Disclaimer: I don't own Aida. I'm just playing with the characters (Hey Radames, truth or dare?).

If I had known he was coming, I would have told him not to come. That's probably why he kept it a surprise.

I awoke to my name being whispered softly. It was difficult to see in the lamplight, but through the darkness I saw Radames slipping through the doorway to my bedchamber. "Radames, what are you doing here?" I asked, surprised. I sat up and pulled the blanket up a little farther.

"Coming to see you," he whispered. He sat on the edge of my bed and leaned over to kiss me.

I pushed him back with my hand. "You shouldn't be here. The princess is only a few doors away." Radames pushed against my hand, trying to get back to that kiss.

"I was careful."

"It doesn't matter. She may call for me at any time."

He took my hand and brought it to his lips. "She won't," he whispered. "You don't have to worry tonight."

"How can you be sure?"

He covered my lips with his own, the kiss slow and gentle. "I have faith." With his words my resolve crumbled. I wrapped an arm around his neck and pulled him to me.

As Radames kissed me I felt my hold on the blanket beginning to slip, but I made no move to stop it from dropping. Underneath, my robes were worn down to almost nothing, not fit for wearing other than for sleep. When we pulled back for breath I could see his eyes beginning to wander.

I took his chin between my fingers and forced his eyes to meet mine. With the other hand I pushed the fabric off his shoulders until it slid to the floor.

When his arms enveloped me again his skin felt warm against mine. He gently laid us down and kissed me.

Radames is now asleep. His clothing lies on the floor, with my robes beside it. My head lies just above his heart, my arm across his chest, holding him close.

Dawn is coming, and until it does I cannot let myself sleep. I am afraid that if I let myself rest we will awake too late and be discovered. So awake I will remain. It is not such punishment to watch Radames as he sleeps.

His body is so warm next to mine. My eyelids feel heavy, but I will not let them close.

Radames shifts a little in his sleep, holding me closer in his arms. I smile and lightly place a kiss on his chest.

On his arm I can see the edge of an Egyptian symbol, the same one on the amulet he gave me. I trace it lightly with my fingers, reveling in the feel of his skin.

Pink rays of light are beginning to stream through the window, taking away the room's darkness. In a few hours Amneris will call for me to help her. Radames must leave soon, or we risk being discovered.

"Radames," I whisper in his ear. I kiss his shoulder. He stirs but doesn't wake. "Radames," I say a little louder. His eyes snap open. I smile at him.

"Is something wrong?" he asks, his voice ragged from sleep.

I shake my head and kiss him lightly. "You must go soon, before the palace wakes."

He leans up to kiss me again. I sit up slowly, but he follows, keeping our lips connected. He slips his arms around my waist and pulls me closer, skin against skin in a warm embrace.

I pull out of the kiss, but Radames only moves to kiss my neck. I try to make it important in my mind that he stops, that we could be caught if I let this go on too long. Somehow his lips manage to erase the thought.

"Radames," I moan. I slip out of his arms and stand, pulling on my robes. I hand him his clothes. "You have to leave."

While he dresses himself I look out the window at the Nile as it flows by the palace. It looks green in the early morning light, and I think of the color of Radames' eyes.

He stands behind me, his arms sliding around me and holding me close. I cover his hands with mine and close my eyes. "I love you," I hear him say.

"I love you, too." And then he's gone.

Without him the bed is too cold to sleep, so I lay and wait for the day to begin.