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Sunlight streamed through the windows of Skylla’s room and the woman promptly found herself clawing out of sleep. It had been so strange, as of late, to wake up alone. Neither Lysander nor Callidora were here to sidle up to in the early morning light, and one of them was dead. The other, she was simply intent to keep off of the chopping block. The less trouble that Callidora found herself in because of Skylla, the more likely she would be to leave Egypt alive and well. Alive, well, and very much with every part of her body intact. That beautiful, luscious swath of creamy skin and stunningly golden hair.
Was she weak to admit that she missed her former bedfellow? Perhaps she was. Would she feel guilty about it? No. Callidora was not the only person with an axe at her neck, and though Skylla was not afraid of death, she also would not die in vain without completing her own personal mission. The mission that saw Callidora out and away from this cesspool of sharp, stifling heat and sand that always found its way into places Skylla would rather not think about.
Just starting to dress for the morning, Skylla couldn’t help but roll her eyes at the sharp knocking on her door. “What is it?” she called in bitter Coptic.
“The Queen. She is ill!” the servant snapped back, not taking kindly to the Greek’s own disparaging tone.
Breathing delicately through her nose, Skylla said absolutely nothing, though she could hear the servant hovering close to the door. The physician had to remind herself to keep herself pleasant and composed. Few people were to know of her true thoughts, but it was moments like these that Skylla truly could not help herself. Fastening her hair back into one long, simple braid to keep it out of her face, the woman pushed out of her room on light feet, giving the servant absolutely no chance to stagger back before the door hit him square in the nose.
Inwardly, Skylla was delighted to cause such pain, regardless of how minute it truly was.
“Oh!” Skylla said gently, reaching for the servant to observe the wound she had caused him. “I am exceedingly sorry,” she said softly, “Let me look.” The servant seemed inclined to snap, but she was the physician’s assistant. There would be no reason for him not to allow her to look at his injury. Skylla brought both of her hands up to settled under the young man’s jaw, turning his head from side to side, “Nothing’s broken. Just stop the bleeding and you should be fine,” she hummed sweetly, releasing the man. “If you will excuse me, I must attend to the queen,” Skylla excused herself and stepped around him and trailed through the Evening Star Palace halls and to the queen’s chambers.
Of course, Skylla was to assume that the queen being ill was actually just more of the same morning sickness that Skylla had been battling for the last few weeks. If such sickness was back, it was likely that Skylla would hear about it from the queen’s husband and family members, though none of them seemed to understand how pregnancy worked. There was often only so much that could be done for morning sickness because it was such a normal part of pregnancy.
Not waiting for the queen to answer the door, Skylla opened the door and then closed it firmly behind her. “Your highness,” Skylla called softly, “One of the servants alerted me that you were feeling ill again,” she said slowly, stepping further into the room. “May I examine you?”
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Sunlight streamed through the windows of Skylla’s room and the woman promptly found herself clawing out of sleep. It had been so strange, as of late, to wake up alone. Neither Lysander nor Callidora were here to sidle up to in the early morning light, and one of them was dead. The other, she was simply intent to keep off of the chopping block. The less trouble that Callidora found herself in because of Skylla, the more likely she would be to leave Egypt alive and well. Alive, well, and very much with every part of her body intact. That beautiful, luscious swath of creamy skin and stunningly golden hair.
Was she weak to admit that she missed her former bedfellow? Perhaps she was. Would she feel guilty about it? No. Callidora was not the only person with an axe at her neck, and though Skylla was not afraid of death, she also would not die in vain without completing her own personal mission. The mission that saw Callidora out and away from this cesspool of sharp, stifling heat and sand that always found its way into places Skylla would rather not think about.
Just starting to dress for the morning, Skylla couldn’t help but roll her eyes at the sharp knocking on her door. “What is it?” she called in bitter Coptic.
“The Queen. She is ill!” the servant snapped back, not taking kindly to the Greek’s own disparaging tone.
Breathing delicately through her nose, Skylla said absolutely nothing, though she could hear the servant hovering close to the door. The physician had to remind herself to keep herself pleasant and composed. Few people were to know of her true thoughts, but it was moments like these that Skylla truly could not help herself. Fastening her hair back into one long, simple braid to keep it out of her face, the woman pushed out of her room on light feet, giving the servant absolutely no chance to stagger back before the door hit him square in the nose.
Inwardly, Skylla was delighted to cause such pain, regardless of how minute it truly was.
“Oh!” Skylla said gently, reaching for the servant to observe the wound she had caused him. “I am exceedingly sorry,” she said softly, “Let me look.” The servant seemed inclined to snap, but she was the physician’s assistant. There would be no reason for him not to allow her to look at his injury. Skylla brought both of her hands up to settled under the young man’s jaw, turning his head from side to side, “Nothing’s broken. Just stop the bleeding and you should be fine,” she hummed sweetly, releasing the man. “If you will excuse me, I must attend to the queen,” Skylla excused herself and stepped around him and trailed through the Evening Star Palace halls and to the queen’s chambers.
Of course, Skylla was to assume that the queen being ill was actually just more of the same morning sickness that Skylla had been battling for the last few weeks. If such sickness was back, it was likely that Skylla would hear about it from the queen’s husband and family members, though none of them seemed to understand how pregnancy worked. There was often only so much that could be done for morning sickness because it was such a normal part of pregnancy.
Not waiting for the queen to answer the door, Skylla opened the door and then closed it firmly behind her. “Your highness,” Skylla called softly, “One of the servants alerted me that you were feeling ill again,” she said slowly, stepping further into the room. “May I examine you?”
Sunlight streamed through the windows of Skylla’s room and the woman promptly found herself clawing out of sleep. It had been so strange, as of late, to wake up alone. Neither Lysander nor Callidora were here to sidle up to in the early morning light, and one of them was dead. The other, she was simply intent to keep off of the chopping block. The less trouble that Callidora found herself in because of Skylla, the more likely she would be to leave Egypt alive and well. Alive, well, and very much with every part of her body intact. That beautiful, luscious swath of creamy skin and stunningly golden hair.
Was she weak to admit that she missed her former bedfellow? Perhaps she was. Would she feel guilty about it? No. Callidora was not the only person with an axe at her neck, and though Skylla was not afraid of death, she also would not die in vain without completing her own personal mission. The mission that saw Callidora out and away from this cesspool of sharp, stifling heat and sand that always found its way into places Skylla would rather not think about.
Just starting to dress for the morning, Skylla couldn’t help but roll her eyes at the sharp knocking on her door. “What is it?” she called in bitter Coptic.
“The Queen. She is ill!” the servant snapped back, not taking kindly to the Greek’s own disparaging tone.
Breathing delicately through her nose, Skylla said absolutely nothing, though she could hear the servant hovering close to the door. The physician had to remind herself to keep herself pleasant and composed. Few people were to know of her true thoughts, but it was moments like these that Skylla truly could not help herself. Fastening her hair back into one long, simple braid to keep it out of her face, the woman pushed out of her room on light feet, giving the servant absolutely no chance to stagger back before the door hit him square in the nose.
