Page 102 of Conspirators' Kingdom

Nefertnesu shivered, her delicate features twisted with disgust.

“I try to forget that I was ever so weak and hideous. Are you certain you wish to remain so… defective, brother?”

Taisiya’s heart stuttered at the very thought.

Mereruka cocked his head.

“And fall victim to a botched initiation?”

She waved her hand dismissively.

“I shall invite you to Keftu when we capture a new soul weaver. Now, shall we get down to business? You’ve never bothered entertaining me for longer than it takes to exchange greetings.”

“We would like to make a deal,” Taisiya began.

Nefertnesu’s pointed ears twitched in unconcealed interest, giving her away despite her schooled expression. She turned to the nearest servant.

“Leave. All of you. Don’t return until I seek you out.” When the servants had done as she asked, she turned back to Taisiya and Mereruka, raising her chin. “Elaborate.”

“Your stores of the waters of the Hapi are probably running dry after all this time. A few miserly drops every year is hardly befitting for a sister of the king of Maat. I wonder what the court of Keftu would look like if you only had more to boast of. Who knows, perhaps you could even make a supplicant of your husband,” Mereruka began, a knowing smile on his face as he leaned back into his seat.

“What would you be willing to give us for more?” Taisiya asked, raising her brow.

“I would require much more than I am currently allotted,” Nefertnesu said.

“Would an amphora as large as say, my wife, allotted once per year for the rest of your life, be enough to tempt you?” Mereruka asked.

“Ten amphorae. And they should be as stout as Inkaef,” Nefertnesu countered.

“Two amphorae,” Mereruka replied.

“Nine.”

“Four.”

“Seven.”

“Six. Final offer,” Mereruka said.

“This is acceptable. Name your price.” Nefertnesu smiled.

“Give up your inheritance rights to the throne of Maat.” Mereruka’s tone was serious.

Nefertnesu’s puzzlement was plain, then she broke into peals of laughter. She wiped tears from the corners of her eyes, never once smudging her make-up.

“That’s it? You’re a fool to think I cherished such a thing. The only good thing about Maat is the Hapi, and as you’ve just proven, there are ways to get that without having to rule it. I will renounce my rights. Are you certain you don’t want anything else? I may feel my first pang of guilt since my initiation if you leave it at that.”

“Naturally, that you never communicate about my motives or the waters I will be giving you.”

“Naturally. I agree.”

And that was that. But Taisiya couldn’t help thinking of the queen’s children, awaiting a terrible fate or a grisly death. Like it or not, they were her nieces or nephews, and a Dragonsblood protected their own. Mereruka was about to seal the deal when Taisiya placed her hand over his.

“And one of your children. Your favourite,” Taisiya said.

Nefertnesu’s expression was as vicious as it was exultant.

“If you weren’t so plain, I might think you fae, Princess Consort. Consider the deal made. A lifetime of access to the waters for my rights to Maat and one child of mine, as well as my silence regarding your rather adorable ambitions.”

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