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Chapter 25: The Return

It seems like ages, but the waiting was worthwhile. Salomé could not even remember the last time she was on a ship heading to England. It seemed like those eight years had disappeared and this naïve child has grown into a charming, yet exquisite young lady. It frightened her, knowing the flame she had burned out long ago was going to illuminate soon. A soft gust of wind rushed into her hair and her cloak. The spirits were there to guide her and protect her. Salomé was pleased to be going back, seeing her "second" home, but she was not as excited as she expected. She was afraid that after all this time; Henry would see less of her. Evidently this was true, as she had known Henry was always occupied. Salomé continued to walk around the deck, thinking about how things have changed.

Akhenaten was nearby the captain, when he saw his sister pacing around the deck. He smiled slightly, remembering their confrontation. He knew that it was not the last they'll ever have. However, he constantly worried about her. Now that she was older, he had complications about what to do with her. He was deciding whether to have her married or to make her the King's mistress. The thought crossed his mind once or twice, but he was not sure if Salomé was ready. All he wanted was for her to be happy. But it was too risky. Salomé would never be satisfied if Henry leaves her, and if she offends him, it would be her neck. Akhenaten tried to escape from these thoughts, but the sight of seeing Salomé's head on the block terrified him and sickened him.

The mist grew strong around them, and the clouds above hid the sun. Light was not seen, and perhaps they did not know where they were going. Salomé knew this journey was going to be a struggle, especially without Sheila, her most loyal companion and friend, who never let her down.

They were passing by through Alexandria, when Sheila turned her head at Captain Khai, who look solemnly at her. Salomé noticed the exchanged glances and smile. Salomé nodded her head, and then called Sheila's name.

"Yes, g…great one," Sheila hesitated, slightly distracted.

"Sheila, do you love him?" Sheila's eyes widened as she blushed furiously.

"Why would my lady ask such a question?"

"Because…I care about you." Salomé took Sheila's hands. "Sheila, your childhood has been unkind to you. Now it's time that you take whatever happiness is left for you."

"But my la-Salomé I cannot leave you."

"Yes, you must." Sheila began to protest, but Salomé cut her off. "I know that I will never…ever find anyone like you Sheila. Deep in my heart, I do not want to let you go. But If I keep you, I would be taking away whatever chance you may have with him. You deserve better Sheila and I'm going to make sure you do." Salomé took out a bag of coins and handed it to Sheila.

"Salomé, I can't take this from you."

"Well, I'm not taking it back," Salomé replied, shrugging her shoulders. Sheila looked at the bag and smiled.

"Thank you…so much," Sheila said gratefully. "You are too gracious Salomé."

"May Isis grant you with a prosperous life and a fertile Nile so that you may have many sons."

"May she do the same to you." Salomé hugged her friend, as a tear shed from both their eyes. Salomé reluctantly let go and kissed her on the forehead. She walked off the ship, with her brother waving back, as Sheila stayed on board.

"You did a wonderful thing back there," Akhenaten said. Salomé sighed happily and looked back at the happy couple.

"Everyone deserves to be happy. She needed him, more than me."

"Salomé, you most of all deserved to be happy, despite all that has happened."

"I know, but it seems like I am putting everyone's wished before mine."

Things would never be the same without her, but Salomé knew that it was time. She could see in Sheila's eyes that love had occurred. It would have been selfish if Salomé took her away from the adventure, the comfort, the happiness that Sheila was entitled to. Salomé knew that Sheila deserved better and this was her moment to take it. Sheila would always hold a special part in Salomé's heart. There is no doubt.

"Land ho…" a sailor said. At the moment, Salomé whipped her head around and saw the mist surrounding green hills.

"England," she breathed. The ship anchored below at this very spot, and they had to travel by boat. Maybe she wasn't excited, maybe she was anxious

"Isn't it nice to be back?" Akhenaten whispered to her as they finally made it on land and stood outside of Hampton Court. Those same green emerald eyes that gazed upon the Hampton almost eight years ago, was reliving it once again. The same tapestries, flags, and other decorations adorned the great castle. Salomé was neither brave, nor frightened. She was calm, just calm. Isis granted her wish, but in all Salomé did not feel grateful enough to receive. The entire trauma she had went through the past months, haunted her like plague. Night after night; her nightmares grew more horrific and terrifying, that she could not escape them. Ramses was plaguing her mind and making her see things, she did not want to see. Even being back in England, did not help her at all.

"Salomé, you haven't said a word since we traveled. How are you?"

"Well, well as can be. I guess I am still waiting to be excited." Her tone was depressed and cold. She had no feeling in her words. Even looking at her now, Salomé was not Salomé anymore. The girl standing next to Akhenaten was not his sister, but a woman broken with no heart, no soul, and no life. She looked dead and from the sound of her voice, she felt dead.

"You do not have to see the King now, I can arrange for another time. You have just arrived and you are just tired from your journey," he suggested.

"Yes brother…I am tired actually," she lied. Salomé held her hand to her head, faking her fatigue.

Akhenaten seemed convinced. "I'll see that you get some rest." They walked through the halls and were led the way to a set of new chambers.

"Here is your new room. The King chose the best one for you," Akhenaten stated.

"Did he now?" She questioned, observing the room. She examined everything closely; the colors, the cloths, the luxury of the entire room.

"Of course, you are his guest," he said matter-of-factly.

"Guest," she said cynically to herself. How could she be a guest to him, when he forgotten to write to her? She thought to herself, "All the letters that I have burnt led to no regret. I did what I had to do. Now he is only a memory to me, a mere memory of my unfortunate luck. He is dead to me, as I to him."

"Your ladies will be here shortly, but the bed is here at your disposal."

"Thank you, brother. I do not know how to repay your kindness," Salomé whispered.

"Repay what Salomé? You are my sister; it is I who owes you. You deserve better Salomé, and I should have been there to protect you and father." She looked up at him and slightly smiled. He smiled back and said, "I must go and tell the King that we've arrived." He bowed and then left the room.

Salomé had returned and now she had to face everything again. Eight years ago; it seemed like a dream. Now that she was is here, nothing would be the same again. She was not a little girl anymore. She had to grin and bear these next few months and adapt like she had before. The gods were sending her on a journey, but hopefully this would be the right one. As Salomé walked to her bed, her fingers skimmed over the white linen. The King did not cease to surprise her. Maybe he still cared about her after all these years. It did not matter now; he would be signing a divorce and would be married within a month. She doubted that even in that amount of time; there was no way he could feel the same way after all this time with just one look from her.

Thank you...

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Courts of Love

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