It wasn’t long until Michael left when Rameses returned. That was when Chima came to tell me that the meeting was in two days as rumored. I ordered Chima to the inn to deliver the same message to Michael. I heard a guard question the servant down the hall, which made my heart stop beating once again. Still, as sly as Chima was, he said, “The nurse ordered me to fetch more medicine.”
“This late?”
“It is an emergency. “What if the Pharaoh or the queen fall ill before the meeting?” she says. I am only obeying orders, sir.”
“Well, off you go. Don’t want a skinny runt like you to be in trouble with the nurse of the palace after all.”
That was too close for my own comfort. One mistake, and the whole plan could fall apart before it would even start. It wasn’t easy to keep it alive, but Atum assured me that Michael would know what he was doing.
After two long days, the politicians arrived as said. The maids put me in a white, blue, and gold gown with gold jewelry, slippers, and a tall headdress to complement it all. I stared into the mirror, checking if my outfit was perfect before Rameses’s judgment about it.
“Your majesty,” said an older maid, “your Pharaoh is waiting.”
I slowly replied, “I know. I come.” I smoothed out my dress and let the train drag across the floor as I exited the room. The maids bowed as I took my walk. I carried Atum in my arms for guardianship.
I met Rameses and two of the Egyptian politicians in the main hall just before the throne room. The guards gave me a mix of harsh staring and protective watching. I bowed before the politicians and said, “Welcome to Giza.”
“Why, your majesty,” replied the first as he took my right hand and kissed it respectfully, “There is no need to royal us when it’s you who rules your own kingdom. I am Amrah of East Cairo. The minister if you will.”
The second man took my hand in greeting as well. “And I am Remus of Alexandria. I apologize for not meeting you sooner, your majesty.”
“Forgiveness is all I offer,” I said with a nod.
Remus chuckled. “And what a beast you carry for her majesty’s sake.”
Atum hissed. “Atum is a gift from a stranger who might have attended the wedding celebration. I tend to keep him as company.”
“And do so indeed,” Amrah said.
“Then, why don’t we get started?” insisted my husband, opening the throne room doors. “There is much to discuss.”
“Indeed, your majesty, indeed.”
Rameses, Amrah, and Remus spoke for a good hours of nothing but how much the Romans would serve as allies to the Egyptians. I had doubts, but my opinion was not to be included in a men’s conference. I was only kept quiet unless spoke to by any member of the discussion. Speaking of so, Amrah took his time away from his comrades and looked at me.
“You have been awfully quiet, your grace,” he said.
“Forgive me, sir,” I answered quickly.
“What apology is there? What troubles the queen of the palace?”
“If my opinion is to be taken into consideration, I believe we need some entertainment in our establishment.”
Rameses took a sip of wine and shortly laughed. “Entertainment?”
“I would agree with her majesty, sir Rameses,” Remus announced. “Let the lady decide who is worthy to please.”
“I would desire to see who is dismissed,” Amrah agreed.
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The Queen's Magician
RomanceInspired by the Remember The Time Music video. Queen Madara has never been happy as the wife of Pharaoh Rameses of Egypt. She wants to be with the man she has fallen in love with ever since she became of age, a mysterious Roman magician called the G...