Inwardly, Skylla was delighted to cause such pain, regardless of how minute it truly was.
“Oh!” Skylla said gently, reaching for the servant to observe the wound she had caused him. “I am exceedingly sorry,” she said softly, “Let me look.” The servant seemed inclined to snap, but she was the physician’s assistant. There would be no reason for him not to allow her to look at his injury. Skylla brought both of her hands up to settled under the young man’s jaw, turning his head from side to side, “Nothing’s broken. Just stop the bleeding and you should be fine,” she hummed sweetly, releasing the man. “If you will excuse me, I must attend to the queen,” Skylla excused herself and stepped around him and trailed through the Evening Star Palace halls and to the queen’s chambers.
Of course, Skylla was to assume that the queen being ill was actually just more of the same morning sickness that Skylla had been battling for the last few weeks. If such sickness was back, it was likely that Skylla would hear about it from the queen’s husband and family members, though none of them seemed to understand how pregnancy worked. There was often only so much that could be done for morning sickness because it was such a normal part of pregnancy.
Not waiting for the queen to answer the door, Skylla opened the door and then closed it firmly behind her. “Your highness,” Skylla called softly, “One of the servants alerted me that you were feeling ill again,” she said slowly, stepping further into the room. “May I examine you?”
Hatshepsut heaved into the bowl that one of her attendants held, surprised that there was anything left to come out. She had been vomiting most of the night and had hardly slept at all. Her head was aching as well. It seemed as if an invisible knife constantly stabbed through her forehead. Since she had discovered she was pregnant, she had not suffered from headaches and had hoped that they were gone forever. This one was about a thousand times more severe than the ones she usually had, or that was how it had seemed to her.
Her morning sickness had also been less frequent since Skylla had begun treating it. The Queen had been fine yesterday evening, but soon after she retired, she had started feeling queasy and her dinner had eventually made an unwanted reappearance. She even threw up the herbs the physician had given her against it. Nothing seemed to help and she had no idea why this was happening to her.
It wasn't poison. After someone had tried to poison Iahotep, she had been extra careful and had a servant taste everything that was put onto her plate. Because of the hazards of the job, the servant was paid very well and had been given a small room in the palace adjoining the Queen's. Now that Egypt was preparing for war with Greece, it was even more important to keep herself and her baby safe.
She felt like she had a target on her back. Assassination was always a threat to any ruler, but Hatshepsut had never had to worry about it before. Egypt had been at peace and her people loved her too much to attempt to kill her. It was the Greeks she feared. They probably already knew that she carried the next Pharaoh in her womb and would do everything in their power to make certain he was never born. Egypt would be weakened by the loss of its heir and its Queen. Without her, Iahotep would be challenged and what better time to attack a country than when it was on the brink of a civil war?
Perhaps it was anxiety causing both her morning sickness and this agonizing headache. She had sent a servant for Skylla, hoping that she might be know how to treat both ailments. Hatshepsut had not even been able to rise today. She had tried but her knees had given way beneath her and her attendants had eased her back onto her bed. The Queen didn't have to look into her mirror to tell that her skin looked sallow and there were dark circles under her eyes.
The door opened and then shut again. The curtains had been pulled over the windows to keep the sunlight from worsening her headache and it was too dark to see who had entered. Please don't let it be Iahotep, she prayed to any god who might be listening. I just can't deal with him right now. She imagined that her husband had already been notified of her illness and would be concerned about the baby. Hopefully, he was too busy with war plans to visit her.
She sighed when she heard Skylla's voice. “Yes,” she whispered tiredly. “I've been vomiting all night and I have a dreadful headache. And of course you may examine me.”
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Hatshepsut heaved into the bowl that one of her attendants held, surprised that there was anything left to come out. She had been vomiting most of the night and had hardly slept at all. Her head was aching as well. It seemed as if an invisible knife constantly stabbed through her forehead. Since she had discovered she was pregnant, she had not suffered from headaches and had hoped that they were gone forever. This one was about a thousand times more severe than the ones she usually had, or that was how it had seemed to her.
Her morning sickness had also been less frequent since Skylla had begun treating it. The Queen had been fine yesterday evening, but soon after she retired, she had started feeling queasy and her dinner had eventually made an unwanted reappearance. She even threw up the herbs the physician had given her against it. Nothing seemed to help and she had no idea why this was happening to her.
It wasn't poison. After someone had tried to poison Iahotep, she had been extra careful and had a servant taste everything that was put onto her plate. Because of the hazards of the job, the servant was paid very well and had been given a small room in the palace adjoining the Queen's. Now that Egypt was preparing for war with Greece, it was even more important to keep herself and her baby safe.
She felt like she had a target on her back. Assassination was always a threat to any ruler, but Hatshepsut had never had to worry about it before. Egypt had been at peace and her people loved her too much to attempt to kill her. It was the Greeks she feared. They probably already knew that she carried the next Pharaoh in her womb and would do everything in their power to make certain he was never born. Egypt would be weakened by the loss of its heir and its Queen. Without her, Iahotep would be challenged and what better time to attack a country than when it was on the brink of a civil war?
Perhaps it was anxiety causing both her morning sickness and this agonizing headache. She had sent a servant for Skylla, hoping that she might be know how to treat both ailments. Hatshepsut had not even been able to rise today. She had tried but her knees had given way beneath her and her attendants had eased her back onto her bed. The Queen didn't have to look into her mirror to tell that her skin looked sallow and there were dark circles under her eyes.
The door opened and then shut again. The curtains had been pulled over the windows to keep the sunlight from worsening her headache and it was too dark to see who had entered. Please don't let it be Iahotep, she prayed to any god who might be listening. I just can't deal with him right now. She imagined that her husband had already been notified of her illness and would be concerned about the baby. Hopefully, he was too busy with war plans to visit her.
She sighed when she heard Skylla's voice. “Yes,” she whispered tiredly. “I've been vomiting all night and I have a dreadful headache. And of course you may examine me.”
Hatshepsut heaved into the bowl that one of her attendants held, surprised that there was anything left to come out. She had been vomiting most of the night and had hardly slept at all. Her head was aching as well. It seemed as if an invisible knife constantly stabbed through her forehead. Since she had discovered she was pregnant, she had not suffered from headaches and had hoped that they were gone forever. This one was about a thousand times more severe than the ones she usually had, or that was how it had seemed to her.
Her morning sickness had also been less frequent since Skylla had begun treating it. The Queen had been fine yesterday evening, but soon after she retired, she had started feeling queasy and her dinner had eventually made an unwanted reappearance. She even threw up the herbs the physician had given her against it. Nothing seemed to help and she had no idea why this was happening to her.
It wasn't poison. After someone had tried to poison Iahotep, she had been extra careful and had a servant taste everything that was put onto her plate. Because of the hazards of the job, the servant was paid very well and had been given a small room in the palace adjoining the Queen's. Now that Egypt was preparing for war with Greece, it was even more important to keep herself and her baby safe.
