THE GREAT LADY OF ALKION

CHAPTER 48

"Are you sure about it ?" Astrid asked.
"I am. You need a break from all of this. I can't believe that she could attack you. I have never liked her but this is too much. We are leaving for Alkion by dawn. Luciana prepare everything in the trunks and make sure they are loaded onto the carriages."
" Yes, your highness."
" Calm down,"this from Astrid who was having her body massaged by Asenath.
" What do you mean calm down ? I can't just sit down and ignore what has happened. You are hurt and when you are, I am too. Not to forget Smenkhhare. How dare he even touch you under such circumstances. He must be out of it."
" Everything will be fine."
" Calm down Seti," Asenath said." Meritaten had been punished and you will leave for Alkion tomorrow. Take that time to cool off with Astrid. It's a good break from the madness in the palace."
" I agree with Asenath. Seti, please listen to me."
" Alright fine. I will."
She walked into his arms and hugged him tightly.
" Well, I'll take this as my cue to leave," Asenath smiled and excused herself with Luciana following her.
" Don't feel bad Seti. I got plenty of hits on her," she bragged.
" I thought that men were the ones to brag about a fight but look at you,"he said with a smile.
" Now there's what I wanted to see. You're smiling."
" I can't be sullen around you. I love you."
" I love you too Seti."
" Heed my warning though. Stay away from Smenkhhare and Meritaten."
" I will."
" Good. Since we are alone, why don't I show you just how much I love and appreciate you."
" No. You have to meet your father and then go train with the soldiers."
" I do but they have Thutmose and Smenkhhare. I should make time for my wife. She needs me."
He leaned in for a kiss and she did not resist him. Wrapping her arms over his shoulders, the two got lost in each other's love.

"Go well," Ramses told Astrid and Seti."Do you have everything you need ?"
"Yes we do father."
"Good. I'm expecting your return in some days. I need the both of you here. Now off you go. May the gods keep you safe."
"Thank you," Astrid said.
He smiled at her and the couple left for their journey ahead.

Smenkhhare looked outside the window with a wine cup in hand. How he wished to travel with Astrid but now he felt trapped by the palace and his wife. He wished for her to return soon so he could see her again even if it was a glance like he would whenever the family would dine together or gather for prayers in the temple. He would also pass by her chambers hoping to "bump" into her.
"You need to quit desiring another man's wife."
Smenkhhare turned to see who had entered his new room.
"Thutmose, what are you doing here ?"
"I came to see you. I can't believe that you even moved here to stay with the soldiers rather than with Meritaten."
"Don't even mention her name."
" She is your wife Smenkhhare. You need to treat her better and maybe you'll feel lighter. There will be fewer problems here."
" If you had a wife like the one I have, you would run mad. She was a mistake I wish I could erase. I would have  married Astrid if I had married the priest's daughter. Take a look at me now. I got stuck with Meritaten."
" She may have been a mistake but that doesn't mean that you can't have a future with her."
" I don't want to talk about her Thutmose. It's time for training."

The carriages were wheeled into the castle grounds. Her parents awaited her arrival and as soon as her and Seti's arrival was announced, the daughter walked up the stairs in haste to meet her beloved family.
"Oh my dear. We finally meet again," her mother hugged her as her father greeted Seti.
" Pa," she said as she embraced him tightly.
" I missed you very much," Charles said." All your mother did was ask about the time you'd get here. We all missed you two."
"How is Egypt ?" her mother asked as they entered the castle.
"It is wonderful. Seti has been taking good care of me," she smiled.
"We can see that. You've gotten more chubby. We weren't wrong. Seti was the perfect match for you," Charles said as he pat Seti's back and he smiled from the compliments.
"Where are the rest ?" Seti asked.
"The king is dealing with some matters in the throne room with some courtiers. Fabian's there too. I don't know where Aretha went," Therese said.
"Always up and about as usual I see," Astrid said.
"Oh and it's gotten worse. She keeps going out. We don't know what she's up to. I think she meets someone under the guise of hunting or going to paint. What I know is that she's gotten so close to Julian. He visits her often nowadays."
" What!" Astrid said. Seti's eyes fell on her. Had she not forgotten him ? Was she jealous ? It could be possible because she was betrothed to him before.
"They just got here Therese and you've said everything. Give them time to relax first then you can talk about anything you wish to."
"She asked about Aretha, Charles."
" It's alright father. Is my room ready ?"
" Yes dear. It is."
" Thank you mother. Seti and I shall leave and rest for a while before meeting grandfather."
" If you need anything,just call us. Luciana has come along with you. I'm sure that she is still familiar with everything around here."
Seti and Astrid left. Her room looked much better than how she'd left it. It's look and arrangement suited a married couple's room.
" They changed my room. Doesn't it look much better ?"
Silence
" Seti."
Silence
" Seti," she said as she shook him. He blinked and looked at her.
" I'm sorry. What did you say ?"
" That the room looks much better."
" Oh. Yes it does. Last time, it looked like it belonged to you alone."
" Mmmh. What's wrong ? You've not said much since we got here."
" It's nothing. Come here," he said as he opened his arms for her. She padded towards him and wrapped her arms around his back.