The Royal Enclosure was a series of buildings that had been, over time, erected by the heirs of Ptolemy. Part fortress, part palace, there was no mistaking what message the Royal Enclosure conveyed. The house of Ptolemy ruled Egypt and they intended to do so for some time. The beautiful frescoed walls of the enclosure were thick enough to withstand heavy battery from major siege engines and the contingent of palace guards stationed there were easily the best soldiers in the Egyptian army –though that was not necessarily saying much.

The banquet being thrown in honor of the new Parthian Ambassador was an elaborate affair. The servants were resplendent, the food delicious, the wine free flowing and the entertainment entertaining. No expense had been spared. Of course security was especially tight, as a number of foreign dignitaries would be present, along with the ever-fickle clerical leadership. The guests arrived in a trickle, which suited Ptolemy fine. He could continue going over the reports from the Nilometer, not having to make his grand entrance until all of the important guests had arrived.
He sat in his private study going over the inundation reports.
Nilus has inundated properly this year, and the cubits of plenty are assured. Grain production in the delta region of the great river is expected to exceed previous expectations. This will result in a significant surplus this year…
Well that was good. Whenever the river did not inundate properly, the priests in Memphis always found a way to make it his fault. Though, the previous 3 years the cubits of plenty had assured the population of Egypt that Ptolemy was beloved of the gods.
Ptolemy was suddenly aware of a presence in the room and fingered the knife hidden below his robe.

“Majesty, it is time” Spoke Demosthenes, Ptolemy’s trusted servant.

Ptolemy had nodded, and gathered his great robes about him.
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When he finally did enter the great banquet hall, he was preceded by his hulking Nubian guards in their gilded hoplite armor and by his chief ministers. Ptolemy himself was dressed in a tightly pleated robe of the softest linen. He was adorned a huge gold pectoral and wore a diadem in the style of the eastern kings. He would have much preferred the simple linen robe he had worn earlier in the day, but situations such as these demanded attire that left no questions as to whom was king. The entire room had immediately prostrated themselves upon his entrance, all save the Roman contingent that had merely half bowed. Among them, Ptolemy spotted the Regina Sacrorum. She looked undeniably beautiful in a classic Roman Stola; her bright red hair was unmistakable even in a crowd. They had exchanged smiles as Ptolemy waived his hand, signaling the prostrated attendants to rise.

The banquet was clearly a success, but as usual, Ptolemy was utterly bored. He was seated on a raised table, the Parthian Ambassador to his left. The meal had progressed properly and now a brief respite was in order, to allow the food to digest before the entertainment began. Ptolemy was engaged in conversation with the Parthian Ambassador who was a boorish fob. His outfit was idiotic for this climate and his beard imitated the Persian style quite poorly. He prattled on about this and that and the Roman presence in Asia.
“My master the King of Parthia will not stand for Roman domination of Asia! We will not allow them to conquer Kingdom after Kingdom! We are not frightened of Rome!”

Ptolemy had smiled and thought to himself
you should be
Just then, out of the corner of his eye, Ptolemy noticed Maria Marius.

“Speaking of the Roman’s, you must excuse me. The Regina Sacrorum is here tonight and I fear I have been horribly rude to her by not acknowledging her presence.”
Ptolemy did not wait for the Ambassador to respond, but had merely gathered his robes once more and had approached Maria. She was engaged in a heated debate with the court Philosopher, Hipponicus.

“Madame, I hope I am not interrupting something. We are most pleased you could attend the Banquet in honor of our new Ambassador.” Spoke Ptolemy, smiling. The aged philosopher had bowed deeply to Ptolemy and had quietly excused himself.

Maria smiled at this.
“I would not have missed it, Majesty. Egypt is known for its splendor. What better way to experience such things then in the Royal Enclosure with the King himself? My curiosity was too great to pass up an opportunity such as this.”

“Well Madame, I do hope you are curious about more than just Egypt’s banquets. Egypt has much to offer in many ways. Shall I show you?” Ptolemy extended his hand to Maria.
She had nodded and grabbed another goblet of wine from a passing tray.
Ptolemy led her to an opening in the wall of the banquet chamber and out onto a small terrace overlooking the ocean. There in an alcove were two statues of Ra in solid jade. Jade was a difficult material to work in, yet these were carved as though the work had been effortless.

“These are fascinating. Where do they come from?” Asked Maria as she took a small sip from her wine goblet.

“The material is from the Far East, but the statues were crafted in Memphis. From a much more civilized time, when Pharoah was free to do what he wished with the state treasury. Each of those statues is priceless. When I am in need of resources, I sometimes threaten to sell them off to some wealthy Roman plutocrat. It’s rather funny to watch the priests stumble over themselves to bring me the money I need!”

Maria giggled at this and hiccupped softly. Ptolemy looked at her and smiled, causing her to flush brightly.
I didn’t have THAT much! But these damned Egyptians don’t water their wine like civilized people! She thought to herself.

Ptolemy leaned into her and whispered softly “It can be our secret.”

“I appreciate your discretion” Said Maria playfully as she set the goblet down on the edge of the terrace. The cool breeze from the ocean had loosened several bits of hair, which now played across her face. She stared out into the ocean longingly

“Do you miss your home? Rome I mean?” Asked Ptolemy, seeing that Maria was embarrassed and changing the subject. He leaned on the railing beside her, nudging himself closer to her.

“Not really. I miss my garden and my friends, but I had always wanted to visit Egypt. The Religion fascinates me. Your gods are so old. Perhaps as old as Bona Dea. Though far less potent in my opinion”

“You may be an expert on religious matters, but I think a few men inside would disagree with you.”

“Oh yes, I am sure they would. But they are fools in your opinion. And mine, consequently”

Ptolemy had laughed at this for a moment
“And why do you think that, Madame?”

“Because they work against you when they could be making Egypt stronger by supporting you. That is what you want, correct? For Egypt to be strong again?”

“I do.” Said Ptolemy matter-of-factly

“And I think that you will accomplish your goals.”

“I have a tendency to get what I want”

“Is that so?”

“Quite”

“And what do you want now, Majesty?” Asked Maria, her long dark lashes fluttering as she spoke.

“I believe we both know.” Said Ptolemy as he slowly wrapped his arm about her waist and kissed her deeply…