Ramses made his way through the corridors, his long strides eating up the distance between the queen's and princess' chambers. His heart was beating in tandem with his erratic gait in anticipation.

Malawashina had requested his presence, and the elation he felt overshadowed every worrying thought he carried for the last several weeks. His beloved Lotus was recovering. She had requested his company instead of the other wives she cherished.

He remembered the last time he had spoken with the Princess. Her miscarriage hit her deeply in her already strained state of mind, which he had caused, for he was stubborn and petty. Even though the healers assured and reassured him numerous times that spontaneous miscarriages happened often, he could not help but feel responsible for what had happened. He had judged his beloved princess too cruelly, and he had not listened to her pleas to allow her to explain what had truly happened between her and the Princess Isetnofret. He had shut her out, which did nothing but elevate her guilt. If there was anyone to blame for their misfortune, then it should have been him and not the sweet Malawashina, whose eyes were full of twinkling stars and her skin a natural scent so akin to the flower he nicknamed her after.

Malawashina was blameless, but he sensed her lingering self-criticism. His worries then returned in full force, tearing the veil of contentment he felt after her summons. His heart clenched almost painfully as he remembered how Malawashina had not only blamed herself for their misfortune, but had also called herself a failure.

His gait slowed, and he stopped in his tracks, just as he was about to pass the corner that would turn to lead him to her door.

Perhaps her summons was not a positive one after all. Alas, there could be additional heartbreak and isolation, and the gap between them may grow wider still.

The racing thoughts that had been overwhelming his mind just moments ago subsided, replaced by a newfound clarity. With each exhale, he released the weight of his worries, allowing himself to fully embrace the present moment.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Ramses straightened his posture, feeling a surge of determination course through his veins. He knew that patience was key, and he was willing to wait for his dear lotus flower, regardless of how long it took.

The guards near Malawashina's door bowed to him reverently as they opened it for him to enter, his own bodyguards joining them to stay in the vicinity.

Just as he entered the room, his gaze was drawn to the princess standing by her balcony door. The gentle, golden morning light flooded the room, enveloping her silhouette in a comforting glow. The soft linen dress she wore clung to her body, accentuating the sharpness of her bones. She had lost so much weight battling her darkness. In the gentle breeze, strands escaping her loose bun danced around her face, framing her now frail features.

He felt such a deep sadness for her plight whilst he watched her. As he moved closer, her gaze shifted from the distant world to him.

As their eyes locked, a magnetic pull between them intensified, drawing them imperceptibly closer. The air between them hung heavy with prospect. Then, her lips curved into a tender smile and time stood still. The world around them faded into insignificance.

The flutter in Ramses' chest returned as he observed her in silence. Her breath caught in her throat, causing a slight tremor to run through her body. A rosy blush spread across her pallid cheeks. It was a blush that spoke volumes, revealing the vulnerability and hope that lay hidden beneath her tired face. The princess' fingers twitched slightly, a subconscious urge to reach out and touch him; a reflection of the longing mirrored in his own gaze.

They both yearned for the closeness and intimacy they could share.

Malawashina lowered her gaze, however, and Ramses could sense that his beloved was worried that he might reject her, that he might still be disappointed with her.

He was aware of his duty at that moment. He closed the distance between them and took her hands into his, his thumbs caressing her skin gently. The princess could not bear to look him in the eye yet, and her strained breath suggested she was fighting with herself, trying to keep herself composed. Alas, a dam broke inside her and she began sobbing where she stood.

He drew her close to embrace her firmly, resting his chin atop her head whilst she wept into his tunic. Yet he did not care if she got his attire wet with her tears. His only concern was for her. He murmured comforting words as he stroked her hair, trying his best to console her. As the princess felt his warmth against her, the walls she had built crumbled, and her tears cascaded freely down her face.

"Let it out, my sweet," Ramses soothed as he caressed her cheeks.

Malawashina finally lifted her head to gaze into his eyes. His expression was full of warmth and concern, a reflection of the love he did indeed feel for her.

A soft whimper escaped her lips as she buried her face in his chest once more.

Bundling her up into his arms, he carried her over to the nearby sofa and there he cradled her in his arms.

Finally, the princess managed a muted, shaky breath. "Forgive me..."

Ramses held her tighter, his hand caressing her back reassuringly. "There is nothing to forgive."

