Pyramids: The Gateway to Stars

Chapter XXVII

Chapter XXVII
A Step Closer

“The inundation season is approaching, Your Majesty.” I heard Prince Kawab says to his father. They’re at one of the chambers where the Pharaoh would usually discuss matters like this. Usually, there’s many people inside, flocking around the Pharaoh, but this time, it was only him and Kawab.

I tightened my grasp to the tray. Should I enter now? I was told earlier to bring wine in this room but they seem to be at the middle of a serious matter. It might be rude to suddenly meddle in, right?

“The Nilometre showed there’s a high possibility that the flooding of Nile will reach the city.” Kawab paused with a sigh. “We still have fourteen more nights to prepare for it, Father.”

I concealed a gasp. Fourteen days before a massive flood? I knew flooding has always been part of their livelihood as Egyptians but I’d never imagined that I’d be able to witness—much less experience such disaster!

Plus the fact, they’re still far from being advanced when it comes to defense. They still lack so much on that area, and I’m afraid this will greatly impact the people on the village the most since they’re the ones nearest from the river.

My heart sank. Those people are the same people whom I met when we visited Darius’ and Khafre’s farm. Even for a brief moment, I’ve seen how simple and happy they are; it would be cruel to take that life away from them if something worst happens.

They definitely need protection.

“Hesperia, what are you doing here?”

“Ah!” I exclaimed. Khufu’s voice had me bringing me back from reverie. I entered the room with an apologetic look. “I’m sorry… Here are your drinks, Your Highness and Your Majesty.”

Kawab immediately accepted the wine. “Thank you, Miss Hesperia.”

I smiled and placed the other cup of wine upon Khufu’s table. Our eyes met, yet I looked down to avoid his gaze.

“I… I accidentally heard what you two are talking about,” I admitted. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.”

The Prince beside me chuckled. “It’s okay, Miss. It’s not a secret matter anyway.”

That somehow put me at ease. Before I turned my back at them, Khufu gave me a nod while Kawab began talking again. I suddenly felt curious about what plan they’re gonna do. So I slowed down, hoping I’d hear some of its details.

“So as I was saying, we’re about to call for consultants to come up ideas tomorrow.”

“Alright…“ I heard him pause. ” Is there something you want to say, Hesperia?”

“Huh? Me?” Khufu’s question had me facing them again. My surprise expression shifted to embarassment when I realized they’re both looking at me with same amusement in their eyes.

“Why are you still there then?”

I couldn’t come up with an excuse. So I trailed off until I sighed. “Actually there is. I’m not really a consultant… but I have an idea.” I bit my lower lip. “Are you… Are you willing to hear me out?”

“I think there’s no harm in listening. After all, we need to gather ideas as many as possible.” Kawab glanced at Khufu. “Right Father?”

He took a sip from the cup before nodding his head once. He gestured the empty chair at the opposite side of Prince Kawab. “Sit down.”

I took the seat, still not believing that these two royal-blooded men were willing to hear the suggestion of a mere commoner in this world. Perhaps, they were already at the point of desperation in solving this problem.