Chapter 9 The banquet

The Queen was a naive and sweet woman who, thanks to her exquisite beauty, had a group of influential courtiers under her control. She freely enjoyed herself at the banquet, ignoring the Pharaoh's feelings.
I cautiously moved around the banquet, afraid to make any movement that didn't conform to the proper etiquette, fearing being judged. I silently made my way to a corner.
The people attending the banquet were extravagantly dressed, revealing the greed and horror of the nobles on full display amidst all the splendor. It was quite dull, indeed.
I lazily leaned against a lotus-shaped pillar. A robust masculine scent wafted over and pulled at my hair. "Princess Ankhesen..."
Disgusted by his vulgar and flippant behavior, I pushed him away forcefully. The attention of the crowd turned towards us at the banquet. I held my breath but proudly lifted my head, assuming a haughty posture fitting for a princess. "You are not worthy of getting close to me!"
Amid everyone's gaze, a little boy was being punished in the corner. He was hidden away, leaving only a tattered piece of silk behind. From where I stood, I could see him.
While looking for an excuse to leave, I picked up my skirt and walked towards him. "What are you all doing here?"
When the dark bronze-toned man saw me approaching, he quickly knelt and kissed the ground with his head. "Princess, there's no need for concern. We are just subduing enslaved people for the empire."
"Bring the person to me."
I said it casually, but I gazed at a pair of innocent, clear emerald eyes. The child had delicate features, and his tanned skin wasn't rough but had a lovely sun-kissed quality. His hair shimmered brightly under the lights as if being summoned by the golden radiance. Perhaps, after crossing over to become an Egyptian, his soul had been called forth, captivated by the allure of gold.
"Um... What is your name?"