She felt like she had a target on her back. Assassination was always a threat to any ruler, but Hatshepsut had never had to worry about it before. Egypt had been at peace and her people loved her too much to attempt to kill her. It was the Greeks she feared. They probably already knew that she carried the next Pharaoh in her womb and would do everything in their power to make certain he was never born. Egypt would be weakened by the loss of its heir and its Queen. Without her, Iahotep would be challenged and what better time to attack a country than when it was on the brink of a civil war?
Perhaps it was anxiety causing both her morning sickness and this agonizing headache. She had sent a servant for Skylla, hoping that she might be know how to treat both ailments. Hatshepsut had not even been able to rise today. She had tried but her knees had given way beneath her and her attendants had eased her back onto her bed. The Queen didn't have to look into her mirror to tell that her skin looked sallow and there were dark circles under her eyes.
The door opened and then shut again. The curtains had been pulled over the windows to keep the sunlight from worsening her headache and it was too dark to see who had entered. Please don't let it be Iahotep, she prayed to any god who might be listening. I just can't deal with him right now. She imagined that her husband had already been notified of her illness and would be concerned about the baby. Hopefully, he was too busy with war plans to visit her.
She sighed when she heard Skylla's voice. “Yes,” she whispered tiredly. “I've been vomiting all night and I have a dreadful headache. And of course you may examine me.”
Skylla's steps were slow and graceful across the marble of the queen's room. She was trying to make as little noise as possible, especially if Hatshepsut was struggling with a headache. Already, the physician's mind was trailing quickly through all of the posibilities. Of course, she could just have a headache from the vomiting. Once or twice in her own life she had experienced such an unpleasant reaction to another ailment.
She had no reservations about ordering the servants in the room about. "Get me some fresh water," she said in her usual soft tone as she approached the side of the bed that the queen lay on. Skylla gazed down at the small woman, once more displeased that a girl so young was being forced into such a tenuous pregnancy. She was so young and her body not fully developed. There was no wonder or question why the queen was having so many problems with illness. Such ailments struck women differently, but Skylla had always noticed that the younger mothers struggled the most.
They had no experience, nor expectation of what they were to endure as a babe grew in their womb. Settling on the edge of the bed and vaguely listening to the scattering of the servants to do as Skylla had asked, Skylla reached for the queen. Her fingers brushed the young woman's forehead, trying to feel for a fever but finding that her temperature was normal. "The headache is likely from the vomiting," Skylla said softly, "The best thing we can do at this moment is see that you keep water on your stomach, as well as some stronger herbs to calm your illness," she was saying softly, stroking the queen's hair as a way to try and comfort her.
"I am sorry that I have failed you, my queen," Skylla said gently, "I thought for sure we had found the correct mixture to keep you from your sickness. I will try harder, but it might take a few more attempts. Will you work with me?" she asked lightly as one of the servants returned with the water that Skylla had asked for.
The physician took the jug and the cup from the woman and motioned with her chin to make herself unseen. "Lets wash your mouth out first. I'm sure the taste is not something you're keen on, nor does it help," she murmured, setting the jug on the table beside the bed. She handed the cup off to the queen and then reached for one of the newly clean bowls for the queen to spit the water back into.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
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Skylla's steps were slow and graceful across the marble of the queen's room. She was trying to make as little noise as possible, especially if Hatshepsut was struggling with a headache. Already, the physician's mind was trailing quickly through all of the posibilities. Of course, she could just have a headache from the vomiting. Once or twice in her own life she had experienced such an unpleasant reaction to another ailment.
She had no reservations about ordering the servants in the room about. "Get me some fresh water," she said in her usual soft tone as she approached the side of the bed that the queen lay on. Skylla gazed down at the small woman, once more displeased that a girl so young was being forced into such a tenuous pregnancy. She was so young and her body not fully developed. There was no wonder or question why the queen was having so many problems with illness. Such ailments struck women differently, but Skylla had always noticed that the younger mothers struggled the most.
They had no experience, nor expectation of what they were to endure as a babe grew in their womb. Settling on the edge of the bed and vaguely listening to the scattering of the servants to do as Skylla had asked, Skylla reached for the queen. Her fingers brushed the young woman's forehead, trying to feel for a fever but finding that her temperature was normal. "The headache is likely from the vomiting," Skylla said softly, "The best thing we can do at this moment is see that you keep water on your stomach, as well as some stronger herbs to calm your illness," she was saying softly, stroking the queen's hair as a way to try and comfort her.
"I am sorry that I have failed you, my queen," Skylla said gently, "I thought for sure we had found the correct mixture to keep you from your sickness. I will try harder, but it might take a few more attempts. Will you work with me?" she asked lightly as one of the servants returned with the water that Skylla had asked for.
The physician took the jug and the cup from the woman and motioned with her chin to make herself unseen. "Lets wash your mouth out first. I'm sure the taste is not something you're keen on, nor does it help," she murmured, setting the jug on the table beside the bed. She handed the cup off to the queen and then reached for one of the newly clean bowls for the queen to spit the water back into.
Skylla's steps were slow and graceful across the marble of the queen's room. She was trying to make as little noise as possible, especially if Hatshepsut was struggling with a headache. Already, the physician's mind was trailing quickly through all of the posibilities. Of course, she could just have a headache from the vomiting. Once or twice in her own life she had experienced such an unpleasant reaction to another ailment.
She had no reservations about ordering the servants in the room about. "Get me some fresh water," she said in her usual soft tone as she approached the side of the bed that the queen lay on. Skylla gazed down at the small woman, once more displeased that a girl so young was being forced into such a tenuous pregnancy. She was so young and her body not fully developed. There was no wonder or question why the queen was having so many problems with illness. Such ailments struck women differently, but Skylla had always noticed that the younger mothers struggled the most.
They had no experience, nor expectation of what they were to endure as a babe grew in their womb. Settling on the edge of the bed and vaguely listening to the scattering of the servants to do as Skylla had asked, Skylla reached for the queen. Her fingers brushed the young woman's forehead, trying to feel for a fever but finding that her temperature was normal. "The headache is likely from the vomiting," Skylla said softly, "The best thing we can do at this moment is see that you keep water on your stomach, as well as some stronger herbs to calm your illness," she was saying softly, stroking the queen's hair as a way to try and comfort her.
"I am sorry that I have failed you, my queen," Skylla said gently, "I thought for sure we had found the correct mixture to keep you from your sickness. I will try harder, but it might take a few more attempts. Will you work with me?" she asked lightly as one of the servants returned with the water that Skylla had asked for.
The physician took the jug and the cup from the woman and motioned with her chin to make herself unseen. "Lets wash your mouth out first. I'm sure the taste is not something you're keen on, nor does it help," she murmured, setting the jug on the table beside the bed. She handed the cup off to the queen and then reached for one of the newly clean bowls for the queen to spit the water back into.
Hatshepsut closed her eyes as Skylla sat down beside her. The physician’s fingers were cool upon her forehead, though she suspected that she did not have a fever. When the woman mentioned water, she realized how dry and raw her throat was from all the regurgitating last night and early this morning. “I am quite thirsty,” she admitted. She didn’t mind Skylla’s herbal potions either. They were much more palatable than those of her predecessor, whom Iahotep had dismissed after Hatshepsut had fainted at the gathering to announce his intentions to go to war against Greece.
