Pharaoh’s Concubine - Chapter 18.2

At the end of his speech, the young Pharaoh strode out of the door and left her sitting on the bed alone, shivering, with fear grabbing every inch of her nerves.

She must not lose the Pharaoh’s favor.

All the girls who received the Pharaoh’s favor weren’t conferred the title of concubine. They were usually only given some gold and silver jewelry. If any of them had even the smallest thoughts about the Pharaoh after one night with him, they would mysteriously die. Some people would say that Princess Maathorneferure, who was banished to the cold palace, was secretly killed. Others say it was because the ministers of kingdoms still adhering to past practices had sent people to assassinate her in private in order to damage the reputation of the future pharaoh.

Ramses hadn’t paid any attention to it, so the cruel situation intensified. The nobles no longer held onto their dream of having their daughters ascend to the top. Once they found out that their daughters and the Pharaoh had an affair, they would immediately arrange a marriage for them and marry their daughter off to avoid misfortune.

The women in Egypt would therefore call their dangerous yet charming Pharaoh a “poison” to love and hate.

Ramses had never forced anyone to be his lover, but his handsome appearance along with his young and solid body made women all over the country seethe in excitement. Most are willing to die for one night of sexual bliss with him, drinking his poison to quench their thirst.

This also applied for the woman on his bed at the time, who thought that she’d receive different treatment with her beauty.

However, it was still her fate to be abandoned by him mercilessly. Like this, what could she possibly do? Perhaps she really wouldn’t live past tomorrow.

When Ramses walked out of the side palace bedroom, the sky was already littered with stars. As soon as he saw Ramses’ figure, Mentus quickly went forward and knelt, anxiously saying, “Get up, Mentus. Don’t bow down too much just to comply with customs.” Ramses waved his hand, beckoning him to stand up. He walked slowly towards the atrium and indifferently asked, “You’re here about the matter of Libya trespassing the border, aren’t you?”

Stunned, Mentus followed, and hurriedly replied. “Yes. “

“Giza didn’t dispatch troops to save them, right?” Ramses looked natural, as if he knew everything. Mentus couldn’t help but feel a bit confused, and he looked at the note in his hand again. The note was soaked in the sweat of his palm. How did the Pharaoh know already? It was impossible for any herald to be faster than Lu. But without waiting for him to ask questions,

Ramses spoke first. “I still wish that my brother hadn’t gotten seduced …” His tone was dull, but his eyes showed a cold look.

Same as written on the note, Buka’s letter had come to say that Giza might have already betrayed them. Mentus couldn’t help but admire the Pharaoh, along with his brother’s accurate judgment.

“Have the enemy troops already close in on Memphis for you to know that?” Ramses sat down on the stone bench by the lotus pond, his dark brown hair spread casually on his shoulders. His amber eyes, under the moonlight, looked like a pair of unique gems. He also had thick eyebrows and an eagle-hook, upright nose set on his distinctly angular face.

“Your Majesty is a peerlessly beautiful man.” Mentus thought in his heart. Even as a man, he couldn’t help but be amazed by the beautiful appearance of the Pharaoh.

Ramses watched him silently and asked, “Isn’t this a crucial war situation?”

“Yes, yes!” Mentus hurriedly withdrew from his thoughts. Ramses looked at his favorite red-haired general who seemed flustered, and gently smiled.

“Don’t be nervous. Speak slowly.” Ramses sat on a stone bench, the moonlight shining softly upon him. Mentus looked at the handsome pharaoh respectfully, quietly deciding where to start.

“Your Majesty, the Libyans have not approached Memphis at all. They only attacked Mule Village. Buka, my little brother, is the one who wanted to serve as your imperial bodyguard. He was the one who delivered the information,” Mentus carefully worded, considering what he would say next. “That … well, he informed me that the Libyans are not simply approaching the border, and that Giza has already switched sides. He asked for troops to be dispatched as soon as possible to rescue them. And also … ehm … furthermore …”

“Speak.” He still had an indifferent voice. Against the moonlight, Mentus couldn’t see Ramses’ expression. He lowered his head, gritted his teeth, and continued. “He also advised for you to not lead the expedition personally, for there would be disastrous consequences.” Mentus replaced the disrespectful tone on the note with his own words. After finishing his speech, he thought for a while and added, “Your Majesty, this humble subordinate’s younger brother travelled to Mule Village alone. I beg you to allow this subordinate to lead the troops there!”

