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The Pharaoh has some impressive news to share with his Councilman (more specifically with the Generals that the Council are comprised of. As such, as with any big announcement, he has insisted on a formal feast to be arranged. Whether through a vindictive choice or pure ignorance of their financial situation, the Pharaoh has insisted that the feast be hosted and supported by the Haikaddad family. Due to their home no longer being of a fit condition for the Pharaoh to dine, but their gardens being excessively pretty, the Haikaddad have elected to host the dinner outside by the light of evening dusk. The evening will be a curious one as the Hei of Sheifa were a favourite for hosting such dinners and have now fallen into disrepute after the recent scandal, whilst the Hei of Isazari has been lobbying to take their place for several months. That the honour for such an event should fall to Haikaddad will make for some disgruntled guests, as all of the Heis have been summoned to attend...
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The Pharaoh has some impressive news to share with his Councilman (more specifically with the Generals that the Council are comprised of. As such, as with any big announcement, he has insisted on a formal feast to be arranged. Whether through a vindictive choice or pure ignorance of their financial situation, the Pharaoh has insisted that the feast be hosted and supported by the Haikaddad family. Due to their home no longer being of a fit condition for the Pharaoh to dine, but their gardens being excessively pretty, the Haikaddad have elected to host the dinner outside by the light of evening dusk. The evening will be a curious one as the Hei of Sheifa were a favourite for hosting such dinners and have now fallen into disrepute after the recent scandal, whilst the Hei of Isazari has been lobbying to take their place for several months. That the honour for such an event should fall to Haikaddad will make for some disgruntled guests, as all of the Heis have been summoned to attend...
Good News Should Be Shared Event- Egypt
The Pharaoh has some impressive news to share with his Councilman (more specifically with the Generals that the Council are comprised of. As such, as with any big announcement, he has insisted on a formal feast to be arranged. Whether through a vindictive choice or pure ignorance of their financial situation, the Pharaoh has insisted that the feast be hosted and supported by the Haikaddad family. Due to their home no longer being of a fit condition for the Pharaoh to dine, but their gardens being excessively pretty, the Haikaddad have elected to host the dinner outside by the light of evening dusk. The evening will be a curious one as the Hei of Sheifa were a favourite for hosting such dinners and have now fallen into disrepute after the recent scandal, whilst the Hei of Isazari has been lobbying to take their place for several months. That the honour for such an event should fall to Haikaddad will make for some disgruntled guests, as all of the Heis have been summoned to attend...
One did not go against the word of a Pharoah, no matter how much someone wants to. And in Narmer's case, he really wanted to. But how could he without facing his wrath? Iahotep was an ambitious man, one who enjoyed a lavish lifestyle and demanded high respect. A charismatic and charming man who commanded armies as the Pharoah.... Narmer would've been called an idiot if he had did what he wanted.
So, the man improvised.
Years of the low funds within the Haikaddad family meant that the formal feast Iahotep had commanded to happen could not be held within the home, for that would mean all would see the disarray and rundown condition his home was in, and questions would fly.
Therefore, instead, Narmer discussed with Na'meah to have the dinner hosted outside, illuminated by the light of evening dusk. Collecting candles that were worn and left forgotten, the meagre servants they had left were instructed to hang the candles up with poles, to give it an ethereal feel as the tables were laden with meals - or whatever food Narmer could procure. Valuable meat was usually saved for these sort of occasions when the highest of royalty was in attendance, yet they were not something Narmer could afford. As such, instead of antelope or ostrich, the man had went for the more commonplace of mutton, duck and beef, all roasted over open spit fires. On the tables were baskets filled with pomegranates, dates, figs, and other fresh vegetables, whilst a large pot held honeyed stewed figs, along with sweet bread and fried pastries. Cheese was served at intervals, but only of the singular type, for the man did not wish to extravagantly spend.
Instead, when he greeted guests, Narmer specifically stressed on them enjoying the beautiful surroundings that the Haikaddad home was blessed with, intentionally drawing their attention away from the rundown condition of the house. Beer was served copiously, and while richer families usually imported wine in from Greece, Narmer had opted for locally sourced wine. The reason given was his want to support localities... but the truth was, he simply could not afford the imported sort.
With Kissan by his side, for he wished to ensure his nephew would not be as ill readied as he was when taking the reins of the Hei, his nieces he had stressed to follow their mother, for the three ladies of the Hei would be functioning as hostesses for the night whilst they await the arrival of their guests. Perhaps of all the preparations, it was his clothing that reflected his station the most, for they were objects already owned before the Hei fell out of favor in monetary terms.
Using his brother's former clothing, Narmer had wrapped the white material around his waist that fell to his calf, pleated down the front, and held up with a golden belt. His feet and chest was bare, only adorned with a large, multi-colored neck collar that hid the scarab protection charm previously owned by Narutt. On his right ear, a lare golden stud could be seen, whilst both his arms were adorned by the leather arm bands with gold charms weaved into it. The upper arm had golden bangles on both sides, and the outfit was topped off with khat that signified his nobility, tied to the back and a golden snake ornament right at his temple.
The smile that Narmer wore as he greeted arrivals was pleasant, but no one would see the way his hands bunched up behind him as he worried within, for everything that may go wrong, or for questions to fly on why the feast was being held outdoors.
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One did not go against the word of a Pharoah, no matter how much someone wants to. And in Narmer's case, he really wanted to. But how could he without facing his wrath? Iahotep was an ambitious man, one who enjoyed a lavish lifestyle and demanded high respect. A charismatic and charming man who commanded armies as the Pharoah.... Narmer would've been called an idiot if he had did what he wanted.
So, the man improvised.
Years of the low funds within the Haikaddad family meant that the formal feast Iahotep had commanded to happen could not be held within the home, for that would mean all would see the disarray and rundown condition his home was in, and questions would fly.
Therefore, instead, Narmer discussed with Na'meah to have the dinner hosted outside, illuminated by the light of evening dusk. Collecting candles that were worn and left forgotten, the meagre servants they had left were instructed to hang the candles up with poles, to give it an ethereal feel as the tables were laden with meals - or whatever food Narmer could procure. Valuable meat was usually saved for these sort of occasions when the highest of royalty was in attendance, yet they were not something Narmer could afford. As such, instead of antelope or ostrich, the man had went for the more commonplace of mutton, duck and beef, all roasted over open spit fires. On the tables were baskets filled with pomegranates, dates, figs, and other fresh vegetables, whilst a large pot held honeyed stewed figs, along with sweet bread and fried pastries. Cheese was served at intervals, but only of the singular type, for the man did not wish to extravagantly spend.
Instead, when he greeted guests, Narmer specifically stressed on them enjoying the beautiful surroundings that the Haikaddad home was blessed with, intentionally drawing their attention away from the rundown condition of the house. Beer was served copiously, and while richer families usually imported wine in from Greece, Narmer had opted for locally sourced wine. The reason given was his want to support localities... but the truth was, he simply could not afford the imported sort.
With Kissan by his side, for he wished to ensure his nephew would not be as ill readied as he was when taking the reins of the Hei, his nieces he had stressed to follow their mother, for the three ladies of the Hei would be functioning as hostesses for the night whilst they await the arrival of their guests. Perhaps of all the preparations, it was his clothing that reflected his station the most, for they were objects already owned before the Hei fell out of favor in monetary terms.
Using his brother's former clothing, Narmer had wrapped the white material around his waist that fell to his calf, pleated down the front, and held up with a golden belt. His feet and chest was bare, only adorned with a large, multi-colored neck collar that hid the scarab protection charm previously owned by Narutt. On his right ear, a lare golden stud could be seen, whilst both his arms were adorned by the leather arm bands with gold charms weaved into it. The upper arm had golden bangles on both sides, and the outfit was topped off with khat that signified his nobility, tied to the back and a golden snake ornament right at his temple.
The smile that Narmer wore as he greeted arrivals was pleasant, but no one would see the way his hands bunched up behind him as he worried within, for everything that may go wrong, or for questions to fly on why the feast was being held outdoors.
One did not go against the word of a Pharoah, no matter how much someone wants to. And in Narmer's case, he really wanted to. But how could he without facing his wrath? Iahotep was an ambitious man, one who enjoyed a lavish lifestyle and demanded high respect. A charismatic and charming man who commanded armies as the Pharoah.... Narmer would've been called an idiot if he had did what he wanted.
So, the man improvised.
Years of the low funds within the Haikaddad family meant that the formal feast Iahotep had commanded to happen could not be held within the home, for that would mean all would see the disarray and rundown condition his home was in, and questions would fly.
Therefore, instead, Narmer discussed with Na'meah to have the dinner hosted outside, illuminated by the light of evening dusk. Collecting candles that were worn and left forgotten, the meagre servants they had left were instructed to hang the candles up with poles, to give it an ethereal feel as the tables were laden with meals - or whatever food Narmer could procure. Valuable meat was usually saved for these sort of occasions when the highest of royalty was in attendance, yet they were not something Narmer could afford. As such, instead of antelope or ostrich, the man had went for the more commonplace of mutton, duck and beef, all roasted over open spit fires. On the tables were baskets filled with pomegranates, dates, figs, and other fresh vegetables, whilst a large pot held honeyed stewed figs, along with sweet bread and fried pastries. Cheese was served at intervals, but only of the singular type, for the man did not wish to extravagantly spend.
Instead, when he greeted guests, Narmer specifically stressed on them enjoying the beautiful surroundings that the Haikaddad home was blessed with, intentionally drawing their attention away from the rundown condition of the house. Beer was served copiously, and while richer families usually imported wine in from Greece, Narmer had opted for locally sourced wine. The reason given was his want to support localities... but the truth was, he simply could not afford the imported sort.
With Kissan by his side, for he wished to ensure his nephew would not be as ill readied as he was when taking the reins of the Hei, his nieces he had stressed to follow their mother, for the three ladies of the Hei would be functioning as hostesses for the night whilst they await the arrival of their guests. Perhaps of all the preparations, it was his clothing that reflected his station the most, for they were objects already owned before the Hei fell out of favor in monetary terms.
Using his brother's former clothing, Narmer had wrapped the white material around his waist that fell to his calf, pleated down the front, and held up with a golden belt. His feet and chest was bare, only adorned with a large, multi-colored neck collar that hid the scarab protection charm previously owned by Narutt. On his right ear, a lare golden stud could be seen, whilst both his arms were adorned by the leather arm bands with gold charms weaved into it. The upper arm had golden bangles on both sides, and the outfit was topped off with khat that signified his nobility, tied to the back and a golden snake ornament right at his temple.
The smile that Narmer wore as he greeted arrivals was pleasant, but no one would see the way his hands bunched up behind him as he worried within, for everything that may go wrong, or for questions to fly on why the feast was being held outdoors.
Safiya had been surprised to hear that her family Hei would be hosting the celebration. While it came with a lot of honour, the reality was that they couldn't afford to be doing this. Even with her limited understanding of the finances and the fact that her attention along with her time was no divided between her new role and the opportunity to be with her family; it was not difficult to figure out that things were not quite as they should be.
And she was worried. Really worried. Moreso for her uncle, which was a rather strange place to find herself in at the moment because normally thinking about others wasn't really the kind of thing that she would do. Not because Safiya was cruel but she was young and naive and with all of that came the selfish qualities that made it clear her age and experience were both lacking. But she did care about her Hei and if some of that caring was more specifically located upon on individual then surely that wasn't so very terrible? Safiya had been struggling with her secret for a long time now and as much as she wanted to believe she could hold it back avoid the risks that would come with it being revealed; it was getting harder and harder to resist saying something or else imagining that she was seeing some sign of a return of those emotions.
It couldn't all be in her head, could it?
"Uncle!" she was here as much as a guest as she was her niece and Safiya had dressed for the occasion, some of the jewellery had been borrowed and others were familiar pieces but the they were all designed to compliment the pale cream shade of her main outfit as much as it was designed not to put any kind of further pressures on the family coffers. She might now be a handmaid but she wouldn't forget her family or where her heart lay "I hardly recognise the gardens. This is amazing, how are you though?" did he look a little more tired than he had been before? Was he working too hard, he had not needed these worries on top of everything else that was going on.
Increasingly she wanted and longed to help him out. Safiya really didn't know what she was going to do, at least nothing really came to mind. Closing the distance, although she knew that she wouldn't have much time given the other guests arriving "It's clever to host this outside, I don't think anything could be better" if nothing else she wanted someone to say something positive to him.
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Safiya had been surprised to hear that her family Hei would be hosting the celebration. While it came with a lot of honour, the reality was that they couldn't afford to be doing this. Even with her limited understanding of the finances and the fact that her attention along with her time was no divided between her new role and the opportunity to be with her family; it was not difficult to figure out that things were not quite as they should be.
And she was worried. Really worried. Moreso for her uncle, which was a rather strange place to find herself in at the moment because normally thinking about others wasn't really the kind of thing that she would do. Not because Safiya was cruel but she was young and naive and with all of that came the selfish qualities that made it clear her age and experience were both lacking. But she did care about her Hei and if some of that caring was more specifically located upon on individual then surely that wasn't so very terrible? Safiya had been struggling with her secret for a long time now and as much as she wanted to believe she could hold it back avoid the risks that would come with it being revealed; it was getting harder and harder to resist saying something or else imagining that she was seeing some sign of a return of those emotions.
It couldn't all be in her head, could it?
"Uncle!" she was here as much as a guest as she was her niece and Safiya had dressed for the occasion, some of the jewellery had been borrowed and others were familiar pieces but the they were all designed to compliment the pale cream shade of her main outfit as much as it was designed not to put any kind of further pressures on the family coffers. She might now be a handmaid but she wouldn't forget her family or where her heart lay "I hardly recognise the gardens. This is amazing, how are you though?" did he look a little more tired than he had been before? Was he working too hard, he had not needed these worries on top of everything else that was going on.
Increasingly she wanted and longed to help him out. Safiya really didn't know what she was going to do, at least nothing really came to mind. Closing the distance, although she knew that she wouldn't have much time given the other guests arriving "It's clever to host this outside, I don't think anything could be better" if nothing else she wanted someone to say something positive to him.
Safiya had been surprised to hear that her family Hei would be hosting the celebration. While it came with a lot of honour, the reality was that they couldn't afford to be doing this. Even with her limited understanding of the finances and the fact that her attention along with her time was no divided between her new role and the opportunity to be with her family; it was not difficult to figure out that things were not quite as they should be.
And she was worried. Really worried. Moreso for her uncle, which was a rather strange place to find herself in at the moment because normally thinking about others wasn't really the kind of thing that she would do. Not because Safiya was cruel but she was young and naive and with all of that came the selfish qualities that made it clear her age and experience were both lacking. But she did care about her Hei and if some of that caring was more specifically located upon on individual then surely that wasn't so very terrible? Safiya had been struggling with her secret for a long time now and as much as she wanted to believe she could hold it back avoid the risks that would come with it being revealed; it was getting harder and harder to resist saying something or else imagining that she was seeing some sign of a return of those emotions.
