Scene 4: Poison
Lady Mut’s heart was beating faster as they climbed the steps to Pharaoh’s summer palace. What was she going to do? Would she be ready to commit the horrible of all crimes? Killing a king.
Merit: Everything will be alright, aunt. Just swap the chalices in the right moment and that evening will be over before it begins.
Semenkhare greeted them lying on a daybed, embraced by his lover Pany. Mut sank to her knees and kissed Semenkhare’s ring. She remembered the shy and timid boy, he once was. An orphan no one cared for.
Semenkhare: Lady Mut, I’m delighted you honour us with your presence. In contrast to your husband, who hasn’t even sent a message about his progress on the battlefield.
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For suddenly Lady Mut saw the way. The king’s cup was before them, still half-full of sour red. She found the little jar with the poison, held it tight between thumb and forefinger as he reached for the cup. Merit saw, but no one else, she was certain. Cup in hand, she rose to her feet. “My king, Pany, will you share a cup of wine with me? A cup in honour of your reign and of your army’s fortune?”
The wine was sour on her tongue. She let the empty cup drop from her fingers to shatter on the floor. Her cough became a terrible thin whistle as she strained to suck in air. She sank to her knees.
Semenkhare: Seize her! She tried to poison the king