She sighed as the physician gently stroked her hair. The young Queen believed that Skylla truly cared about her, which she couldn’t say about the man who had formally held the position. He had been respectful but had shown little emotion and had never asked how she felt. To Hatshepsut, a good bedside manner was as important as the treatment itself.
“You have not failed me,” she assured Skylla. Opening her eyes, she reached for her hand and squeezed it. “You have already helped me tremendously. The sickness seems to be constantly changing as the child grows inside me. I understand that finding the right remedy is not easy, and I will do anything that you think will alleviate it. I should have told you this before, but I have always suffered from headaches, even as a child. I think it is a result of all the responsibility I bear. I am constantly under a lot of stress and sometimes it gets the best of me.”
A servant returned with the water Skylla had requested and then faded into the shadows. ‘It’s quite unpleasant, yes,” she agreed about the foul flavor in her mouth. Her breath probably smelled awful too. Rising so that she was balanced on one elbow and taking the cup she was handed, she took a long gulp and swirled it around, savoring its refreshing taste before spitting it out into the bowl the physician held. Strangely enough, her stomach was no longer churning as much as it had been.
She repeated the process with the rest of the water and then lowered herself back to a reclining position. “Thank you,” she said. “You know exactly what I need.” Biting her lip, she considered revealing something she had never told a single soul. Yes, she should confide in her physician. She was a woman. She would understand. “There might be another factor contributing to my illness.” She looked up into Skylla’s eyes and whispered: “I’m afraid.”
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Hatshepsut closed her eyes as Skylla sat down beside her. The physician’s fingers were cool upon her forehead, though she suspected that she did not have a fever. When the woman mentioned water, she realized how dry and raw her throat was from all the regurgitating last night and early this morning. “I am quite thirsty,” she admitted. She didn’t mind Skylla’s herbal potions either. They were much more palatable than those of her predecessor, whom Iahotep had dismissed after Hatshepsut had fainted at the gathering to announce his intentions to go to war against Greece.
She sighed as the physician gently stroked her hair. The young Queen believed that Skylla truly cared about her, which she couldn’t say about the man who had formally held the position. He had been respectful but had shown little emotion and had never asked how she felt. To Hatshepsut, a good bedside manner was as important as the treatment itself.
“You have not failed me,” she assured Skylla. Opening her eyes, she reached for her hand and squeezed it. “You have already helped me tremendously. The sickness seems to be constantly changing as the child grows inside me. I understand that finding the right remedy is not easy, and I will do anything that you think will alleviate it. I should have told you this before, but I have always suffered from headaches, even as a child. I think it is a result of all the responsibility I bear. I am constantly under a lot of stress and sometimes it gets the best of me.”
A servant returned with the water Skylla had requested and then faded into the shadows. ‘It’s quite unpleasant, yes,” she agreed about the foul flavor in her mouth. Her breath probably smelled awful too. Rising so that she was balanced on one elbow and taking the cup she was handed, she took a long gulp and swirled it around, savoring its refreshing taste before spitting it out into the bowl the physician held. Strangely enough, her stomach was no longer churning as much as it had been.
She repeated the process with the rest of the water and then lowered herself back to a reclining position. “Thank you,” she said. “You know exactly what I need.” Biting her lip, she considered revealing something she had never told a single soul. Yes, she should confide in her physician. She was a woman. She would understand. “There might be another factor contributing to my illness.” She looked up into Skylla’s eyes and whispered: “I’m afraid.”
Hatshepsut closed her eyes as Skylla sat down beside her. The physician’s fingers were cool upon her forehead, though she suspected that she did not have a fever. When the woman mentioned water, she realized how dry and raw her throat was from all the regurgitating last night and early this morning. “I am quite thirsty,” she admitted. She didn’t mind Skylla’s herbal potions either. They were much more palatable than those of her predecessor, whom Iahotep had dismissed after Hatshepsut had fainted at the gathering to announce his intentions to go to war against Greece.
She sighed as the physician gently stroked her hair. The young Queen believed that Skylla truly cared about her, which she couldn’t say about the man who had formally held the position. He had been respectful but had shown little emotion and had never asked how she felt. To Hatshepsut, a good bedside manner was as important as the treatment itself.
“You have not failed me,” she assured Skylla. Opening her eyes, she reached for her hand and squeezed it. “You have already helped me tremendously. The sickness seems to be constantly changing as the child grows inside me. I understand that finding the right remedy is not easy, and I will do anything that you think will alleviate it. I should have told you this before, but I have always suffered from headaches, even as a child. I think it is a result of all the responsibility I bear. I am constantly under a lot of stress and sometimes it gets the best of me.”
A servant returned with the water Skylla had requested and then faded into the shadows. ‘It’s quite unpleasant, yes,” she agreed about the foul flavor in her mouth. Her breath probably smelled awful too. Rising so that she was balanced on one elbow and taking the cup she was handed, she took a long gulp and swirled it around, savoring its refreshing taste before spitting it out into the bowl the physician held. Strangely enough, her stomach was no longer churning as much as it had been.
She repeated the process with the rest of the water and then lowered herself back to a reclining position. “Thank you,” she said. “You know exactly what I need.” Biting her lip, she considered revealing something she had never told a single soul. Yes, she should confide in her physician. She was a woman. She would understand. “There might be another factor contributing to my illness.” She looked up into Skylla’s eyes and whispered: “I’m afraid.”
There were a rare few moments in Skylla's life in which she had ever felt any sort of maternal instinct. Billa, her own mother, was much more suited to the mothering and the care that maternal women took toward the people they cared for. This was one of those moments in Skylla's life. This young queen with a child in her womb was the catalyst for the myriad of feelings that Skylla felt anytime she worked with the young woman. When the Pharaoh had initially stayed her execution and instructed her to work with the queen, Skylla had had no intention of truly helping if she could really manage it.
But Queen Hatshepsut was kind and gentle and far too tenderhearted and vulnerable to avoid. Skylla had grown immediately fond of the young woman, and it was the sudden maternal instinct that she felt toward the girl that kept her coming back. While the Pharaoh and Queen Dowager likely thought Skylla uncaring of those around her, the queen had become the exception.
Skylla truly wanted to help, and she was going to do everything she could to ensure that this child was born. That was, at least, if something didn't come to take her away from this prison before then.
The queen mentioning that she suffered from headaches often had Skylla watching her with a keen gaze. If she had known that from the beginning, it would have been easier to come up with a good mixture of herbs. Clearly thinking through things and ensuring that the queen knew that, Skylla smiled just the slightest bit, shaking her curls slowly. "I think I have a new mixture in mind that will help with your headaches and your morning sickness and keep you feeling like you have energy, my queen," Skylla instructed gently, not at all bothered by the queen spitting the water into the bowl.
