"I am quite sure that the remaining French wizards wold be more than glad to provide financial remuneration from their vast resources to compensate the Egyptian state for the damage that was caused by their leadership " replies George
Queen Neferka says, "As it was their airship that fired on the palace I would certainly hope so. At I minimum I will be keeping their remaining airship as partial compensation. However, I will permit it to be used to transport these seven individuals out of my country and back to France. They will be leaving within the hour, once their possessions that they had left in Cairo arrive here."
Queen Neferka moves closer to Duruy and the Empress and says, "And I expect the two of you to communicate to the Druidess that rules the French Council that I expect the return of ALL Egyptian artifacts within that nation."
The Empress says, "I have no influence over them, Mr. Duruy and I are no longer members of that Council." Neferka says, "I think they will listen. First, I plan to send the Druidess Meren to France as my new Ambassador. A druidess is inclined to listen to another druidess. And Meren is hardly without power, having managed to defeat the guards and defenses that were at your mansion in Farnce, that alone should impress your leaders.
Secondly, your country wishes for my kingdom to repay the loans that my father incurred to build the canal, our default would cause a financial collapse of the French banks. They also wish to use the canal. Until EVERY EGYPTIAN ARTICLE is returned, no funding will flow from here, nor will any French ships be allowed in the canal."
Neferka then turns to Bast and asks "Will you be able to let your Priestesses know if any items remain in that Country?" Bast says, "Yes, I will communicate to them the location of plundered Egyptian items in EVERY country on the planet."
Neferka says, "Good, then I will hold all nations accountable, no country will be permitted to use the canal until our property is returned. Although I will be reasonable, all religious items must go back to the temples of their deities, but I may allow non-religious items to remain abroad on public display in museums, provided that the institutions acknowledge in writing that the items are ours and not theirs, subject to recall at any notice."
She turns back to the Empress and says, "My parents were very impressed with you, I think that the French Council would benefit from your reinstatement. I will strongly recommend it through my Ambassador." She gestures to the man at her side and asks, "And Mr. Duruy?" Neferka says, "I should not press my luck, and besides, you know as well as I do that the majority of the Council's decisions take place at social functions rather than formal meetings. Bring him with you as your husband."
The Empress looks shocked. Bast interjects, "Miss. de Guzman, I did not have to probe your thoughts for me to hear your feelings towards him, it is obvious that you love the man." Eugenia turns toward Victor Duruy and asks, "And your feelings towards me?" "I have loved you in secret for decades," he replies.
He goes down to one knee and takes her hand, saying "I would be honored to have you as my bride." She pulls him up and gives him an enthusiastic kiss as a response. Bast says, "It is settled then. My Priestess will perform a marriage ceremony here in this temple prior to your departure." Neferka's mother comes across the room towards her long-time friend and gives the Empress a hug.