It couldn't all be in her head, could it?
"Uncle!" she was here as much as a guest as she was her niece and Safiya had dressed for the occasion, some of the jewellery had been borrowed and others were familiar pieces but the they were all designed to compliment the pale cream shade of her main outfit as much as it was designed not to put any kind of further pressures on the family coffers. She might now be a handmaid but she wouldn't forget her family or where her heart lay "I hardly recognise the gardens. This is amazing, how are you though?" did he look a little more tired than he had been before? Was he working too hard, he had not needed these worries on top of everything else that was going on.
Increasingly she wanted and longed to help him out. Safiya really didn't know what she was going to do, at least nothing really came to mind. Closing the distance, although she knew that she wouldn't have much time given the other guests arriving "It's clever to host this outside, I don't think anything could be better" if nothing else she wanted someone to say something positive to him.
Much to his own detriment, Iahotep was proving to be less of a puppet than she had bargained for. Truly, all he had to do was as she commanded and he would be just as beloved as her husband had been despite all his buffoonery. But the Pharaoh thought himself a cunning man, and more cunning than Isetheperu. He will have to learn, she thought, her eyes bore holes into the back of the Pharaoh's head as she trailed his procession towards the Haikaddad estate, that a man can only be clever so long as his head stays on his shoulders.
And if he continued like this, Isetheperu wasn't sure how much longer that would be. She would do what she could to ensure a long reign, of course; his actions would reflect badly on her, being the one who had agreed to the decision to make Iahotep Pharaoh, but it would look more poorly still to have him ousted most unceremoniously, especially since he had yet to fulfill his usefulness to her.
Unfortunately, the man seemed to have a knack for making enemies. Isetheperu could not think to comprehend his motivations behind selecting Hei Haikaddad for a feast such as this. In fact, she could think of twenty reasons against such a move before she could formulate a single reason for it. With Hei Sheifa in disgrace (and rightfully so, she thought), their logical replacement in the rotation of Heis was Isazari. They would be pleased and perhaps some others would be disappointed, but none would be surprised or excessively bitter about the decision. It was such an easy decision to make, too -- but it seemed to Isetheperu that Iahotep had to make every action he took into a battle.
Now, Hei Isazari and Hei Haikaddad both were bound to be resentful, the first overlooked without pause and the second singled out without cause, except, perhaps, as a simple means of the Pharaoh flexing his power. It was the only reason Isetheperu could think that might be behind this course of action; she, too, had done the same when she was still a young queen and indignant when those beneath her presumed to know what course of action she would take. A contrivance such as this one would put them in their place, or so she would have thought, but in time she learned all it did was make key alliances unnecessarily perilous.
Hei Haikaddad, at least, seemed to be taking the whole affair rather gracefully, doing their best to fulfill the requirements of such a conclave despite themselves. Perhaps if any member of the Council with half a brain hadn't already seen the way the house had withered under the clumsy rule of Narutt's Bedoan widow, they may not have even noticed the conservative decor and selection, or the way the saraaya, once a resplendent jewel nestled in a bed of greenery now seemed hollow even from outside. Even the gardens themselves, though always resplendent, to her eye appeared somewhat overgrown. Then again, Isetheperu's judgement might only be allowing her to see what she expected to find.
Isetheperu felt pity for Hei Haikaddad's situation. Of course, she respected them enough not to injure their pride by expressing as much when she approached to be greeted by the hosts. "My lord, my lady. I feel it has been so long since I was invited to view Hei Haikaddad's famous gardens up close, but they are every bit as vibrant as I remember." The smile she offered was tight-lipped as ever, but the Queen Dowager did her best to make it reach her eyes as she turned first to Safiye, then Narmer. "Truth told, it does get quite old, sitting indoors breathing in the same stale air as all these council men whenever they decide they have something important to say. The change of scenery agrees with me."
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Much to his own detriment, Iahotep was proving to be less of a puppet than she had bargained for. Truly, all he had to do was as she commanded and he would be just as beloved as her husband had been despite all his buffoonery. But the Pharaoh thought himself a cunning man, and more cunning than Isetheperu. He will have to learn, she thought, her eyes bore holes into the back of the Pharaoh's head as she trailed his procession towards the Haikaddad estate, that a man can only be clever so long as his head stays on his shoulders.
And if he continued like this, Isetheperu wasn't sure how much longer that would be. She would do what she could to ensure a long reign, of course; his actions would reflect badly on her, being the one who had agreed to the decision to make Iahotep Pharaoh, but it would look more poorly still to have him ousted most unceremoniously, especially since he had yet to fulfill his usefulness to her.
Unfortunately, the man seemed to have a knack for making enemies. Isetheperu could not think to comprehend his motivations behind selecting Hei Haikaddad for a feast such as this. In fact, she could think of twenty reasons against such a move before she could formulate a single reason for it. With Hei Sheifa in disgrace (and rightfully so, she thought), their logical replacement in the rotation of Heis was Isazari. They would be pleased and perhaps some others would be disappointed, but none would be surprised or excessively bitter about the decision. It was such an easy decision to make, too -- but it seemed to Isetheperu that Iahotep had to make every action he took into a battle.
Now, Hei Isazari and Hei Haikaddad both were bound to be resentful, the first overlooked without pause and the second singled out without cause, except, perhaps, as a simple means of the Pharaoh flexing his power. It was the only reason Isetheperu could think that might be behind this course of action; she, too, had done the same when she was still a young queen and indignant when those beneath her presumed to know what course of action she would take. A contrivance such as this one would put them in their place, or so she would have thought, but in time she learned all it did was make key alliances unnecessarily perilous.
Hei Haikaddad, at least, seemed to be taking the whole affair rather gracefully, doing their best to fulfill the requirements of such a conclave despite themselves. Perhaps if any member of the Council with half a brain hadn't already seen the way the house had withered under the clumsy rule of Narutt's Bedoan widow, they may not have even noticed the conservative decor and selection, or the way the saraaya, once a resplendent jewel nestled in a bed of greenery now seemed hollow even from outside. Even the gardens themselves, though always resplendent, to her eye appeared somewhat overgrown. Then again, Isetheperu's judgement might only be allowing her to see what she expected to find.
Isetheperu felt pity for Hei Haikaddad's situation. Of course, she respected them enough not to injure their pride by expressing as much when she approached to be greeted by the hosts. "My lord, my lady. I feel it has been so long since I was invited to view Hei Haikaddad's famous gardens up close, but they are every bit as vibrant as I remember." The smile she offered was tight-lipped as ever, but the Queen Dowager did her best to make it reach her eyes as she turned first to Safiye, then Narmer. "Truth told, it does get quite old, sitting indoors breathing in the same stale air as all these council men whenever they decide they have something important to say. The change of scenery agrees with me."
Much to his own detriment, Iahotep was proving to be less of a puppet than she had bargained for. Truly, all he had to do was as she commanded and he would be just as beloved as her husband had been despite all his buffoonery. But the Pharaoh thought himself a cunning man, and more cunning than Isetheperu. He will have to learn, she thought, her eyes bore holes into the back of the Pharaoh's head as she trailed his procession towards the Haikaddad estate, that a man can only be clever so long as his head stays on his shoulders.
And if he continued like this, Isetheperu wasn't sure how much longer that would be. She would do what she could to ensure a long reign, of course; his actions would reflect badly on her, being the one who had agreed to the decision to make Iahotep Pharaoh, but it would look more poorly still to have him ousted most unceremoniously, especially since he had yet to fulfill his usefulness to her.
Unfortunately, the man seemed to have a knack for making enemies. Isetheperu could not think to comprehend his motivations behind selecting Hei Haikaddad for a feast such as this. In fact, she could think of twenty reasons against such a move before she could formulate a single reason for it. With Hei Sheifa in disgrace (and rightfully so, she thought), their logical replacement in the rotation of Heis was Isazari. They would be pleased and perhaps some others would be disappointed, but none would be surprised or excessively bitter about the decision. It was such an easy decision to make, too -- but it seemed to Isetheperu that Iahotep had to make every action he took into a battle.
Now, Hei Isazari and Hei Haikaddad both were bound to be resentful, the first overlooked without pause and the second singled out without cause, except, perhaps, as a simple means of the Pharaoh flexing his power. It was the only reason Isetheperu could think that might be behind this course of action; she, too, had done the same when she was still a young queen and indignant when those beneath her presumed to know what course of action she would take. A contrivance such as this one would put them in their place, or so she would have thought, but in time she learned all it did was make key alliances unnecessarily perilous.
Hei Haikaddad, at least, seemed to be taking the whole affair rather gracefully, doing their best to fulfill the requirements of such a conclave despite themselves. Perhaps if any member of the Council with half a brain hadn't already seen the way the house had withered under the clumsy rule of Narutt's Bedoan widow, they may not have even noticed the conservative decor and selection, or the way the saraaya, once a resplendent jewel nestled in a bed of greenery now seemed hollow even from outside. Even the gardens themselves, though always resplendent, to her eye appeared somewhat overgrown. Then again, Isetheperu's judgement might only be allowing her to see what she expected to find.
Isetheperu felt pity for Hei Haikaddad's situation. Of course, she respected them enough not to injure their pride by expressing as much when she approached to be greeted by the hosts. "My lord, my lady. I feel it has been so long since I was invited to view Hei Haikaddad's famous gardens up close, but they are every bit as vibrant as I remember." The smile she offered was tight-lipped as ever, but the Queen Dowager did her best to make it reach her eyes as she turned first to Safiye, then Narmer. "Truth told, it does get quite old, sitting indoors breathing in the same stale air as all these council men whenever they decide they have something important to say. The change of scenery agrees with me."
If he had asked her opinion, Hatshepsut would have advised Iahotep against ordering Hei Haikaddad to host his feast. Their lack of wealth was no secret and such a grand affair would only deplete their coffers further. If he had cared even a little for the honor of the nobles who served him, he would have given the honor to Hei Sheifa, to lessen their disgrace and to support Sutekh, who was now a member of his family by marriage. That is what she would have done if the choice had been hers. It was, she believed, the right thing to do.
Since when has he ever cared about doing what's right? she thought as she entered the gardens at his side, followed by their usual entourage. All he cares about is throwing his power around and being perverse. She supposed that was what one did when one was not born to rule but had fought one's way up to a position of great authority. He was showing his bad breeding and there was nothing she could do about it. He never consulted her before he made a decision. She doubted he had asked her mother for advice either. She would probably have been against this as well.
Sirdar H'Haikaddad and his family had done well tonight, despite their financial hardship. The gardens were beautiful and the heat was much less oppressive outside than it would have been in he house. The delectable aroma of roasting meat mingled with the scent of flowers and greenery. Hatshepsut inhaled deeply, closing her eyes and enjoying the fragrance. The emeralds, rubies, and emeralds on her golden ankh crown glittered in the moonlight, as did the wide collar, armbands, and earrings that matched it.
The young Queen wore a white linen kalisaris that was heavily beaded in a diagonal lattice pattern with gold, blue, red, and green beads and held up by beaded straps. Around the hem were horizontal rows of beads, three in each color. Her rich dark hair was left loose with small sections arranged into tiny braids woven through with multicolored beads. It was one of her less lavish formal ensembles, made especially to go with the beautiful jewelry set given to her by her father.
Hungry as usual, she left Iahotep's side and wandered over to one of the food tables, taking a fresh fig from a bowl and eating it slowly to savor its sweet taste. Hatshepsut noticed their host, her retainer Safiya, and her mother conversing a short distance away. Too shy to interrupt their discussion, she watched them for a moment, and then studied the surroundings as she popped a succulent date into her mouth. She would rejoin her husband when he was ready to make his announcement. He had not informed her of his news in advance, which was no surprise. Whatever it was, she doubted that she would like it.
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If he had asked her opinion, Hatshepsut would have advised Iahotep against ordering Hei Haikaddad to host his feast. Their lack of wealth was no secret and such a grand affair would only deplete their coffers further. If he had cared even a little for the honor of the nobles who served him, he would have given the honor to Hei Sheifa, to lessen their disgrace and to support Sutekh, who was now a member of his family by marriage. That is what she would have done if the choice had been hers. It was, she believed, the right thing to do.
Since when has he ever cared about doing what's right? she thought as she entered the gardens at his side, followed by their usual entourage. All he cares about is throwing his power around and being perverse. She supposed that was what one did when one was not born to rule but had fought one's way up to a position of great authority. He was showing his bad breeding and there was nothing she could do about it. He never consulted her before he made a decision. She doubted he had asked her mother for advice either. She would probably have been against this as well.
Sirdar H'Haikaddad and his family had done well tonight, despite their financial hardship. The gardens were beautiful and the heat was much less oppressive outside than it would have been in he house. The delectable aroma of roasting meat mingled with the scent of flowers and greenery. Hatshepsut inhaled deeply, closing her eyes and enjoying the fragrance. The emeralds, rubies, and emeralds on her golden ankh crown glittered in the moonlight, as did the wide collar, armbands, and earrings that matched it.
The young Queen wore a white linen kalisaris that was heavily beaded in a diagonal lattice pattern with gold, blue, red, and green beads and held up by beaded straps. Around the hem were horizontal rows of beads, three in each color. Her rich dark hair was left loose with small sections arranged into tiny braids woven through with multicolored beads. It was one of her less lavish formal ensembles, made especially to go with the beautiful jewelry set given to her by her father.
Hungry as usual, she left Iahotep's side and wandered over to one of the food tables, taking a fresh fig from a bowl and eating it slowly to savor its sweet taste. Hatshepsut noticed their host, her retainer Safiya, and her mother conversing a short distance away. Too shy to interrupt their discussion, she watched them for a moment, and then studied the surroundings as she popped a succulent date into her mouth. She would rejoin her husband when he was ready to make his announcement. He had not informed her of his news in advance, which was no surprise. Whatever it was, she doubted that she would like it.
If he had asked her opinion, Hatshepsut would have advised Iahotep against ordering Hei Haikaddad to host his feast. Their lack of wealth was no secret and such a grand affair would only deplete their coffers further. If he had cared even a little for the honor of the nobles who served him, he would have given the honor to Hei Sheifa, to lessen their disgrace and to support Sutekh, who was now a member of his family by marriage. That is what she would have done if the choice had been hers. It was, she believed, the right thing to do.
Since when has he ever cared about doing what's right? she thought as she entered the gardens at his side, followed by their usual entourage. All he cares about is throwing his power around and being perverse. She supposed that was what one did when one was not born to rule but had fought one's way up to a position of great authority. He was showing his bad breeding and there was nothing she could do about it. He never consulted her before he made a decision. She doubted he had asked her mother for advice either. She would probably have been against this as well.
