Chapter 1

Veronica looked at her daughter with serious eyes.

“You and Orest must leave the palace,” she said. “Go to the province. I don’t want your brother to fight for the throne.”

“No,” Eferiada answered. “I will not leave you alone. Orest is not a child. He is eighteen. He will be safe there.”

Veronica looked at her for a moment.

“Then you must be ready,” she said quietly. “Athanasia will kill me for this.”

Eferiada stayed silent, but her eyes were full of emotions.

Veronica took a scroll from the table and gave it to her.

“If something happens, follow these instructions,” she said. “You are strong. You will understand what to do.”

Eferiada took the scroll.

“I will not fail,” she said.

That same night, they secretly helped Orest leave the palace. It was dangerous. Some people tried to stop them, but they were removed.

It was the first night when blood was spilled in the palace.

The next morning, Queen Athanasia came with guards.

“You betrayed Egypt,” she said coldly. “You will be punished.”

Veronica stood calm.

“I have one last wish,” she said.

Athanasia looked at her with anger.

“What is it?” she asked.

“I want to see my husband one last time.”

After some time, Veronica entered the room alone.

She walked slowly to the body of the pharaoh.

“I promised to stay with you,” she whispered.

She took a small bottle and drank poison.

Then she lay next to him and closed her eyes.

When the guards entered, they were shocked.

Two bodies were lying next to each other.

Athanasia was furious when she heard this.

“Cut off her head and show it to the people!” she ordered.

But this was only the beginning.