She let out a sigh, her body trembling. "But the child... our child."

His heart crumbled as his fears materialised; she was, indeed, deeming herself unworthy. Yet, he was determined to comfort her, no matter how he himself felt. He recognised their shared obligation to confront the situation.

"I know it hurts, but you are not to be condemned." He placed a tender kiss on her forehead. "I won't blame you, ever. Our child is safe with the gods. They have taken them into their protection, and we will be reunited one day."

Ramses continued stroking her back while she clung to him tightly. "If anyone is to be at fault, then it shall be me and no one else. I have been far too stubborn and cruel to you in the past, and I pushed you away when you needed comfort. All those moons ago, I made a promise to you in the entourage camp, but I have broken it and for that I am truly remorseful. Words won't bring comfort, but I'll always be here for you when you need me. You are not alone. Not anymore."

"I am not worthy of you," Malawashina bawled.

"I believe I am the judge of that and I deem you very much worthy. You are worthy of love and affection, and I will give you all that I have. Mala, I am the one in need of your forgiveness, and I am absolutely unworthy of it."

The princess sobbed harder. Ramses cupped her chin and tilted her face up. "My heart, look at me."

Slowly, she lifted her eyes, and he wiped her tears away with his thumb. He kissed her eyelids before resting his forehead against hers.

"Even though it seems Apophis is choking all the light from our existence, you are a ray of Ra's touch warming up this world. Don't lose hope. Please continue to hold on to life."

"I love you, Ramses." She whispered, her voice hoarse from crying.

"And I love you," Ramses replied, his heart full of tenderness. "And I'll continue to, even when the gods summon us to the Field of Reeds."

Malawashina hiccuped a sob.

"Shh..." Ramses soothed, his lips brushing hers ever so softly. The princess sighed, and he smiled against her lips. "Together, we will overcome this, and I'll always be by your side. Now come, your breakfast is here. Do you think you can eat? Even something small?"

Malawashina nodded meekly, turning to the small platter on the table. There were pomegranates, dates, durum cakes with honey, and goat's milk. The sweet scents of the foods, though divine as they wafted into her nostrils, made her stomach churn now. She'd try to eat, even if just a morsel. She tentatively bit into half of a pomegranate, her face suddenly twisting. Being a fruit she adored, it tasted like ash in her mouth now. Swallowing, it felt like a mouthful of sand going down her gullet. Another bite tasted and felt the same. Placing it back onto the platter, her nose crinkled, and she took the cup of milk. Thankfully, it felt like silk to her tongue, but the aftertaste of the pomegranate lingered. Breaking a durum cake in two, she dipped the very corner into the honey and nibbled upon it. The honey tasted sickly sweet. Without the honey, the flavour of the cake was bland. Sighing, she reached for the empty cup on the tray.

"May I have the water?" She motioned to the jug that was on the table beside the sofa. Ramses poured her a cup and handed it to her.

The water was lukewarm and tasted slightly of the copper it was poured from, but the princess welcomed it as the lingering taste and grittiness from the pomegranate faded away.

"Forgive me, that is all I can stomach..."

Ramses took her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing her palm. "It is all right. At least you tried." He smiled at her.

The sigh that escaped her lips was doleful as she placed the cup back on the table. "Will you hold me?" She asked, lowering her gaze once more.

Ramses smiled warmly. "Always."

As he enveloped her, she could feel the warmth of his body against hers. She found solace in his comforting warmth, allowing herself to relax in his embrace.

"Lest you wish me to leave soon, try to rest now," he whispered, placing a tender kiss on her temple.

"But you just came here," she answered. "You should not leave just yet. Please stay?"

"Do not feel obliged to keep company if you do not want it," he reassured her. "But if you have the energy, the queen and I would love for you to join us for the evening meal tonight. Only if you're willing. Do not feel obliged. Take all the alone time you need."

"Thank you," Malawashina whispered. "I will see how I feel. But I'd like to, if possible."

"We shall wait for you if you choose to come." He smiled, kissing her once more.

Shortly after, as he held her close, the princess fell into a deep sleep.

The breeze caused the parchment paper to flicker as sturdy fingers held it.

"Mixing Egyptian and Hatti blood goes against the will of the gods."

They disdainfully crumpled the parchment and threw it into the waiting flames.