Date: June 20th,

34th Year of Pharaoh Setnakht III

Location: Throne Room of Khepresh

Case: Fate of Prince Setnakht and Maid-servant Addaya

Participants: Pharaoh Setnakht III, first Prince Setnakht, Pharaoh's Advisors, Inquisitor Senusret, and priestess in training, maid-servant Addaya

The proceeding commenced in the royal hall of Khepresh, all manner of noble robes traipsing and covering the blue painted sandstone tile under the vaulted gothic arches. From the open-air plinth, overlooking the Delta, with no walls but pillars holding up the ceiling there could be heard water below hitting against the cave walls. An occasional draft would also blow across the whole place. Save this it was filled with a solemn and still atmosphere as the matter at hand was addressed.

Maid-servant Addaya stood off to the side, her hands bound in leather bonds. Prince Setnakht stood at the end of the throne room, his face pale but resolute. Pharaoh Setnakht III, seated on his elevated chair, observed the scene with a heavy and solemn air.

Inquisitor Senusret, tasked with maintaining the integrity of the proceedings, began with a recitation of the charges. The air was thick with tension as the Prince stepped forward, his voice filled with emotion as he addressed the assembly.

Prince Setnakht proceeded to state the following in as little words as possible: It was all his fault. Addaya had done nothing wrong; she had only ever been faithful to him and in no way wicked. He loves her, and she him, that was her only crime. He never intended a dereliction of duty or harm to the kingdom. "I beg you, Father, pardon her. I will do whatever is required of me. Punish me instead of her".

Pharaoh Setnakht III, with visible sadness that only a parent can bear for their child, responded with a voice heavy with sorrow.

"Oh, my son... I have no doubt you will be punished and it will not require any lash..." this first was said in a kind deep and knowing murmur, but then Pharaoh came loud and sure "...for I believe everything I have heard. But the law must be upheld. It wills she must be killed, and you with her".

A profound silence fell over the hall. The Pharaoh took a long, contemplative pause, the weight of his decision evident in his demeanor. His advisors watched, their expressions a mix of empathy and duty. And then he continued,

"But if you promise me to admit this misstep and give it up, to not follow her, but to return to the duty you have always honored so well, eventually  my son becoming the Pharaoh he was born to be and lead this Kingdom into continued prosperity, then she will be spared only to Exile......and" --he flared a stern look at the mounting inquisitor-- "that will be the end of it."

Prince Setnakht, with no options left him had his arms out, searching in a kind of hopelessness more to the heavens above than anyone. The reality of his situation caved in on him... he agreed and as he did so his head fell.

Addaya was brought before the Pharaoh to receive her sentence. As she was turned round to be marched out of the hall and so the kingdom forever, she came face to face with Prince Setnakht. Her head was facing the ground, while the Prince was looking at her. She had a sad smile helping her hold back her tears and sobs; her face said it was all so sad it's come to this, it could have been so wonderful, that we we're so close and now only bitterness is left. It's here that the Prince begins to move toward her to hold her and maybe even speak words to her but in sensing this Pharaoh slammed his staff on the hard sandstone floor and instantly the guard began to march her out of the hall right past the Prince.

Thus ended the love between Prince Setnakht and the maid-servant Addaya.

Written,

Nebet, 

Royal scribe

Signed,

Inquisitor Senusret,

Royal Notary