Sirdar H'Haikaddad and his family had done well tonight, despite their financial hardship. The gardens were beautiful and the heat was much less oppressive outside than it would have been in he house. The delectable aroma of roasting meat mingled with the scent of flowers and greenery. Hatshepsut inhaled deeply, closing her eyes and enjoying the fragrance. The emeralds, rubies, and emeralds on her golden ankh crown glittered in the moonlight, as did the wide collar, armbands, and earrings that matched it.
The young Queen wore a white linen kalisaris that was heavily beaded in a diagonal lattice pattern with gold, blue, red, and green beads and held up by beaded straps. Around the hem were horizontal rows of beads, three in each color. Her rich dark hair was left loose with small sections arranged into tiny braids woven through with multicolored beads. It was one of her less lavish formal ensembles, made especially to go with the beautiful jewelry set given to her by her father.
Hungry as usual, she left Iahotep's side and wandered over to one of the food tables, taking a fresh fig from a bowl and eating it slowly to savor its sweet taste. Hatshepsut noticed their host, her retainer Safiya, and her mother conversing a short distance away. Too shy to interrupt their discussion, she watched them for a moment, and then studied the surroundings as she popped a succulent date into her mouth. She would rejoin her husband when he was ready to make his announcement. He had not informed her of his news in advance, which was no surprise. Whatever it was, she doubted that she would like it.
Osorsen had been surprised to hear that the H'Haikaddad family was to host this event. It felt wrong for a family in such a situation to be forced to hold something so lavish, but then again it wasn't as if Iahotep could be shown to care about any of his newfound subjects. He was bitter about that as always, but now at least he had some news that was less dour. Now he would once again have a chance to prove his own worth and greatness, and show Egypt that they had chosen the wrong man for their pharaoh. He would rule, one way or another, and no one would stop him.
His grandfather had remained at home, Oso had sent the news that he knew ahead so the older man didn't feel left out, and so the general arrived at the event alone. Dressed well and with his usual ornaments, the arm bands and enameled collar sitting across his chest marked with the ankh of his family crest, he had forgone anything else across his torso to hide the tattoos and scars from his days of war. A white shenti and another ornamental belt covered him from waist down, leaving the rest of him bare to the elements. It appeared many others had chosen a similar form of dress thanks to the heat, but he didn't focus on many for long. He caught sight of his queen in the distance, away from her husband's side, and stopped only for a brief touch at Narmer's shoulder, blatantly ignoring the queen mother, before moving in her direction.
Greece had been fruitful in many ways, and his gaze had been swayed by a prize he hoped soon to take for himself. Selene of Leventi had been introduced only once in his time there, but she had been exactly the sort of person he'd needed. With her as a bride, he would have the most beautiful woman in the world at his side. But first he had to find her, and in the meantime, seeing Hatshepsut reminded him that while beauty was tempting, there was something more to the heart than that. As he approached, he cleared his throat to catch her attention before bowing deeply, straightening with a smile.
"Your evening radiance."
The affection in his gaze was not hidden, and he almost wished Iahotep was watching them now, seeing how they interacted even though the bloated old fool had tried to claim her. Osorsen had been there first, had taken her heart first, and would keep her by any means necessary. Without asking permission to approach, he reached out as if to select a fig for himself, brushing his fingers against her arm and lingering only a moment before moving back to a somewhat more appropriate distance, keeping his voice low.
"I missed you."
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Osorsen had been surprised to hear that the H'Haikaddad family was to host this event. It felt wrong for a family in such a situation to be forced to hold something so lavish, but then again it wasn't as if Iahotep could be shown to care about any of his newfound subjects. He was bitter about that as always, but now at least he had some news that was less dour. Now he would once again have a chance to prove his own worth and greatness, and show Egypt that they had chosen the wrong man for their pharaoh. He would rule, one way or another, and no one would stop him.
His grandfather had remained at home, Oso had sent the news that he knew ahead so the older man didn't feel left out, and so the general arrived at the event alone. Dressed well and with his usual ornaments, the arm bands and enameled collar sitting across his chest marked with the ankh of his family crest, he had forgone anything else across his torso to hide the tattoos and scars from his days of war. A white shenti and another ornamental belt covered him from waist down, leaving the rest of him bare to the elements. It appeared many others had chosen a similar form of dress thanks to the heat, but he didn't focus on many for long. He caught sight of his queen in the distance, away from her husband's side, and stopped only for a brief touch at Narmer's shoulder, blatantly ignoring the queen mother, before moving in her direction.
Greece had been fruitful in many ways, and his gaze had been swayed by a prize he hoped soon to take for himself. Selene of Leventi had been introduced only once in his time there, but she had been exactly the sort of person he'd needed. With her as a bride, he would have the most beautiful woman in the world at his side. But first he had to find her, and in the meantime, seeing Hatshepsut reminded him that while beauty was tempting, there was something more to the heart than that. As he approached, he cleared his throat to catch her attention before bowing deeply, straightening with a smile.
"Your evening radiance."
The affection in his gaze was not hidden, and he almost wished Iahotep was watching them now, seeing how they interacted even though the bloated old fool had tried to claim her. Osorsen had been there first, had taken her heart first, and would keep her by any means necessary. Without asking permission to approach, he reached out as if to select a fig for himself, brushing his fingers against her arm and lingering only a moment before moving back to a somewhat more appropriate distance, keeping his voice low.
"I missed you."
Osorsen had been surprised to hear that the H'Haikaddad family was to host this event. It felt wrong for a family in such a situation to be forced to hold something so lavish, but then again it wasn't as if Iahotep could be shown to care about any of his newfound subjects. He was bitter about that as always, but now at least he had some news that was less dour. Now he would once again have a chance to prove his own worth and greatness, and show Egypt that they had chosen the wrong man for their pharaoh. He would rule, one way or another, and no one would stop him.
His grandfather had remained at home, Oso had sent the news that he knew ahead so the older man didn't feel left out, and so the general arrived at the event alone. Dressed well and with his usual ornaments, the arm bands and enameled collar sitting across his chest marked with the ankh of his family crest, he had forgone anything else across his torso to hide the tattoos and scars from his days of war. A white shenti and another ornamental belt covered him from waist down, leaving the rest of him bare to the elements. It appeared many others had chosen a similar form of dress thanks to the heat, but he didn't focus on many for long. He caught sight of his queen in the distance, away from her husband's side, and stopped only for a brief touch at Narmer's shoulder, blatantly ignoring the queen mother, before moving in her direction.
Greece had been fruitful in many ways, and his gaze had been swayed by a prize he hoped soon to take for himself. Selene of Leventi had been introduced only once in his time there, but she had been exactly the sort of person he'd needed. With her as a bride, he would have the most beautiful woman in the world at his side. But first he had to find her, and in the meantime, seeing Hatshepsut reminded him that while beauty was tempting, there was something more to the heart than that. As he approached, he cleared his throat to catch her attention before bowing deeply, straightening with a smile.
"Your evening radiance."
The affection in his gaze was not hidden, and he almost wished Iahotep was watching them now, seeing how they interacted even though the bloated old fool had tried to claim her. Osorsen had been there first, had taken her heart first, and would keep her by any means necessary. Without asking permission to approach, he reached out as if to select a fig for himself, brushing his fingers against her arm and lingering only a moment before moving back to a somewhat more appropriate distance, keeping his voice low.
"I missed you."
Turning with a smile when he heard a familiar voice, Narmer's tone was affectionate as he greeted the young one half of his twin nieces. Like his brother before him, Narmer was determined to give his nieces and nephew a good life in his brother's stead, so despite the dwindling finances of his family, he was glad to see his sister-in-law had saw some way to dress young Safiya for the occasion, and simultaneously reminding him of how old the girl had gotten in the few years he had remained away, blissfully avoiding responsibilities. He could recognize a few pieces here and there but the way in which Na'meah had arranged them made Safiya look fresh and radiant in the dim light that illuminated their area.
Smiling affably at her, he grinned as he tossed a look around the gardens, and then at his sister-in-law as if they shared a secret. Flashing Safiya a wink, he murmured mysteriously, "Nothing can't be achieved without a little ingenuity, niece of mine. I am... as well as I can be." Of course, Narmer could always be better. It was no secret among the family, that he had been keeping late nights ever since his return, desperately looking for ways in which he could recoup his family's wealth, if only to get to a point where they did not have to count every penny. But for now, he had to put on a bright face for tonight's celebrations, for Narmer did not want his family to suffer the pharoah's wrath.
"And you, Safiya? Did you travel here with the Queen?" he asked, looking up to search for the other half of his twin nieces. Sameera and Safiya usually could not be found far from each other, so he was fairly sure the other niece could be somewhere around. Grinning to Osorsen as the general arrived, Narmer made a move to greet his friend, only to be held back when another, more stately arrival heralded his attention.
The Dowage Queen's arrival was one that required all of Narmer's attention. Turning to the Queen Mother as she approached, he bowed deeply from the waist to show his respect to the reigning matriarch of the empire, his smile an easy and respectful one as he greeted her. "Your Highness, I'm so glad our gardens is seen fit to host one of the esteemed royal affairs. I do hope it meets your expectations." Haikaddad gardens had always been carefully curated, but it required a lot less money to upkeep then the general cleaning and preservation of actual rock and granite that made up the Haikaddad home. A little knot of tension within Narmer eased at the Queen Dowager's praise. Queen Istheptheru had always been known to be dignified, if a little terrifying and scathing. But she was a dowager queen with wisdom beyond compare, and not inherently cruel or thoughtless to her people. That she had chosen Iahotep as the husband for her daughter which would in effect make him the Pharoah of her people struck Narmer as odd, but who was he to question her decisions.
Laughing when she agreed with the change of scenary, he offered an arm to the Dowager Queen, as a host of the party was supposed to. "Would you allow me to lead you to the head of the table, Your Highness? The pharoah and Her Evening Radiance had arrived not too long ago. Perhaps the pharoah would be ready to grace us with his annoucement, now that everyone is in attendance?"
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Turning with a smile when he heard a familiar voice, Narmer's tone was affectionate as he greeted the young one half of his twin nieces. Like his brother before him, Narmer was determined to give his nieces and nephew a good life in his brother's stead, so despite the dwindling finances of his family, he was glad to see his sister-in-law had saw some way to dress young Safiya for the occasion, and simultaneously reminding him of how old the girl had gotten in the few years he had remained away, blissfully avoiding responsibilities. He could recognize a few pieces here and there but the way in which Na'meah had arranged them made Safiya look fresh and radiant in the dim light that illuminated their area.
Smiling affably at her, he grinned as he tossed a look around the gardens, and then at his sister-in-law as if they shared a secret. Flashing Safiya a wink, he murmured mysteriously, "Nothing can't be achieved without a little ingenuity, niece of mine. I am... as well as I can be." Of course, Narmer could always be better. It was no secret among the family, that he had been keeping late nights ever since his return, desperately looking for ways in which he could recoup his family's wealth, if only to get to a point where they did not have to count every penny. But for now, he had to put on a bright face for tonight's celebrations, for Narmer did not want his family to suffer the pharoah's wrath.
"And you, Safiya? Did you travel here with the Queen?" he asked, looking up to search for the other half of his twin nieces. Sameera and Safiya usually could not be found far from each other, so he was fairly sure the other niece could be somewhere around. Grinning to Osorsen as the general arrived, Narmer made a move to greet his friend, only to be held back when another, more stately arrival heralded his attention.
The Dowage Queen's arrival was one that required all of Narmer's attention. Turning to the Queen Mother as she approached, he bowed deeply from the waist to show his respect to the reigning matriarch of the empire, his smile an easy and respectful one as he greeted her. "Your Highness, I'm so glad our gardens is seen fit to host one of the esteemed royal affairs. I do hope it meets your expectations." Haikaddad gardens had always been carefully curated, but it required a lot less money to upkeep then the general cleaning and preservation of actual rock and granite that made up the Haikaddad home. A little knot of tension within Narmer eased at the Queen Dowager's praise. Queen Istheptheru had always been known to be dignified, if a little terrifying and scathing. But she was a dowager queen with wisdom beyond compare, and not inherently cruel or thoughtless to her people. That she had chosen Iahotep as the husband for her daughter which would in effect make him the Pharoah of her people struck Narmer as odd, but who was he to question her decisions.
Laughing when she agreed with the change of scenary, he offered an arm to the Dowager Queen, as a host of the party was supposed to. "Would you allow me to lead you to the head of the table, Your Highness? The pharoah and Her Evening Radiance had arrived not too long ago. Perhaps the pharoah would be ready to grace us with his annoucement, now that everyone is in attendance?"
Turning with a smile when he heard a familiar voice, Narmer's tone was affectionate as he greeted the young one half of his twin nieces. Like his brother before him, Narmer was determined to give his nieces and nephew a good life in his brother's stead, so despite the dwindling finances of his family, he was glad to see his sister-in-law had saw some way to dress young Safiya for the occasion, and simultaneously reminding him of how old the girl had gotten in the few years he had remained away, blissfully avoiding responsibilities. He could recognize a few pieces here and there but the way in which Na'meah had arranged them made Safiya look fresh and radiant in the dim light that illuminated their area.
Smiling affably at her, he grinned as he tossed a look around the gardens, and then at his sister-in-law as if they shared a secret. Flashing Safiya a wink, he murmured mysteriously, "Nothing can't be achieved without a little ingenuity, niece of mine. I am... as well as I can be." Of course, Narmer could always be better. It was no secret among the family, that he had been keeping late nights ever since his return, desperately looking for ways in which he could recoup his family's wealth, if only to get to a point where they did not have to count every penny. But for now, he had to put on a bright face for tonight's celebrations, for Narmer did not want his family to suffer the pharoah's wrath.
"And you, Safiya? Did you travel here with the Queen?" he asked, looking up to search for the other half of his twin nieces. Sameera and Safiya usually could not be found far from each other, so he was fairly sure the other niece could be somewhere around. Grinning to Osorsen as the general arrived, Narmer made a move to greet his friend, only to be held back when another, more stately arrival heralded his attention.
The Dowage Queen's arrival was one that required all of Narmer's attention. Turning to the Queen Mother as she approached, he bowed deeply from the waist to show his respect to the reigning matriarch of the empire, his smile an easy and respectful one as he greeted her. "Your Highness, I'm so glad our gardens is seen fit to host one of the esteemed royal affairs. I do hope it meets your expectations." Haikaddad gardens had always been carefully curated, but it required a lot less money to upkeep then the general cleaning and preservation of actual rock and granite that made up the Haikaddad home. A little knot of tension within Narmer eased at the Queen Dowager's praise. Queen Istheptheru had always been known to be dignified, if a little terrifying and scathing. But she was a dowager queen with wisdom beyond compare, and not inherently cruel or thoughtless to her people. That she had chosen Iahotep as the husband for her daughter which would in effect make him the Pharoah of her people struck Narmer as odd, but who was he to question her decisions.
