THE GREAT LADY OF ALKION

CHAPTER 65

Bennu walked Meritaten to her room and closed the door behind her.
They both burst into laughter and Meritaten sat on the bed as she clapped her hands.
"She got what she deserved at last," Meritaten said." With that, I am sure that Pharaoh is disappointed."
"You are wise my lady."
"Of course. It was quick thinking on my part to have this play out like this. Baka should be rewarded for a job well done."

Some nights before...
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"Let go of me," Baka shouted." I will make you pay for this," he said as he was pushed to the ground and made to kneel.
The blindfold on his eyes was taken away and he blinked. When he looked at the person in front of him, it was Meritaten.
"My lady," he gasped.
"Baka, it's good to see you."
"Why did you bring me here ? What did I do ?"
"It is not about what you did but what you are about to do."
"What do you want of me ?"
"I want you to elope with Rashida as soon as I give you the signal to."
"What ? Why ? I don't even love her."
"But she loves you. Come on now, I was there when she found you kissing the maidservant in the garden. I want you to stage an elopement with her. My ears within the palace told me that Astrid found you two and she was furious with the both of you. These days, she has been trying to meet Pharaoh but he is so busy. When she is allowed to meet him, I'll have someone inform Pharaoh that Rashida is running away. He will obviously follow and I want him to find you. She will be forced to reveal your affair and then, I'll want you to say that she forced you to. You are intelligent Baka so find the best words for that. Make everyone in court believe you."
" But why do you plot against her ?"
" She is a barrier between me and what I want. It is better to rid yourself of your enemies before you miss the chance."
" You wish to have the throne,"Baka said after some time.
" Yes. Smenkhhare must sit on that throne. I also have my own scores to settle with her."
" What will I get in return ? I will lose my position as general."
"I know. You will get a good sum of gold. If you're given a heavier sentence, I will help you escape. You will seek sanctuary in father's house and when Smenkhhare becomes Pharaoh, your position will be restored."
" But everyone will remember this. How will I be general ?"
" I have my own ways Baka. All you have to do is work for me."
" I accept."
" Good," she said with a smirk and stood up to leave." Oh before I forget, here is something to give to your princess. Make sure she wears that."
Bennu brought out a bag holding it away from her face and threw it beside Baka.
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"I also can't believe that she wore that dress," Bennu said and Meritaten burst into more laughter.
"She looked foolish in it with her wig all scruffy. If she only knew that the dress was used to wipe away my cat's urine, she would die."
" I really have to give you that one my lady. Life is really funny. She thought she could step on me but she was wrong. I am sure that she is so angry at Astrid."
" Yes, she thinks that Astrid did it. Now we have to take care of Astrid and Seti so you can have a chance."
" Yes but I don't think we will have to spend time on Astrid. Rashida will take care of her for us. She only needs a nudge and we will watch from the distance," she said as she rubbed her swollen belly." Hold on in there my child and let your mother win for you."

Anippe poured warm water on Rashida who was soaking in her tub.
" I was really scared for you my lady. I didn't know what would happen and you never informed me of your plan."
" It is because it happened suddenly so I did not get the chance to tell you but so what ? I was caught and that damned Baka betrayed me. How could he ? Tell me Anippe. I gave him everything including myself. I loved him even though he did not deserve it and this was how he chose to treat me ? Am I that unlovable ?"
" You are loveable but he just used you. You need to forget him and move on."
" This is all Astrid's fault. She ran her mouth to father and this happened. She should not think my captivity is  a win for her. She will face the pain of my wrath."

After leaving the great hall, Thutmose walked along the long corridors thinking about what had happened. Just then, he met Luciana who was carrying a basket full of clothes.
" My lord," she said with a curtsy.
" Oh Luciana."
" You look troubled."
He sighed and sat on a stair. He looked at her and pat the space next to him. She hesitated.
"It's just me. Sit with me."
She looked around and placed the basket between them and sat.
"You are always moving up and down serving Astrid."
"Yes. She is my mistress and it is my duty to serve her."
"She is a good mistress."
"Yes. I wouldn't dream of serving any other person except for her."
"I remember the first time I saw you. You were crying during Astrid and Seti's wedding banquet because of a man.
"Yes. It seems so long ago."
"Do you think of him ?"
"I don't. Some things are better left in the past. I have moved on."
" If you managed to then maybe I should too."
" What do you mean ?
"The woman I love loves another. I cannot even tell her how much she means to me. She even tried to run away with the man."
"Are you talking of lady Rashida ?"
"Yes. I have loved her for as long as I can remember but she can't see that. Do you know how heartbroken I was when she said that she loved Baka ? I have always hoped that she will notice me and fall for me nothing. Am I even worth her love ?"
" Of course you are. You are one of the best men I have met. Any woman would be pleased to get married to you."
" I doubt Rashida would. I think is should move on like you did. Maybe I will forget her."
" If that is what you want then go for it. I believe that you will get the happiness you so desire with the woman you love."
" Thank you Luciana for listening to me. You too will get the right man for yourself. "It would gladden my heart. Excuse me my lord but I should head back and have these cleaned."
"Sure."
She stood up taking her basket. Placing it on her hip and holding it with one hand, she curtsied and left.