Hello lovelies, thank you all for the views / reviews / messages / fanart / support / favorites / etc. You all mean the world to me, here's chapter 11 I hope you all enjoy it~
Enjoy~
Horses, Rivers, and Rendezvous.
"I should get back to Nedjem, Atem." Saa stood, slightly wincing from the muscles on her back straining.
Atem stood with her, "Very well, allow me to return you to her. I promised Nedjem I would - you cannot argue with me." He smiled.
Saa nodded, accepting the act without so much as a word. Atem opened the door to his chambers and they set off to Nedjem's room. It was only a few minutes walk, but she relished in the few moments of time they had together. As they neared Nedjem's door, Atem looked to Saa and asked,
"Saa, would you meet with me tomorrow?"
Saa, looking at Atem with a puzzled expression, responded, "I don't know whe – oh!" Saa caught on to what he was asking, "I can of course meet with you, tomorrow." She smiled.
Atem nodded, a mild look of relief on his countenance. He then turned to Nedjem's door, knocking three times, and waiting for her to open the door. When she did, her face was flushed as if she'd been running, and she immediately curtseyed upon seeing Atem.
"P-Prince! You are here!" Nedjem's eyes landed on Saa, Nedjem's own orbs widening at the sight of her servant, and brimming with tears. "Sasa, you're okay." Nedjem's voice cracked.
Saa gave Nedjem a reassuring smile, "You needn't worry Mistress, the Prince's Magistrates took excellent care of my wounds. I am as fit as a lion."
"This is not entirely true, she still needs to take it easy on her wounds or they could worsen." Atem replied, a brow raised at Saa.
Saa wanted to shoot him a sideways glance but fought the urge, her eyes remaining on Nedjem.
"It's not as if I am a field worker, the only lifting Nedjem requires are the buckets for her bath." Saa responded.
"I will have buckets sent up to your room each morning Nedjem, you needn't worry about bathing water while you are here again." The Prince smiled at Nedjem, her own face turning fifty shades darker.
"M-my Prince! You are too kind, I am so thankful!" She curtseyed again.
"Yes so very kind, Prince." Saa inwardly sighed, she was not helpless.
"I must be going, I will see you tomorrow Nedjem." Atem shot Saa one last glance, "I hope your wounds heal quickly."
With that Atem left the two alone, Nedjem ushering Saa into the room not a moment later.
"Oh isn't he just the kindest Prince you've ever met?" Nedjem squealed, holding herself as she blushed furiously.
Saa resisted the rising laugh, and covered it with a cough.
"Yes, Nedjem. Though I must say – he is the only Prince I've ever met."
Nedjem dreamily sighed, swaying back and forth.
"He is the perfect man, don't you think so Sasa? And to care for my servant so tenderly, oh he surely cares for me! Can you not see it?" Nedjem shrieked again, jumping around humming to herself.
"I do believe you should get some rest, Mistress. You have an early day tomorrow do you not?" Saa asked, urging Nedjem into her room.
"Oh you are right! I do not want to look tired tomorrow! I should go to bed immediately, you don't have to dress me Saa. Just go get some rest, but could you make sure my bath is ready tomorrow?" Nedjem hesitantly asked.
Saa nodded, "Of course Mistress, you know you needn't ask."
"Good night Sasa, I'm sorry about today. I should have done something." Nedjem sighed, looking crestfallen.
"Mistress, there is nothing you could have done. There isn't an ounce of blame upon you. I was proud to be able to shield you from any embarrassment, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Get some sleep 'Jem, I will make sure to wake you tomorrow." Saa smiled, and turned to leave to rest on her own cot.
She wouldn't admit it aloud, but her back felt as though a tiger had it's way with it, and she wanted nothing more than to lay on her cot. As soon as Saa was horizontal, she drifted into a fast sleep.
"Hurry Sasa, we'll be late!" Nedjem yelled as she quickly pulled her white gown over her head.
Saa dashed around the room trying to find Nedjem's sandal, she had been searching all morning for the mysterious shoe. Finally looking through Nedjem's bags, Saa found the sandal in the midst of crumpled clothes. She ran it over to her Mistress, ignoring the soreness of her back, and slipped it on.
"Let us go Mistress, we are supposed to meet outside of the Palace."
"Why where are we going today?" Nedjem grinned as they took off towards the front of the palace.
"You are going horseback riding, remember? You, the rest of the brides, and the Prince are taking a day trip to the Nile!"
"Oh yes I remember, why can't it just be me and the Prince!" Nedjem sighed as they made it outside of the Palace.
All of the other brides were standing there, mingling amongst each other. Upon seeing Nedjem arrive, Akila and Rama walked up to Nedjem.
"Nedjem!" Rama grinned, hugging the darker haired girl.
"Hello Nedjem, did you sleep well?" Akila nervously smiled.