Laughing when she agreed with the change of scenary, he offered an arm to the Dowager Queen, as a host of the party was supposed to. "Would you allow me to lead you to the head of the table, Your Highness? The pharoah and Her Evening Radiance had arrived not too long ago. Perhaps the pharoah would be ready to grace us with his annoucement, now that everyone is in attendance?"
Iahotep was neither early nor late when he arrived at the residence of the Hei Haikaddad. As was true for all of his predecessors to occupy the position of King of Kings, he was able to arrive exactly on time, for all time was measured by he. He might not have been born to royalty and to the role he now claimed. But that made little difference to the Gods. They had blessed him to be given the role of Pharaoh of all of Egypt; the greatest kingdom in the known lands and as such he was now the divining measure via which all time would, from now on, be recorded. As the morning and evening star, he was now given the rank and authority of a God on earth which meant that he was in no way early despite the hour and everyone who arrived after his advent to the feast was officially late. For himself, he could arrive exactly as he wished.
For that was the true advantage of being Pharaoh. He wasn't the jewels or the gold. It wasn't the prestige and power. Instead, it was the full and complete liberty to behave exactly as he wished without consequence towards himself and with every impact upon the world around him. Like ripples in the water of a pond; and he was the single rock that could affect its surface.
Such freedom, however, was not to be taken lightly.
Whilst no-one could make a claim for the crown he now wore, nor challenge Iahotep for the rank it epitomised, it was possible to lose - even for a God on earth. But such a loss could only be completed through his own lack of vigilance. Poison, assassination, Generals in his Senate claiming victories away from his authorisation or control in order to raise support. Such bids for the highest seat in the kingdom were constant and ever-changing. Yet that would not find their footholds if Iahotep remained watchful.
As he did so now at the feast supported by Narmer H'Haikaddad.
Served in the vast and pretty gardens of the Haikaddad household, Iahotep had arrived at the feast with everyone else but had chosen to use the first few moment of his presence to greet his host and watch as the nobility of Egypt fluttered around him amongst passionfruit blossoms, figs, dates and the vibrant colours of the flora that hung from lazy branches. There was little wind but the breeze that still stood, shuffled the branches slightly causing the occasional downpour of petals. The entire effect was, indeed, very pretty, but Iahotep's eyes were searching for deception over beauty.
The Sirdar of Haikaddad was of little threat. The man was average in his skills and strapped for any amount of coin he could manage. He seemed to never be without the dark circles beneath his eyes and a tired enemy was in no way dangerous. As for the other Heis, most were busy with business and money more than political advantage so he had no concerns there. There only men in the Egyptian kingdom that Iahotep had any cause for alarm with were three-fold. First, the leader of the Abaddi family - a General who was rising in both rank and popularity with ridiculous speed and had an honour system as straight as an arrow. He would not be swayable to any decision he felt himself against. Second was the bratty brother of his new wife who seemed to have miraculously discovered a link of royal blood. Whilst the boy could not inherit the role of Pharaoh and had not unseated his sister's rule with his sudden revelation of genealogy, he now had a bloodline foundation that he could build on in the future. And he was still young. But both of these were more a concern for future years and Iahotep would have plenty of time to consolidate his position before then. No, the real cause of the frown that lurked between the Pharaoh's brows were that of Sirdar Moghadam.
With a lineage of war heroes, a face that garnered the attention of women and - unfortunately - a mind that was as sharp as his military talents, the General Osorsen was a larger cause for attention than any other within the Egyptian Council. And he seemed to be making himself very friendly with the Queen...
Iahotep's lip curled a little in distaste.
Whilst it was no lie that he didn't particularly like his new bride. Nor did he have any intention of liking her in the future if her sickly-sweet disposition was a permanent feature to her character. Nor was he intending to remain true and loyal to her bed just as soon as the tricky period of transition was over and a few of the sceptical eyes laid upon him were put to rest... none of this negated the fact that the woman was his wife and his property. And when a man had absolutely no scruples with regards to stealing that which belonged to others, he got very good at being possessive of his own possessions.
By the time the Sirdar had his attention, however, and was guiding his feet in their direction, Iahotep had lost his frown and his expression of disgust at the lingering glances the male was offering to his impressionable wife and had been replaced but a terse and polite smile of disregard.
"Sirdar Moghdam..." The Pharaoh greeted as he stepped in to his wife's side and placed a possessive hand upon her hip. One that he knew she would not shy away from. They had had long talks about what was and wasn't expected of their image in public. No Queen rejected her Pharaoh. "It is good to see you here for the big show." He commented, his eyes flashing. The man was the only one attending the little gathering who knew what the Pharaoh had to say (or at least half of it) given that he had had been the one to attend Greece and report back the opportunities that awaited there.
"I think we should stop with the courtesy greetings now and move things along." He added, guiding Hatshepsut towards him as he turned away, removing her from Moghadam's company without regard for her permission or allowances.
"My Egyptians..." Iahotep commented, his voice calling louder as he might do to his men on the battlefield. "Your attendance at such an event is welcome. Hear me as Pharaoh speaks."
He did not continue until he had the entire and silent attention of the people attending the event. He watched as cups were lowered from lips, eyes turned in his direction and conversation halted so as to permit the King of Kings the obedient reticence that he was owed.
"We..." He began, using the plural for his role as the great king of their lands. "...have grand news to impart to you all." Iahotep transferred his hand from Hatshepsut's waist to an arm around her shoulders, the muscle of his forearm jogging some of her hair as he claimed her hand in his other. The two gestures were both controlling and possessive and laid claim to that which was his, despite the fact that he had not yet spoken a word directly to her since entering the event. "Our Queen holds within her the future of our kingdom. Pharaoh's child, soon to be born, the Great Gods willing." His smile flashed as the atmosphere in the gardens seemed to change, a collective inhale that seemed to turn the air staid. "And in celebration of the impending advent, Pharaoh announces that soon we shall be to war!" Iahotep took up a goblet of wine that was resting on the tray of a servant just beside him, conveniently placed for just such a moment. "Our ships will sail to the northern realm of Greece within three weeks! Within a month they shall land on Taengean soil. And it will be by the following turn of the moon that our men shall return victorious!" His gaze flickered to the man whose victories he knew well enough to claim as his own. "If you can handle such a task, General Moghadam..."
JD
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Staff Team
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Iahotep was neither early nor late when he arrived at the residence of the Hei Haikaddad. As was true for all of his predecessors to occupy the position of King of Kings, he was able to arrive exactly on time, for all time was measured by he. He might not have been born to royalty and to the role he now claimed. But that made little difference to the Gods. They had blessed him to be given the role of Pharaoh of all of Egypt; the greatest kingdom in the known lands and as such he was now the divining measure via which all time would, from now on, be recorded. As the morning and evening star, he was now given the rank and authority of a God on earth which meant that he was in no way early despite the hour and everyone who arrived after his advent to the feast was officially late. For himself, he could arrive exactly as he wished.
For that was the true advantage of being Pharaoh. He wasn't the jewels or the gold. It wasn't the prestige and power. Instead, it was the full and complete liberty to behave exactly as he wished without consequence towards himself and with every impact upon the world around him. Like ripples in the water of a pond; and he was the single rock that could affect its surface.
Such freedom, however, was not to be taken lightly.
Whilst no-one could make a claim for the crown he now wore, nor challenge Iahotep for the rank it epitomised, it was possible to lose - even for a God on earth. But such a loss could only be completed through his own lack of vigilance. Poison, assassination, Generals in his Senate claiming victories away from his authorisation or control in order to raise support. Such bids for the highest seat in the kingdom were constant and ever-changing. Yet that would not find their footholds if Iahotep remained watchful.
As he did so now at the feast supported by Narmer H'Haikaddad.
Served in the vast and pretty gardens of the Haikaddad household, Iahotep had arrived at the feast with everyone else but had chosen to use the first few moment of his presence to greet his host and watch as the nobility of Egypt fluttered around him amongst passionfruit blossoms, figs, dates and the vibrant colours of the flora that hung from lazy branches. There was little wind but the breeze that still stood, shuffled the branches slightly causing the occasional downpour of petals. The entire effect was, indeed, very pretty, but Iahotep's eyes were searching for deception over beauty.
The Sirdar of Haikaddad was of little threat. The man was average in his skills and strapped for any amount of coin he could manage. He seemed to never be without the dark circles beneath his eyes and a tired enemy was in no way dangerous. As for the other Heis, most were busy with business and money more than political advantage so he had no concerns there. There only men in the Egyptian kingdom that Iahotep had any cause for alarm with were three-fold. First, the leader of the Abaddi family - a General who was rising in both rank and popularity with ridiculous speed and had an honour system as straight as an arrow. He would not be swayable to any decision he felt himself against. Second was the bratty brother of his new wife who seemed to have miraculously discovered a link of royal blood. Whilst the boy could not inherit the role of Pharaoh and had not unseated his sister's rule with his sudden revelation of genealogy, he now had a bloodline foundation that he could build on in the future. And he was still young. But both of these were more a concern for future years and Iahotep would have plenty of time to consolidate his position before then. No, the real cause of the frown that lurked between the Pharaoh's brows were that of Sirdar Moghadam.
With a lineage of war heroes, a face that garnered the attention of women and - unfortunately - a mind that was as sharp as his military talents, the General Osorsen was a larger cause for attention than any other within the Egyptian Council. And he seemed to be making himself very friendly with the Queen...
Iahotep's lip curled a little in distaste.
Whilst it was no lie that he didn't particularly like his new bride. Nor did he have any intention of liking her in the future if her sickly-sweet disposition was a permanent feature to her character. Nor was he intending to remain true and loyal to her bed just as soon as the tricky period of transition was over and a few of the sceptical eyes laid upon him were put to rest... none of this negated the fact that the woman was his wife and his property. And when a man had absolutely no scruples with regards to stealing that which belonged to others, he got very good at being possessive of his own possessions.
By the time the Sirdar had his attention, however, and was guiding his feet in their direction, Iahotep had lost his frown and his expression of disgust at the lingering glances the male was offering to his impressionable wife and had been replaced but a terse and polite smile of disregard.
"Sirdar Moghdam..." The Pharaoh greeted as he stepped in to his wife's side and placed a possessive hand upon her hip. One that he knew she would not shy away from. They had had long talks about what was and wasn't expected of their image in public. No Queen rejected her Pharaoh. "It is good to see you here for the big show." He commented, his eyes flashing. The man was the only one attending the little gathering who knew what the Pharaoh had to say (or at least half of it) given that he had had been the one to attend Greece and report back the opportunities that awaited there.
"I think we should stop with the courtesy greetings now and move things along." He added, guiding Hatshepsut towards him as he turned away, removing her from Moghadam's company without regard for her permission or allowances.
"My Egyptians..." Iahotep commented, his voice calling louder as he might do to his men on the battlefield. "Your attendance at such an event is welcome. Hear me as Pharaoh speaks."
He did not continue until he had the entire and silent attention of the people attending the event. He watched as cups were lowered from lips, eyes turned in his direction and conversation halted so as to permit the King of Kings the obedient reticence that he was owed.
"We..." He began, using the plural for his role as the great king of their lands. "...have grand news to impart to you all." Iahotep transferred his hand from Hatshepsut's waist to an arm around her shoulders, the muscle of his forearm jogging some of her hair as he claimed her hand in his other. The two gestures were both controlling and possessive and laid claim to that which was his, despite the fact that he had not yet spoken a word directly to her since entering the event. "Our Queen holds within her the future of our kingdom. Pharaoh's child, soon to be born, the Great Gods willing." His smile flashed as the atmosphere in the gardens seemed to change, a collective inhale that seemed to turn the air staid. "And in celebration of the impending advent, Pharaoh announces that soon we shall be to war!" Iahotep took up a goblet of wine that was resting on the tray of a servant just beside him, conveniently placed for just such a moment. "Our ships will sail to the northern realm of Greece within three weeks! Within a month they shall land on Taengean soil. And it will be by the following turn of the moon that our men shall return victorious!" His gaze flickered to the man whose victories he knew well enough to claim as his own. "If you can handle such a task, General Moghadam..."
Iahotep was neither early nor late when he arrived at the residence of the Hei Haikaddad. As was true for all of his predecessors to occupy the position of King of Kings, he was able to arrive exactly on time, for all time was measured by he. He might not have been born to royalty and to the role he now claimed. But that made little difference to the Gods. They had blessed him to be given the role of Pharaoh of all of Egypt; the greatest kingdom in the known lands and as such he was now the divining measure via which all time would, from now on, be recorded. As the morning and evening star, he was now given the rank and authority of a God on earth which meant that he was in no way early despite the hour and everyone who arrived after his advent to the feast was officially late. For himself, he could arrive exactly as he wished.
For that was the true advantage of being Pharaoh. He wasn't the jewels or the gold. It wasn't the prestige and power. Instead, it was the full and complete liberty to behave exactly as he wished without consequence towards himself and with every impact upon the world around him. Like ripples in the water of a pond; and he was the single rock that could affect its surface.
Such freedom, however, was not to be taken lightly.
Whilst no-one could make a claim for the crown he now wore, nor challenge Iahotep for the rank it epitomised, it was possible to lose - even for a God on earth. But such a loss could only be completed through his own lack of vigilance. Poison, assassination, Generals in his Senate claiming victories away from his authorisation or control in order to raise support. Such bids for the highest seat in the kingdom were constant and ever-changing. Yet that would not find their footholds if Iahotep remained watchful.
As he did so now at the feast supported by Narmer H'Haikaddad.
Served in the vast and pretty gardens of the Haikaddad household, Iahotep had arrived at the feast with everyone else but had chosen to use the first few moment of his presence to greet his host and watch as the nobility of Egypt fluttered around him amongst passionfruit blossoms, figs, dates and the vibrant colours of the flora that hung from lazy branches. There was little wind but the breeze that still stood, shuffled the branches slightly causing the occasional downpour of petals. The entire effect was, indeed, very pretty, but Iahotep's eyes were searching for deception over beauty.
The Sirdar of Haikaddad was of little threat. The man was average in his skills and strapped for any amount of coin he could manage. He seemed to never be without the dark circles beneath his eyes and a tired enemy was in no way dangerous. As for the other Heis, most were busy with business and money more than political advantage so he had no concerns there. There only men in the Egyptian kingdom that Iahotep had any cause for alarm with were three-fold. First, the leader of the Abaddi family - a General who was rising in both rank and popularity with ridiculous speed and had an honour system as straight as an arrow. He would not be swayable to any decision he felt himself against. Second was the bratty brother of his new wife who seemed to have miraculously discovered a link of royal blood. Whilst the boy could not inherit the role of Pharaoh and had not unseated his sister's rule with his sudden revelation of genealogy, he now had a bloodline foundation that he could build on in the future. And he was still young. But both of these were more a concern for future years and Iahotep would have plenty of time to consolidate his position before then. No, the real cause of the frown that lurked between the Pharaoh's brows were that of Sirdar Moghadam.
