Henshupta is talking to one of Prince Hekanefer's scribe to gain more knowledge on the techniques and military tactics they will need to use against General Jardin-Ur is in case he and his troops would fight me and my ally Nubia one week from now.
I felt a bit edgy lately and didn't like how Sakhbe smelled. So, I always throw up in the bath almost every day starting the day Hekanefer left for war. This has been a busy week but I couldn't help to stop myself in eating watermelons. She would also carve for raspberries which Sakhbe needed to import from Mediterranea.
When King Piye died, Hekanefer interceded as King of Nubia. Some of the Kushites didn't like how Hekanefer kept the pharaoh in his care and later decided to choose her to be an ally of Nubia. Though, Egypt is a strong country and ally, some traditional Sudanese heads didn't want to have anything to do with Henshupta since she is female and a young ruler for that matter. But Henshupta made it clear that even though she is young and looking fragile, she is a strong contender and leader of Egypt. One time Prince Hekanefer were practicing knives and spheres against a Nubian soldier, that he insisted Henshupta to fight the well trained man. Henshupta is tiny compared to the archer. But Henshupt stood confident and readied her sword. The archer pulled one of his arrow and tried to hit Henshupta on her armor, but the queen started to move quick like lightning she was already holding the sword below the archers neck as soon as he pulled the bow to hit her. Eventually, the elders, some from west Eurasian and Saharan Dinkas, applauded Henshupta's excellent swordsmanship and quick reflexes that match Prince Hekanefer's superhuman strength.
Sahkbe worries about Henshupta's illness. She asked several Hery ra's about it but they seem lost of what is happening to the queen. The princess wanted to check some things with Spia, so she went out of her way to make amends with the spy.
Spia is already recovering from her wound and can already sit up, when, Sakhbe stood against the curtains to check how she's doing in the infirmary.
How are you feeling? I'm sorr…., Sakhbe said while she walked in front of Spia's bed. It's okay. I am the one who needs to apologize from letting me live in spite of what I did to the queen and you, Spia cried and gave a faint smile. I want to ask about your queen. She's been sick lately and been throwing up all around the palace. Her current situation has been bothering me and the elders, so maybe you can help her. Ask her what's wrong! She didn't want to have anything to do with, like she hates me and how I smelled!, Sakhbe felt sad and almost about to cry when Spia laughed. Oh goddess Taweret! (goddess of fertility and childbirth) Ahhh….the queen might be pregnant!!!, Spia said with eyes almost popping out from their sockets.
Sakhbe called out for the Hery ra and advised him that the queen of Egypt is pregnant. The doctor's face lit and hurriedly went inside Henshupta's room to check on her. Pharaoh is vomiting and feeling so ill today that she didn't want anything to do with anyone including the doctor. But when she saw Sakhba, Henshupta tried to stand and hugged her friend. I don't know what's happening to me Sakhbe but I think my stomach is growing too, Henshupta added touching her belly.
Yes, queen, because you might be pregnant. Here drink this, a strong herb with mixed chamomile, ginger, raspberry and peppermint to calm you down and help you with the morning sicknesses, Sakhbe said smiling to her new sister for she knew that the baby she is carrying is Hekanefer's. Oh, my little nephew or niece, I can't wait to see you, hihi!!!
Henshupta suddenly got scared. But knows how to handle it since she has been preparing to be pharaoh, queen and mother ever since she was a little girl. But she didn't know what to do or say at the moment so tears just flowed from her eyes and hugged Sakhbe for support.
Spia came in the room and smiled at the two women embracing each other. She didn't want to tell the queen about what happened to her father but Anhemnotep is seriously ill. Spia continued that when she disappeared the elders wanted to take the throne away from you, so Anhemnotep formed a circle of heads that consist of Sabah, Jardin-Ur, Meraek, Angianasim with Sadiki to fight the opposing council elders but Sadiki betrayed Anhemnotep and the General sided with him instead of Anhemtnotep. Your father suffered a heart attack due to the stresses he had been feeling losing you and the kingdom all in a day.
Henshupta felt better drinking the herbal tea and now she needs to decide her fate. She needs to travel back to Egypt and let Hekanefer follow after his battle against the Hittites. It's just a few more days until they see each other again but the line of her throne is at stake so she needs to return to Egypt as soon as possible.
Sakhbe tried to stop Henshupta but it is a decision she can never back down from since her father and the fate of her people is in danger with the selfish and corrupt elders of her council.
Spia and pregnant queen Henshupta travelled on the desserts of Sudan with a few soldiers and Nubian maids sent by Sakhbe to help her in her morning sicknesses. It'll take a month and a half travel by horse and chariot from Sudan to Egypt. Sakhbe knows the risk Henshupta is taking especially in her delicate condition now that they confirmed she is almost three months pregnant. Sakhbe was hesitant and so worried about Henshupta, advising her to wait for Hekanefer who is about to come home after three days from the battle