A king in decline. A kingdom in waiting. Pharaoh Menkaure has defeated the challenger Baka--but victory does not bring peace. As his pyramid rises quickly above the desert, his health declines just as fast. Afflicted with a mysterious shaking sickness, Menkaure struggles to hold onto power while a kingdom waits. In his stead, Prince Shepseskaf steps in as regent--but ruling in his father's name is no simple task. Internal power plays brew among nobles, military men, and priests alike, while the threat of conflict still lingers beyond Egypt's borders. Meanwhile, the brilliant young Peseshet dreams of becoming a physician. But as a woman, she must fight a different kind of battle--against tradition, prejudice, and doubt. Menkaure is a compelling continuation of The Pyramid Builders saga, weaving dynastic struggle with personal ambition and the ever-shifting sands of Egyptian politics.