Were filled with conflicting thoughts of peace and war. I was drawn deeper into an abyss with two faction standing opposite and me in the middle.

On one side was my father and all of the things he taught and meant to me, then there was the love of my life, Lotus, now my wife and Princess of Meroe; backed by Ramesses my own kin.

I shuddered. What kind of decision would I have to make? What would I do, what could I do?

A sense of utter hopelessness settled over me. In my sleep I began to cry. I know it may seem weak, but my mother had always admonished me that to cry was not a sign of weakness but rather an outlet for something that could fester and eventually destroy me inside.

Still confused, I cried and began to feel a great weight fall from me. I was still confused about what to do, but I was now prepared to work with an open mind and not one cluttered with so much hurt and pain.

I awoke after a few minutes feeling a bit rested. I still had not recieved any communication from my father or any emissaries of the royal court. On behalf of my father and for myself and Lotus, I would send a note to my cousin. I would attempt to stretch my hands out in peace one last time, and then afterwards; I could not tell.

Only time and this last wager would tell.