Utati moved as swiftly as she could down the hallway and towards the Queen's quarters. She had a feeling that she would be there with the King.

When she reached Nefertari's private garden, the guards at the entrance notified her that the King was indeed with the Queen. They allowed her entrance, and she swiftly made her way through the lush foliage of the garden towards the Queen's bedchambers. As she traversed through the small orchid of fruit trees, she saw in the distance the monarchs lounging together in a pagoda, their servants tending to them.

The Pharaoh was holding a grape to the Queen's mouth. She accepted it gracefully, allowing him to feed it to her before she returned the favour with a grape of her own. They were enjoying an amorous and leisurely morning; the couple delighting in the presence of each other's company. Utati's heart swelled as she saw the Pharaoh lean over and gently kiss the Queen before caressing her face and murmuring some sweet words into her ear. They shared a soft, intimate gaze as they savoured their breakfast.

It was clear to Utati how much the Pharaoh loved his queen. She could only hope that one day she and her hopefully soon-to-be husband, the Crown Prince, would have such a harmonious union.

"My Queen, my Pharaoh." She announced her presence before approaching them, her body bowed low. "I apologise for the interruption."

The Queen smiled brightly. "No need for the formalities, Utati. What brings you here at such an early hour?"

Utati blushed, as she was unsure of how to articulate without sounding awkward.

"Is Malawashina well? Is she alright?" Ramses questioned, with concern strewn across his face.

Utati raised her head slightly before nodding. "The Princess has recovered enough to want some company. I came to ask if it is possible for you, my Pharaoh, to see her this morning?" She looked to Nefertari before Ramses as she continued, "She needs his presence."

The Pharaoh was immediately standing, his concern only deepening as his wife smiled in approval and nodded. "Go," Nefertari urged.

Ramses did not have to be told twice. His bodyguards moved immediately, and Ramses made haste to Malawashina's chambers, the two large Medjay trailing behind him.

Once the Pharaoh was gone, the Queen gave Utati an understanding smile. "How fares her state of mind?" she asked.

"It has improved, my Queen, though she is still plagued by the worry that she might lose another child."

Nefertari sighed and nodded. "I understand that feeling well."

"It pains me to see her suffer." Utati confided quietly, as her heart ached in sympathy for the princess.

"As does it for me, my dear." Nefertari offered a small, reassuring smile. "There has been too much suffering within these walls as of late. I think we all need some merry distractions."

Utati gave a smile in reply as she nodded. She had hoped that the joyous occasion of a royal marriage would come sooner than later to give them all some reprieve, but with the queen's and princess' health being so frail as of late, the royal advisers had delayed such events.

"I know your heart longs to marry the Crown Prince, and it pains me you still must wait." The queen lamented, as if she knew the very thoughts that had occupied Utati's mind.

Utati sighed and bowed her head once more. "As long as you and Malawashina are well, that is all that matters to me. I shall remain devoted to serving you both, for as long as the gods will it."

Nefertari smiled warmly at such sincere words. "Thank you, dear Utati, and I hope you are blessed with continued happiness, especially after what had happened to you. Once Malawashina fully regains her spirits, I will endeavor to push ahead the marriage between the Crown Prince and the Lady Sitamun and thus the marriage of the Crown Prince and yourself."

Utati's heart swelled at such words, and a hot tear streamed down her face with the joy she felt. "My Queen, you do me too great a service." She looked up, her voice almost a whimper from her overwhelming feelings of gratitude.

"Not at all," the Queen assured, reaching over to place a comforting hand upon the young servant's arm.

Utati sniffed, trying to wipe away her tears. "You are far too gracious and kind. I pray the gods bless you a thousand-fold for your generosity."

"The gods already have blessed me by placing such loyal, dutiful, and trustworthy servants in my court." Nefertari winked. "And they have blessed me by giving me another strong and healthy son. I am sure the gods will bless you and the Crown Prince as well, with your own brood of children."

