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Veronica crossed her arms as we all laughed. “I would have no problem if you forgot that ever happened.”
“That would be an impossibility,” I said with a chuckle. “But back to the subject of the Egyptian museum visit. That sounds like a great idea. We can spend about three hours there before we meet Abena and Darius for dinner.”
“I can’t wait!” Daphne said.
Ten minutes later, we disembarked and made our way toward the museum. The facade of the building was impressive, a monumental reminder of Egypt’s rich cultural heritage, which promised a treasure trove of ancient secrets dating back thousands of years.
Upon entering, the cool air inside was a welcome relief from the heat outside, and we wasted no time in heading toward the first of many fascinating exhibits that awaited us. We admired in silence the delicate jewelry, intricate carvings on wooden sarcophagi, and the wall sculptures that depicted scenes of pharaohs and gods in vibrant colors, surprisingly preserved through millennia.
“Hey, August, maybe you need one of these,” Caleb said, pointing to a particularly ornate dagger. “For the next time you encounter a shark or need to chase down purse-snatchers.”
I shook my head, slightly amused. “I’m never going to hear the end of it.”
“Now you know how I feel about the lizard,” Veronica said.
“Just trying to ensure you’re well-prepared for all aspects of kingship, including the historical pitfalls,” Caleb added.
Daphne, who’d been quietly examining a ceremonial tunic, looked up with a grin. “Speaking of pitfalls, did any of these guys have to deal with being arrested for wardrobe malfunctions?”
“Seriously, Daphne? You, too?” I said, then turned to Veronica. “Let’s have it. Is there anything you would like to add to this enthralling conversation?”
She glanced at me with a playful sparkle in her eye. “Well, considering your recent escapades, you might want to use this museum as inspiration to start a new fashion trend for modern royalty. Maybe a line of shark-proof suits and tear-resistant trousers!”
The three of them laughed, and I couldn’t help laughing with them as we moved on to the next room in the museum.
Daphne leaned closer to a detailed exhibit about the daily lives and legacies of pharaohs, her expression one of curiosity. “Do you think they worried about how they’d be remembered? Or were they too busy being royal?”
It was a great question, because it struck me profoundly how these ancient rulers had shaped history, each decision echoing through the ages. I wondered what kind of mark I would leave on the world when I became king. Would my reign be remembered for its wisdom and compassion, or would it fade into the footnotes of history like so many before me? I wanted to make a meaningful difference, committed to using my privilege for genuine good, not indulging in a lavish lifestyle or merely performing a role for public approval.
“It was a different world back then,” I answered. “I suppose the genuine challenge for any ruler is balancing the weight of the crown with the need to leave a lasting, positive impact on their people and the world.”
“You don’t have to worry about that,” Veronica said with a reassuring smile, her eyes reflecting belief in her words. “You’re going to be the best king Verdana has ever seen.”
Her words meant the world to me, but the warmth of her hand squeezing mine, even just for a moment, truly made it feel like everything was going to be just fine.
Daphne pointed to the next room. “The Royal Mummies Hall! Let’s go!”
We followed her inside and were immediately engulfed by the cooler air that was needed to preserve its ancient residents.
“So, this is what royalty looks like after a few thousand years,” Caleb quipped, peering into a glass case at a well-preserved mummy.
“Kind of puts a new spin on ‘long live the king,’ doesn’t it?” I said.
Daphne leaned in closer, her eyes wide with fascination. “Look how tiny they all are. These guys are nowhere near the size of Egyptians today.”
“And look at the age—this Pharaoh died when he was just eighteen,” Veronica said. “It’s hard to imagine someone that young having so much power.”
“Eighteen is practically a kid by today’s standards.” I said. “Yet, they led nations. Makes you think about how relative age and maturity are across cultures and time.”
“My cousin is eighteen, and he’s still hooked on video games,” Caleb said.
I chuckled. “My point exactly.”
After exploring the Royal Mummies Hall for over an hour, we meandered through several other exhibits for another hour, each offering glimpses into the opulent and intricate lives of ancient Egyptian royalty.
As we lingered near a display of scepters, Veronica glanced at her watch and sighed. “I would love to spend more time here, but we need to get back to the hotel. Abena and Darius are expecting us four for dinner in twenty minutes.”
“We’d better get going then,” I said.
