THE GREAT LADY OF ALKION

CHAPTER 37

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She turned to face him and he looked so divine as he slept. It had been a bit more than a month since they got married. She married him at a time when she had just broken off her engagement from Julian. She was unsure about the marriage but she still went through with it after finding out that she had developed a soft spot for him. She didn't know why but she couldn't help but blush and feel giddy when she saw him.
Now when she looked at him, she realized that she had fallen for him. It had happened over a short period of time but they were married so that wouldn't be a problem. He had confessed to her that he was in love with her and it gladdened her heart but she couldn't say that she felt the same way for him just yet. She had not been ready but was she ready now ?
Her eyes wandered to look at his slightly parted lips and she couldn't help herself but move closer to him and kiss him. His eyes fluttered when he woke up abruptly from the kiss. She moved away quickly and looked away.
"I'm sorry," she said.
"For what ?"
"For what I just did."
"You can't be serious," he said as he sat up with his side lock swinging back and forth."That's not something to be sorry for. Come on. You are my wife and I definitely wouldn't mind you waking me up each day with that," he said as he smiled.
She smiled uncomfortably before getting up and stretching her arms.
"We need to get dressed and join father for breakfast."
"Yes. Luciana will be in after a while and she'll help me get dressed."
"Mmmh," he said as he washed his face. He went through his clothes before placing them on a chair. He walked into the tub and had a bath. All the while, she watched him unashamedly. She just couldn't get enough of him. He wore his clothes and was through in a short moment.
"I have never known why you don't have a manservant to help you get ready."
"I prefer to do things myself. It's just bathing and getting dressed up. That's easy and besides, I don't have to do anything complicated as compared to you. You could need someone to help you with your makeup. I also do it because my mother always taught me to do things myself if I could."
" I have never known much about her. Tell me about her."
"She was a wonderful mother and Great Wife. I wish you could have met her. She would have loved you I'm sure."
" Tell me more."
Just then Luciana knocked at the door and bowed before the two after receiving permission to enter.
" I'm sorry I'm late my lady."
" That's alright. I have chosen my dress and shoes for the day. Prepare some jewellery for me as I prepare to bathe."
" Astrid, I need to go see father and I'll be back to get you," Seti said and left the two ladies in the room.

In the great hall, the royals sat having their breakfast together. The Pharaoh enjoyed having them all together and whenever he had the time, he would summon them to gather together.
" How is the army Smenkhhare ?" he asked.
"Everything is alright father. The soldiers are always in training. I have ensured that they do not slack off even though there is no war."
" He is hardworking father and I am proud of him," Rashida said with a proud smile on her face. Thutmose's face lit up upon seeing her smile. He had to gather courage soon and tell her what he felt about her but he feared rejection because she only considered him as close family.
"That's good to hear. Keep up with the good work."
"Thank you father," he smiled and Meritaten joined in his smile. She placed her hand on Smenkhhare's but he moved his hand away from hers. His eyes landed on Astrid who was having a drink from Seti's goblet as he smiled at her.
" How about you Seti ? We all missed you and I am impressed by the work you did in Nubia."
" Thank you father."
" I am proud of you. You now need to take your wife around the city. I am sure that she will be impressed by the constructions going on there that you and Thutmose have been in charge of."
" Yes," Astrid said," I would love to."
" Very well. Seti, take her out. It is good for her to see the outside of the palace instead of remaining here only to meet people who will push her around."
At hearing those words, all eyes fell on Meritaten who looked down at her food. The Pharaoh had very little liking to her. She was beautiful and from a priestly family. She had managed to get married to Smenkhhare because they were caught together and Pharaoh was humiliated by what his son had done. He had caught wind of the fact that Meritaten had pushed Astrid to the ground that she got injured but he was in no position to interfere with such. He would only intervene in the event that something bigger had happened.
"I need to go out too with you father. It has been quite a while," Rashida nudged him bringing his mind back to his family.
"Of course my dear," he smiled."I will soon when I have the time but Thutmose could take you out in the meantime. You know that I don't like you going out all alone. Thutmose, find some time and take her out."
"Yes uncle. I will."
The gods were on his side and he smiled at himself.