Once upon a time, she hadn't had such a strong stomach. Now? Nothing really bothered her. It was a blessing. Some injuries she had dealt with festered so badly that a person smelled like death. That was a smell that could turn one's stomach. Vomit? That did little to really unseat the physician.
Skylla only nodded when Hatshepsut thanked her, opening her mouth at first to say that she didn't need to be thanked, and then closing it again when the Queen continued. Stating that she was afraid was a dangerous thing, and Skylla immediately looked about the room to make sure that no one could truly hear them. Skylla's own voice dropped a few octaves so that they could have a truly personal conversation.
"What is it you are afraid of?" she asked very lowly, leaning closer to the queen so that she might feel like she could tell Skylla without worrying about listening ears around them. "Is it something that I can help ease, my queen?" Keeping the queen calm and happy would go a long way in ensuring that this baby would be born healthy with few complications.
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There were a rare few moments in Skylla's life in which she had ever felt any sort of maternal instinct. Billa, her own mother, was much more suited to the mothering and the care that maternal women took toward the people they cared for. This was one of those moments in Skylla's life. This young queen with a child in her womb was the catalyst for the myriad of feelings that Skylla felt anytime she worked with the young woman. When the Pharaoh had initially stayed her execution and instructed her to work with the queen, Skylla had had no intention of truly helping if she could really manage it.
But Queen Hatshepsut was kind and gentle and far too tenderhearted and vulnerable to avoid. Skylla had grown immediately fond of the young woman, and it was the sudden maternal instinct that she felt toward the girl that kept her coming back. While the Pharaoh and Queen Dowager likely thought Skylla uncaring of those around her, the queen had become the exception.
Skylla truly wanted to help, and she was going to do everything she could to ensure that this child was born. That was, at least, if something didn't come to take her away from this prison before then.
The queen mentioning that she suffered from headaches often had Skylla watching her with a keen gaze. If she had known that from the beginning, it would have been easier to come up with a good mixture of herbs. Clearly thinking through things and ensuring that the queen knew that, Skylla smiled just the slightest bit, shaking her curls slowly. "I think I have a new mixture in mind that will help with your headaches and your morning sickness and keep you feeling like you have energy, my queen," Skylla instructed gently, not at all bothered by the queen spitting the water into the bowl.
Once upon a time, she hadn't had such a strong stomach. Now? Nothing really bothered her. It was a blessing. Some injuries she had dealt with festered so badly that a person smelled like death. That was a smell that could turn one's stomach. Vomit? That did little to really unseat the physician.
Skylla only nodded when Hatshepsut thanked her, opening her mouth at first to say that she didn't need to be thanked, and then closing it again when the Queen continued. Stating that she was afraid was a dangerous thing, and Skylla immediately looked about the room to make sure that no one could truly hear them. Skylla's own voice dropped a few octaves so that they could have a truly personal conversation.
"What is it you are afraid of?" she asked very lowly, leaning closer to the queen so that she might feel like she could tell Skylla without worrying about listening ears around them. "Is it something that I can help ease, my queen?" Keeping the queen calm and happy would go a long way in ensuring that this baby would be born healthy with few complications.
There were a rare few moments in Skylla's life in which she had ever felt any sort of maternal instinct. Billa, her own mother, was much more suited to the mothering and the care that maternal women took toward the people they cared for. This was one of those moments in Skylla's life. This young queen with a child in her womb was the catalyst for the myriad of feelings that Skylla felt anytime she worked with the young woman. When the Pharaoh had initially stayed her execution and instructed her to work with the queen, Skylla had had no intention of truly helping if she could really manage it.
But Queen Hatshepsut was kind and gentle and far too tenderhearted and vulnerable to avoid. Skylla had grown immediately fond of the young woman, and it was the sudden maternal instinct that she felt toward the girl that kept her coming back. While the Pharaoh and Queen Dowager likely thought Skylla uncaring of those around her, the queen had become the exception.
Skylla truly wanted to help, and she was going to do everything she could to ensure that this child was born. That was, at least, if something didn't come to take her away from this prison before then.
The queen mentioning that she suffered from headaches often had Skylla watching her with a keen gaze. If she had known that from the beginning, it would have been easier to come up with a good mixture of herbs. Clearly thinking through things and ensuring that the queen knew that, Skylla smiled just the slightest bit, shaking her curls slowly. "I think I have a new mixture in mind that will help with your headaches and your morning sickness and keep you feeling like you have energy, my queen," Skylla instructed gently, not at all bothered by the queen spitting the water into the bowl.
Once upon a time, she hadn't had such a strong stomach. Now? Nothing really bothered her. It was a blessing. Some injuries she had dealt with festered so badly that a person smelled like death. That was a smell that could turn one's stomach. Vomit? That did little to really unseat the physician.
Skylla only nodded when Hatshepsut thanked her, opening her mouth at first to say that she didn't need to be thanked, and then closing it again when the Queen continued. Stating that she was afraid was a dangerous thing, and Skylla immediately looked about the room to make sure that no one could truly hear them. Skylla's own voice dropped a few octaves so that they could have a truly personal conversation.
"What is it you are afraid of?" she asked very lowly, leaning closer to the queen so that she might feel like she could tell Skylla without worrying about listening ears around them. "Is it something that I can help ease, my queen?" Keeping the queen calm and happy would go a long way in ensuring that this baby would be born healthy with few complications.
Hatshespsut felt silly now for not telling Skylla about her headaches before this. They had plagued her since her mother had insisted that she sit in on council meetings. The stares of the council members seemed to crush her into ashes and dust. They were not exactly disapproving but they were wary and she sensed their high expectations for her, their hope that she would be strong and ruthless like her mother instead of the shy and gentle girl she truly was. As time went on, the disappointment in their eyes had been relentless, just like her mother’s. She had felt like she was failing as a Queen and that she would probably fail as a mother too. According to Iahotep, she had already failed as a wife.
She also found it hard to trust new people, Greeks in particular. The thought had crossed her mind that Skylla was only pretending to be a physician and had actually been sent to assassinate her and make certain that her child was never born. She had no idea why Iahotep had appointed a Greek to attend her unless he wanted the same thing. Strangely enough, he had been nicer to her after he learned she was pregnant. Maybe there was a spark of humanity left inside his blackened soul. Perhaps he genuinely wanted this baby. Would he change even more once it was born? Would he become less cruel? Hathsepsut could only hope that it would be so.
Skylla had quickly won her over with her kindness and concern, as well as remedies that actually worked. Her taster still sampled all of them first, but she no longer believed that the physician had any inclination to harm her. She even seemed fond of her and dedicated to assuring that she was well and that no harm came to the child. And so Hatshepsut finally told her about the headaches and was pleased that she had a solution. If it worked, maybe she would never suffer from another one again. If it gave her energy too, she would be eternally grateful. She had been unusually lethargic lately and sometimes couldn’t be bothered to rise from her bed.
