THE GREAT LADY OF ALKION

CHAPTER 25

It had been two moons and here it was. She was about to be wed to a man she did not know.
She had not tried to see Julian even though he went to see her in the castle. She had rejected him on several occasions.
Aretha on the other hand was happy when she heard of Astrid and Julian's ended relationship. It hurt her that both of them were hurt but she had to take her chances with him to see if he would love her as she loved him. She wanted to meet Audelia but she was mad at what she had said when they last met when she tried to tarnish the reputation of her family but Aretha agreed that Audelia was a fun person to be with despite her being twenty four. Six years her elder.
Germaine had been a frequent visitor to the castle to see Astrid and Aretha. Her relationship with Fabian was still the same. He only considered her as a friend and it was obvious that he still had strong feelings for Luciana.
Luciana still had feelings for Fabian but kept as much distance from him as possible. She wanted no more trouble as she had had before. It hurt her very much that she couldn't be with him because she was nothing but a branded maidservant and long were the days when she would cry herself for sleep over the pain she felt.

The Egyptians finally got to the castle and they each got out of their chariots ready to be welcomed by Anthony. He looked regal and very happy to see them. He knew that the arranged marriage was the solution to everything and the sight of Prince Seti was the biggest assurance he needed. Charles and Therese were also pleased to give their daughter to Egypt. They hoped that everything would go on well and that it would be a happy marriage.
The royal butler announced the Egyptians.
"Behold, I present to you the Great Pharaoh Ramses, Lord of the Two Crowns. With him are Prince Smenkhhare and his wife Princess Meritaten. I present Prince Seti and Princess Rashida."
They all bowed to the king once their names were called out. They were mostly dressed in white. The women wore elaborate black wigs with gold jewels with cobra decorations. On their hands were beautiful henna designs and expensive bracelets to add to their beauty and their eyes properly lined with dark kohl. Their dresses were white belted with gold belts with golden beads flowing from the belts. They also wore transparent shawls over their dresses. Their clothing was strange but very very likeable. They had no problem with showing some skin while the people of Alkion tried to remain very modest only showing little skin.
"It's an honour to finally meet you, Ramses," Anthony said as he walked down the stairs to meet Ramses.
" Long time no see Anthony. I indeed thought that you had forgotten me," he replied as he drew Anthony into a friendly embrace.
"This is my daughter Therese. I'm sure you remember her," he chuckled as Therese curtsied to the Pharaoh. The last time they had met was when they were young and her sister was still alive. That however was a long time ago.
" I never thought that I would curtsy to my old friend," she said sweetly and he laughed with her as he seemed to also remember their good old days.
Charles shook Ramses' hands happily. Everyone walked inside to the throne room.
"Well, where is your granddaughter Anthony. She and Seti need to see each other," Ramses said." I bet that she is a beauty."
Seti was a tall and very handsome man with well tanned skin. His eyes were a deep shade of brown and his muscular appearance added to the charm. He wore a white wrap skirt that reached his knees pleated at the front and belted with a silver belt. He also wore a white shirt and a silver cape that flowed from his shoulders to the ground. On his neck was a heavy neckpiece made of gold,silver and lapis lazuli. On his arms were gold bands with intricate symbols. He sat there in silence as his step-brother, Smenkhhare whispered to him," Oh do hope that she is as beautiful as she has been praised. Remember that she was supposed to be my wife but now you have her."
" Shhh," Meritaten silenced her husband.
" I bet that she is not as beautiful as she has been made out to be," this from Rashida who was used to having all the attention as the most beautiful woman in Egypt.
" She will be brought out in a while," Charles said.
A little while later the doors were opened and in came Astrid. She wore an emerald coloured dress with a golden belt. Her hair flowing in lovely loose curls and with a golden circlet on her head as an adornment. She walked with grace and did not avoid eye contact with those she met waiting for her. The Egyptians were wooed by her beauty. She was more beautiful than what they thought they would see. A gasp escaped Smenkhhare's mouth earning a glare from Meritaten. That was the woman he would have married but she was all Seti's.
She took measured steps towards Pharaoh and gave him a deep curtsy.
"A pleasure to meet you mighty Pharaoh," she said with her eyes fixed to the floor.
"A pleasure to see you too Astrid," he said in his deep bass."Rise up."
She stood up and he looked at her. He gave a brief smile and spoke.
" You really are a beauty Astrid," Ramses said." and and all grown up. The last time I saw you was when you were about three. Now look at you."
" It's my honour to be praised by you."
" Here is my son, Seti," he said as he pointed towards him and he stood up." Seti, this is Astrid.
"A pleasure to meet you Princess Astrid," he said as he bowed lowly before her.
" A pleasure to meet you as well Prince Seti," she replied with a curtsy.

Seti was very much impressed by what he saw and couldn't believe that this was going to be his princess. His eyes softened as she looked deep into his eyes taking in his good looking face. He was as she had heard and was very handsome and attractive to her.
" I agree with my father Astrid. It seems that my brother is lucky to have you. A true human form of the goddess Isis," Smenkhhare said and joined them looking at the beauty before him."I am Smenkhhare."
"Good to meet you," Astrid said.
He cursed under his breath once he saw what he had lost. Now she would be his brother's wife and leaving them be would be something he wouldn't do. He had to get her attention soon.
"They do make a fine pair," Meritaten said.
" Yes they do," Therese said with a smile." Am I right Charles ?"
" Yes yes. I agree. This is a sign from the heavens that this is the right choice for our precious daughter."
" I am happy to see everyone getting along well. Let us prepare for dinner tonight!"