Utati blushed, and her cheeks reddened with anticipation. The Queen continued, her voice slightly more firm. "I ask one thing of you, though, Utati."

The young handmaid's eyes widened, and her heart beat wildly with apprehension. She nodded slowly in reply, awaiting her queen's command.

The Queen looked her in the eye and said with utmost sincerity. "I ask that you and the prince continue to take precautions to prevent any pregnancies, at least until Lady Sitamun and Princess Malawashina are heavy with child. I am sure you understand why."

The words hung heavy in the air, but the meaning was not lost on Utati.

Nefertari continued, her tone soft once more. "Due to politics, we need both the Princess and the Lady Sitamun to be on the brink of giving birth before anyone else attempts to do so."

Utati nodded. "Of course, my Queen." She bit her lower lip with a deep exhale, as her desire to have her prince's child still stirred in the pit of her stomach. But she had to control her wants. "I understand, and I shall comply."

Nefertari nodded as well. "Good."

The queen knew Utati understood what was at stake, and she knew the young woman would adhere to her words. It was imperative for both foreign and internal relations that both the princess and the High Priest of Amun's daughter be the next to give birth.

Utati smiled as she bowed low to the Queen, the warmth spreading from her heart throughout her body. "My time will come, my Queen. I promise to do my duty for Egypt as a servant of the Queen of the Two Lands, the Great Royal Wife. And I thank you, sincerely, for endeavouring to push forward the union. And thus I will continue to pray for the gods to bless you and the Princess with health and fertility."

Nefertari chuckled at Utati's last words. "May the gods save me if I find I am with child so soon."

"I shall pray to them for that, too!" Utati added as she grinned.

The Queen gave a light laugh as she shook her head. "Indeed, it is my duty to bear the Pharaoh children, but I would rather just enjoy the process of making them for now."

Utati stifled her desperate need to burst out laughing. Nefertari, seeing Utati squirm with amusement, chuckled and patted her on the shoulder.

"Now you best be off to do your duties, young one. As I must tend to my duties as a mother." The queen grinned, and Utati giggled in reply as she bowed once more.

"Thank you, my Queen. I am forever indebted to your kindness." Utati made her leave and began walking away from the queen and towards the servants' quarters. As she walked, a giddy grin spread across her lips, as her mind was abuzz with anticipation and her body with joyous heat. The princess would soon be in spirits if the pharaoh had anything to do with it, and once the union between the Amunherkhepershef and Lady Sitamun was performed, it would not be long before she and the prince could wed and finally have no restrictions.

Utati could hardly contain the euphoria she felt.

Her thoughts were interrupted as Seshen's voice rang out to her from across the hypostyle hall. She turned around, a question in her eyes.

Seshen grinned as she gestured to Utati. "It is best we do not return to the Princess' quarters right now."

Utati laughed as she realised the implications of the words and took half of the bundle of linen sheets the older maiden had been holding.

"I do hope Mala will open up to him. And I am not referring to just her thighs."

Seshen looked at her and smirked. "Only the gods can understand how much the Princess needs some joy and distraction as of late. I think we all do."

Utati nodded with agreement and her heart skipped giddily at the thoughts of the Prince taking her again.

Seshen chuckled and shook her head as she turned into the hall that lead to the laundry rooms. "You have no shame, do you? You are practically glowing."

"Well, I..." Utati stuttered.

"Never mind," Seshen cut her off, laughing. "Let's just get the sheets washed."

The young maid blushed furiously, her face a dark shade of red. "You are one to talk," she huffed teasingly.

Seshen simply shrugged, but Utati noticed the rouging of her elder's cheeks.

Utati rolled her eyes playfully and shook her head. "At least these sheets do not smell of anything inconspicuous."

With those words, Seshen burst out laughing. Enough for her to drop her sheets and almost trip on them, sending both her and Utati into a fit of uncontrollable giggles.