suggestion so did the Pharaoh.
" We shall write back to them and inform them of our decision," Ramses said and a scribe quickly took a parchment paper and began to write what was dictated to him.

ALKION
"It has been more than one moon since we sent a letter to Egypt. We don't have any word from them. I fear for my kingdom," Anthony told Therese.
" Let's give them some few more days. I have hope that they will send us word soon. Ramses is your friend."
" Was Therese. Over the years we have grown distant. We are just acquaintances but you're right. Let us hope for the best."
As each day passed by, the king grew restless. As each day passed his soldiers were losing their lives as they defended his kingdom and he couldn't bear such losses. He needed help and very fast.

"Are you happy with what you're doing ?"
Aretha asked as she sat next to Astrid who was looking at the horizon. Germaine who had also come to visit stood beside Astrid.
"What am I doing ?"
"You're getting back with Julian. Both of you are engaged again."
" Oh yes we are. Here, look at this ring. It's what he gave to me,"she said as she showed them the ring on her finger.
" We see the ring Astrid but are you happy ?" Germaine said." For someone who had their love back,you don't seem happy at all."
" Do you love him ?" Aretha said hoping to hear her say no so that she could find a way to Julian's heart.
" Why are you all questioning me ? If I wasn't happy about it then I wouldn't accept his offer to be with him again now would I ?" she snapped.
" Relax. We are just worried about you," Aretha sighed.
" Astrid, I have known you since I was little. Don't hide what you feel inside. I think that something did change when Julian wasn't around. I don't see the excitement and joy you had when he stood before you. What I'm trying to tell you in short is that you should not force yourself into doing something you don't want to do," Germaine said.
" I understand you Germaine but I am fine," Astrid said.
Was she really content with what she was doing ? Or was it that she felt that it was her duty to be back with him because they were betrothed before ? She really had to think things through and by evening, she had known what she had to do.