THE GREAT LADY OF ALKION

CHAPTER 58

" Are you enjoying this ?" Seti asked his wife.
"Of course I am. This is so much fun," she smiled as she looked around.
There were many people in the city all going about their daily activities. They had gone to Memphis to carry out the duties given to them by Pharaoh. First, they talked to tax collectors, soldiers, the civilians and watched how the slave builders did their work building monuments and finally joined a crowd to see some snake charmers. The two also had some food sold in the streets within the city. How lovely would it be if they had the luxury of being normal people ? There would be no worries about palace life and life would be much easier for them.
Once they got back to the palace, they had to go brief the Pharaoh on what they had seen.
"So what do you think we should do about the slave builders ? There is no way I will let them go. The city needs to be built and look glorious. This is my capital and I will do everything in my power to make it magnificent." Ramses said after Astrid aired her concern on how they were poorly treated.
" I understand that you do not wish to let them go because they provide service to you but treating them better might help solve some problems."
" Go on."
" From what I saw, they look famished and lack water. They should be fed and given water. For those who are sick, allow them to receive care from physicians. After all, they are human like us."
" But there is no food to give to them," Meritaten said." Where will it be found ?"
" I agree," this from Smenkhhare." They are slaves and they need to work and bring glory to the empire."
" There might be some insufficiencies if we add more food to them. Remember that we are buying wheat from the farmers to feed them," Rashida said.
" I don't agree with you. I have a solution for this," Astrid began." The temples are always filled with grains and fruit for the gods. Why not feed some to the slaves ?"
" Have you lost your mind ?" Meritaten said." Give the offerings to the gods to those people ? That's an insult. How dare you say that when you don't even worship our gods ? They mean nothing to you and that is why you say that."
" Indeed I do not but what I know is that the gods would want that. Look at Hathor, the goddess of motherhood. Being a mother means caring for children. The slaves ,Pharaoh are like your children. You are the father of the nation. I plead with you to allow them to receive enough food. Show your generosity and this will add more glory to Egypt. All nations will say that Egypt has a wise and kind ruler."
There was silence in the hall. Astrid looked back at Seti who gave her an assuring nod.
" How dare you address the Pharaoh like that ?" Rashida shouted.
" Enough Rashida," Ramses said."Is that what you think ? That we should give the food offered to the gods to slaves ?"
"Yes my lord. I can't stand the thought of slaves dying of hunger when the gods and us fill ourselves with more food than we need. For me, showing this act of kindness will add more loyalty to you from them and from the people," Astrid said.
"I agree with her my lord. The temple granaries are filled when slaves die of hunger out there. I believe that Astrid's thoughts are right and wise," Seti said." Please show your kindness to your people and the gods will bless us more."
"Mmmh. I see," Ramses said as he stroke his false beard." What do you think Thutmose ?"
" I believe that Astrid is wise for that. Maybe feeding them better will improve their performance at the sites. I am in agreement with her."
" How about you Smenkhhare ?" Ramses asked Smenkhhare.
" I now see the reason why. Pardon my incompetence for not seeing through Astrid's words."
" Astrid, you are right. It would be wise of us to grant them more even if they are slaves. That shows me how intelligent and kind you are. You are a perfect example for those in the palace and out. The gods blessed us with a person like you to be in our midst but even more lucky is Seti. He did marry a wonderful wife who is like Isis. I am proud," Ramses said.
Two pairs of eyes looked at Astrid with jealousy. Smenkhhare looked at Astrid with pride and desire while Thutmose smiled at her. Seti held his wife's hand and whispered how proud he was of her.
"Now what's left is for the both of you to give me a grandson," Ramses said." I believe that it will be a wise child blessed by the gods. Smenkhhare, you and Meritaten need to be more like Astrid and Seti. You too Thutmose. Someday, either of you might ascend the throne after me. Learn from them."
" Yes my lord," the three replied.
" Not forgetting you Rashida. Spend more time with Astrid and learn more. You are all gifted but kindness and wisdom is a must."
The meeting was dismissed and everyone went in their own directions. Seti had to go solve a problem with the army so Astrid was walking alone to her room accompanied by Luciana.
" That was amazing, Astrid," Asenath said as she joined Astrid.
" Thank you Asenath," she smiled.
" Never before have I heard Pharaoh compliment someone as much. He talked well of you today. I know that some people are bitter about it. He is right though. You and Seti should have a child soon. That will put Meritaten in her place. She will not strut around the palace bragging. Oh how I hate the arrogant face she puts up."
" Don't talk that way of her. If such gets to her, who knows what she will do to you."
" I don't care about her. She has changed a lot. When she married Smenkhhare, she was kind and tender but now, there's nothing good about her. She is always scheming on how to be better than everyone so Smenkhhare can be made the crown prince. You and Seti should be chosen as the ones to succeed Pharaoh."
" Asenath, don't talk about that. Showing greed for the throne will anger the Pharaoh. He detests that. He is wise and whoever he will choose will be the best choice."
" I agree. I need to rush back to help father with some herbs. Enjoy your night," she said with a curtsy.
" Enjoy your night too Asenath."
Once inside her room, Astrid threw herself onto her bed.
" Asenath is right Astrid. Now that you have favour from Pharaoh, you need to be careful about Meritaten or Rashida. If you could only see how badly they looked at you."
" I know that Luciana but I cannot keep quiet while there are people dying out there to build monuments. I feel tired. The day was tiring and so was the meeting. I need a bath with some lavender oil."
" I forgot to get some lavender oil. Allow me to get it for you."
" Alright. Hurry up as I have my bath."
She removed her belt and jewels and slipped her dress off of her body. She walked into her tub soaking her body.
There were some footsteps behind her but she did not bother to turn back as she thought it was Luciana.
"That was fast Luciana," she said as she continued to wash." Come pour some water on my back."
The person approached her and poured water on her back as she had asked.
"That feels so good," she said." I feel relaxed. Pour more."
"As you wish," a man's voice said and when she turned and saw who it was, she was surprised.