Cleopatra was preparing herself for bed in royal bed chamber in the beautiful palace in Alexandria. She selected the sheerest of nightgowns, and allowed Charmain, her servant to brush her long black ringlets. Soon, Cleopatra dismissed Charmain and walked aimlessly around her bed chamber. She finally found herself standing in front of a window that overlooked the harbor. "O Isis, will he come to me tonight? Will he stay with me, and help me run this glorious country?" Cleopatra stood there waiting for an answer, but it seemed her questions fell on deaf ears. Slowly she headed to her bed and climbed in.
It was hard to fall asleep, but the bed was not the problem. The sheets were woven thin and stayed as cool as possible. The pillows were comfortable, but the head that rested on them was troubled. Cleopatra wanted Caesar to come to her. She was in love with him, but she didn't think he loved her. Finally Cleopatra's dreams overwhelmed her and she went to sleep.
Five days had passed when Cleopatra had a chance to talk to Caesar properly, and alone. "Caesar, why have you not come to me? Am I not satisfying enough for you? Do I not please you as your Roman wife does, or the other whores you sleep with? Hmmm? Tell me now, so I may end this pain of avoidance!" Cleopatra's eyes started to tear, but anger held them back and prevented them from flowing. Caesar walked up to her and held her arms. "My dearest Cleopatra. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I wish not to tamper it as of yet. Wait until the banquet tomorrow night, then we will be together." Cleopatra sighed and turned to walk away when she felt Caesar's hand on her arm. "Cleopatra, I will see you tomorrow night." She saw the twinkle in his eye. She relinquished her fear of him not loving her and walked to her bed chamber.
Charmain and Iras were waiting to disrobe her when she finally reached her inner bed chamber. After she was disrobed, the women sat around the room and talked about the banquet that was to be held the upcoming night. The banquet was in honor of Isis. The Festival of the Great Isis was being held, and this banquet would mark the first night of week long festival. During this week it was every Egyptians' duty to pay homage of the goddess of fertility, and of women. Isis was Cleopatra's personal patroness from a very young age, so the palace and people of Alexandria were celebrating in a most feverous manner. Talk of the coming celebrations made Cleopatra sleepy, and Charmain and Iras were dismissed for the night.
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The sun betrayed the heavy tapestries of the Queen's bed chamber. Soon Cleopatra began stirring and summoned for Charmain. "What am I to wear this evening?! I need something that will make me look as lovely as Isis." Charmain went to the clothing stores and rummaged through the folds and folds of clothes. "Your Majesty, this would look lovely on you with the right accessories." Charmain held up a sheer white Greek style dress that had sleeves that would hang in gathers on her arms. "Ahhh Charmain! I think that would look wonderful, but do you think Caesar will like it?" Charmain let out a laugh and replied,"Cleopatra, you know that his mouth will drop open when you walk in the room!" Laughing the pair walked to the Pleasure Gardens that were connected to the Queen's apartments, so they could pass the day away.