THE GREAT LADY OF ALKION

CHAPTER 71

"Come on my lady push!" a midwife said to Astrid who was struggling with her labour. Around her were amulets of the goddess Taweret and chanting priestesses.
Luciana wiped off Astrid's sweat from her bruised face gently. Astrid was having a difficult labour from the ordeal she had gone through some hours before. Her hands and legs were bruised. She had a black eye and scratches on her face.
Outside, Seti paced around rubbing the back of his head out of nervousness and anxiety.
"The guards are all on the lookout and Pharaoh has been informed," Thutmose said.
"All I am hoping for is her safety and that of our child's. I wouldn't bear it if anything happened to either of them," he answered.
"Do not worry. We will find the one who dared harm her and the royal child. Rest assured that I will do my best. Smenkhhare is also helping with this."
Seti sighed and stood still looking outside. Just then, Smenkhhare joined them and looked at Seti.
"Do you have any news ?" this from Thutmose.
"It seems like it was a robbery within the palace. Father's chambers have been raided and some treasures stolen. His chamber guards were found knocked out."
" Robbery ? How is that possible when everything is secure within the palace ?"
" I am as shocked as well. Further investigations are underway. Seti, do not worry. Everything will be alright."
" I thank you again for saving my wife. I am grateful," Seti said.
" It is my duty to ensure that every member of the family is safe. Moreover, it is Astrid and she is important."
"Who would even do this to my wife ? She is a very good person and to think that someone would be this malicious. I swear to the gods that I shall not spare the one who did this."
Just then, a midwife opened the door and got out looking disturbed.
"How is my wife ?"
"The midwives have tried their best my lord but her highness went through a difficult labour because of the terrible things done to her. We really invoked the goddess for her..."
" Just get straight to the point!"Seti said angrily." How are they ?"
" Console yourself my lord. Due to the torture and the tough labour, the child was born but was not breathing. I am afraid that the child is no more."
Seti sucked in a deep breath and lay back on the wall behind him as Thutmose placed his hand on Seti's shoulder.
"Astrid ?" he asked as tears welled up in his eyes. He had lost the very thing he and his wife had so desired to have. The child was going to be a symbol of their love, a source of joy for him and a continuation of their dynasty.
"She has fainted but she will be fine. She will have to carefully nurse her wounds but with what she went through, she should not be pregnant within two or three seasons or else the child might not be of good health."
"You can go now. I will handle things here," Thutmose said.
Smenkhhare stormed off and went to his chambers pushing the doors open startling Meritaten.
She walked towards him as she looked at his angry face.
" Smen..."
He smacked her face making her fall to the ground. She quickly turned to look at him as she placed her hand over her cheek.
" Why did you do that ?" she cried.
He walked towards her and grabbed her by the arm dragging her and threw her on the bed.
" You dare feign ignorance ?" he hissed.
" I don't know what you are talking about."
" Everything that happened to Astrid. You did all this to her."
" What makes you so sure ? She is a royal and you can't know who has grudge with her. You just can't accuse me and treat me like this over that woman. How dare you even accuse me and treat me this way when you have no proof ?"
" Proof ?" he laughed." Here it is."
He took out an amulet from his pocket and threw it to her.
" Look at the symbol on it. Isn't this the symbol your father has for the men in his secret service ?"
" I don't know what you're talking about," she said as she turned to look away.
" Do not treat me as a fool Meritaten. I have seen this symbol in your father's private room. I saw it when we went to see him when he was sick. I entered his room and found a symbol similar to this. It is also a mark on his secret personal guards so tell me why I should believe you."
"If you know it why keep asking me about it ? "
" Astrid lost her child because of you."
" Because of me ? She is the one who killed our child! I had to seek vengeance since none of you including Pharaoh could give my child justice. If you wish to report me, go ahead and do it but I do not regret it. As long as she feels the same pain I felt, I am willing to face my punishment. If you dare report me, I shall tell everyone that you entered her chambers when she was having a bath."
He turned towards her and she smiled wickedly at him.
" What!"
" I already knew that. You saw her when she was bathing. How will that sit with Pharaoh and Seti ? You will be shamed and punished for it. You will also lose favour from Pharaoh and you will not be crown prince."
Smenkhhare turned his back towards her and took in deep breaths.
" What ? Hurry up and report me, I dare you."Meritaten said." I can never fall alone. I will pull you down with me."
" I am still mourning our child and on account that you were to bear me my son, I will not report it," he sighed.
" I knew that you would not do that to me Smenkhhare. I know that you love me," she said as she wrapped her hands around his neck." You love me."
He unwrapped her arms and pushed her away gently.
" I shall never forgive this Meritaten and never shall I forget what you did to Astrid. I will make you suffer for it."
"You really lost your mind over her Smenkhhare. When will you ever look at me and love me ? When will you realize that I am the one who loves you the most ? She does not care about you. I deserve you more because I am even willing to dirty my hands for you."
He left the room as she laughed with sadness and began to tear up.