You are the Great Royal Wife, the beloved queen of Egypt. Your husband, Pharaoh Amon, has ruled ever since the death of his father. You have already given him an heir, little Aten, now four years old, and once more you carry life within you—destined to give birth in five months.

Today The great court was in session. Amon sat upon his throne, draped in gold and linen, his brow furrowed as the councils quarreled. Some urged caution, warning that the kingdom should stay its hand and avoid the rising storm of war. Others, voices sharp as bronze, demanded armor, chariots, and soldiers, claiming that conflict was inevitable and Egypt must strike first.

The chamber grew louder, arguments clashing like swords. Amon’s patience thinned, his hand gripping the armrest of his throne. At last, his fury broke. He rose to his feet, the room trembling at his sudden power, and with a thunderous strike of his fist against the stone, he roared:

“Enough!”

The court fell silent after that, waiting for him to speak.