"A banquet in my honor really wasn't necessary, your highness. Besides, I haven't done anything to warrant such a celebratory dinner."

"Nonsense." Cleopatra waved her hand dismissively, propping her cheek against her other palm. "The hieroglyphs foretold your arrival. I've prayed to and pleaded with the gods to send me a sign that better days are to come. And in return, they've sent me you, Silken One."

That name... something about the title felt familiar. Vital as well. But she couldn't remember why.

"If you don't mind me asking, what did the hieroglyphs show you in terms of my arrival?" Marina asked, searching for any possible answers pertaining to the staggering holes in her memory.

"A woman donning swirled fabrics made of silk. She was standing in front of multiple types of scenery; each different from the one before it. There were images of cultural items not from this land—and some appeared strange. They were relics not of this specific era or world. They painted you, Silken One, as some sort of traveler. And since you were sent by the gods themselves, I have reason to believe you can weave through time, space, and even dimensional realms."

She hummed in confusion. "I don't see why that would cause amnesia."

"Perhaps losing some of your memories is the price for being able to go from world to world."

Cleopatra's guess wasn't an outlandish one to consider. Traveling across dimensions wasn't something people normally did; and having that type of power, regardless of how it was obtained or bestowed, must've come with a price. Or at least some side effects since shifting between realms probably wasn't the easiest on people's bodies.

Marina had a fleeting moment of disbelief in terms of her prophesied arrival and supernatural power—but she had met with Anubis and the other gods. Their conference alone solidified that whatever was going on with her was beyond anything that could outright be explained. It was easier to keep an open mind and roll with whatever happened, rather than trying to give reason and logic to everything.

As stated before, Marina was present for a reason. She may as well do what was expected of her.

"I'll help you in any way I can, my Queen. But first, I need you to tell me what it is that plagues the land."

Cleopatra folded her hands together. Her lips pursed. She scanned the room, looking at each individual guard before zeroing in on her guest. "We've been fighting against the Romans for quite some time now. We have reason to believe they are planning an invasion."

"Hm... you must be referring to the Roman-Egyptian war of 30 B.C. Historical books have been written about the battle. It's one of pain, death, and the conquering of Egypt by Octavian of the Roman Empire. It's... a battle that results in the loss of your life, my Queen."

"I am to die by the hands of the Romans?" Cleopatra stood up from her seat. A look of panic befell her facial features before melting into one of certainty. "This cannot happen. As reigning Queen, it is my job to help my people."

Marina rose to her feet as well, respectfully bowing to the woman in front of her. "And we shall. But first, we need to speak with your husband."

*

Octavian stormed into Cleopatra's throne room with a small army of men following his lead. They were clad in metal armor, red capes and shawls bellowing behind them via a swift air current forcing its way through the wide entrance. Spears, swords, and other sharp weapons were pointed at the Queen.

She was forcefully yanked from her seat by Mark Antony, getting tossed to the ground beside Marina's rigid form.

"You've surprised me, Marcus." Octavian skulked forward, a wild grin on his face. "I thought your loyalty resided with the Egyptians. You did marry and reproduce with their leader after all."

"I did so to gain favor in their courts, my liege. Not only have I gained the trust of the people, but I managed to do the same with Cleopatra. And now, here she is. Kneeling before you as a defeated woman."

"I trusted you." She sneered in anger. "I gave you everything. And this is how you repay me. By leading the Romans to my doorstep!"

"It is no one's fault but your own to think personal relations would deter me from serving my people."

A nod was given in Marina's direction. She turned toward a raised pedestal housing a single chalice. The large cup was grabbed by its base, carefully being passed over to Mark Antony. As soon as her hands were free, Marina grabbed Cleopatra to keep her from intervening.

"It appears you've made allies who have decided to join in the fight for the victory of the Roman Empire," Octavian noted.

"Indeed I have, my liege." Mark Antony presented the chalice to his leader. "Please, allow us to commemorate this occasion with a celebratory toast. It is customary for the Egyptians to drink this grand elixir when they are crowned. And with the throne being yours now, Octavian, you shall usher in a new era."

The leader of the Roman army took hold of the chalice after sheathing his sword. He raised the cup toward Cleopatra, mocking her for barely putting up a fight as her land was overtaken by a different ruler.

A long sip was taken, traces of a red liquid staining his upper lip. Wanting to celebrate with his brothers in arms, the chalice was offered to other soldiers. They each took a small swig until the cup was empty. The last man dropped it to the floor as a sign of Egypt's fall.

"I knew I was wrong about you, Marcus."

"Yes, you were." Mark Antony stepped back until he was standing by Marina and Cleopatra. "You were wrong to think I'd ever bring harm to my wife or her followers."

Octavian was only able to offer a surprised gasp before he and his army fell to their knees, frothing, heaving, and bleeding. Spastic convulsions wracked their bodies until all signs of life vanished.