It was also because she trusted her that Hatshepsut felt comfortable confiding her fears. Skylla leaned close so that nobody else would hear them, which she appreciated. She had an image to maintain and not even her handmaids should know about her worries. “Yes, you can help me. I’m afraid because I don’t know very little about pregnancy and childbirth. I don’t know what’s going to happen to me as my pregnancy progresses. Will I be sick the entire time? Will I be confined to bed during the last months because my belly is too large for me to stand? All I know about labor is that is very painful and that it can last for days."
She sighed softly. “I’m also afraid that I will inherit my mother’s problems, that I will miscarry or that all my children will be stillborn. I hate to admit that I’m so ignorant about my own condition, but it would ease my mind if I know what to expect and what I can do to make everything go smoothly.” At that moment, no one would have denied that, even though she was Queen of Egypt, she was also a child who was having a child.
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Hatshespsut felt silly now for not telling Skylla about her headaches before this. They had plagued her since her mother had insisted that she sit in on council meetings. The stares of the council members seemed to crush her into ashes and dust. They were not exactly disapproving but they were wary and she sensed their high expectations for her, their hope that she would be strong and ruthless like her mother instead of the shy and gentle girl she truly was. As time went on, the disappointment in their eyes had been relentless, just like her mother’s. She had felt like she was failing as a Queen and that she would probably fail as a mother too. According to Iahotep, she had already failed as a wife.
She also found it hard to trust new people, Greeks in particular. The thought had crossed her mind that Skylla was only pretending to be a physician and had actually been sent to assassinate her and make certain that her child was never born. She had no idea why Iahotep had appointed a Greek to attend her unless he wanted the same thing. Strangely enough, he had been nicer to her after he learned she was pregnant. Maybe there was a spark of humanity left inside his blackened soul. Perhaps he genuinely wanted this baby. Would he change even more once it was born? Would he become less cruel? Hathsepsut could only hope that it would be so.
Skylla had quickly won her over with her kindness and concern, as well as remedies that actually worked. Her taster still sampled all of them first, but she no longer believed that the physician had any inclination to harm her. She even seemed fond of her and dedicated to assuring that she was well and that no harm came to the child. And so Hatshepsut finally told her about the headaches and was pleased that she had a solution. If it worked, maybe she would never suffer from another one again. If it gave her energy too, she would be eternally grateful. She had been unusually lethargic lately and sometimes couldn’t be bothered to rise from her bed.
It was also because she trusted her that Hatshepsut felt comfortable confiding her fears. Skylla leaned close so that nobody else would hear them, which she appreciated. She had an image to maintain and not even her handmaids should know about her worries. “Yes, you can help me. I’m afraid because I don’t know very little about pregnancy and childbirth. I don’t know what’s going to happen to me as my pregnancy progresses. Will I be sick the entire time? Will I be confined to bed during the last months because my belly is too large for me to stand? All I know about labor is that is very painful and that it can last for days."
She sighed softly. “I’m also afraid that I will inherit my mother’s problems, that I will miscarry or that all my children will be stillborn. I hate to admit that I’m so ignorant about my own condition, but it would ease my mind if I know what to expect and what I can do to make everything go smoothly.” At that moment, no one would have denied that, even though she was Queen of Egypt, she was also a child who was having a child.
Hatshespsut felt silly now for not telling Skylla about her headaches before this. They had plagued her since her mother had insisted that she sit in on council meetings. The stares of the council members seemed to crush her into ashes and dust. They were not exactly disapproving but they were wary and she sensed their high expectations for her, their hope that she would be strong and ruthless like her mother instead of the shy and gentle girl she truly was. As time went on, the disappointment in their eyes had been relentless, just like her mother’s. She had felt like she was failing as a Queen and that she would probably fail as a mother too. According to Iahotep, she had already failed as a wife.
She also found it hard to trust new people, Greeks in particular. The thought had crossed her mind that Skylla was only pretending to be a physician and had actually been sent to assassinate her and make certain that her child was never born. She had no idea why Iahotep had appointed a Greek to attend her unless he wanted the same thing. Strangely enough, he had been nicer to her after he learned she was pregnant. Maybe there was a spark of humanity left inside his blackened soul. Perhaps he genuinely wanted this baby. Would he change even more once it was born? Would he become less cruel? Hathsepsut could only hope that it would be so.
Skylla had quickly won her over with her kindness and concern, as well as remedies that actually worked. Her taster still sampled all of them first, but she no longer believed that the physician had any inclination to harm her. She even seemed fond of her and dedicated to assuring that she was well and that no harm came to the child. And so Hatshepsut finally told her about the headaches and was pleased that she had a solution. If it worked, maybe she would never suffer from another one again. If it gave her energy too, she would be eternally grateful. She had been unusually lethargic lately and sometimes couldn’t be bothered to rise from her bed.
It was also because she trusted her that Hatshepsut felt comfortable confiding her fears. Skylla leaned close so that nobody else would hear them, which she appreciated. She had an image to maintain and not even her handmaids should know about her worries. “Yes, you can help me. I’m afraid because I don’t know very little about pregnancy and childbirth. I don’t know what’s going to happen to me as my pregnancy progresses. Will I be sick the entire time? Will I be confined to bed during the last months because my belly is too large for me to stand? All I know about labor is that is very painful and that it can last for days."
She sighed softly. “I’m also afraid that I will inherit my mother’s problems, that I will miscarry or that all my children will be stillborn. I hate to admit that I’m so ignorant about my own condition, but it would ease my mind if I know what to expect and what I can do to make everything go smoothly.” At that moment, no one would have denied that, even though she was Queen of Egypt, she was also a child who was having a child.
Skylla had to pause, her dark brows furrowing. It was hard to fathom that no one, absolutely no one, had really told the queen much about pregnancy. Wasn't that important for royals? Especially the young girls who would be queen? Skylla sat beside Hatshepsut for a while, focusing on the words that she spoke as she spoke them. And it took a few moments after the queen was finished speaking to fully digest what it was the queen was admitting to her. Her mother had a history of miscarriages and stillborns? That was concerning, and with the queen's young age, all the more likely, too.
Frowning, the physician shifted herself so that she was showcased the fact that the queen had all of her attention all at once. Hatshepsut was a queen, but she was also still a girl no matter what the laws of the ancient world spoke. She was still a girl with very little knowledge of what pregnancy was like or what raising a child would likely entail. It was different for royals, sure, but it didn't differ too much from the norm.
Sighing deeply through her nose, Skylla rest her hands in her lap, watching the queen closely and debating the first words that she was to say to the girl. When she opened her mouth, she hoped that the queen could take these truths to heart.
"It is likely, with your age, you might be sick for much of your pregnancy, but I pray that I can remain here and help you through that, my queen," Skylla said slowly, "You may find yourself averse to certain foods or craving others. Hopefully your body will be strong enough to withstand a pregnancy, and most women do not need to remain bed-ridden. It is actually good to be active and to spend part of your time on your feet, as tiring as that might become. But there are good parts to pregnancy as well," she explained, her expression softening. "When the baby kicks, you can feel it, and often see it as you get further along. You'll find yourself hungrier, though you might also find yourself much more emotional. My mother used to tell me that she cried at every little thing when she was pregnant with me. Such hysteria is normal but also unexpected," she was saying slowly, her smile lighting her lips.