With a lineage of war heroes, a face that garnered the attention of women and - unfortunately - a mind that was as sharp as his military talents, the General Osorsen was a larger cause for attention than any other within the Egyptian Council. And he seemed to be making himself very friendly with the Queen...
Iahotep's lip curled a little in distaste.
Whilst it was no lie that he didn't particularly like his new bride. Nor did he have any intention of liking her in the future if her sickly-sweet disposition was a permanent feature to her character. Nor was he intending to remain true and loyal to her bed just as soon as the tricky period of transition was over and a few of the sceptical eyes laid upon him were put to rest... none of this negated the fact that the woman was his wife and his property. And when a man had absolutely no scruples with regards to stealing that which belonged to others, he got very good at being possessive of his own possessions.
By the time the Sirdar had his attention, however, and was guiding his feet in their direction, Iahotep had lost his frown and his expression of disgust at the lingering glances the male was offering to his impressionable wife and had been replaced but a terse and polite smile of disregard.
"Sirdar Moghdam..." The Pharaoh greeted as he stepped in to his wife's side and placed a possessive hand upon her hip. One that he knew she would not shy away from. They had had long talks about what was and wasn't expected of their image in public. No Queen rejected her Pharaoh. "It is good to see you here for the big show." He commented, his eyes flashing. The man was the only one attending the little gathering who knew what the Pharaoh had to say (or at least half of it) given that he had had been the one to attend Greece and report back the opportunities that awaited there.
"I think we should stop with the courtesy greetings now and move things along." He added, guiding Hatshepsut towards him as he turned away, removing her from Moghadam's company without regard for her permission or allowances.
"My Egyptians..." Iahotep commented, his voice calling louder as he might do to his men on the battlefield. "Your attendance at such an event is welcome. Hear me as Pharaoh speaks."
He did not continue until he had the entire and silent attention of the people attending the event. He watched as cups were lowered from lips, eyes turned in his direction and conversation halted so as to permit the King of Kings the obedient reticence that he was owed.
"We..." He began, using the plural for his role as the great king of their lands. "...have grand news to impart to you all." Iahotep transferred his hand from Hatshepsut's waist to an arm around her shoulders, the muscle of his forearm jogging some of her hair as he claimed her hand in his other. The two gestures were both controlling and possessive and laid claim to that which was his, despite the fact that he had not yet spoken a word directly to her since entering the event. "Our Queen holds within her the future of our kingdom. Pharaoh's child, soon to be born, the Great Gods willing." His smile flashed as the atmosphere in the gardens seemed to change, a collective inhale that seemed to turn the air staid. "And in celebration of the impending advent, Pharaoh announces that soon we shall be to war!" Iahotep took up a goblet of wine that was resting on the tray of a servant just beside him, conveniently placed for just such a moment. "Our ships will sail to the northern realm of Greece within three weeks! Within a month they shall land on Taengean soil. And it will be by the following turn of the moon that our men shall return victorious!" His gaze flickered to the man whose victories he knew well enough to claim as his own. "If you can handle such a task, General Moghadam..."
Safiya was still worrying about her uncle. He might speak the write words and say the right thing, it was nonetheless hard to accept that he was not hiding something from her in this moment. She had been kept out and away from the knowledge of how badly the family finances were doing and only in her own persistent way did she now have some basic idea of what was going on at all. Even some Safiya knew better than to challenge him. Especially not in front of their guests.
In so many ways, Safiya was naive and untested but she had never been accused of being stupid and that was something that she wouldn't look into changing, all she needed to do add some actual experiences and hope for the very best in going forwards. Which was not necessarily in respect of her getting better all on her own but rather that Safiya wanted the same for her Hei and of course, she wanted it desperately for her uncle as well. There were all kinds of heavily emotional driven and biased reasons for why that was the case but Safiya was going to do her best not to allow that to bleed out too heavily in either her own word or the way she acted. After all, what was more natural that a niece showing concern to her uncle?
"Slightly ahead. Nothing like excitement and opportunity coming together. I wanted to see home again, and you! I'm glad to see how everything is looking. It's truly amazing" she meant the words and the sincerity of the emotions that drove it was at least part of the reason she reached out with her hand to brush against his arm. Safiya wished that she could do more in being able to offer some kind of comfort.
However, she was restrained and polite when his attention shifted to the Queen Dowager, after all, she was a far more important guest that just renewing his acquaintance with his niece. But it hurt that she has been forgotten. Just a little. But she was going to do her best to now allow it to affect her in this moment and instead turned to walk off, seeking out the Queen and drawing in a deep breath and then again as she resettled her own sense of decorum once more. Although, she couldn't stop herself from turning to look at him, just one more moment as she walked away.
Safiya had only just reached her position when the announcement reached her ears and the rest of the people who had come here, part her was excited to hear the words, not that they would be affecting her so much. All she could hope was that her uncle would not be called upon to put his life at risk.
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Safiya was still worrying about her uncle. He might speak the write words and say the right thing, it was nonetheless hard to accept that he was not hiding something from her in this moment. She had been kept out and away from the knowledge of how badly the family finances were doing and only in her own persistent way did she now have some basic idea of what was going on at all. Even some Safiya knew better than to challenge him. Especially not in front of their guests.
In so many ways, Safiya was naive and untested but she had never been accused of being stupid and that was something that she wouldn't look into changing, all she needed to do add some actual experiences and hope for the very best in going forwards. Which was not necessarily in respect of her getting better all on her own but rather that Safiya wanted the same for her Hei and of course, she wanted it desperately for her uncle as well. There were all kinds of heavily emotional driven and biased reasons for why that was the case but Safiya was going to do her best not to allow that to bleed out too heavily in either her own word or the way she acted. After all, what was more natural that a niece showing concern to her uncle?
"Slightly ahead. Nothing like excitement and opportunity coming together. I wanted to see home again, and you! I'm glad to see how everything is looking. It's truly amazing" she meant the words and the sincerity of the emotions that drove it was at least part of the reason she reached out with her hand to brush against his arm. Safiya wished that she could do more in being able to offer some kind of comfort.
However, she was restrained and polite when his attention shifted to the Queen Dowager, after all, she was a far more important guest that just renewing his acquaintance with his niece. But it hurt that she has been forgotten. Just a little. But she was going to do her best to now allow it to affect her in this moment and instead turned to walk off, seeking out the Queen and drawing in a deep breath and then again as she resettled her own sense of decorum once more. Although, she couldn't stop herself from turning to look at him, just one more moment as she walked away.
Safiya had only just reached her position when the announcement reached her ears and the rest of the people who had come here, part her was excited to hear the words, not that they would be affecting her so much. All she could hope was that her uncle would not be called upon to put his life at risk.
Safiya was still worrying about her uncle. He might speak the write words and say the right thing, it was nonetheless hard to accept that he was not hiding something from her in this moment. She had been kept out and away from the knowledge of how badly the family finances were doing and only in her own persistent way did she now have some basic idea of what was going on at all. Even some Safiya knew better than to challenge him. Especially not in front of their guests.
In so many ways, Safiya was naive and untested but she had never been accused of being stupid and that was something that she wouldn't look into changing, all she needed to do add some actual experiences and hope for the very best in going forwards. Which was not necessarily in respect of her getting better all on her own but rather that Safiya wanted the same for her Hei and of course, she wanted it desperately for her uncle as well. There were all kinds of heavily emotional driven and biased reasons for why that was the case but Safiya was going to do her best not to allow that to bleed out too heavily in either her own word or the way she acted. After all, what was more natural that a niece showing concern to her uncle?
"Slightly ahead. Nothing like excitement and opportunity coming together. I wanted to see home again, and you! I'm glad to see how everything is looking. It's truly amazing" she meant the words and the sincerity of the emotions that drove it was at least part of the reason she reached out with her hand to brush against his arm. Safiya wished that she could do more in being able to offer some kind of comfort.
However, she was restrained and polite when his attention shifted to the Queen Dowager, after all, she was a far more important guest that just renewing his acquaintance with his niece. But it hurt that she has been forgotten. Just a little. But she was going to do her best to now allow it to affect her in this moment and instead turned to walk off, seeking out the Queen and drawing in a deep breath and then again as she resettled her own sense of decorum once more. Although, she couldn't stop herself from turning to look at him, just one more moment as she walked away.
Safiya had only just reached her position when the announcement reached her ears and the rest of the people who had come here, part her was excited to hear the words, not that they would be affecting her so much. All she could hope was that her uncle would not be called upon to put his life at risk.
Even the clearing of his throat made her tremble with joy.
Hatshepsut turned toward her beloved just in time to see him bow deeply to her and address her by her title just as he had in the gardens. She longed to hear her given name whisper across his lips, but she knew that was impossible tonight. They had do adhere strictly to formality, for Iahotep's sycophants were everywhere and would report anything they said and did back to him. For Osorsen's sake … always for Osorsen's sake … she couldn't take risks even though she longed so much to touch him that she had to clutch her heavily-beaded kalisaris to stop herself from reaching out and running her fingers lightly across his scarred and tattooed chest.
“Good evening, General.” Her heart leapt at the affection in his eyes, and she knew that he would be able to see her love for him in her own dark gaze. And it seemed that he longed to touch her too, for when she thought that he was reaching for a fig, he gently caressed her arm instead, sending lovely sensations coursing through her.
“Not as much as I missed you,” she whispered after making certain nobody was close enough to hear. Moving so that one of his hands was concealed by her glittering garment, she grasped it briefly, entwining her fingers with his before letting it go and stepping away from him. “When can we be together …?”
Before she could add the word 'again,' she spotted Iahotep heading inevitably in their direction and her eyes flashed a warning, though she doubted he needed one. A soldier must always be alert, and Osorsen had probably been watching the new Pharaoh from the corner of his eye, much as she herself had been doing. Had Iahotep been observing them as well? Hatshepsut suspected that he knew that she had wanted to marry Osorsen, and that was why so many precautions had been taken to prevent her from protesting when she was told that he was to be her husband and Pharaoh.
And he obviously still felt threatened by Osorsen, for he immediately placed a possessive hand upon her hip as he greeted his general. Hatshepsut wanted to pull away from him, but she knew that she must not, that they always had to present a united front in public, pretending that their union was a happy one even though each could barely tolerate the other. How different things would have been had Osorsen been chosen for her. She would be happy now and they wouldn't have to hide their love anymore.
Maybe that was not yet an impossible dream.
Iahotep was ready to make his announcement, and he guided the young Queen away from her secret lover. She had no choice but to go with him with his arm still encircling her waist. Her expression remained completely neutral as he began to speak, silencing everyone with his booming voice and authoritative manner. I wish I could step down hard on his foot and make him yelp, Hatshespsut thought irreverently. I hate him.
As he spoke of the great news he had to share, one of his arms snaked around her shoulder and his free hand clasped both of hers. She barely stopped herself from cringing and once more thanked the endless lessons that had taught her to hide her true feelings beneath a mask of courtly graciousness. He treated her like a possession, and not even a particularly treasured one. To him, that was all she was. Hatshepsut knew that he had only married her because he had no other path to power. Now that he had her, he was determined to show his dominance at every turn.
So what he wished to announce was that she was carrying his child? She supposed that for the rest of the night she would be accepting congratulations, still held firmly at her husband's side. While she was happy to be pregnant, she wished that her baby was Osorsen's. Maybe the children she bore in the future would be. There was still a chance that he could become Pharaoh. Iahotep had enemies. Maybe one of them would kill him and Osorsen would step into his place, the place that he was meant to …
War? With Greece?
No!
The blood drained from the young Queen's face and terror wrapped its dark tendrils around her heart. This was how her husband was going to rid himself of Osorsen, by sending him to battle. No doubt one of his men would be instructed to assassinate him and make it look like one of the Grecians had done it. No, her beloved was clever. He would know to be wary. He would return to her, triumphant, and perhaps incite the people to rise up against Iahotep and overthrow him.
All would be well. They would both have what they had wanted all along.
But what if everything went wrong?
The rest of her husband's words seem to come from a very great distance. The pounding of her own heartbeat was the only thing she could hear. Darkness encroached on the edge of her vision and her legs felt too weak to hold her up anymore. Though the evening was warm, she was chilled to the bone. I will not faint, Hatshepsut told herself as she swayed slightly against Iahotep. I will not faint.
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Even the clearing of his throat made her tremble with joy.
Hatshepsut turned toward her beloved just in time to see him bow deeply to her and address her by her title just as he had in the gardens. She longed to hear her given name whisper across his lips, but she knew that was impossible tonight. They had do adhere strictly to formality, for Iahotep's sycophants were everywhere and would report anything they said and did back to him. For Osorsen's sake … always for Osorsen's sake … she couldn't take risks even though she longed so much to touch him that she had to clutch her heavily-beaded kalisaris to stop herself from reaching out and running her fingers lightly across his scarred and tattooed chest.
“Good evening, General.” Her heart leapt at the affection in his eyes, and she knew that he would be able to see her love for him in her own dark gaze. And it seemed that he longed to touch her too, for when she thought that he was reaching for a fig, he gently caressed her arm instead, sending lovely sensations coursing through her.
“Not as much as I missed you,” she whispered after making certain nobody was close enough to hear. Moving so that one of his hands was concealed by her glittering garment, she grasped it briefly, entwining her fingers with his before letting it go and stepping away from him. “When can we be together …?”
Before she could add the word 'again,' she spotted Iahotep heading inevitably in their direction and her eyes flashed a warning, though she doubted he needed one. A soldier must always be alert, and Osorsen had probably been watching the new Pharaoh from the corner of his eye, much as she herself had been doing. Had Iahotep been observing them as well? Hatshepsut suspected that he knew that she had wanted to marry Osorsen, and that was why so many precautions had been taken to prevent her from protesting when she was told that he was to be her husband and Pharaoh.
And he obviously still felt threatened by Osorsen, for he immediately placed a possessive hand upon her hip as he greeted his general. Hatshepsut wanted to pull away from him, but she knew that she must not, that they always had to present a united front in public, pretending that their union was a happy one even though each could barely tolerate the other. How different things would have been had Osorsen been chosen for her. She would be happy now and they wouldn't have to hide their love anymore.
Maybe that was not yet an impossible dream.
Iahotep was ready to make his announcement, and he guided the young Queen away from her secret lover. She had no choice but to go with him with his arm still encircling her waist. Her expression remained completely neutral as he began to speak, silencing everyone with his booming voice and authoritative manner. I wish I could step down hard on his foot and make him yelp, Hatshespsut thought irreverently. I hate him.
As he spoke of the great news he had to share, one of his arms snaked around her shoulder and his free hand clasped both of hers. She barely stopped herself from cringing and once more thanked the endless lessons that had taught her to hide her true feelings beneath a mask of courtly graciousness. He treated her like a possession, and not even a particularly treasured one. To him, that was all she was. Hatshepsut knew that he had only married her because he had no other path to power. Now that he had her, he was determined to show his dominance at every turn.
