Chapter 41: A welcomed surprise

A great friendship between Dedyet and Kija – who was now working for the de Niles in their new palace – had been formed over time. Our story continues with the two, standing in front of two innocent-looking pots. One of them was empty, in the other one was a growing seed. A barley seed.

Kija nodded, obviously determined. "It is now confirmed."

Dedyet seemed nervous. "Are you really sure?"

"Absolutely."

"I can't wait to tell Ramses!"

It were minutes later when Dedyet entered the main halls in a really proud way, witnessing her husband and his chief adviser, discussing something important. The past sadness had left the halls completely.

"Ramses, can I talk to you?" Dedyet asked, overly happy.

Ramses seemed a little annoyed. "We are having a conversation!" Obviously, he was talking about himself and the adviser by his side.

"What I am about to tell you is more important than whatever you are talking about now," Dedyet announced in determination.

Ramses seemed surprised. He stood up and excused himself real quick. "What is it that you want to tell me?" he asked his wife once they were relatively alone.

"Ramses! I am pregnant!" She fell in his arms.

"What?! Really?!"

"Yeah!"

"Dedyet, this is amazing!"

They hugged each other tightly and grinned in pure happiness.

Dedyet smiled warmly. "I'm so happy!"

"Me too! Finally we will have a child!"

"Finally? We are only married for a few months!"

"Yes, finally! I have waited so long!"

Dedyet chuckled.

Ramses took his wife by the hand and then walked into the main hall with her again, looked at by his adviser.

"My wife has told me something really important just now," he announced.

The adviser raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Ramses spoke up loudly, his voice echoing through the halls. "Dedyet and I are having a baby. A heir will be born!"

Several servants gasped, a few women began to give applause.

Dedyet smiled warmly, almost shedding a happy tear.

"Clap for us!" Ramses demanded, wanting the others to congratulate the royal couple as well, as he saw the tiny group applauding.

Everyone nearby was now giving applause. Except for the adviser. "Wow, my pharaoh, this is a lot to…take in," he said, not a bit of happiness in his voice.

"Well, it's not like this hasn't been expected by many of us," Ramses answered proudly.

"Yes, Sire…"

"So where is your applause?"

"Ramses!" Dedyet warned, elbowing her husband, obviously trying to tell him not to be that arrogant.

But the adviser started applauding. Slowly, but loudly.