THE GREAT LADY OF ALKION

CHAPTER 32

Hi readers. I hope that you're all well. Here on, there'll be a shift between Egypt and Alkion. To avoid confusion, I'll title a scene with it's right kingdom.
Thank you 😊
*********************

The sight of the great pyramids was a sign that they were getting closer and closer to the city of Memphis.
"We're about to arrive," Seti said.
"This place is beautiful," Astrid said.
"Just wait till you see the palace and the city," he bragged.
"I really can't wait to get there."
"Astrid, there's something I need to tell you before you get settled into the palace," he said with his face holding a worried expression.
"What is it ?"
"You have been born into royalty. You have been brought up in a castle and you know how dangerous life is there."
"Yes I do."
She recounted the times her grandfather, mother and father escaped assassination attempts. She had also heard that when she was young, she was nearly abducted but the guards acted in time to prevent it. Aretha was also a target when she went hunting. This was something she knew well. There would always be war within the castle and one could not tell who would attack first. This was all for power of course.
"It's the same here in Egypt and I don't want you to enter into any trouble. Try to avoid trouble and be wise. The walls there have ears and one wrong thing out of step could lead you to your downfall. Also learn to pick out the loyal and trustworthy to be your allies. These are dangerous times and even family members turn against one another.  You are my wife and you are precious to me. I will keep you safe and guide you. Do not worry."
" I won't worry knowing that you are going to be with me," she smiled. Her trust for him was there already. He and Luciana were the only ones she was sure to count on.
When they got close to the city gates, she and Seti boarded chariots so that the Egyptians would catch a glimpse of their new princess.
" Just smile and wave. I will be here," he whispered in her ear and she nodded.
She had done this a few times in Alkion with her family. This wouldn't be difficult. The ride into the city went well. Many Egyptians lined up on the streets while others watched from their windows as she entered the city. They were captivated by her beauty and that added more favour for Prince Seti who was the more popular prince in Egypt than Smenkhhare. Many speculated that he would reign after his father. They all cheered and shouted congratulatory messages to the prince who rewarded them with his warm smile. The gods must have certainly been with him.
The palace looked much greater than she had expected. There were lion statues on each side of the path leading to the castle. It had a flat roof and there were many inscriptions on the walls that she could not decipher. They were hieroglyphics of course but she had to learn their meaning once she had settled into the palace.
Once inside, they were led to Seti's room which would be theirs. Luciana followed her closely. The room looked very good. Much better than her bedroom back at home. She would later learn that it belonged to Seti's mother, the Great Wife, Tahpenes before she was murdered. The curtains were made of white cotton. Blue hangings were caught up with fine linen and silver rings. The pillars were made from the finest marble. There was a huge bed decorated with pillows covered in royal blue cases.
Just when she thought that she had seen enough, she saw a huge tub in the room for her to bathe in. It was very huge and it could fit close to six people inside. There was water inside with flower petals floating on top of the perfumed water. It was an already prepared bath for her. She had to soak herself inside to clean herself up from the long day's journey she had come from.
There were two doors outside the bedroom verandah. She opened them and Seti followed her. She could not believe her eyes at the sight she saw some part of the river flowing outside her room. There were some stairs to lead her into the water. That seemed like a dream. She treasured swimming very much and she would get into trouble for sneaking out of the castle to go swim in the lagoon but here was a river outside her bedroom just for her to enjoy herself in.
"This is part of the Nile. It's safe here and you can swim or bathe in the waters if you like. Don't go far though because there are bound to be strong currents at times and you could get swept away."
"This is all perfect. I can't believe that this is my room now. It's much better than the one I had back at home. It's heavenly."
"It's ours from now on. Come inside," he said as he pulled her inside the room." The maids prepared a bath for you. If there is something you don't like, just tell me and I'll have things done according to how you'd like them to be. Luciana is here too and I believe that she will accompany you here."
"Thank you very much Seti," she said as she smiled." Where will Luciana sleep ?"
" She will be escorted to the harem. There is where she will stay if she is not waiting on you."
" The harem ?"
" Yes Astrid. There are some noble women living there alongside female personal attendants to royal women so she will be fine over there, " he said before adding,"Luciana, you will be taken there and you'll also keep your things there. I hope that you will also enjoy your stay here in Egypt."
" I will my lord," Luciana answered. She too had been intrigued by what she saw.
" Astrid, tonight there'll be a welcoming feast for you. It will be held in the Great Hall. There will be many courtiers, nobles and priests so that you can get acquainted with them. Have a bath and rest. I will go see my father and I will be back to take you there when it's time."
" Thank you once more Seti. You make me feel comfortable being here and I hope that I will do the right things and impress your people."
He smiled at her before leaving. Once outside, Astrid jumped all over the place in joy as she squealed. Luciana began to arrange her clothes where they would be as she looked outside the window at the shimmering Nile. She felt that she would live a happy and fulfilled life in Egypt. Or would she ?