Chapter 34: A safe place to stay

It was early in the morning when the litter was put down in front of the royal palace in Upper Egypt. The seven women got out and were – thanks to Dedyet – immediately let in by the guards.

The palace was somehow empty and...quiet. Everyone still seemed to be asleep, but, of course, there were some guards inside who were awake. Dedyet walked upstairs, her servants behind her. She stopped in front of the door to Ramses' private quarters.

"Good morning."

"Morning."

"Can I get in?"

The guard seemed grumpy. "I don't think so."

"But it's me, Dedyet."

"The pharaoh's quarters will not be entered! Especially not by a stranger!"

"I am not a stranger! I'm the prince's future wife and have been sleeping in here for several nights!"

A shocked look on his face showed that he had suddenly remembered the news. "Oh! I am so sorry, your highness!"

"It's fine. Would you let me in now?"

"...The pharaoh is sleeping."

"It is really urgent."

"…Fine. You can enter his bedroom quietly."

Dedyet stepped inside before the door closed silently. She walked towards the bed and sat down, a hand on Ramses' forehead. Her voice was soft and quiet.

"Ramses. Hun."

He slowly opened his eyes.

"Dedyet."

"I am back already."

Once realizing what was happening, the pharaoh sat up. "Dedyet!"

"Yes?"

"What happened?!"

"My brother has reacted in a really negative way…"

"Ugh, I knew it! He's a jerk! I will ki-"

"Ramses."

"…Yes?"

"I have brought some of my servants with me."

"What? Why?"

"They were living in fear, begging me to take them with me."

Ramses seemed rather careless.

"My brother only has about five servants left," Dedyet informed him.

"Five servants?!"

"I told you he is powerless."

"What do you want me to do now?"

"The women who came with me are humble and polite. Can they work for you?"

"Hun, they are from the North…"

"Who cares? I'm also from the North."

"…But that's different. You are a unique and radiant woman."

"Every human is unique, my love."

"Except for servants. They are all the same."

Dedyet crossed her arms after hearing Ramses' ignorant opinion. "If you won't give them a job, I'll give them my jewelry to sell."

"What?! Are you insane?! You can't give your precious diamonds away to…peasants!"

Tears came to her eyes. "Ramses, these women are poor."

"But that's not our problem!"

A tear rolled down Dedyet's cheek. "Kija has children she can't live with. Her husband is dead. Her mother has an illness and no access to medicine! And that's only her I have talked to!"

Ramses wiped the tear in her beautiful face away. "I am sorry to hear that. But there is no need for you to cry about it. There are many poor people in the North."

"But her family lives here!"

"Here in my father's kingdom?!"

"Yes!"

"...Oh."

Dedyet sobbed.

Ramses pulled her closer. "Please don't cry."

"I hate how you sometimes talk about my home. As if we were all poor and dirty!" Several tears were now running down her cheeks.

"I am sorry…"

"There are also poor people here! Just because my brother is a bad ruler, doesn't mean your kingdom is perfect!"

Ramses put on an arrogant voice. "The de Niles have flawless ruling skills."

It was exactly this sense of superiority that made Dedyet angry. "And why is Kija's family poor then?! Why don't they have access to medicine if your kingdom is so great?!"

"Is it my fault that her family is stupid?!"

"Stupid?!"

"Maybe they have wasted all their money on nonsense! You don't know that!"

Another sob.

"Dedyet… I am sorry."

"You always keep apologizing!"

"And you are incredibly naive!"

"Because I have a good heart?!"

"No, because you defend these people over me! People you don't even know! Why does Kija have children if she can't care for them?! Tell me that!"

Dedyet looked Ramses in the eyes, tears keeping to roll down her cheeks.

"You never thought about that, did you?!"

"Why does it matter?"

"Who gives birth to children, knowing they can't afford to care for them?!"

She sobbed even louder. "Stop this!"

"You know I'm right!"

"Yeah, because you are a de Nile! You are so great!"

"I know."

Dedyet turned to the side. "I'll sleep now while you throw these poor people out, Ramses de Nile!" After these words, she closed her eyes and fell asleep, completely exhausted.

Ramses was left speechless and angry.

He exited his bedroom a few minutes later to see several obviously poor women stand in front of him. Their eyes were red and swollen, there was pure angst in their faces.

Ramses sighed before turning to his guard. "I want you to give these women a room to live in."

"But… Sire! We don't know them! They might be here to harm you!"

"Are you heartless or what?! These women are obviously poor!"

The guard's eyes widened. "S-sire…"

"You will give them rooms to live in now! If not, I might be forced to throw you out."

"Yes, your highness… I will do as ordered."