"I will do my very best, my queen, to ensure that you do not endure the same problems that your mother had. Now that you have told me, I can ensure that you have the proper nutrients and we can keep a much closer eye on any problems that may have appeared to be a fluke for any other woman," Skylla took the moment to reach for Hatshepsut's hand, her dark gaze warm and somewhat affectionate. "But you are correct. Childbirth is painful and it can last for days, but you should find solace in the fact that you will not be alone for it. There will be other women with you, there for support, and to help soothe your pains of mind."
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Skylla had to pause, her dark brows furrowing. It was hard to fathom that no one, absolutely no one, had really told the queen much about pregnancy. Wasn't that important for royals? Especially the young girls who would be queen? Skylla sat beside Hatshepsut for a while, focusing on the words that she spoke as she spoke them. And it took a few moments after the queen was finished speaking to fully digest what it was the queen was admitting to her. Her mother had a history of miscarriages and stillborns? That was concerning, and with the queen's young age, all the more likely, too.
Frowning, the physician shifted herself so that she was showcased the fact that the queen had all of her attention all at once. Hatshepsut was a queen, but she was also still a girl no matter what the laws of the ancient world spoke. She was still a girl with very little knowledge of what pregnancy was like or what raising a child would likely entail. It was different for royals, sure, but it didn't differ too much from the norm.
Sighing deeply through her nose, Skylla rest her hands in her lap, watching the queen closely and debating the first words that she was to say to the girl. When she opened her mouth, she hoped that the queen could take these truths to heart.
"It is likely, with your age, you might be sick for much of your pregnancy, but I pray that I can remain here and help you through that, my queen," Skylla said slowly, "You may find yourself averse to certain foods or craving others. Hopefully your body will be strong enough to withstand a pregnancy, and most women do not need to remain bed-ridden. It is actually good to be active and to spend part of your time on your feet, as tiring as that might become. But there are good parts to pregnancy as well," she explained, her expression softening. "When the baby kicks, you can feel it, and often see it as you get further along. You'll find yourself hungrier, though you might also find yourself much more emotional. My mother used to tell me that she cried at every little thing when she was pregnant with me. Such hysteria is normal but also unexpected," she was saying slowly, her smile lighting her lips.
"I will do my very best, my queen, to ensure that you do not endure the same problems that your mother had. Now that you have told me, I can ensure that you have the proper nutrients and we can keep a much closer eye on any problems that may have appeared to be a fluke for any other woman," Skylla took the moment to reach for Hatshepsut's hand, her dark gaze warm and somewhat affectionate. "But you are correct. Childbirth is painful and it can last for days, but you should find solace in the fact that you will not be alone for it. There will be other women with you, there for support, and to help soothe your pains of mind."
Skylla had to pause, her dark brows furrowing. It was hard to fathom that no one, absolutely no one, had really told the queen much about pregnancy. Wasn't that important for royals? Especially the young girls who would be queen? Skylla sat beside Hatshepsut for a while, focusing on the words that she spoke as she spoke them. And it took a few moments after the queen was finished speaking to fully digest what it was the queen was admitting to her. Her mother had a history of miscarriages and stillborns? That was concerning, and with the queen's young age, all the more likely, too.
Frowning, the physician shifted herself so that she was showcased the fact that the queen had all of her attention all at once. Hatshepsut was a queen, but she was also still a girl no matter what the laws of the ancient world spoke. She was still a girl with very little knowledge of what pregnancy was like or what raising a child would likely entail. It was different for royals, sure, but it didn't differ too much from the norm.
Sighing deeply through her nose, Skylla rest her hands in her lap, watching the queen closely and debating the first words that she was to say to the girl. When she opened her mouth, she hoped that the queen could take these truths to heart.
"It is likely, with your age, you might be sick for much of your pregnancy, but I pray that I can remain here and help you through that, my queen," Skylla said slowly, "You may find yourself averse to certain foods or craving others. Hopefully your body will be strong enough to withstand a pregnancy, and most women do not need to remain bed-ridden. It is actually good to be active and to spend part of your time on your feet, as tiring as that might become. But there are good parts to pregnancy as well," she explained, her expression softening. "When the baby kicks, you can feel it, and often see it as you get further along. You'll find yourself hungrier, though you might also find yourself much more emotional. My mother used to tell me that she cried at every little thing when she was pregnant with me. Such hysteria is normal but also unexpected," she was saying slowly, her smile lighting her lips.
"I will do my very best, my queen, to ensure that you do not endure the same problems that your mother had. Now that you have told me, I can ensure that you have the proper nutrients and we can keep a much closer eye on any problems that may have appeared to be a fluke for any other woman," Skylla took the moment to reach for Hatshepsut's hand, her dark gaze warm and somewhat affectionate. "But you are correct. Childbirth is painful and it can last for days, but you should find solace in the fact that you will not be alone for it. There will be other women with you, there for support, and to help soothe your pains of mind."
Hatshepsut was afraid to go to her mother with her concerns about her pregnancy. Isetheperu was always busy, probably trying to undo the havoc wreaked by her … and the Council’s … choice of Pharaoh. There was no telling how much damage Iahotep had caused in his first few months on the throne. How could anyone of common birth know how to rule without the advice of someone who did? She had tried to offer hers but had been rejected and called a worthless child. If they had chosen Osorsen instead, the kingdom would be running smoothly and everyone in Egypt… especially the two of them … would be happy.
Then she might be carrying Oso’s child now instead of Iahotep’s. Maybe this baby was Oso’s. She had started showing earlier than she had thought she would, but she’d had her courses shortly after he left and had not thought it possible. Maybe it was. She doubted she would ask Skylla about that since she wasn’t sure if she wanted to know. Hatshepsut would rather hold on to her hopes than for them to be dashed. Whoever the father was, she would love her child unconditionally and bring him up to be kind rather than cruel like the man he would call father.
The petite Queen listened attentively as the physician explained what would happen during her pregnancy. She closed her eyes briefly and sighed when told she might be sick for much of it. From what she had heard, the sickness usually went away after a few months. But hers might linger because of her age. Maybe that was why she rarely saw teenage girls with swollen bellies, either nobles or commoners. She hoped that childbirth wouldn’t be more risky because of her youth.
Hatshepsut was already craving certain foods … oysters, in particular. She couldn’t get enough of them and they were expensive to import. There were certain perks to being royal,such as having more than enough money to buy anything you wished for. She smiled when Skylla said that being active was good for her. Exercise invigorated her and she got quite a lot of it. Tahira needed to be walked several times a day. When she had no duties to attend to, she sometimes wondered through the gardens, often stopping to watch the peacocks or the flock of sacred ibises wading in their pond. She went into the city often to give food and coins to the poor and she stood all the time. Her subjects needed to see that she took an active part in taking care of them.