Ah, Malik's Mistress, I wonder if he is here as well. Saa surveyed the area, spotting Malik standing off to the side, his eyes right on her. She smiled and waved lightly, Malik responding in kind and walking over to her. Saa made sure her Mistress was busy chatting before turning to Malik.
"How are you?" She smiled.
Malik's eyes looked her over with worry, "I should be asking you – I heard what happened, are you okay?" He whispered the last part to her.
Saa resisted the urge to cover her face in shame, instead looking down and sighing.
"I am fine, Malik. I wish that hadn't spread around to the whole Palace." Saa huffed.
"Saa, you were whipped, five times, are you sure you're able to ride today?" Malik asked, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.
Saa sent him a hard stare, "I am fine Malik, I'm not useless."
"That's not what I meant, Saa." Malik retracted his hand, his face held a solemn expression.
Saa, instantly feeling guilty, placed her own hand on his arm.
"I know, I'm sorry. It's just embarrassing enough that it happened, now everyone knows about it as well. It just adds to the shame. And what do you mean "ride"? Are we on horseback today as well?"
Malik nodded, seeming satisfied with Saa's reply.
"Indeed we are. The Nile would normally be close to a half-days ride if they were to slow-gait there. Instead, they're going to have the horse's gallop half the way, then slow down so we arrive there sooner. We, as servants on foot, would never be able to keep up with the Masters and Mistresses, so we receive horses as well – though I doubt their up to par with the mares and stallions our Mistress's will get. And we need enough time to be able to return for the feast, no?" Malik grinned.
Saa nodded, "I suppose that makes sense."
"Can you ride – if not feel free to ride with me?" Malik offered as Atem walked up with Mana at his side.
Saa sent a glance his way, and saw Atem staring Malik down – though Malik's eyes were set on Saa. Saa turned her attention back to Malik – seeing as he was having hands in her face.
"So, are you able to ride?" He asked again.
Saa nodded, "I appreciate the offer Malik, but I do know how to ride a horse. My Mistress and I often took horses to town, otherwise we'd walk on foot."
Malik nodded, looking a little disappointed, "I see, I would expect nothing less from a woman such as yourself."
Saa's cheeks flushed slightly, but before she could respond Atem's voice boomed over the group.
"Good morning, today we are going to the Nile as a day trip. Please, everyone pair up with a horse so we may leave, no idle chatter until we get on the road." Towards the end of Atem's announcement, his eyes found Saa's.
He said nothing else, his facial expression remaining stoic, and turned away from Saa's gaze. He leaped onto his white stallion and waited for the rest of the Brides to get on their own respective horses. Saa couldn't help but feel as though he was talking directly to her, no idle chatter. She felt the grip of guilt dig itself in her heart as she silently helped Nedjem onto a beautiful chestnut mare. She then jumped onto her own spotted mare, falling behind Nedjem. Once they trotted off, Nedjem and Saa strayed behind everyone else, Nedjem taking her time and not pushing the horse too hard. Akila stayed by Nedjem's side, thus Malik remained by Saa's. Every so often, Atem would glance back and his facial expression would twist into a look of disgust, then he'd turn around and wouldn't look back for another hour. Saa couldn't help but feel curious as to what he was looking at that would cause such a great amount of distress for the Prince. For the rest of the ride, Saa remained lost in thought, ignoring Malik's few attempts to make small talk with her.
It was nearing Midday when the Mistresses and Atem arrived at their site. Saa's mouth gaped at the sight before her: there along the Nile lay two giant tents (guarded of course), beautiful sun baked bricks laid as the ground in both tents, both floors being adorned with many rich red rugs, there were lounging chairs for all to sit, about five chairs in each tent, beautiful silk curtains draped on each side, glittering in the sunlight. To Saa, this would an oasis, to sit by the calming water and eating red grapes would be a dream come true. The horses stopped, and the Prince was helped down by one of his servants. Malik came to Saa, and attempted to help her, but she hopped down and rushed to Nedjem to help her.
"Sasa, is this not the most quaint little set up you've ever seen?" Nedjem whispered, giggling as she watched the Prince.
Saa nodded, "Indeed, Mistress. Come, let me take you inside one of them to rest."
Saa led Nedjem into the tent, waiting for her to relax in one. Once Nedjem was settled in, Akila beside her with Malik right behind his Mistress. Rama, Ishizan, and Ikan walked in to the tent as well. At the sight of Ikan, Saa felt the gashes on her back sting in remembrance of . Saa brought Nedjem one of the plates from a nearby table. The gold dish was filled with an assortment of delicacies that made Saa's mouth water.
"Saa – thank you!" Nedjem grinned, picking some off of the plate.
"Saa, bring me some wine, or would you disobey the law again?" Ikan snarled, settling in to her seat.
Saa looked to Nedjem, she nodded worriedly – giving Saa permission to get the wine. She grabbed the bottle, and a small cup then headed to Ikan. Saa poured some wine into the cup and handed it to Ika, the latter snatching it from the former's hand. She waited a moment, seeing if Ikan was to order her to fetch something else, before returning to Nedjem's side.