So what he wished to announce was that she was carrying his child? She supposed that for the rest of the night she would be accepting congratulations, still held firmly at her husband's side. While she was happy to be pregnant, she wished that her baby was Osorsen's. Maybe the children she bore in the future would be. There was still a chance that he could become Pharaoh. Iahotep had enemies. Maybe one of them would kill him and Osorsen would step into his place, the place that he was meant to …
War? With Greece?
No!
The blood drained from the young Queen's face and terror wrapped its dark tendrils around her heart. This was how her husband was going to rid himself of Osorsen, by sending him to battle. No doubt one of his men would be instructed to assassinate him and make it look like one of the Grecians had done it. No, her beloved was clever. He would know to be wary. He would return to her, triumphant, and perhaps incite the people to rise up against Iahotep and overthrow him.
All would be well. They would both have what they had wanted all along.
But what if everything went wrong?
The rest of her husband's words seem to come from a very great distance. The pounding of her own heartbeat was the only thing she could hear. Darkness encroached on the edge of her vision and her legs felt too weak to hold her up anymore. Though the evening was warm, she was chilled to the bone. I will not faint, Hatshepsut told herself as she swayed slightly against Iahotep. I will not faint.
Even the clearing of his throat made her tremble with joy.
Hatshepsut turned toward her beloved just in time to see him bow deeply to her and address her by her title just as he had in the gardens. She longed to hear her given name whisper across his lips, but she knew that was impossible tonight. They had do adhere strictly to formality, for Iahotep's sycophants were everywhere and would report anything they said and did back to him. For Osorsen's sake … always for Osorsen's sake … she couldn't take risks even though she longed so much to touch him that she had to clutch her heavily-beaded kalisaris to stop herself from reaching out and running her fingers lightly across his scarred and tattooed chest.
“Good evening, General.” Her heart leapt at the affection in his eyes, and she knew that he would be able to see her love for him in her own dark gaze. And it seemed that he longed to touch her too, for when she thought that he was reaching for a fig, he gently caressed her arm instead, sending lovely sensations coursing through her.
“Not as much as I missed you,” she whispered after making certain nobody was close enough to hear. Moving so that one of his hands was concealed by her glittering garment, she grasped it briefly, entwining her fingers with his before letting it go and stepping away from him. “When can we be together …?”
Before she could add the word 'again,' she spotted Iahotep heading inevitably in their direction and her eyes flashed a warning, though she doubted he needed one. A soldier must always be alert, and Osorsen had probably been watching the new Pharaoh from the corner of his eye, much as she herself had been doing. Had Iahotep been observing them as well? Hatshepsut suspected that he knew that she had wanted to marry Osorsen, and that was why so many precautions had been taken to prevent her from protesting when she was told that he was to be her husband and Pharaoh.
And he obviously still felt threatened by Osorsen, for he immediately placed a possessive hand upon her hip as he greeted his general. Hatshepsut wanted to pull away from him, but she knew that she must not, that they always had to present a united front in public, pretending that their union was a happy one even though each could barely tolerate the other. How different things would have been had Osorsen been chosen for her. She would be happy now and they wouldn't have to hide their love anymore.
Maybe that was not yet an impossible dream.
Iahotep was ready to make his announcement, and he guided the young Queen away from her secret lover. She had no choice but to go with him with his arm still encircling her waist. Her expression remained completely neutral as he began to speak, silencing everyone with his booming voice and authoritative manner. I wish I could step down hard on his foot and make him yelp, Hatshespsut thought irreverently. I hate him.
As he spoke of the great news he had to share, one of his arms snaked around her shoulder and his free hand clasped both of hers. She barely stopped herself from cringing and once more thanked the endless lessons that had taught her to hide her true feelings beneath a mask of courtly graciousness. He treated her like a possession, and not even a particularly treasured one. To him, that was all she was. Hatshepsut knew that he had only married her because he had no other path to power. Now that he had her, he was determined to show his dominance at every turn.
So what he wished to announce was that she was carrying his child? She supposed that for the rest of the night she would be accepting congratulations, still held firmly at her husband's side. While she was happy to be pregnant, she wished that her baby was Osorsen's. Maybe the children she bore in the future would be. There was still a chance that he could become Pharaoh. Iahotep had enemies. Maybe one of them would kill him and Osorsen would step into his place, the place that he was meant to …
War? With Greece?
No!
The blood drained from the young Queen's face and terror wrapped its dark tendrils around her heart. This was how her husband was going to rid himself of Osorsen, by sending him to battle. No doubt one of his men would be instructed to assassinate him and make it look like one of the Grecians had done it. No, her beloved was clever. He would know to be wary. He would return to her, triumphant, and perhaps incite the people to rise up against Iahotep and overthrow him.
All would be well. They would both have what they had wanted all along.
But what if everything went wrong?
The rest of her husband's words seem to come from a very great distance. The pounding of her own heartbeat was the only thing she could hear. Darkness encroached on the edge of her vision and her legs felt too weak to hold her up anymore. Though the evening was warm, she was chilled to the bone. I will not faint, Hatshepsut told herself as she swayed slightly against Iahotep. I will not faint.
Perhaps it was the sun's embrace and her expectation of what good news was soon to come, but Isetheperu did find herself pleased with the scion of Haikaddad. The girl Safiya did not speak and was altogether rather demure in the Queen Dowager's presence, which was a disappointment, but Isetheperu had no reason to expect her to behave otherwise. And the Sirdar Haikaddad himself was similarly restrained, but polite and agreeable. He struck Isetheperu as a man reluctant to make waves, but also as a man with depth despite keeping his true thoughts concealed. She wondered if he knew what his true thoughts were, or if the veneer he adopted kept them from even himself.
But that was neither here nor there, at least not yet. Isetheperu filed her musings away to return later, as this was a moment for celebration, if she was correct in her expectations of what announcement was to come -- and of course she was. It was with a rare smile that Isetheperu reached out to accept Narmer's offered arm and allowed him the honor of leading the Queen Dowager to her place beside her family at the head of the table, eyes turning as she did to scope out the machinations of the other guests.
With her gaze skipping from face to face, sparing little more than a passing glance of appraisal and silent judgement from one noble to the next as they milled about, waiting, expectant, Isetheperu's attention honed in on the centerpiece of this gathering: the Pharaoh himself. More specifically, the Pharaoh's own keen and discerning eyes. He was watching too, though not her. The shadow of mistrust cast over his face was instead turned toward a familiar sight, as the General Osorsen H'Moghadam had once again insinuated himself at her daughter's side, and Isetheperu spared a sigh of exasperation at the sight. By the gods, the dog could not keep himself away, even here, as if oblivious to the prying eyes all around them. How bold. How utterly insipid.
If Isetheperu had been Hatshepsut's father rather than mother, she too may have found her way to them, hot on the Pharaoh's heels, and torn the girl from either of their avaricious hands. But she hadn't the means to compete in their pissing match, such as it was. The sight of it, the two men vying for possession of what was not theirs, kindled a rage which seemed always to sit at a constant simmer within Isetheperu's chest. Who were they, she thought, to lay claim to what was born from her very own flesh? It was her blood in the girl's veins, her years of struggle and sacrifice and misery and bloody torture at the hands of the gods which had cleaved Hatshepsut into existence at all. The girl belonged to her mother, or she belonged to no one.
By the time the Queen Dowager made her way to her proper position and Iahotep had brought those gathered to apprehensive silence, her mood had considerably darkened.
The news that Hatshepsut was with child was not new to Isetheperu, though it was still welcome and satisfying to know that, with any fortune, the sacrifices she had made would not be for naught. But now, as she regarded the detached mask of her daughter's face, the one Isetheperu knew she wore as a shield, she could not help the ice that laced itself in her bones. Was the child the beginning of a new legacy, or was the past doomed to repetition? A familiar ghost gripped Isetheperu's heart: one, two, eight, fifteen. She stopped naming them, stopped counting. Stopped mourning.
Hatshepsut was so different from her. Isetheperu prayed that, of all things, this was not the inheritance she passed down.
But her hand which she had raised in the beginnings of a toast stilled halfway, her rare bout of anxiety forgotten as the Pharaoh's continued announcement snagged in Isetheperu's mind and snapped it back to the present moment like a flush of cold water.
War.
Of course. She almost let escape a bark of laughter at how obvious that announcement should have been, at how blind she had to have been to miss the Pharaoh's intentions. But the instinct was tempered by an equal flash of indignation.
War was a smart move for a new Pharaoh, especially one needing to prove himself through a lack of noble birth. War was how Iahotep had gained his prominence, and it was how he would unite his detractors and rivals within the upper echelons of Egypt. In war, one was either with Egypt or against Egypt; they were either for the Pharaoh, or they become traitors and enemies of the state.
All great kings had a war to their name.
It was not the decision itself which set Isetheperu's teeth on edge, but the fact that Iahotep had neither sought her counsel nor so much as simply consulted her prior to such an announcement. She had known that there must be something which had come about from Osorsen's previous meeting with the Greeks, but with their relationship fraught, she relied instead on Iahotep not to neglect her good will. Instead, she had been taken for a fool, taken for granted. There would be consequences.
But for now, the Queen Dowager smiled.
She raised her cup of beer the rest of its journey upward and signaled her people to cheer the occasion.
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Perhaps it was the sun's embrace and her expectation of what good news was soon to come, but Isetheperu did find herself pleased with the scion of Haikaddad. The girl Safiya did not speak and was altogether rather demure in the Queen Dowager's presence, which was a disappointment, but Isetheperu had no reason to expect her to behave otherwise. And the Sirdar Haikaddad himself was similarly restrained, but polite and agreeable. He struck Isetheperu as a man reluctant to make waves, but also as a man with depth despite keeping his true thoughts concealed. She wondered if he knew what his true thoughts were, or if the veneer he adopted kept them from even himself.
But that was neither here nor there, at least not yet. Isetheperu filed her musings away to return later, as this was a moment for celebration, if she was correct in her expectations of what announcement was to come -- and of course she was. It was with a rare smile that Isetheperu reached out to accept Narmer's offered arm and allowed him the honor of leading the Queen Dowager to her place beside her family at the head of the table, eyes turning as she did to scope out the machinations of the other guests.
With her gaze skipping from face to face, sparing little more than a passing glance of appraisal and silent judgement from one noble to the next as they milled about, waiting, expectant, Isetheperu's attention honed in on the centerpiece of this gathering: the Pharaoh himself. More specifically, the Pharaoh's own keen and discerning eyes. He was watching too, though not her. The shadow of mistrust cast over his face was instead turned toward a familiar sight, as the General Osorsen H'Moghadam had once again insinuated himself at her daughter's side, and Isetheperu spared a sigh of exasperation at the sight. By the gods, the dog could not keep himself away, even here, as if oblivious to the prying eyes all around them. How bold. How utterly insipid.
If Isetheperu had been Hatshepsut's father rather than mother, she too may have found her way to them, hot on the Pharaoh's heels, and torn the girl from either of their avaricious hands. But she hadn't the means to compete in their pissing match, such as it was. The sight of it, the two men vying for possession of what was not theirs, kindled a rage which seemed always to sit at a constant simmer within Isetheperu's chest. Who were they, she thought, to lay claim to what was born from her very own flesh? It was her blood in the girl's veins, her years of struggle and sacrifice and misery and bloody torture at the hands of the gods which had cleaved Hatshepsut into existence at all. The girl belonged to her mother, or she belonged to no one.
By the time the Queen Dowager made her way to her proper position and Iahotep had brought those gathered to apprehensive silence, her mood had considerably darkened.
The news that Hatshepsut was with child was not new to Isetheperu, though it was still welcome and satisfying to know that, with any fortune, the sacrifices she had made would not be for naught. But now, as she regarded the detached mask of her daughter's face, the one Isetheperu knew she wore as a shield, she could not help the ice that laced itself in her bones. Was the child the beginning of a new legacy, or was the past doomed to repetition? A familiar ghost gripped Isetheperu's heart: one, two, eight, fifteen. She stopped naming them, stopped counting. Stopped mourning.
Hatshepsut was so different from her. Isetheperu prayed that, of all things, this was not the inheritance she passed down.
But her hand which she had raised in the beginnings of a toast stilled halfway, her rare bout of anxiety forgotten as the Pharaoh's continued announcement snagged in Isetheperu's mind and snapped it back to the present moment like a flush of cold water.
War.
Of course. She almost let escape a bark of laughter at how obvious that announcement should have been, at how blind she had to have been to miss the Pharaoh's intentions. But the instinct was tempered by an equal flash of indignation.
War was a smart move for a new Pharaoh, especially one needing to prove himself through a lack of noble birth. War was how Iahotep had gained his prominence, and it was how he would unite his detractors and rivals within the upper echelons of Egypt. In war, one was either with Egypt or against Egypt; they were either for the Pharaoh, or they become traitors and enemies of the state.
All great kings had a war to their name.
It was not the decision itself which set Isetheperu's teeth on edge, but the fact that Iahotep had neither sought her counsel nor so much as simply consulted her prior to such an announcement. She had known that there must be something which had come about from Osorsen's previous meeting with the Greeks, but with their relationship fraught, she relied instead on Iahotep not to neglect her good will. Instead, she had been taken for a fool, taken for granted. There would be consequences.
But for now, the Queen Dowager smiled.
She raised her cup of beer the rest of its journey upward and signaled her people to cheer the occasion.
Perhaps it was the sun's embrace and her expectation of what good news was soon to come, but Isetheperu did find herself pleased with the scion of Haikaddad. The girl Safiya did not speak and was altogether rather demure in the Queen Dowager's presence, which was a disappointment, but Isetheperu had no reason to expect her to behave otherwise. And the Sirdar Haikaddad himself was similarly restrained, but polite and agreeable. He struck Isetheperu as a man reluctant to make waves, but also as a man with depth despite keeping his true thoughts concealed. She wondered if he knew what his true thoughts were, or if the veneer he adopted kept them from even himself.
But that was neither here nor there, at least not yet. Isetheperu filed her musings away to return later, as this was a moment for celebration, if she was correct in her expectations of what announcement was to come -- and of course she was. It was with a rare smile that Isetheperu reached out to accept Narmer's offered arm and allowed him the honor of leading the Queen Dowager to her place beside her family at the head of the table, eyes turning as she did to scope out the machinations of the other guests.
With her gaze skipping from face to face, sparing little more than a passing glance of appraisal and silent judgement from one noble to the next as they milled about, waiting, expectant, Isetheperu's attention honed in on the centerpiece of this gathering: the Pharaoh himself. More specifically, the Pharaoh's own keen and discerning eyes. He was watching too, though not her. The shadow of mistrust cast over his face was instead turned toward a familiar sight, as the General Osorsen H'Moghadam had once again insinuated himself at her daughter's side, and Isetheperu spared a sigh of exasperation at the sight. By the gods, the dog could not keep himself away, even here, as if oblivious to the prying eyes all around them. How bold. How utterly insipid.
