My prayer is that the Pharaoh may still reign in glory for many years, but if he departs and I remain, learn, O people, that you have naught to fear from the weakness and inexperience of your Queen.

Learn also that she seeks no husband, nor when she seeks will she ever find one within the walls of Memphis.

Rest you well, O people and you, my Uncle Abi, as now with your good leave we will do also." Then, turning, she took her father by the hand and went without more words, leaving Abi staring at his guests while his guests stared back at him.
When Tua had reached the pylon tower, where she lodged, and her ladies had unrobed her and gone, she called Asti to her from the adjoining chamber and said: "You are wise, my nurse, tell me, what did Abi mean ?" "If your Majesty cannot guess, then you are duller than I thought," answered Asti in her quick, dry fashion, adding; "however, I will try to translate.

The Prince Abi, your noble uncle, means that he has trapped you here, and that you shall not leave these walls save as his wife." Now fury took hold of Tua.
"How dare he speak such words ?" she gasped, springing to her feet.

"I, the wife of that old river-hog, my father's brother who might be my grandfather, that hideous, ancient lump of wickedness who boasts that he has a hundred sons and daughters; I, the Queen of Egypt, whose birth was decreed by Amen, I--how dare you ?" and she ceased, choking in her wrath.
"The question is--how he dares, Queen.