Twins of Egypt

Chapter 40: Blood Moon

[[Alexander || Same day]]

The balcony doors were open allowing in a breath of fresh air. There was sage burning in every corner of the room, though the smell was still terrible. I did not mind though, I just laid beside my sister, on the sheets soaked in red, listening to her haggard breathing. There was no more blood, yet she was barely hanging on to the life she had left. Her eyes stayed open and there was no fear.

I rubbed the hair away from her face, "Why did you let the snake bite you?"

She turned her eyes at watched me, "You know." She breathed.

"What do you feel?"

"Nothing that I am not used to." She held my hand, "Our lines need to be joined."

"You shouldn't be talking about this."

"I want to," she assured, "it will make this slightly easier."

"How is dying in this much pain easy?"

"I don't feel it anymore."

"That is because they sedated you." I spat angrily.

"Alexander," she croaked, "I do not want to waste my last breath fighting with you."

"You're not going to die yet."

"Look at the sky."

From the open windows, I saw the moon, that at the time I had arrived, was a large fresh pale pearl in the charcoal sky. I arrived at dusk, which was an hour ago. The sky was lit with a million stars and the pale moon drowned against a dark scarlet-orange shade. I peered down at her and remembered what the augurs said. Today, was the day when the moon disappears and turns into this evil shade.

"Remember when mother said we were born under a solar eclipse?" Selene's pale face invited the hue of the moon and it had never seemed more peaceful.

"Yes."

"Well," she continued to watch the bright blood red moon, "this is a sign from the Gods."

The moon stayed a ruby red and we watched it in silence together, neither of us bothered by the prospect that the royal family outside was waiting to see the Queen. I sighed at my conscience's desire to do the right thing for her family. However, I allowed a few minutes more.

"What is your last request?"

"I'd like red roses at my funeral," she grinned.

"I will give you that."

"And afterward, you must have Galen and Kleopatra betrothed."

"A pure line."

"For the most part." She smiled, and wrapped her bony hand around my covered one. She gave me a weak squeeze, but I only brought her closer to me. "I love you, sister."

"As do I." She cried.

"I have to let them in," I pushed back my tears.

"Good." She breathed softly, lying back against her pillows. I stood up and watched her lovingly for a moment, "I need to see them."

"How do you feel?" I stalled.

"Better."

I nodded and walked towards the door, allowing them inside. Juba and all the children were dressed in mourning black, covering their mouths. Alexander was the only one absent from the room. He was in the safety of the palace, and from what I feared, crying his heart out. I pitied him, he would have no mother. I stood patiently outside, as Juba and his children said goodbye to their mother. Closing the door behind me, I met the teary eyes of my son Caden, and beside him Olympias. Olympias carried Nefer with expertise.