If Isetheperu had been Hatshepsut's father rather than mother, she too may have found her way to them, hot on the Pharaoh's heels, and torn the girl from either of their avaricious hands. But she hadn't the means to compete in their pissing match, such as it was. The sight of it, the two men vying for possession of what was not theirs, kindled a rage which seemed always to sit at a constant simmer within Isetheperu's chest. Who were they, she thought, to lay claim to what was born from her very own flesh? It was her blood in the girl's veins, her years of struggle and sacrifice and misery and bloody torture at the hands of the gods which had cleaved Hatshepsut into existence at all. The girl belonged to her mother, or she belonged to no one.
By the time the Queen Dowager made her way to her proper position and Iahotep had brought those gathered to apprehensive silence, her mood had considerably darkened.
The news that Hatshepsut was with child was not new to Isetheperu, though it was still welcome and satisfying to know that, with any fortune, the sacrifices she had made would not be for naught. But now, as she regarded the detached mask of her daughter's face, the one Isetheperu knew she wore as a shield, she could not help the ice that laced itself in her bones. Was the child the beginning of a new legacy, or was the past doomed to repetition? A familiar ghost gripped Isetheperu's heart: one, two, eight, fifteen. She stopped naming them, stopped counting. Stopped mourning.
Hatshepsut was so different from her. Isetheperu prayed that, of all things, this was not the inheritance she passed down.
But her hand which she had raised in the beginnings of a toast stilled halfway, her rare bout of anxiety forgotten as the Pharaoh's continued announcement snagged in Isetheperu's mind and snapped it back to the present moment like a flush of cold water.
War.
Of course. She almost let escape a bark of laughter at how obvious that announcement should have been, at how blind she had to have been to miss the Pharaoh's intentions. But the instinct was tempered by an equal flash of indignation.
War was a smart move for a new Pharaoh, especially one needing to prove himself through a lack of noble birth. War was how Iahotep had gained his prominence, and it was how he would unite his detractors and rivals within the upper echelons of Egypt. In war, one was either with Egypt or against Egypt; they were either for the Pharaoh, or they become traitors and enemies of the state.
All great kings had a war to their name.
It was not the decision itself which set Isetheperu's teeth on edge, but the fact that Iahotep had neither sought her counsel nor so much as simply consulted her prior to such an announcement. She had known that there must be something which had come about from Osorsen's previous meeting with the Greeks, but with their relationship fraught, she relied instead on Iahotep not to neglect her good will. Instead, she had been taken for a fool, taken for granted. There would be consequences.
But for now, the Queen Dowager smiled.
She raised her cup of beer the rest of its journey upward and signaled her people to cheer the occasion.
He wished more than anything they had been given what they wished, that they could be the ones wed and happy now instead of having to return her to the false former general. Her words were like music on his ears after a time of hearing only the grating Greek accent and languages it was like finally returning home. Gripping her hand as she slipped her fingers between his own, he gave a slight smile that could be perceived as nothing more than a general loyal to his queen, bowing over her hand and pressing a kiss to the back of it before they were pulled apart by the sounds of the approaching Pharaoh.
"Soon."
The word was breathed out softly for only her ears before he turned to the Pharaoh and grit his teeth in a sort of smile, suffering silently as his lover was pulled to her husband's side. It looked wrong, the two of them together in such a manner, and as much as he wanted her to pull back, to strike him, to do anything to cast him aside, he knew there was nothing that could yet be done. For now he had to appear as an honorable general, one that the people and soldiers would follow, one who held favor.
"Pharaoh. We all look forward to your announcement, this evening."
Osorsen gave a gesture that he would follow his ruler, standing in place near enough to be seen but not to take attention. He knew full well what the Pharaoh was going to tell the rest of the contingent, wished he'd had time to tell Hatshepsut himself, but no doubt her husband had informed her at least somewhat of the goings on. His eyes caught the face of the queen mother, wondering what the old dog thought of this war. He kept his expression serene and blank as the announcement began, the first reveal not hitting him at first, until the words filtered in as the king continued speaking.
Pregnant? His heart leapt into his throat, wondering if there was a chance, even the smallest slightest hope. They had been together before his departure, before her marriage, and since he had returned, but surely Hatshepsut would have told him if she was carrying his child. With his jaw set, Osorsen turned to look at her and her husband, the announcement had been met with cheers but all he could see was her, a question in his gaze that could not be answered here. Fists clenched behind his back, he tore his gaze away and instead smiled slightly as several others came over to congratulate him and discuss plans for attack. The peace had been far from dull, but Greece was a bigger conquest than the southern kingdoms, and here and there Osorsen was determined to bring back the greatest prize for himself. Selene of Leventi's face flashed through his mind, and as he looked again to where his lover stood, carrying a child that the Pharaoh clearly thought his own, jealousy and bitterness bubbled up in his chest. He would have what he wanted. And he would have it his way.
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Check out their information page here.
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He wished more than anything they had been given what they wished, that they could be the ones wed and happy now instead of having to return her to the false former general. Her words were like music on his ears after a time of hearing only the grating Greek accent and languages it was like finally returning home. Gripping her hand as she slipped her fingers between his own, he gave a slight smile that could be perceived as nothing more than a general loyal to his queen, bowing over her hand and pressing a kiss to the back of it before they were pulled apart by the sounds of the approaching Pharaoh.
"Soon."
The word was breathed out softly for only her ears before he turned to the Pharaoh and grit his teeth in a sort of smile, suffering silently as his lover was pulled to her husband's side. It looked wrong, the two of them together in such a manner, and as much as he wanted her to pull back, to strike him, to do anything to cast him aside, he knew there was nothing that could yet be done. For now he had to appear as an honorable general, one that the people and soldiers would follow, one who held favor.
"Pharaoh. We all look forward to your announcement, this evening."
Osorsen gave a gesture that he would follow his ruler, standing in place near enough to be seen but not to take attention. He knew full well what the Pharaoh was going to tell the rest of the contingent, wished he'd had time to tell Hatshepsut himself, but no doubt her husband had informed her at least somewhat of the goings on. His eyes caught the face of the queen mother, wondering what the old dog thought of this war. He kept his expression serene and blank as the announcement began, the first reveal not hitting him at first, until the words filtered in as the king continued speaking.
Pregnant? His heart leapt into his throat, wondering if there was a chance, even the smallest slightest hope. They had been together before his departure, before her marriage, and since he had returned, but surely Hatshepsut would have told him if she was carrying his child. With his jaw set, Osorsen turned to look at her and her husband, the announcement had been met with cheers but all he could see was her, a question in his gaze that could not be answered here. Fists clenched behind his back, he tore his gaze away and instead smiled slightly as several others came over to congratulate him and discuss plans for attack. The peace had been far from dull, but Greece was a bigger conquest than the southern kingdoms, and here and there Osorsen was determined to bring back the greatest prize for himself. Selene of Leventi's face flashed through his mind, and as he looked again to where his lover stood, carrying a child that the Pharaoh clearly thought his own, jealousy and bitterness bubbled up in his chest. He would have what he wanted. And he would have it his way.
He wished more than anything they had been given what they wished, that they could be the ones wed and happy now instead of having to return her to the false former general. Her words were like music on his ears after a time of hearing only the grating Greek accent and languages it was like finally returning home. Gripping her hand as she slipped her fingers between his own, he gave a slight smile that could be perceived as nothing more than a general loyal to his queen, bowing over her hand and pressing a kiss to the back of it before they were pulled apart by the sounds of the approaching Pharaoh.
"Soon."
The word was breathed out softly for only her ears before he turned to the Pharaoh and grit his teeth in a sort of smile, suffering silently as his lover was pulled to her husband's side. It looked wrong, the two of them together in such a manner, and as much as he wanted her to pull back, to strike him, to do anything to cast him aside, he knew there was nothing that could yet be done. For now he had to appear as an honorable general, one that the people and soldiers would follow, one who held favor.
"Pharaoh. We all look forward to your announcement, this evening."
Osorsen gave a gesture that he would follow his ruler, standing in place near enough to be seen but not to take attention. He knew full well what the Pharaoh was going to tell the rest of the contingent, wished he'd had time to tell Hatshepsut himself, but no doubt her husband had informed her at least somewhat of the goings on. His eyes caught the face of the queen mother, wondering what the old dog thought of this war. He kept his expression serene and blank as the announcement began, the first reveal not hitting him at first, until the words filtered in as the king continued speaking.
Pregnant? His heart leapt into his throat, wondering if there was a chance, even the smallest slightest hope. They had been together before his departure, before her marriage, and since he had returned, but surely Hatshepsut would have told him if she was carrying his child. With his jaw set, Osorsen turned to look at her and her husband, the announcement had been met with cheers but all he could see was her, a question in his gaze that could not be answered here. Fists clenched behind his back, he tore his gaze away and instead smiled slightly as several others came over to congratulate him and discuss plans for attack. The peace had been far from dull, but Greece was a bigger conquest than the southern kingdoms, and here and there Osorsen was determined to bring back the greatest prize for himself. Selene of Leventi's face flashed through his mind, and as he looked again to where his lover stood, carrying a child that the Pharaoh clearly thought his own, jealousy and bitterness bubbled up in his chest. He would have what he wanted. And he would have it his way.
She was not the sort of woman who was invited into the kind of detailed political conversations which were held before a war was announced. All that Safiya did know was that she wanted her uncle to have no part of it, they'd only had him for an amazingly short span of time and losing him now would be the worst possible news that she could receive. Not just on a personal level but in general because her Hei needed to have someone here who would be able to help them avoid them sinking into the kind of loss of honour that would be inevitable if nothing was done.
Not that Safiya knew a whole lot about the nuances, as with so much else she remained on the outside and looked on in from that position. It provided an odd kind of perception because she wasn't a fool but so much was omitted from her conversations with others. Part of it extended from the assumption that she wouldn't understand and also that she was too young but she was starting to understand that hse needed to address those attitudes and start to change matters. She couldn't continue any of this, not when the protections she'd once known were fading away. Safiya knew that her uncle and mother would be talking about marriage; not that she had anyone else in mind but one man. The one that she couldn't have.
The relationship with the Queen was a new one but as people had taken their places and her own was very much at her side, she was more than able to pick out the subtle change in her pallor, enough that she calmly poured out some more wine and made sure that it was ready for her lady. Safiya had practised a lot in pouring and managing to do it with grace and the refined elegance that a servant would lack. She might not have picked out this role for herself but Safiya wa snot going to give it anything less than one hundred percent if not moreso.
"Would you like some wine, highness?" she wouldn't impose the drink but the Queen couldn't avoid anyone else noticing the change in her looks or the way she tracked the movements of certain select individuals.
Which Safiya had only picked up on because she was aware of doing the exact same thing. Perhaps she could share some of her own bad habits and hope that it would be a way of building some kind of relationship with the Queen which went past the formal and polite way that she was acting toward her now.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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She was not the sort of woman who was invited into the kind of detailed political conversations which were held before a war was announced. All that Safiya did know was that she wanted her uncle to have no part of it, they'd only had him for an amazingly short span of time and losing him now would be the worst possible news that she could receive. Not just on a personal level but in general because her Hei needed to have someone here who would be able to help them avoid them sinking into the kind of loss of honour that would be inevitable if nothing was done.
Not that Safiya knew a whole lot about the nuances, as with so much else she remained on the outside and looked on in from that position. It provided an odd kind of perception because she wasn't a fool but so much was omitted from her conversations with others. Part of it extended from the assumption that she wouldn't understand and also that she was too young but she was starting to understand that hse needed to address those attitudes and start to change matters. She couldn't continue any of this, not when the protections she'd once known were fading away. Safiya knew that her uncle and mother would be talking about marriage; not that she had anyone else in mind but one man. The one that she couldn't have.
The relationship with the Queen was a new one but as people had taken their places and her own was very much at her side, she was more than able to pick out the subtle change in her pallor, enough that she calmly poured out some more wine and made sure that it was ready for her lady. Safiya had practised a lot in pouring and managing to do it with grace and the refined elegance that a servant would lack. She might not have picked out this role for herself but Safiya wa snot going to give it anything less than one hundred percent if not moreso.
"Would you like some wine, highness?" she wouldn't impose the drink but the Queen couldn't avoid anyone else noticing the change in her looks or the way she tracked the movements of certain select individuals.
Which Safiya had only picked up on because she was aware of doing the exact same thing. Perhaps she could share some of her own bad habits and hope that it would be a way of building some kind of relationship with the Queen which went past the formal and polite way that she was acting toward her now.
She was not the sort of woman who was invited into the kind of detailed political conversations which were held before a war was announced. All that Safiya did know was that she wanted her uncle to have no part of it, they'd only had him for an amazingly short span of time and losing him now would be the worst possible news that she could receive. Not just on a personal level but in general because her Hei needed to have someone here who would be able to help them avoid them sinking into the kind of loss of honour that would be inevitable if nothing was done.
Not that Safiya knew a whole lot about the nuances, as with so much else she remained on the outside and looked on in from that position. It provided an odd kind of perception because she wasn't a fool but so much was omitted from her conversations with others. Part of it extended from the assumption that she wouldn't understand and also that she was too young but she was starting to understand that hse needed to address those attitudes and start to change matters. She couldn't continue any of this, not when the protections she'd once known were fading away. Safiya knew that her uncle and mother would be talking about marriage; not that she had anyone else in mind but one man. The one that she couldn't have.
The relationship with the Queen was a new one but as people had taken their places and her own was very much at her side, she was more than able to pick out the subtle change in her pallor, enough that she calmly poured out some more wine and made sure that it was ready for her lady. Safiya had practised a lot in pouring and managing to do it with grace and the refined elegance that a servant would lack. She might not have picked out this role for herself but Safiya wa snot going to give it anything less than one hundred percent if not moreso.
"Would you like some wine, highness?" she wouldn't impose the drink but the Queen couldn't avoid anyone else noticing the change in her looks or the way she tracked the movements of certain select individuals.
Which Safiya had only picked up on because she was aware of doing the exact same thing. Perhaps she could share some of her own bad habits and hope that it would be a way of building some kind of relationship with the Queen which went past the formal and polite way that she was acting toward her now.
Hatshepshut's nubile young body exploded with desire as Osorsen's lips brushed over the back of her hand and his warm breath whispered against it. His soft reply to her question was a promise in itself and she felt that she could even endure Iahotep's possessiveness knowing that she had a night with her lover to look forward to. That didn't stop her from feeling uncomfortable and trapped in his presence, though.
And she felt even more trapped after his announcement. And so terrified that she felt that she was going to pass out. She concentrated on the reactions of the people around her, hoping to distract herself from the fear that threatened to squeeze the life out of her. She didn't need to become upset and lose the baby, not now that every noble in Egypt knew that she carried the future of their kingdom within her.
