Chapter 24: No sooner said than done
"Family? This is Dedyet."
Tut smirked. "Is she your girlfriend?"
Ramses and his father had a few seconds of eye contact, before the crown prince announced, "Yes."
The family was fine with Dedyet staying for some days. It was only Ramses' mother who remained angry about the unannounced guest.
As breakfast was finished, Dedyet and Ramses went looking for a quiet place to write the letter. It turned out to be easier said than done, though…
"I don't know what to write," Dedyet admitted, feeling rather anxious. The couple was sitting in Ramses' private quarters.
"Tell him how you feel," the crown prince advised.
"About what?"
"About us and the kingdom."
Dedyet nodded and slowly began writing.
My dear brother, Setpenkhamun,
It is me – your sister – writing to you. You may have noticed my absence, but don't worry, I am safe where I am now. With Ramses and his father in Upper Egypt. The kingdom here is beautiful, even though I haven't seen a lot of it yet. Ramses' family has greeted me with open arms. I am sure they will do the same for you, once you visit… IF you visit. There is a man here I am in love with. Ramses cares deeply for me and Lower Egypt, even. His father has a lot of experience when it comes to ruling a kingdom. He has been ruling this one for no less than twenty-five years! And he said that he is willing to help us. Please – in the name of the gods - write me back if you are interested. The people in Lower Egypt need a change… It is highly important.
Yours, Dedyet
Once done, the young princess asked, "Do you think this is good?"
"If you wrote it with an open heart, then yes," her lover answered.
Dedyet sighed. "I think it's barely mediocre."
"Would you allow me…to look through it?"
"Oh, of course."
She handed him the letter and the room turned quiet.
Dedyet sighed before Ramses was even finished reading. "I think I should write a new one… Or maybe a scribe should. These words will never have him seek help."
After reading, he looked her in the eyes. "Dedyet?"
"Yes?"
"What do you think is wrong with the letter?"
Dedyet bit her lip. She appreciated honesty, but felt sad realizing that the person she loved was about to criticize her. The princess faced the ground, shamefully admitting, "Everything…"
Ramses seemed surprised. "Really?"
She looked up to him. "You like it?"
"I don't see what's wrong with it."
She rolled her eyes, smirking. "Thanks."
They both chuckled before giving each other a kiss.
Ramses stood up, the letter in his hand. "I think we should send it away now. It is better not to lose time, because of the urgency of this situation."
But she still seemed insecure. "Do you really think it's good?"
"Dedyet, your letter is fine and well. If he doesn't accept our offer, it's his problem, not ours."
"I was just thinking that maybe I could have written it in a more appealing way…"
"No. What else could you even write?"
"I don't know… Do you think he will answer?"
"Only time may tell, my darling."