"I thought of offering them as a gift to the lady Amada," I replied
hesitatingly, "that is unless you----"

"I? No, I am too old for such gems. Yet, Son, it might be well to keep
them for a time, seeing that while they are your own they may give you
more weight in the eyes of the Prince Peroa and others. Whereas if you
gave them the lady Amada and she took them, perchance it might only be
to see them return to the East, whither you tell me she is summoned by
one whose orders may not be disobeyed."

Now I turned white with rage and answered,

"While I live, Mother, Amada shall never go to the East to be the
woman of yonder King."

"While you live, Son. But those who cross the will of a great king,
are apt to die. Also this is a matter which her uncle, the Prince
Peroa, must decide as policy dictates. Now as ever the woman is but a
pawn in the game. Oh! my son," she went on, "do not pin all your heart
to the robe of this Amada. She is very fair and very learned, but is
she one who will love? Moreover, if so she is a priestess and it would
be difficult for her to wed who is sworn to Isis. Lastly, remember
this: If Egypt were free, she would be its heiress, not her uncle,
Peroa. For hers is the true blood, not his. Would he, therefore, be
willing to give her to any man who, according to the ancient custom,
through her would acquire the right to rule?"

"I do not seek to rule, Mother; I only seek to wed Amada whom I love."