THE GREAT LADY OF ALKION

CHAPTER 53

" I already miss Astrid," Aretha said as she looked outside the window. It was raining outside.
"You have to get used to her not being around. You don't know if you'll see her again," Audelia said as she took a sip of her tea.
"That was harsh. Don't say such inauspicious words Audelia."
"I am being honest. Whenever a person married into another kingdom, you just never know if you will ever see them again. Bad things happen."
"I don't believe that I won't see Astrid again. I know that I will."
"You will my dear," Julian said as he walked up to her and rested his hand on her shoulders." Don't listen to Audelia."
"Why not Julian ? If anything, I am being frank. Besides, I never said that she wouldn't see her."
"You did," Julian said.
"Did you hear that coming out of my mouth ?" Audelia said as she stood up banging her cup against the table.
" Stop it. You should get along. I want you to."
" We are getting along,"Julian said with a smirk.
" I can see that," Aretha said as she rolled her eyes." Is it too much to ask for my family to get along ? On one side, Audelia doesn't get along with my parents, Fabian, Astrid and grandfather and on the other she doesn't get along with you Julian. This is all stressing me out."
" They aren't your parents," Audelia said and scoffed.
" Stop that Audelia!" Julian yelled.
Aretha stormed out of the room. The two exchanged looks and Julian went after Aretha. She walked away quickly but he caught up with her and stopped her.
" I am sorry for that," he said.
" I can't believe you two. Can't you two get along and ease my burden ? I have never seen you talk to her and when you do, you're either arguing or ignoring each other."
" I apologize for that. I promise you that I will try and get along with her for your sake."
" Thank you."
" You know that I will do anything for you, don't you ?"
" Mmmh," she said as she leaned closer to him.
"What are you doing ?" Fabian asked when he saw them." You're not supposed to get that close before your marriage."
" It was just a hug," Julian defended.
" Just a hug ?" Fabian asked as he folded his arms.
" Yes Fabian. You sound grumpy. Is it because of Lu...," Aretha said.
" Don't mention her name to me," he said with his eyes shut. He was still hurting." Excuse me," he said and left.
"Don't mind him Julian. He is always like that when he is in a grumpy mood."
"That's alright. We should be thinking about our wedding. It is fast approaching. Are you happy ?"
" I am. I am very excited and I can't wait to be your wife."
" Me too," he said as they began to walk away.
Audelia stood back at the door listening to everything they had said and done. She shook her head and left.

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EGYPT
"It has been some time since you came back Seti and I would like to assign you  some tasks. I need you to go into the capital and bring me a report on how the city is. I leave that to you and Astrid. She is well trained in this and she will be of great help," Ramses said.
"Yes my lord," Seti and Astrid said in unison.
"Good. Smenkhhare, you and Thutmose will continue with your work here in the palace and ensure that everything is going on well."
"I understand," Thutmose said.
"Yes my lord," Smenkhhare said.
Pharaoh went on to talk more and Meritaten  couldn't focus on what was being said.
"I am not feeling well Smenkhhare," she whispered to him.
"Then excuse yourself and go," he whispered back harshly.
She began to rub her temple and Bennu held onto her when she began to lose balance.
"Meritaten!" Smenkhhare gasped when she fainted and fell.
All eyes were on her.
"Quick! Make haste and take her to her room," Pharaoh said as Smenkhhare lifted her up in his arms and rushed her to their room. "Khafirin, follow them and check on her."
"Yes my lord," Khafirin said." Asenath, follow me."
Father and daughter bowed and quickly followed Smenkhhare.
In their room, she lay on the bed as Asenath and Khafirin examined her. Smenkhhare watched as he sat on a stool.
"What is wrong with her ?" he asked.
Khafirin stood up with a smile on his face.
"The gods have finally heard the prayers of the Living Horus. Lady Meritaten is showing signs of pregnancy."
"What!" he said as he jerked up from the stool." She is pregnant ?"
"I believe so my lord but to be sure, we'll have some barley and wheat seeds brought to her."
"I have heard of that practice," he said."How long will it take ?"
"It will take a few days my lord. If the barley seeds sprout, it will show that she is carrying a son for you but if it's the wheat that sprouts, it will be a girl," Asenath said.
" Good. Let's do it."
Meritaten's eyes fluttered and opened. She looked around and looked at her husband.
" What happened ?" she asked.
" You fainted my lady," Bennu said.
" Why Khafirin ? What is wrong with me ?"she asked as she sat up.
" There is nothing to worry about my lady. I have a strong belief that you are with child."
" I am ?" she cheerfully asked.
" Yes but we need to run a test to confirm it before breaking the news to the Pharaoh."
She smiled and lay back in bed feeling happy and relaxed. She would happily wait for the day the seeds would sprout. If she was expectant, it would draw Smenkhhare to her. Would it ?
She was not sure and she said a silent prayer to the gods.