[center][h2][b][i]Chapter 2: First Decree[/i][/b][/h2][/center]
[hider=Chapter 2 Synopsis]While the night's festivities are being set in place to welcome the new pharaoh, the Viziers work to complete the speech. With newfound purpose, Amen shares his vision of the kingdom to the Viziers. But are his ambitions simply wishful thinking?[/hider]

The sun is starting to set on the city of Thebes, painting the sky in purple and orange hues. Work had began a few days ago on the festival to welcome the kingdom's new pharaoh. The palace officials and servants worked tirelessly to ensure tonight's festivities will proceed as smoothly as possible. Iaret played no small part in all of this. It was her efforts that proved to be the greatest contribution. Despite her claims that her role was now limited to being a "minor adviser", in reality, she had her hands in just about every aspect of the palace's affairs. She did so for her late husband and pharaoh, Thutmose; now she will do the same for Amen. With so much involvement, one must question her motives in all of this. What is she to gain from all her effort? What exactly is her endgame?

Back in the study, Amen and his royal retinue have approximately two and a half hours left until the speech is due. Not only do the viziers have to craft the speech, but Amen has to memorize it as well in order to deliver his address to the people of Thebes and, ultimately, the kingdom as a whole. The majority of time had been wasted either by disagreements among the viziers or Amen deciding he'd rather be elsewhere. Fortunately, Amen had come to a critical realization and now has decided to place his faith in his viziers to mold him into a great pharaoh, deserving of the throne. Nebet wastes no time in asking Amen of what events have transpired that has caused this sudden change in him.

Qar, ever the mediator, is just as quick in excusing Amen from having to explain himself; opting instead to weave an explanation that omits the troubling street brawl. Amen remains silent on the matter but his gut tells him that Nebet won't so easily commit to Qar's story. Qar suggests that they all use their different strengths and experiences to work together instead of against each other like earlier. Satiah then gives a brief summary of what transpired while Amen and Qar were absent, ending her report with a question regarding what Amen had witnessed while outside the palace. There seems to be somewhat of an odious atmosphere surrounding her and Nebet, at least only for a brief second. A sign of conflict perhaps? Amen doesn't pay it any more attention.

Amen steps away from the viziers and approaches his seat. [color=#FFD700]"I know what's the first goal I want to work towards. I want to make Thebes and its territories... a free kingdom!"[/color] Amen proclaims outright.

"A free kingdom? Y-You can't mean..." Aperel seems concerned about what Amen may say.

[color=#FFD700]"A kingdom without slaves."[/color]

"P-Pharaoh Amenhotep, surely you jest?! Such an act can't be possible. The backlash alone!" This is the first time that Aperel seems to be openly opposed against Amen's wishes.

[color=#FFD700]"In the kingdoms of Egypt, there exists the Free Cities Alliance: a collective of kingdoms who have completely abolished slavery within their borders. I know that the slave trade is a lucrative business and it benefits the kingdom's economy greatly, but the kingdoms of the Free Cities Alliance have learned to become prosperous without it. In fact, Luxor, the richest and most powerful kingdom of Egypt is part of that alliance. We should seek to emulate their policies and economic ventures. As a pharaoh, I don't want this kingdom to benefit off the lives of slaves. We can forge a better future for everyone, don't you think?!"[/color]