Chapter 27-the Demons Will Rise
Menet had planned this almost too well. He had surprised himself, a feat he'd never believed he could accomplish.
Ever since he'd learned about his brother's illness, he'd tanked his lucky stars, for now he did not even have to worry about how to kill him-time would do that for him. That didn't mean he could not speed things along through some lovely, skillfully concocted alchemy.
"I do not see why this is necessary!" Seti sighed.
Menet sneered. "You do not have to see why. All you have to do is obey my every whim and fancy and get the ingredients I ask for! Then, when your dear cousin ascends the throne, we both will get what we want." His son was unable to argue with that.
"All this war mongering is exhausting! And by the way, you're going to completely destroy Kahmunrah before he can even get to the throne!"
Pause. "Oh really? And why would you think that?"
"He's exhausted all the time! I don't even get to see him anymore," Seti sighed. Kah used to boast about being the king-to-be; nowadays, he moped around in his chambers or down in the priests' quarters, memorizing prayers when all he seemed to want to do was get a breath of fresh air.
Menet chuckled. "Now now, I know your feelings. You will get all that you want, so long as you obey me."
Times were rumbling forward, and there was nothing anyone could do to stop it.
0o0
Merenkare leaned against his throne, inhaling deeply. When had these meetings gone on for ages? Royal gatherings with his advisors had never been his favorite activity, but they didn't used to drag on like this. And with his wife chronically busy, he felt he had little to no reprieve. And Menet had been extra smug this evening...Oh well. He'd worry about him later. Menet would not be smiling for very long, if he drew up his will in time. "Somebody fetch me a scribe!" It was time to record his wishes for all of posterity. Suppressing another coughing fit, he managed to sit up straight as the scribe came forward. Ill though he may be, but he would remain every inch a king until the last possible moment.