Her gaze fell first upon Osorsen and she saw the question in his eyes. He thought that her child might be his, and she dreaded disappointing him by telling him that she had bled after their last encounter and before she had first submitted to her husband's unwanted attentions. Her courses had always been erratic and that one had not lasted as long as usual. Maybe, just maybe, it really was his, though deep in her heart, she knew that it wasn't.
She had asked Hathor for a girl during the Opet festival. If the goddess answered her prayers, Osorsen's son could still be the next Pharaoh. Hatshepsut would have to reveal the truth eventually, and the sooner the better. But what if he couldn't handle her carrying another man's child, and ended their relationship? Her dizziness increased and the dryness in her throat made it difficult to swallow. Did Iahotep, so close beside her, sense her distress?
Did her mother notice her pale countenance and the dread in her eyes? She seemed rather pleased with the news that Egypt was going to war. She was ambitious woman and Greece was a prize worth fighting for. If not for the fact that Osorsen would be leading the army, Hatshepsut would have approved as well. Her lover could have made the same decision had he been Pharaoh, but then he would be safe and it would be Iahotep in charge of the forces.
It was Safiya who came to the young Queen's rescue, offering her a glass of wine. Perhaps a drink is exactly what I need to calm my nerves. “Yes, thank you, Hatshepsut replied, daring to slip one of her hands out of her husband's grasp so that she could take the glass from her retainer. She would thank her later in private and more informally than she was able to do now.
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Hatshepshut's nubile young body exploded with desire as Osorsen's lips brushed over the back of her hand and his warm breath whispered against it. His soft reply to her question was a promise in itself and she felt that she could even endure Iahotep's possessiveness knowing that she had a night with her lover to look forward to. That didn't stop her from feeling uncomfortable and trapped in his presence, though.
And she felt even more trapped after his announcement. And so terrified that she felt that she was going to pass out. She concentrated on the reactions of the people around her, hoping to distract herself from the fear that threatened to squeeze the life out of her. She didn't need to become upset and lose the baby, not now that every noble in Egypt knew that she carried the future of their kingdom within her.
Her gaze fell first upon Osorsen and she saw the question in his eyes. He thought that her child might be his, and she dreaded disappointing him by telling him that she had bled after their last encounter and before she had first submitted to her husband's unwanted attentions. Her courses had always been erratic and that one had not lasted as long as usual. Maybe, just maybe, it really was his, though deep in her heart, she knew that it wasn't.
She had asked Hathor for a girl during the Opet festival. If the goddess answered her prayers, Osorsen's son could still be the next Pharaoh. Hatshepsut would have to reveal the truth eventually, and the sooner the better. But what if he couldn't handle her carrying another man's child, and ended their relationship? Her dizziness increased and the dryness in her throat made it difficult to swallow. Did Iahotep, so close beside her, sense her distress?
Did her mother notice her pale countenance and the dread in her eyes? She seemed rather pleased with the news that Egypt was going to war. She was ambitious woman and Greece was a prize worth fighting for. If not for the fact that Osorsen would be leading the army, Hatshepsut would have approved as well. Her lover could have made the same decision had he been Pharaoh, but then he would be safe and it would be Iahotep in charge of the forces.
It was Safiya who came to the young Queen's rescue, offering her a glass of wine. Perhaps a drink is exactly what I need to calm my nerves. “Yes, thank you, Hatshepsut replied, daring to slip one of her hands out of her husband's grasp so that she could take the glass from her retainer. She would thank her later in private and more informally than she was able to do now.
Hatshepshut's nubile young body exploded with desire as Osorsen's lips brushed over the back of her hand and his warm breath whispered against it. His soft reply to her question was a promise in itself and she felt that she could even endure Iahotep's possessiveness knowing that she had a night with her lover to look forward to. That didn't stop her from feeling uncomfortable and trapped in his presence, though.
And she felt even more trapped after his announcement. And so terrified that she felt that she was going to pass out. She concentrated on the reactions of the people around her, hoping to distract herself from the fear that threatened to squeeze the life out of her. She didn't need to become upset and lose the baby, not now that every noble in Egypt knew that she carried the future of their kingdom within her.
Her gaze fell first upon Osorsen and she saw the question in his eyes. He thought that her child might be his, and she dreaded disappointing him by telling him that she had bled after their last encounter and before she had first submitted to her husband's unwanted attentions. Her courses had always been erratic and that one had not lasted as long as usual. Maybe, just maybe, it really was his, though deep in her heart, she knew that it wasn't.
She had asked Hathor for a girl during the Opet festival. If the goddess answered her prayers, Osorsen's son could still be the next Pharaoh. Hatshepsut would have to reveal the truth eventually, and the sooner the better. But what if he couldn't handle her carrying another man's child, and ended their relationship? Her dizziness increased and the dryness in her throat made it difficult to swallow. Did Iahotep, so close beside her, sense her distress?
Did her mother notice her pale countenance and the dread in her eyes? She seemed rather pleased with the news that Egypt was going to war. She was ambitious woman and Greece was a prize worth fighting for. If not for the fact that Osorsen would be leading the army, Hatshepsut would have approved as well. Her lover could have made the same decision had he been Pharaoh, but then he would be safe and it would be Iahotep in charge of the forces.
It was Safiya who came to the young Queen's rescue, offering her a glass of wine. Perhaps a drink is exactly what I need to calm my nerves. “Yes, thank you, Hatshepsut replied, daring to slip one of her hands out of her husband's grasp so that she could take the glass from her retainer. She would thank her later in private and more informally than she was able to do now.
No one wants to tell an old lady to shut up, least of all Berenike.
She’d made the mistake of walking past Lady Meeraj. Lady Meeraj was an elderly widow with a talkative streak. She was so old she had outlived some of her children and lived to see the birth of her great grandchildren. She smelled so strongly of sickly sweet flowers that it made Berenike recoil. Her face was heavily wrinkled and spotted with freckles and liver spots. Deep lines were etched across her face, resembling a map of a city. She would talk endlessly about anything and everything. Occasionally she would say something interesting and recapture Berenike’s interest, but most of the time it was all dreadfully boring. Her grandson Rehotep was a favorite topic of hers. Berenike could not have cared less about her grandchildren, but she smiled and nodded politely.
She could feel herself growing more anxious and restless. There were so many people here that she wanted to speak to, that she hadn’t even gotten a chance to speak to yet. First on her list was the Queen, of course, but it didn’t appear that she’d be leaving Lady Meeraj’s side anytime soon. Nicky gritted her teeth and listened with feigned interest.
Hatshepsut was a dear friend of Nicky’s. In fact, Nicky thought of her as a more like a little sister, but now she stood before her a woman. And not just any woman, either, but queen of the greatest nation on earth. She wasn’t a little girl anymore, Nicky thought. Whatever sadness she felt was outshone by pride and happiness for her friend. But Pharaoh Iahotep? Not so much. It wasn’t that she thought he was a terrible person, or even that she hated him. She accepted him for what he was and could even understand his point of view, but she still had no love for him. He was common born, and she was unsure of what the Gods were planning with making him Pharaoh. Was this going to be a test in Egyptian strength to withstand a terrible Pharaoh? Or was he going to surprise everyone and end up being a wonderful ruler? Based off what she’d heard about him from Hatshepsut, she had a sick feeling that it was going to be the former.
“Oh and my great grandson also called Rehotep will be t—“ Lady Meeraj was blessedly cut off by Pharaoh beginning his announcement. His voice, deep and resonating, captured everyone’s attentions immediately. Everyone today was gathered for him, after all. Berenike, however, saw her chance to escape when Lady Meeraj turned around to look at Pharaoh Iahotep. She quickly slunk away to the shadowy outskirts of the Haikaddad garden feast, away from the torch lights, away from the main revelry, but still within earshot. She grabbed a cup of wine from a passing servant and tried to look as much like the tree fern she now stood behind.
Berenike was by no means an introvert, she loved going to parties and drinking, but certain people wore her out. Lady Meeraj was one of them. She felt sapped of all her energy after listening to— Gods forgive her— that old bat prattle on about horse shit. She turned her eyes to Pharaoh and listened carefully.
The pregnancy announcements wasn’t a surprise really, but she was excited all the same. She loved babies. Who didn’t love babies? She longed for a baby herself, but the time had never been right. Or rather, her standards had never been reasonable. She was too easily offended. But the war? Everyone talked about Greece and war, the only thing that surprised her was the suddenness of it.
She leaned her bare shoulder against the tree fern and sipped from her wine, hoping no one else would notice her for the moment. After a while, she would go say her formal congratulations and well wishes to Iahotep and Hatshepsut.
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This character is currently a work in progress.
Check out their information page here.
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No one wants to tell an old lady to shut up, least of all Berenike.
She’d made the mistake of walking past Lady Meeraj. Lady Meeraj was an elderly widow with a talkative streak. She was so old she had outlived some of her children and lived to see the birth of her great grandchildren. She smelled so strongly of sickly sweet flowers that it made Berenike recoil. Her face was heavily wrinkled and spotted with freckles and liver spots. Deep lines were etched across her face, resembling a map of a city. She would talk endlessly about anything and everything. Occasionally she would say something interesting and recapture Berenike’s interest, but most of the time it was all dreadfully boring. Her grandson Rehotep was a favorite topic of hers. Berenike could not have cared less about her grandchildren, but she smiled and nodded politely.
She could feel herself growing more anxious and restless. There were so many people here that she wanted to speak to, that she hadn’t even gotten a chance to speak to yet. First on her list was the Queen, of course, but it didn’t appear that she’d be leaving Lady Meeraj’s side anytime soon. Nicky gritted her teeth and listened with feigned interest.
Hatshepsut was a dear friend of Nicky’s. In fact, Nicky thought of her as a more like a little sister, but now she stood before her a woman. And not just any woman, either, but queen of the greatest nation on earth. She wasn’t a little girl anymore, Nicky thought. Whatever sadness she felt was outshone by pride and happiness for her friend. But Pharaoh Iahotep? Not so much. It wasn’t that she thought he was a terrible person, or even that she hated him. She accepted him for what he was and could even understand his point of view, but she still had no love for him. He was common born, and she was unsure of what the Gods were planning with making him Pharaoh. Was this going to be a test in Egyptian strength to withstand a terrible Pharaoh? Or was he going to surprise everyone and end up being a wonderful ruler? Based off what she’d heard about him from Hatshepsut, she had a sick feeling that it was going to be the former.
“Oh and my great grandson also called Rehotep will be t—“ Lady Meeraj was blessedly cut off by Pharaoh beginning his announcement. His voice, deep and resonating, captured everyone’s attentions immediately. Everyone today was gathered for him, after all. Berenike, however, saw her chance to escape when Lady Meeraj turned around to look at Pharaoh Iahotep. She quickly slunk away to the shadowy outskirts of the Haikaddad garden feast, away from the torch lights, away from the main revelry, but still within earshot. She grabbed a cup of wine from a passing servant and tried to look as much like the tree fern she now stood behind.
Berenike was by no means an introvert, she loved going to parties and drinking, but certain people wore her out. Lady Meeraj was one of them. She felt sapped of all her energy after listening to— Gods forgive her— that old bat prattle on about horse shit. She turned her eyes to Pharaoh and listened carefully.
The pregnancy announcements wasn’t a surprise really, but she was excited all the same. She loved babies. Who didn’t love babies? She longed for a baby herself, but the time had never been right. Or rather, her standards had never been reasonable. She was too easily offended. But the war? Everyone talked about Greece and war, the only thing that surprised her was the suddenness of it.
She leaned her bare shoulder against the tree fern and sipped from her wine, hoping no one else would notice her for the moment. After a while, she would go say her formal congratulations and well wishes to Iahotep and Hatshepsut.
No one wants to tell an old lady to shut up, least of all Berenike.
She’d made the mistake of walking past Lady Meeraj. Lady Meeraj was an elderly widow with a talkative streak. She was so old she had outlived some of her children and lived to see the birth of her great grandchildren. She smelled so strongly of sickly sweet flowers that it made Berenike recoil. Her face was heavily wrinkled and spotted with freckles and liver spots. Deep lines were etched across her face, resembling a map of a city. She would talk endlessly about anything and everything. Occasionally she would say something interesting and recapture Berenike’s interest, but most of the time it was all dreadfully boring. Her grandson Rehotep was a favorite topic of hers. Berenike could not have cared less about her grandchildren, but she smiled and nodded politely.
She could feel herself growing more anxious and restless. There were so many people here that she wanted to speak to, that she hadn’t even gotten a chance to speak to yet. First on her list was the Queen, of course, but it didn’t appear that she’d be leaving Lady Meeraj’s side anytime soon. Nicky gritted her teeth and listened with feigned interest.
Hatshepsut was a dear friend of Nicky’s. In fact, Nicky thought of her as a more like a little sister, but now she stood before her a woman. And not just any woman, either, but queen of the greatest nation on earth. She wasn’t a little girl anymore, Nicky thought. Whatever sadness she felt was outshone by pride and happiness for her friend. But Pharaoh Iahotep? Not so much. It wasn’t that she thought he was a terrible person, or even that she hated him. She accepted him for what he was and could even understand his point of view, but she still had no love for him. He was common born, and she was unsure of what the Gods were planning with making him Pharaoh. Was this going to be a test in Egyptian strength to withstand a terrible Pharaoh? Or was he going to surprise everyone and end up being a wonderful ruler? Based off what she’d heard about him from Hatshepsut, she had a sick feeling that it was going to be the former.
“Oh and my great grandson also called Rehotep will be t—“ Lady Meeraj was blessedly cut off by Pharaoh beginning his announcement. His voice, deep and resonating, captured everyone’s attentions immediately. Everyone today was gathered for him, after all. Berenike, however, saw her chance to escape when Lady Meeraj turned around to look at Pharaoh Iahotep. She quickly slunk away to the shadowy outskirts of the Haikaddad garden feast, away from the torch lights, away from the main revelry, but still within earshot. She grabbed a cup of wine from a passing servant and tried to look as much like the tree fern she now stood behind.
Berenike was by no means an introvert, she loved going to parties and drinking, but certain people wore her out. Lady Meeraj was one of them. She felt sapped of all her energy after listening to— Gods forgive her— that old bat prattle on about horse shit. She turned her eyes to Pharaoh and listened carefully.
The pregnancy announcements wasn’t a surprise really, but she was excited all the same. She loved babies. Who didn’t love babies? She longed for a baby herself, but the time had never been right. Or rather, her standards had never been reasonable. She was too easily offended. But the war? Everyone talked about Greece and war, the only thing that surprised her was the suddenness of it.
She leaned her bare shoulder against the tree fern and sipped from her wine, hoping no one else would notice her for the moment. After a while, she would go say her formal congratulations and well wishes to Iahotep and Hatshepsut.