No sooner had Saa returned to her position behind her Mistress did Atem walk through the swelling curtains. His eyes swept the room, what seemed to Saa as a forced smile on his lips. When Atem's gaze fell onto her, she felt a shiver crawl up her spine; his stare felt icy as he bounced from Malik and herself. She raised a brow as if to ask what was wrong, but Atem did not respond merely leaning back in his own seat. He began making small talk with all of the brides residing in the tent, each one hanging on his every word. Why is he acting this way, have I done something inappropriate? Saa wondered as she stood in the background, waiting to be called upon. Malik gently nudged Saa, she looked to him in confusion.
"Are you angry with me, have I done something to upset you?" He asked.
Saa's brow furrowed, "No, you have not. why do you ask?"
"Well, it seems as though you are ignoring me."
Saa laid a hand on Malik's arm, "No, I am not ignoring you. I just have a lot on my mind right now – "
A loud cough interrupted Saa, she immediately moved herself away from Malik. Glancing up, she saw Atem staring straight at her – his eyes held what almost looked like anger. Saa, feeling embarrassed, lowered her gaze to the ground and did not remove it for some time.
Atem stood, time to switch tents, he mentally sighed to himself. He sent one last look towards Saa, her face remained as solemn as it had been this morning. At least she is no longer speaking to that disgusting man, Atem thought to himself as he stepped out into the sun. Mana walked out right behind him, and pulled his arm, leading him away from the tents. She turned, her hands on her hips and a look of frustration in her eyes – Atem instantly knew he was in some sort of trouble.
"What was that Atem." Mana seethed, pointing back to the tent from which they came.
Atem shrugged, cocking his head to the side, "What do you mean, Mana?"
Mana's eyes narrowed, "You know exactly what I mean. What did you do to Saa?"
"I didn't do anything. She shouldn't be talking as much as she was, so I corrected her before Ikan could." Atem raised a brow.
"Oh that's crap, you know that's not why." Mana huffed, crossing her arms.
"That is the reason."
"You just don't like Saa talking to him."
Atem looked taken back for a second before regaining his composure.
"You are right, he is the scum of the earth. Saa should not be conversing with someone like that." Atem's gaze hardened.
It was Mana's turn to be taken back, "How do you know his character, have you ever spoken to him?" Her stared at him suspiciously.
Atem sighed, "Mana, I don't have time for this right now. My father is counting on me to find a bride, and I won't be able to accomplish that by standing around talking to you."
"Fine Atem, but we're not done here. You'd better apologize to her."
The sun was in its late afternoon position before the Prince stood, and spoke to his servant. The servant clapped and called out, grabbing everyone's attention.
"It is time to return to the Palace, Brides please return to your horses." He shouted, all the women following suite.
As Saa helped Nedjem onto her horse, she felt someone shove her from behind. Saa turned her head to see Ikan stalking off to her horse, a smirk on her lips. Sighing, Saa made sure Nedjem was set before heading to her own horse. Once they were on the road to return to the Palace, Saa let her mind wander. Why did the Prince seem as though he was angry with her – what had she done? Was she talking too much, did she break a rule? Saa felt her heart squeeze with worry, what if he is angry with her? Saa couldn't imagine what her life would be like if she didn't have the Prince as a friend. If he isn't my friend any longer, would Mana and Mahad refuse to speak with me? Though Mahad had not spoken more than a sentence to Saa, she still felt a connection with him; as though they were long lost siblings that had been reunited. Saa's eyes brimmed with tears as she continued to torture herself all the way back to the Palace.
At one point, Saa forgot about Atem's distaste with her as she watched him and Mana race each other – Atem's horse winning. However, she was painfully reminded of his feelings when his horse trotted circles around the group, their eyes meeting for a second. Saa still felt the sting of his glare, so she knew he was unhappy with her; hopefully she'd be able to discuss it tonight. If he still decides he wants to go, Saa inwardly sighed. As they rode up to the Palace, Atem's horse still in the lead, the sun was close to setting. Once at the stables, Saa helped her Mistress get down, and place the horses back into their respective homes. She gave her spotted mare another pat, sad to have to leave her, and the mare whinnied in response, nudging her arm. Saa smiled at the peaceful giant, she hoped she'd be able to ride with her again.
"Saa, we have to hurry!" Nedjem called from outside of the stables.
Saa turned around, only to come face to face with the object of her stress – Atem. He held the reins of his horse, his eyes watching her interact with her own mare.
"How is your back?" Atem quietly asked.
Saa hesitantly smiled, "It is healing as well as it can."
"Make sure to go to Mana, or Mahad, after the feast. To check on the bandages." He stoically responded, before turning to lead his horse to its own quarters.
Saa smiled slightly as she rushed out to her Mistress, he can't be too angry with me, if he still shows concern for my well-being. This gave Saa hope as her and Nedjem rushed to her room, to get Nedjem ready for the feast that evening.