Ramses sat quietly without speaking, and looked at Mentus without expression. Mentus did not dare to take a breath, so he bowed his head and waited for the Pharaoh to speak.

“Mentus, did your little brother write that?”

“Yes, the handwriting is indeed his.”

Ramses narrowed his eyes, a dangerous glint flashing within them. His long fingers gently tapped the stone table beside him, his lips closing tightly without saying a word. Mentus listened to the rattling noise on the stone table, his heart becoming agitated while his palms oozed out more sweat. He couldn’t delay it! Buka was in Mule Village, and his life was in danger. He couldn’t wait any longer.

“Your Majesty …”

“Mentus, is that slip of paper currently with you?” Ramses looked at Mentus sharply.

“This …” Mentus felt cold sweat on his head. Buka … oh, Buka … why had you addressed the Pharaoh in such a disrespectful manner within your note? Even he couldn’t protect Buka now. If the Pharaoh was ever angered having ten heads would not be enough for you to survive his wrath. “This …”

Ramses turned his head and watched the lotus in the pool reflect the moonlight, but he stretched his hand to Mentus. “Give it to me.”

Alas! Mentus immediately went over and handed the sweat-soaked note to Ramses. “Your Majesty, please look it over.”

Ramses took the note and peered at it slowly. His thick eyebrows were tightly screwed together. Mentus felt jittery by the side, fearing that the Pharaoh would become angry. “Your Majesty, my foolish little brother is still young and unreasonable, so if he offended you in any way, I beg for you to …”

“Hahahaha!” Ramses suddenly laughed loudly, and Mentus was at a loss. “Remember to only dispatch troops. The Pharaoh must absolutely not leave Memphis! What a manner of speaking!” His smile suddenly became very cold. “Mentus, your little brother possesses intelligence! If he could be more like you: loyal, never betraying and useful to me, then that would be fine… But if it is not the case …”

“Your Majesty, we from the village of Sittat have been your most loyal servants for many generations! And my foolish little brother is not an exception. To be able to work for you just once is enough glory to last him three lives.” Mentus replied sincerely, but in his heart, he apprehended the impudent and silly boy Buka. He’d been considered so comprehensively and was appreciated by the Pharaoh, differing much from the past!

“That’s good!” Ramses nodded his head thoughtfully. “Wait until this matter is solved. I will summon him then.”

“Yes! Thank you, Your Majesty!” Mentus immediately kneeled and hurriedly said, “I ask Your Majesty to allow this subordinate to lead troops to Mule Village! Our military is in critical condition!” Ramses raised his hand gently to stop Mentus from continuing.

“Since it is so, your little brother is brave and ambitious. Delaying the enemy troops for several days should not be a difficult matter, right? You don’t need to go to Mule Village. You can stay here in Memphis.”

“Your Majesty!” Mentus’ green eyes were full of confusion and anxiety. He couldn’t, he couldn’t look after his brother …

“I will lead a small army troop to Mule Village. This trip must be strictly confidential. Except for you, no one is allowed to know this.”

“Your Majesty!” This time, Mentus became worried about Ramses. They’d made it all clear that this was obviously a trap, so why would he still put himself in a dangerous situation?

Ramses stood up, and his slender and fit figure cast a long shadow under the moonlight. “Mentus, I will leave Memphis in your hands. If I’m not wrong, Memphis will soon be in turmoil. Maybe there is a traitor hidden among us, or maybe the Hittite army will take advantage of the situation and invade us. You need to get yourself ready. I will leave you with the strongest military troops. For these two days, be cautious of the food. There is a high possibility of someone poisoning the food.”

So that is how it is! Mule Village is just a bait, it looks dangerous but it’s the safest place. But … Mentus raised his head and looked at the Pharaoh. “Your Majesty, you are not afraid that …” You are not afraid that I will take advantage of the situation and betray you? Mentus thought, but he didn’t say it in the end.

Ramses didn’t seem to hear it and came over to pat Mentus’ shoulder gently, his amber eyes looking at him seriously. “This matter about me leaving Memphis, don’t let anyone know about it.” At the end of his words, he smiled softly at Mentus and walked along the lotus pond to his sleeping chamber.

Mentus felt a little touched. With his nose sore, he almost shed tears. He scolded himself in his heart: “It’s disgraceful!” If the first general cried, it would be embarrassing! He slapped himself, raised his head, and shouted to the retreating back of Ramses. “Your Majesty! Please rest assured! I will definitely defend Memphis and wait for your return!”