THE GREAT LADY OF ALKION

CHAPTER 31

"The king has summoned the both of you," Luciana said with a hoarse voice from the crying the previous night.
"Where is he ?" Seti asked after placing his cup on the table. He was enjoying tea with Astrid in their room.
"He is in the study my lord."
"Mmmh," he said with a nod. He stood up and took Astrid's hand in his. She stood up and followed him to the study where she found Anthony and her parents waiting for them.
"Good afternoon mother, father grandfather," Astrid said
" Good afternoon your highnesses," Seti said.
" Good afternoon," the trio said in unison.
" Seti, there's no need to be formal with us. We are one now. Do treat us as your family," Charles said. There was no man in the land as proud as he was. He felt secure knowing that his daughter was going to live a good life thereafter.
"I will," Seti smiled.
" We have summoned you here to wish you the best in your married life. We wish you all blessings of happiness, prosperity and health," Therese began." I hope that you'll take good care of my daughter, Seti."
" You don't have to worry about it. I promise you that I will protect her with my life."
" That's good to hear," Anthony said." Astrid,be a good wife too. Do not give your husband a reason to complain."
" I promise you."
" It's done then. Astrid, have you prepared your belongings for tomorrow ?" Therese asked.
" Yes mother. Everything is ready," Astrid replied as she looked at Seti." Are you all in a hurry to kick me out of here ?" she asked to lighten the mood.
" Of course not child," Charles said as he hugged her. He led her and Astrid out of the room followed by Seti.
That night the two families dined together enjoying the new union. Fabian would look at Luciana from time to time but on that night unlike the others, she never looked his way. Had she forgotten him ? No. That wasn't possible. He had to find out.
After preparing Astrid for bed, Luciana left for the servants chambers and Fabian showed himself to her. She was startled at first but she quickly composed herself.
" How may I help you my lord."
"Why have you avoided me all this time huh ?"
"I don't understand what you're talking about my lord."
"You do Luciana. You do. Now I want you to tell me."
"Stop this Fabian. If someone sees us it will be the end for me."
"I don't care. I must know why you're doing this. I haven't forgotten you at all. You are on my mind Luciana. I swear it."
"Of course I am," she said as she rolled her eyes." I can see that too. That I am the only woman in your mind Fabian. Please do me a favour and let me go."
"What do you mean by what you've just said ? I don't get it."
"How would you get it when you're thinking of Lady Germaine ? I saw you two kissing in the gardens last night. You seemed so happy so why force yourself on me ?" she stopped for a while to catch her breath." I saw it and from what I saw, it just means that you have her in your thoughts. You should actually because she is a duke's daughter whilst I am nothing but a maidservant."
" I don't care about that. I want you to be my queen. What happened with Germaine was an accident. We were both drunk and we didn't know what was happening. You are the only one I love. Believe me."
" Your queen ? Your queen ? How can I even be a queen ?  Who will let you make me your queen ? They will all scorn you. Germaine on the other hand is well known. She is from a good family and she is best suited for you. Let's end this for good Fabian. I will be leaving for Egypt tomorrow and I won't be back for long. It's best for us to forget each other."
" You can't be serious Luciana. I refuse to let this go."
" I'm sorry my lord but I have to leave."
With that she curtsied and left him all alone. It would be another night for her. She would cry over the pain of not having her beloved but after seeing him kiss Germaine, the remaining glimmer of hope faded. She had had enough. He was not meant for her and she understood it.
Early the next day, everyone was rushing around in the castle in preparation for the Egyptians leaving. Trunks were loaded onto the many carriages ready for travel.
Astrid had to dress in the Egyptian attire. She wore a loose and flowing blue dress with wide straps. It was belted with a silver belt. She wore an Egyptian wig that had silver and gold ornaments all over. She had applied dark kohl on her eyes. On her arms were silver armbands. She looked very beautiful and very Egyptian. Smenkhhare couldn't hide his amazement after seeing her.
He would do all he could to have her once they were in Egypt. They all bid Alkion's royals before boarding their carriage s.
Astrid could not help but cry as she hugged her parents, brother, Aretha and grandfather for the last time before she went.
"We will meet soon," Charles told her as he wiped her tears away. "You don't want to look like a mess on your way there now do you ?"
She managed to smile and hugged him again. He would be the one she missed the most.
Seti looked with admiration as he saw how close she was with her family. If only his family was like that, life would be much better and easier.
She looked at him and he smiled at her. He  reached his hand out to her and she placed her hand on his. He intertwined their fingers and he held her tight. He would do everything in his power to make her happy. She was about to enter the chariot but she saw Julian looking at her from a distance and she seemed to hesitate.
"Are you alright ?" Seti asked.
"I am," she replied with a nod and entered the carriage. He joined her inside and the carriages were wheeled out of the castle grounds within minutes.
She looked outside at the sight of her beloved kingdom. She knew that she had safeguarded its safety. It was now her turn to live a married life in Egypt. By night, they had passed Alkion's boundaries. A new life was to come.