Her smile broadened when she thought about feeling the baby kick. She was looking forward to that. And she would be able to see it too? That was an interesting notion. The young Queen chuckled as she pictured herself stuffing food in her mouth or bursting into tears in a council meeting. She wasn’t prone to weeping. One couldn’t show weakness when one ruled a kingdom and had a mother like Isetheperu, so perhaps she would be able to control her emotions. In a way, she didn’t want to. She was tired of always hiding her feelings. Maybe this pregnancy would offer her a bit of freedom in that regard.
The tension in Hatshepsut’s young body eased considerably at Skylla’s promise to do everything she could to prevent her from having a miscarriage or stillbirth. She had not know that such things could be avoided, but she trusted Skylla unconditionally and was glad that she had been chosen to replace the scary physician who had been retained by the royal family for years. The petite Queen didn’t know what he had done to displease Iahotep, but she was glad he was gone. At least in that instance, her husband had been useful.
“Thank you,” she said shyly, squeezing Skylla’s hand back with a bit more pressure than she had intended. “I knew none of those things. I am so glad you will be attending me. I will not be so frightened knowing you will be at my side to help me through my labor and deliver my child.”
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Hatshepsut was afraid to go to her mother with her concerns about her pregnancy. Isetheperu was always busy, probably trying to undo the havoc wreaked by her … and the Council’s … choice of Pharaoh. There was no telling how much damage Iahotep had caused in his first few months on the throne. How could anyone of common birth know how to rule without the advice of someone who did? She had tried to offer hers but had been rejected and called a worthless child. If they had chosen Osorsen instead, the kingdom would be running smoothly and everyone in Egypt… especially the two of them … would be happy.
Then she might be carrying Oso’s child now instead of Iahotep’s. Maybe this baby was Oso’s. She had started showing earlier than she had thought she would, but she’d had her courses shortly after he left and had not thought it possible. Maybe it was. She doubted she would ask Skylla about that since she wasn’t sure if she wanted to know. Hatshepsut would rather hold on to her hopes than for them to be dashed. Whoever the father was, she would love her child unconditionally and bring him up to be kind rather than cruel like the man he would call father.
The petite Queen listened attentively as the physician explained what would happen during her pregnancy. She closed her eyes briefly and sighed when told she might be sick for much of it. From what she had heard, the sickness usually went away after a few months. But hers might linger because of her age. Maybe that was why she rarely saw teenage girls with swollen bellies, either nobles or commoners. She hoped that childbirth wouldn’t be more risky because of her youth.
Hatshepsut was already craving certain foods … oysters, in particular. She couldn’t get enough of them and they were expensive to import. There were certain perks to being royal,such as having more than enough money to buy anything you wished for. She smiled when Skylla said that being active was good for her. Exercise invigorated her and she got quite a lot of it. Tahira needed to be walked several times a day. When she had no duties to attend to, she sometimes wondered through the gardens, often stopping to watch the peacocks or the flock of sacred ibises wading in their pond. She went into the city often to give food and coins to the poor and she stood all the time. Her subjects needed to see that she took an active part in taking care of them.
Her smile broadened when she thought about feeling the baby kick. She was looking forward to that. And she would be able to see it too? That was an interesting notion. The young Queen chuckled as she pictured herself stuffing food in her mouth or bursting into tears in a council meeting. She wasn’t prone to weeping. One couldn’t show weakness when one ruled a kingdom and had a mother like Isetheperu, so perhaps she would be able to control her emotions. In a way, she didn’t want to. She was tired of always hiding her feelings. Maybe this pregnancy would offer her a bit of freedom in that regard.
The tension in Hatshepsut’s young body eased considerably at Skylla’s promise to do everything she could to prevent her from having a miscarriage or stillbirth. She had not know that such things could be avoided, but she trusted Skylla unconditionally and was glad that she had been chosen to replace the scary physician who had been retained by the royal family for years. The petite Queen didn’t know what he had done to displease Iahotep, but she was glad he was gone. At least in that instance, her husband had been useful.
“Thank you,” she said shyly, squeezing Skylla’s hand back with a bit more pressure than she had intended. “I knew none of those things. I am so glad you will be attending me. I will not be so frightened knowing you will be at my side to help me through my labor and deliver my child.”
Hatshepsut was afraid to go to her mother with her concerns about her pregnancy. Isetheperu was always busy, probably trying to undo the havoc wreaked by her … and the Council’s … choice of Pharaoh. There was no telling how much damage Iahotep had caused in his first few months on the throne. How could anyone of common birth know how to rule without the advice of someone who did? She had tried to offer hers but had been rejected and called a worthless child. If they had chosen Osorsen instead, the kingdom would be running smoothly and everyone in Egypt… especially the two of them … would be happy.
Then she might be carrying Oso’s child now instead of Iahotep’s. Maybe this baby was Oso’s. She had started showing earlier than she had thought she would, but she’d had her courses shortly after he left and had not thought it possible. Maybe it was. She doubted she would ask Skylla about that since she wasn’t sure if she wanted to know. Hatshepsut would rather hold on to her hopes than for them to be dashed. Whoever the father was, she would love her child unconditionally and bring him up to be kind rather than cruel like the man he would call father.
The petite Queen listened attentively as the physician explained what would happen during her pregnancy. She closed her eyes briefly and sighed when told she might be sick for much of it. From what she had heard, the sickness usually went away after a few months. But hers might linger because of her age. Maybe that was why she rarely saw teenage girls with swollen bellies, either nobles or commoners. She hoped that childbirth wouldn’t be more risky because of her youth.
Hatshepsut was already craving certain foods … oysters, in particular. She couldn’t get enough of them and they were expensive to import. There were certain perks to being royal,such as having more than enough money to buy anything you wished for. She smiled when Skylla said that being active was good for her. Exercise invigorated her and she got quite a lot of it. Tahira needed to be walked several times a day. When she had no duties to attend to, she sometimes wondered through the gardens, often stopping to watch the peacocks or the flock of sacred ibises wading in their pond. She went into the city often to give food and coins to the poor and she stood all the time. Her subjects needed to see that she took an active part in taking care of them.
Her smile broadened when she thought about feeling the baby kick. She was looking forward to that. And she would be able to see it too? That was an interesting notion. The young Queen chuckled as she pictured herself stuffing food in her mouth or bursting into tears in a council meeting. She wasn’t prone to weeping. One couldn’t show weakness when one ruled a kingdom and had a mother like Isetheperu, so perhaps she would be able to control her emotions. In a way, she didn’t want to. She was tired of always hiding her feelings. Maybe this pregnancy would offer her a bit of freedom in that regard.
The tension in Hatshepsut’s young body eased considerably at Skylla’s promise to do everything she could to prevent her from having a miscarriage or stillbirth. She had not know that such things could be avoided, but she trusted Skylla unconditionally and was glad that she had been chosen to replace the scary physician who had been retained by the royal family for years. The petite Queen didn’t know what he had done to displease Iahotep, but she was glad he was gone. At least in that instance, her husband had been useful.
“Thank you,” she said shyly, squeezing Skylla’s hand back with a bit more pressure than she had intended. “I knew none of those things. I am so glad you will be attending me. I will not be so frightened knowing you will be at my side to help me through my labor and deliver my child.”